Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014

Ka Lae Quilters and Ka`u Red Hat Ladies will be at Punalu`u Beach Park pavilion today until 4 p.m. or earlier if they sell out of their quilts, potholders and other creations as well as baked goods, jellies and jams. The two organizations cooperate each year to raise money for the Ka`u Hospital emergency room. The next fundraiser is the Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal

HOME BIRTH IS THE SUBJECT of one bill that the Senate Committee on Health will hear Monday at 1:15 p.m. SB 2569 includes several proposals to improve the safety of home births in Hawai`i. The bill would establish a home birth safety board and require home birth providers to be licensed and to meet minimum educational and training requirements. It also calls for providers to follow record keeping and reporting requirements. 

      “Home births are an important and valuable option in maternal care and in the range of women’s reproductive choices in Hawai`i,” said Ka`u’s state Sen. Josh Green, M.D., who chairs the committee. “We must preserve and honor every woman’s right to deliver her child at home with her family and her chosen healthcare provider, while ensuring it is done as safely as possible to protect the mother’s health and the health and well-being of the newborn infant.

Quilted items, crafts and baked good are still available at a fundraiser for Ka`u Hospital
emergency room taking place at Punalu`u Beach Park pavilions. Photo by Julia Neal

      “The intent of Monday’s hearing is to bring together all members of the home birth community,” Green continued, “including lay midwives and Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, certified professional midwives, certified nurse-midwives and obstetricians in order to generate a meaningful discussion about whether we are doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of mothers and newborns during home births in Hawai`i. It is not the intention of the committee to recommend any policy regarding home birth without listening carefully to the concerns of the entire home birth community and respecting every woman’s reproductive rights, cultural values and religious traditions. It is our hope that we can begin a productive dialogue in which all voices can be heard on this issue, so that we can reach a consensus within the entire home birth community to determine the best way to protect the health and safety of mothers and infants during home births, while honoring and respecting women’s reproductive rights and cultural traditions.”
      Another measure under consideration will be SB 2574, relating to medical marijuana, a measure intended to expand access to the medical marijuana program for patients in Hawai`i by allowing pain specialist physicians to prescribe medical marijuana beginning January 2, 2015.
      Other measures being heard Monday include SB 3064, relating to Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. The bill would allow for the transition of the state hospital system to nonprofit hospitals incorporated in Hawai`i before January 1, 2000 and would require the acquiring nonprofit hospital to maintain equivalent hospital services in acquired regions. It would also require the state to continue to meet all financial obligations to public employees, including all benefits, pensions and other financial obligations negotiated with public employees’ unions.
      The Committee on Health will also hear SB 2521, which would require labeling of foods that have been genetically engineered, provide a penalty for violations and authorize private civil enforcement.

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

Chocolate cake is on the menu at Punalu`u Beach Park
pavilions today. Photo by Julia Neal

A BILL THAT WOULD CREATE a task force to determine whether the state should regulate agricultural use of genetically modified organisms has passed its three Senate committees so far at the state Legislature. Senate Committees on Agriculture, Higher Education and Judiciary & Labor all approved the measure, with amendments. 

      Testimony in favor of the bill came from Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation, Hawai`i Department of Agriculture and University of Hawai`i. Chamber of Commerce of Hawai`i and Hawai`i Crop Improvement Association also testified in favor, with amendments.
      One amendment proposed by HCIA asks that “any reference to GMO be replaced with ‘genetically engineered crops’ or agricultural biotechnology’ embraced by the scientific and regulatory community.”

      Another amendment asks that presidents of Hawai`i Papaya Industry Association, Hawai`i Floriculture Industry and Hawai`i Crop Improvement Association be added to the task force “to allow farmers growing GE crops the opportunity to provide perspective on the work that they do.” 

      In its original form, SB2454 called for members of the task force to include dean of University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, chair of state Department of Agriculture, director of state Department of Health, president of Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation and president of Hawai`i Farmers Union United or their designees. The governor would also select “four experts with scientific knowledge in the use of” GMOs in agriculture.
      Critics of the measure see the composition of the task force as biased and suggest that the proposal is an attempt to bypass recently approved county regulations on Kaua`i and Hawai`i Island. One person testified, “The state has done a very poor job of taking care of our health, environment and well being on almost every level. Each county has its own challenges, and we must meet them individually.”

