Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Kamehameha Schools invites Ka`u students to register for Kamehameha Scholars, leading to college scholarships.
Photo from Kamehameha Schools

`AINA KOA PONO made a Honolulu Star Advertiser editorial page yesterday when its editors praised the Public Utilities Commission stating that the PUC, “always in a position to affect consumers, has in recent years seemed more attuned to the first word of its name. The public interest in proposals for utility initiatives and rates has figured prominently in some of its recent decisions.”
     The editorial noted that the three members of the PUC turned down the AKP proposal for the biofuel operation that was planned in Ka`u and gave credit to PUC chair Mina Morita who is possibly at risk of losing her job. The Star Advertiser stated that “former lawmaker Hermina Morita has chaired the commission since her appointment in 2011, so much of the credit for a clearer consumer focus should go to her.
     “This, as well as the fact that Hawai`i is in the midst of several complex developments, makes this an awkward time to replace Morita on the panel, absent a compelling reason from Gov. Neil Abercrombie. 

AKP would have displaced cattle and cleared land of trees and brush to use for a
microwave biofuel factory on the edge of Wood Valley. Photo by Julia Neal

     “The governor is on the verge of deciding whether Morita, a 14-year veteran of the state House of Representatives, should be reappointed to the commission once her term expires at the end of June. Reports have swirled that she won't be tapped for another term, spurring a number of lawmakers to offer testimonials in her favor. The state Senate must confirm whoever is named.”
     The Star Advertiser editors noted that “Abercrombie himself appointed Morita in 2011 to fill out the last three years of the former chairman, Carlito Caliboso. Appointment to a full term means another six years on the commission.
     “Many of her backers point out that the team now in place offers a range of skills that support strong decision-making. Morita would rejoin the other two commissioners: attorney Lorraine Akiba, with a background in environmental law and business litigation; and Michael Champley, a former Maui-based energy consultant and utility executive."

Mina Morita, praised by the governor
when he named her to the PUC.
Photo from hawaii.gov

     The editors quoted Life of the Land executive director Henry Curtis who described the three PUC members as “a great balance between legislative, utility and legal backgrounds. It seems to me the three commissioners work well together." 

    According to the Star Advertiser, however, “Morita has been in the crosshairs for decisions affecting `Aina Koa Pono, the biofuels company whose proposal for a contract with the Hawaiian Electric Light Co. on Hawai`i island has been turned down twice. AKP has some highly placed supporters that made this a particularly sticky decision to make, politically. For example, the biofuel company was represented by William Kaneko, Abercrombie's campaign manager.
       “But the PUC's decisions on this cited concern that costs would drive up rates for consumers — and that principle should prevail.”
     The editors further praised Morita, quoting the governor: "’Hawai`i has made good progress addressing energy issues, and Rep. Morita has been instrumental as one of the key lawmakers in making that happen,’ Abercrombie said upon appointing her three years ago. ‘She is clearly committed to advancing clean energy, and she will bring credibility, knowledge and leadership to improve the Public Utilities Commission.’"
    The Advertiser also pointed out that the governor said, “The PUC is the key to Hawai`i's energy future and connecting our islands so we can build a sustainable economy."
    The Advertiser editorial board concluded: “That was the correct assessment at the time, and it's still correct. If the governor believes another person would be better suited to the post, he'll owe an explanation to the public on why that is.”  See more at www.staradvertiser.com. 

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CLEAN, MODERN AND EFFICIENT WASTE REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY are the words Mayor Billy Kenoi’s administration uses to describe the planned waste-to-energy plant with the release this week of Stage 1 of the county’s request for proposals.
      “The RFP process will allow the county to select a proven, economically viable and environmentally friendly process for managing solid waste from East Hawai‘i for at least the next 20 to 30 years,” according to the statement from the county administration.
    The mayor said that “For the past two decades this county engaged in study after study to determine the best way to cope with the required closure of the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill. It is now time to act. We are inviting the best and brightest in the industry to submit their proposals for a state-of-the-art facility that will benefit our community, and allow us to transform our solid waste from a liability into an asset.”

The county promises to continue green waste and
composting programs, after its builds a waste-to energy
plant to take the place of Hilo landfill.
Image from County of Hawai`i

     Kenoi promised that the county will also continue its commitment to recycling, including a program to provide mulch made from green waste for agricultural and other uses. In 2013 the county recycled more than 217 tons of materials per day, including metals, glass, plastics and green waste. The waste reduction project will not affect those efforts, said the mayor.
     The design-build-operate RFP calls for a facility that can accommodate about 300 tons of solid waste per day. The facility will be built near the existing county Sort Station, and will be privately financed. Stage 1 of the RFP will identify the most qualified teams and technologies for the project.
     Kenoi briefed the Hawai`i County Council Committee on Environmental Management on the county plan on Feb. 4, and briefed the county Environmental Management Commission on the project and process on Feb. 26.
     Communications from potential vendors regarding the project must be directed to county Purchasing Agent Jeffrey Dansdill at jdansdill@hawaiicounty.gov. Responses to Stage 1 of the RFP are due on April 15. 

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DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER fire department is searching for one more member to make a complete crew. Anyone interested in joining or wanting more information can call Captain TJ James at 895-8133.The organization will hold a rummage sale fundraiser Friday and Saturday, March 21-22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Clubhouse and volunteer fire department. The fundraiser will raise money for brush pants and boots, flashlight batteries, water and other supplies. Discovery Harbour volunteers also welcome a fire truck, courtesy of the U.S. Forestry Service, an upgrade from “their faithful yellow vehicle,” a statement from the volunteers says.

JAPANESE LANGUAGE CLASSES are  each Wednesday at 4 p.m., at Na`alehu Hongwanji. Space is limited. Contact Maiki at 989- 4259 or hawaiiislandlife@gmail.com.

THE KAMEHAMEHA SCHOLARS PROGRAM is open for enrollment for students entering grades 9 through 12 in Fall 2014 who are not currently enrolled full-time at one of Kamehameha Schools’ three campuses, and who live in Ka`u.
     Kamehameha Scholars is a year-round supplementary educational enrichment program with a focus on college and career guidance. The mission of the Kamehameha Scholars program is to support Native Hawaiian students in achieving a higher education degree, entering the career of their choosing and cultivating their ability to be servant leaders. 

    Students who complete the program will earn a college scholarship. 

     Applications are must be postmarked by March 31 and can be downloaded at www.ksbe.edu/admissions. Families may also call the Admissions Office at 808-842-8800 or toll free at 800-842-4682 ext. 8800 to have an application mailed to them. Kamehameha Schools’ policy on admissions is to give preference to children of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
     Additional program information is available at http://apps.ksbe.edu/kscholars or by calling 808-534-8355 or toll free at 800-842-4682. Information and help with the application process is also available at the Kamehameha Schools Resource Centers. Visit their website at http://apps.ksbe.edu/ksrc/ for hours and contact information of the KSRC nearest you. 

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Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Economic impacts of the shutdown of national parks, including Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, on surrounding communities are documented in a new report. Photo by Julia Neal

THIS IS HAWAI`I INVASIVE SPECIES AWARENESS WEEK, promoting information sharing and public engagement in what the Hawai`i State Legislature has declared “the single greatest threat to Hawai`i’s economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawai`i’s people.” Several bills regarding invasive species are still alive at the state Legislature.

Bills to battle the coffee berry borer and other invasive species
are still alive at the state Legislature.
Photo by Peggy Greb/USDA Ag Research Service

      House Bill 1514 would appropriate moneys for mitigation of, and education relating to, the coffee berry borer. It would establish a pesticide subsidy program for the purchase of pesticides containing Beauvaria bassiana to combat the borer.

      Senate Bill 2343 would appropriate $5 million to Hawai`i Invasive Species Council for invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research and planning.
      Senate Bill 2920 would allocate an as-yet unspecified appropriation for a pilot program in Hawai`i County to research solutions for addressing the little fire ant threat in the state.
      Senate Bill 2347 would require nursery stock that is infested with certain pests to be treated for eradication of pests before sale or transport of nursery stock from one island to another island within the state or intraisland.
      House Bill 1994 which would regulate the movement of nursery materials and establish civil fines for those transporting coqui or little fire ants to other counties.

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HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK experienced a 35 percent decrease in visitation in Oct. 2013, compared to an average of visitation in the previous three Octobers, due to the 16-day federal government shutdown that closed the park. The decrease resulted in a $2.9 million loss in visitor spending in surrounding communities, according to a recently released report.

Visitors had to bypass Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
during October's federal government shutdown.
Photo by Julia Neal

       Gateway communities near forty-five national parks experienced a loss of more than $2 million in NPS-related October visitor spending, and a 7.88 million decline in overall NPS October visitation resulted in a loss of $414 million NPS visitor spending within gateway communities across the country.
      The report is available at nature.nps.gov/socialscience-/docs/Economic2013Shutdown-Report_Final_nrss_VSE.pdf.