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THIRTY-SIX STATES DON’T TAX FOOD SALES, and Hawai`i would join them if Senate Bill 2169 passes the state Legislature. Supported by grocers and anti-poverty groups, the bill, introduced by Sen. Sam Slom, a Republican, would help reduce the high cost of living, which keeps many people here in poverty. Fourteen other states tax food at a lower rate than Hawai`i. According to an Associated Press story this morning, Kelii Akina, president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawai`i, told the Senate Committee on Human Services on Thursday that a family of four in Hawai`i spends on average $1,000 per month for groceries. The tax cut would save them $450 a year.

Patricia McManaman

      Hawai`i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, Jenny Lee, testified, “It’s simply counterintuitive and inefficient policy to tax households deeper into poverty and then have expensive social services provided in order to try to alleviate the impact of poverty.”
      The bill would also exempt medical care from the excise tax.
      In another anti-poverty measure, the state would double the tax credits for renters earning under $30,000 a year.
      The Tax Foundation offered a different approach – cut the excise tax rate across the board.

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PATRICIA MCMANAMAN, DIRECTOR of state the Department of Human Services, is stepping down from her position due to personal reasons. McManaman has served under the Abercrombie Administration since its inception in December 2010. She said it has been an “incredible honor” to serve the people of Hawai`i. 

      “The Department of Human Services exists to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and needy in our communities,” stated McManaman. “I have worked alongside dedicated people in the department who truly believe in the work of helping others. I am extremely humbled and grateful to have served with them and know there will be a seamless transition to continue the work started under this Administration.”
      Gov. Neil Abercrombie expressed his gratitude for McManaman’s service, saying, “Pat has been a leader in our community for decades and has directly and indirectly touched many lives. Her persistence in doing what’s just, and her experience and knowledge has helped to right many a ship.”
      The governor is placing deputy director Barbara Yamashita as acting director. “Pat will be missed as our director, but she has laid solid foundation for moving forward,” said Yamashita.
      Prior to her directorship position, McManaman practiced law in Hawai`i for more than 30 years, holding a variety of public interest legal positions. She also served as a per diem judge in the District Court and Family Court of the First Circuit, state of Hawai`i for 17 years.
      McManaman has received a variety of awards and recognition for her leadership in social and public health issues.

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Nene nest is hidden in guinea grass.
Photo by Royden Okinishi

AT LEAST ONE PAIR OF NENE have been raising their family this winter at Ka`u Coffee Mill with the keiki swimming in the reservoir. The nest was hidden in guinea grass in a composting area of the farm. Nene are endangered and the state bird of Hawai`i. Generations ago, this Hawaiian goose was on the menu of Volcano House dining room.

      When the nene first arrived at Ka`u Coffee Mill, employees worked to eradicate mongoose, which eat nene eggs.

A pair of nene is raising a family
at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Photo by Royden Okinishi

BAKED GOODS, CRAFTS AND QUILTS are on sale today until 5 p.m. at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach as the Ka`u Red Hat Ladies and Ka Lae Quilters hold their tenth annual fundraiser for Ka`u Hospital emergency room. 

LOVE THE ARTS, the annual fundraiser and gala for Volcano Art Center, takes place today from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The event features champagne and wine and a gourmet dinner to honor Volcano Art Center’s 40th Year in its Hawaiian Home, Hawaiian-Style. There will be a live and silent auction. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door, which includes a $10 credit toward an auction item. Call 967-8222.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK hold their Sunday Walk in the Park tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tim Tunison leads a three-mile, round-trip walk exploring the Mauna Ulu area. Free for Friends members; non-members can join the organization in order to attend. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org

SEE FEBRUARY’S ISSUE of The Ka`u Calendar newspaper online at kaucalendar.com.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2014 ONLINE. For a page-turning version, see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. For a pdf version, see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.pdf.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Feb. 7, 2014

Ka`u students, teachers, coaches and parents are invited to submit testimony via videoconferencing during a Senate Education Committee hearing on a bill relating to school athletics. The hearing takes place at the state Capitol Monday. Ka`u's Sen. Russell Ruderman, at left, is on the committee. Photo from Senate Communications Office

KA`U’S STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN, who will hold a talk story at Pahala Plantation House Monday, Feb. 24, is a member of the Legislature’s newly formed Aerospace Caucus. At a press conference yesterday, Ruderman said he is excited about possibilities of an aerospace industry in Hawai`i, including education and jobs in technical fields. He said much of the experimentation and development would likely take place in his district, which includes Ka`u, and that he hopes that “we are proactively engaged in issues such as public safety and privacy, which are bound to arise as we go forward. I think we’ll have a more successful industry and a smoother path if we address those issues,” he said.