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NEW RULES REGARDING PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS may help more homeowners connect to the grid and lower their utility bills, as well as increase the number of solar installations.
      Hawaiian Electric Co. changed the way it allows solar energy to connect to the electrical grid in September, preventing many homeowners who had installed PV systems from connecting to the grid.
      The utility said the changes were necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of rooftop solar, into the grid.
      Pacific Business News reports that HECO has issued new rules that address safety and reliability concerns on circuits with high amounts of PV.
      The rules call for PV projects to include mitigation for “transient overvoltage,” or a voltage spike, which could lead to a power surge.
      “Existing inverter functionality” and installation of an electronic transfer switch can mitigate spikes, according to the story.
      “For circuits on which back flow is monitored, interconnections will be allowed to happen above 120 percent as long as transient overvoltage mitigation is included, but on unmonitored circuits, it stays at 120 percent until monitoring is installed and potentially reveals that there is more space,” reports Duane Shimogawa.
      See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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THE CURRENT ISSUE OF VOLCANO WATCH discusses the inner workings of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s seismic lab: 

      “When a large earthquake occurs, HVO staff members do what everyone should do — drop, cover, and hold on! As the shaking occurs, we can see the earthquake waves ring through the seismic network. The data are automatically collected and processed within seconds of the earthquake, and the first automatic earthquake location and magnitude are available about three minutes after the event. About a minute later, our automated earthquake location and magnitude are posted on the HVO website and transferred to the National Earthquake Information Center.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's seismic lab has seen many changes since
the days of the Whitney Vault, seen here with Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger
 as founder Thomas Jaggar. Photo from KDEN

      “Prior to the first release of earthquake information, the HVO seismic team assembles to wait for the results, after which they must follow up on several tasks, depending on the location of the earthquake and the size (magnitude) of the event.
      “By about the three-minute mark, our partners at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center have also calculated a location and magnitude, which assist them in assessing the tsunami hazard from the earthquake. Because PTWC operates on a 24/7 schedule, the calculations can be quickly reviewed by a seismologist prior to public release. They are then plotted on our website if our automatic solution has not already been posted.
      “HVO’s automatic processing can be quite good, especially if an earthquake occurs in a densely instrumented area of the seismic network, such as the south flank of Kilauea. The automated processing is not as good, however, in areas where seismometers are sparse, such as in off-shore locations. In any case, however, an analyst must review the event and refine the location and magnitude to correct any errors made by the computer when the event was first recorded. The result is a ‘reviewed solution,’ which is always more precise than the initial automatic location and magnitude.
      “During regular business hours, when the HVO staff are on hand, a reviewed solution for a large earthquake can be completed in as little as 20 minutes. But after business hours and during weekends and holidays, the ‘duty seismologist’ might take far longer to analyze an earthquake due to a slower internet connection at home or, especially, the need to find one if that person is not at home.
      “With more time for analysis following the initial quick assessment of an earthquake, more sophisticated (and time-consuming) calculations become possible. Since many stations around Hawai`i send data only when they detect a large event, data arrival time may be several minutes. The additional information generated is then included on a ‘Shakemap,’ a map of instrument-measured shaking. Using the additional data, we might also recalculate the location and magnitude of the earthquake and release an update. Each update in earthquake location or magnitude is reflected on the HVO and NEIC websites within minutes of being released and may result in a small shift in either location or magnitude or both.
      “Once the seismological calculations are completed, HVO issues a news release that includes information about what happened, how the event compares to other earthquakes in history, what caused it, and what people can expect going forward. We have found this process to be the best way to convey the correct information to the media, which, in turn, is disseminated to the public. Once the release goes public, we stand by to answer questions from the media. Then we wait for the next ‘big one.’”

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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USGS HVO scientist-in-charge Jim Kauahikaua

HIGHER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE is available tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Na`alehu United Methodist Church when Kamehameha Schools representatives meet with students who want to pursue education beyond high school and families who want help with summer program applications and more information about resources. Call 935-0116.

USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientists Jim Kauahikaua and Janet Babb discuss the origin and history of lava flows along Highways 11 and 190, and recount the stories of people impacted by the eruptions that created the volcanic landscape at After Dark in the Park tonight at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

WANT TO LEARN JAPANESE? Class is held Wednesday at 4 p.m., at Na`alehu Hongwanji. Space is limited. Contact Maiki at 989- 4259 or hawaiiislandlife@gmail.com.