      Rep. Gene Ward, one of the caucus’ four chairs, said, “We are a state of navigators. Ancient Hawaiians were the first navigators without instruments. He also said, “NASA’s in love with our Big Island.” He cited a lunar park, space tourism, economic development and cultural sensitivity as aspects of aerospace development. “The ancient Hawaiians started as navigators, and we’re going to end as navigators,” he said.

Bills relating do drones and other aerospace technologies are being considered
at the state Legislature.

      Other co-chairs are Sens. Will Espero and Glenn Wakai and Rep. Angus McKelvey.
      Membership also includes Hawai`i Island Reps. Cindy Evans, Faye Hanohano, Mark Nakashima and Clift Tsuji.
      The caucus has identified many bills in the Legislature that are related to aerospace.
      SB3092/HB1967 would appropriate $450,000 for a program coordinator and technical support staff member to complete planning required for an international flight training center and associated aeronautical training programs at University of Hawai`i at Hilo and Hawai`i Community College.
      HB2151/SB2583 would appropriate $500,000 for an engineering assessment of a proposal to establish a laser optical communications ground station in Hawai`i.
      HB2150/SB2584 would appropriate $250,000 to support planetary sustainability technology demonstrations and university-based competitions.
      HB2152/SB2585 would appropriate $1,500,000 to the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems to support administrative and general tasks, strategic program initiatives and preliminary development of the PISCES Research and Development Park.
      HB2614 would exempt from the general excise tax amounts received from the construction of a space launch facility in the state.
      More bills being considered relate to unmanned aircraft, or drones. SB2608 would place limitations on use of the technology in information gathering. SB2582 would require consent or a search warrant to track an individual using drones. It would also prohibit weapons onboard the unmanned aicrafts.
      Information on these and other bills is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.

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

Sen. David Ige

KA`U STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE in the legislative process by providing testimony for a school athletics funding bill. Sen. David Ige, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committe, has introduced SB3083 that would restore many athletic programs and positions that were cut after the economic downturn. 

      Ige spoke with many coaches, parents and teachers about the important role athletics play in overall student development. “For many students in our public schools, the opportunity to play sports motivates and positively impacts their success in the classroom,” he said. 

      Ige also urges public school teachers and coaches to submit testimony. During the hearing, scheduled for this Monday, Feb. 10 at 1:15 p.m., schools across the state will be able to provide live testimony via the Hawai`i State Senate’s Statewide Videoconferencing Pilot Program. Lawmakers initiated the program last year allowing neighbor island residents the opportunity to provide testimony using technology. Many people, especially students, are unable to travel to the state Capitol to provide testimony in person.
      “The advent of videoconferencing technologies within the Senate gives students easier access to the legislative process,” said Ige, “allowing them to be stewards of their own education and to voice opinions on how school sports have personally affected their lives.”
      Those wishing to submit testimony or to sign up to provide testimony via teleconferencing can do so by visiting capitol.hawaii.gov.

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

LEGISLATION THAT WOULD PROVIDE the Public Utilities Commission with more funding passed its first hearing yesterday. SB2924 provides for more funds, which are derived from public utility company revenues and are, thus, paid directly by utility ratepayers for the purpose of providing regulatory oversight, to remain in PUC coffers.

PUC chair Mina Morita

      Most of the funding comes from an annual fee of one-half of one per cent of the gross income of the public utility's previous year’s business. Currently, over half of the revenue in this special fund is diverted to the state’s general fund, according to testimony from Blue Planet Foundation. 

      According to a story in Civil Beat, the Legislature usually provides the PUC with about half of money in the special fund and has used nearly $50 million from it over the past four years for unrelated programs.
      “The complexity and size of the Commission’s workload has drastically increased over the last few years as advancements in state policy and utility technology has required, and is causing, a critical review for regulatory reforms,” PUC chair Mina Morita said in her testimony. “Increasing the annual carryover amount in the PUC Special Fund would support the PUC and the Consumer Advocate (as they) fulfill their respective statutory duties during these challenging times.”
      Jeff Mikulina, head of the nonprofit Blue Planet Foundation, told Civil Beat, “The utility has always had the upper hand in terms of resources when they’re at the table, so they should at least have a good counterbalance on the other side. Otherwise the onus is on intervenors like us to try to bring those resources to the table.”
      Information on SB2924 is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      See more at civilbeat.com.

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

Today is the deadline to enter Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Ka`u Peaberry Pageants.

ENTRIES FOR MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT are due today. Those interested in participating can call chair Gloria Camba at 928-8558 or director Nalani Parlin at 217-6893. 

      To donate scholarship money for the pageant, call Julia Neal at 928-9811. To reserve a vendor or educational booth for the Ho`olaule`a, call Brenda Iokepa Moses at 928-0550. To become a sponsor, call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.
      See kaucoffeefest.com for more on the festival.

BAKED GOODS, CRAFTS AND QUILTS are on sale today and tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach as the Ka`u Red Hat Ladies and Ka Lae Quilters hold their tenth annual fundraiser for Ka`u Hospital emergency room.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND sponsors a Ka`u Coast cleanup at Kamilo tomorrow. Volunteers meet at Wai`ohinu Park at 7:45 a.m. Bring sturdy shoes, bag lunch, sun and wind protection, plenty to drink and four-wheel drive vehicles. Those without 4WD can pool with other volunteers. Call 769-7629 or email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

POTTERS SHOW AND SELL their functional and sculptural work tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The show features works by TR Andrews, Ron Hanatani and Carol Yamashita. Email ron@ryhpottery.com for more information. 

LOVE THE ARTS, the annual fundraiser and gala for Volcano Art Center, takes place tomorrow at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The event features champagne and wine and a gourmet dinner to honor Volcano Art Center’s 40th Year in its Hawaiian Home, Hawaiian-Style. There will be a live and silent auction. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door, which includes a $10 credit toward an auction item. Call 967-8222.

SEE FEBRUARY’S ISSUE of The Ka`u Calendar newspaper online at kaucalendar.com.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2014 ONLINE. For a page-turning version, see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. For a pdf version, see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.pdf.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is seeking public comment on its Mission Critical Administrative Aviation Plan and Environmental Assessment. Photo from Jesse Tunison and HVNP

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK IS SEEKING public comment on its Mission Critical Administrative Aviation Plan and Environmental Assessment for managing the use of administrative aviation over the park. Comments online or via mail are due March 7. 

      The park and cooperating agencies use helicopters over the 333,086-acre park to respond to eruption activity, monitor and study Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, control invasive species, recover rare species, restore degraded ecosystems, protect cultural resources and conduct wildland fire, search and rescue and law enforcement operations.
      The plan/EA outlines project alternatives, including a no-action alternative and a preferred alternative. Under the no-action alternative, park staff and cooperating agencies would continue to use aviation as needed. Under the preferred alternative, aviation would be used for the health and safety of visitors, employees and island residents and for park resource protection and restoration activities. Under this plan, formal best-management practices, area closures and flight restrictions would be instituted to minimize impacts to park resources, soundscapes, wilderness, visitors and adjoining landowners.
      Commercial air tours over the park are being addressed through a separate planning process to develop an Air Tour Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. The lead agency for the ATMP/EIS is the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Park Service is a cooperator.

Longs Pharmacy in Ka`u has not sold tobacco products since its blessing and
opening July 15, 2013. Photo by Julia Neal

      To review the plan/EA and provide comments online, see parkplanning.nps.gov/havo. Comments can also be mailed to Superintendent, Re: Admin Aviation Mgmt Plan/EA, PO Box 52, Hawai`i National Park, HI 96718-0052.

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

LONGS PHARMACY IN KA`U is ahead of the trend. It has never sold tobacco products, which are now being dropped from all Longs and its CVS parent company’s stores nationwide. CVS announced yesterday that, as of Oct. 1, its more than 7,600 stores will no longer sell tobacco products. 

      “Ending the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products at CVS/pharmacy is the right thing for us to do for our customers and our company to help people on their path to better health,” said president and CEO Larry J. Merlo. “Put simply, the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose.”
      Merlo also said the company is also beginning a national smoking cessation program this spring.

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

State Rep. Richard Onishi

BOTH HOUSES OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE have rejected measures that would have jeopardized laws recently passed by Hawai`i and Kaua`i Counties restricting crops with genetically modified organisms. 

      East Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Onishi, who is vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee, introduced HB2506 which states that no law shall be passed by a local government that would restrict farming practices “not prohibited by federal or state law….”
      According to Tom Callis of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, House Agriculture Committee chair Jessica Wooley doesn’t expect the bill to be heard this session. Wooley’s statement follows the Senate’s rejection of a companion bill on Tuesday. “I think what happened in the Senate made it clear that we just need to let things settle,” Wooley told Callis. “Maybe we can determine next session if there’s any need for this legislation.”
      Onishi said he was disappointed the bill would not be heard but added it wouldn’t go far without the Senate’s support. “I think unless we were in some kind of agreement with both houses hearing the bill, I think it kind of doesn’t make sense,” he said. “We had a strong majority of members who signed the bill. … I think it’s disappointing we are not going to have it heard.”
      According to the story, Margaret Wille, Hawai`i County Council member who introduced the law banning GMOs, said she was glad the Legislature stopped the amendments. “I am hopeful the state pre-emption bills are done,” she said. However, “it doesn’t mean there won’t be another chess move.” 

       Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation and its president, Na`alehu resident Chris Manfredi, supported he bill. The statewide Farm Bureau has advocated at the state and county level against controlling GMOs, labeling of GMOs and laws that would further restrict pesticide use for farmers.

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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A BILL THAT WOULD REQUIRE ALL agricultural products sold at farmers markets to be displayed with a label or sign declaring the product’s geographic origin is being voted on at the state Legislature today. The Senate Committee on Agriculture will consider SB2433, relating to truth-in-advertising.
      In written testimony, Na`alehu resident Chris Manfredi, president of Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation, supported the intent of the bill but brought up a several concerns. “Hawai`i Farm Bureau supports ... local farmers’ markets both to showcase and promote local farms and their products and to provide consumers a fun and friendly venue to purchase local foods,” Manfredi wrote. “In fact, the Farm Bureau itself sponsors farmers’ markets, and it is our policy to sell local-only produce.

      “We understand the concern that because vendors are not currently required to disclose a product’s geographic origin, some consumers might be misled into assuming that the products they buy at farmers’ markets are all locally grown or produced.

HFUU member Simon Russell testified in favor of SB2433. 

      “Although we agree with the intent, HFBF is concerned that this may place an unreasonable burden on vendors who sell multiple products and whose produce and other products vary according to crop and season.”
      Manfredi also expressed concerns about record-keeping requirements, broadness of the terms “Agricultural product” and “farmers markets” and lack of funding for implementation and enforcement of the proposal.
      Simon Russell, of the Hawai`i Farmers Union United, testified, “Thank you for introducing this essential protection to promote local agriculture through farmer markets. Abuse of the popular venue is rampant; I see produce from out of state all the time at farmer markets.”

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

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IN MISS KA`U COFFEE Pageant is tomorrow. Those interested in participating can call chair Gloria Camba at 928-8558 or director Nalani Parlin at 217-6893.
     To donate scholarship money for the pageant, call Julia Neal at 928-9811. To reserve a vendor or educational booth for the Ho`olaule`a, call Brenda Iokepa Moses at 928-0550. To become a sponsor, call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.
     See kaucoffeefest.com for more on the festival.

TUTU & ME AND PATCH, Parents Attentive to Children, hold a training session tomorrow in Na`alehu at the back pavilion of Punalu`u Bake Shop from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The class is the first in a series of free community-based classes for parents and others who care for or work with young children to be offered in the Na`alehu/Pahala area. To register in advance, call 322-3500.

Last February, this quilt by Jose Oaks sold to raise funds for Ka`u Hospital's emergency room. The tenth annual Bake, Craft & Quilt Sale by Ka`u Red Hat Ladies and Ka Lae Quilters takes place tomorrow and Saturday at Punalu`u Beach Park. Photo by Helen Anderson

KA`U RED HAT LADIES AND KA LAE QUILTERS hold their annual Bake, Craft & Quilt Sale tomorrow and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach. This is the tenth year that the groups have raised funds for Ka`u Hospital emergency room.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND sponsors a Ka`u Coast cleanup at Kamilo Saturday. Volunteers meet at Wai`ohinu Park at 7:45 a.m. Bring sturdy shoes, bag lunch, sun and wind protection, plenty to drink and four-wheel drive vehicles. Those without 4WD can pool with other volunteers. Call 769-7629 or email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

POTTERS SHOW AND SELL their functional and sculptural work Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The show features works by TR Andrews, Ron Hanatani and Carol Yamashita. Email ron@ryhpottery.com for more information. 

LOVE THE ARTS, the annual fundraiser and gala for Volcano Art Center, takes place Saturday at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The event features champagne and wine and a gourmet dinner to honor Volcano Art Center's 40th Year in its Hawaiian Home, Hawaiian-Style. There will be a live and silent auction. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door, which includes a $10 credit toward an auction item. Call 967-8222.

SEE FEBRUARY’S ISSUE of The Ka`u Calendar newspaper online at kaucalendar.com.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2014 ONLINE. For a page-turning version, see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. For a pdf version, see kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.pdf.

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