See the March issue of The Ka`u Calendar newspaper online at kaucalendar.com.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, March 3, 2014

A new National Park Service report shows the economic impact of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in communities near the park.
NPS photo by Michael Szoenyi

A NEW NATIONAL PARK SERVICE REPORT for 2012 shows that the 1,483,928 visitors to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park spent $113,376,400 in communities near the park. That spending supported 1,353 jobs in the local area. 

      “It’s always exciting to share how much of a positive impact our national and international visitors have on the economic viability of our island community,” said park superintendent Cindy Orlando. “On the same note, it’s also worth contemplating what the park means to our Hawai`i Island residents. That’s difficult to define with a dollar amount,” she said.
      Ross Birch, executive director for the Big Island Visitors Bureau, acknowledged the park’s impact on the island economy.
      “Hawai`i Island has been on an upward trend in arrivals and spending over the past few years, and a major contributor driving this demand is Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. As the number one attraction for the island, and sometimes the state, it is not a surprise to see the economic impact the park has on our community,” said Birch. “Big Island Visitors Bureau is very grateful to have such an asset, and we appreciate the excellent working relationship with Cindy Orlando and her team to perpetuate these great results,” he said.
      U.S. Geological Survey economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas, Christopher Huber and Lynne Koontz conducted the peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis for the National Park Service. The report shows $14.7 billion of direct spending by 283 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 243,000 jobs nationally, with 201,000 jobs found in these gateway communities, and had a cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy of $26.75 billion.
      According to the report, most visitor spending supports jobs in restaurants, grocery and convenience stores (39 percent), hotels, motels and B&Bs (27 percent), and other amusement and recreation (20 percent).
      The report, available at nature.nps.gov/socialscience/economics.cfm, includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and by state.
      To learn more about nation parks in Hawai`i and how the National Park Service works with Hawai`i communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment and provide outdoor recreation, see nps.gov/hawaii.

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Sen. Brian Schatz

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa

THE RACE FOR U.S. SENATE between U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is analyzed in a Roll Call story today. According to the story, the election “is being waged over who can a carry on a legacy of securing crucial federal funding.” 

      Reporter Kyle Trygstad said Schatz has increased his name recognition across the state and is working to build a legislative resume. “Schatz is shining a spotlight on the relationships he’s fostered with Capitol Hill power brokers a little more than a year into his tenure, including a recent tour of O`ahu’s military facilities with Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin,” Trygstad said.
      “Everybody in Hawai`i was thrilled that the lead appropriator on defense was able to visit Hawai`i,” Schatz told Roll Call. “He certainly understands how important the military presence is to the Hawai`i economy.”
      Hanabusa told reporter Kyle Trygstad she’s not approaching the race as the challenger. “I’ve always said that this is an election that’s the first time the people of the state of Hawai`i are going to have an opportunity to determine who should fill the remaining term of Sen. Inouye’s seat,” Hanabusa said.
      Trygstad reports that Schatz has raised $2.4 million for his campaign, while Hanabusa has $900,000. Schatz is expected to have more of a media presence than Hanabusa, but Hanabusa does not consider media to be a major way to get her message out. “We’ll hold our own, but I really do believe Hawai`i has been and always will be a field operation and ground game,” she said. “Each island is very different, and that’s why the ground game matters.”
      Both candidates have received important endorsements. Former Sen. Daniel Akaka has endorsed Hanabusa, saying “she has made a great impression in the Congress of the United States. … Colleen has been a proven leader.” Former Hawai`i governors George Ariyoshi and Ben Cayetano also support Hanabusa.
      Endorsements for Schatz have come from the progressive group Democracy for America, MoveOn.org, the Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

      See rollcall.com.

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Justin Kripps plans to return to Ka`u after participating in the winter
Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

JUSTIN KRIPPS, WHO SUFFERED A WIPEOUT when his four-man bobsled rolled over in the Olympics last month, told media he plans to recover by coming home to Ka`u. The bobsled pilot and team captain was born here and attended Na`alehu School. His parents still live in Ka`u, and Kripps said he plans to bring teammates here to hunt pig.

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NA`ALEHU SCHOOL TRACK TEAM, led by Bob Martin and Ame Long, cleaned up last month at the P&R age-group track meet, heading home with dozens of medals.
      Fifth-grader Vivianne Long reclaimed her place as a Triple Jump champ, winning the event twice in the last three years. She jumped a distance of 17’ 3” for ages 9-10. Long also claimed a silver medal, running the girls 200-meter in 34 seconds. Chauna Velez, of Ka`u All-Stars team, also repeated as champion of the girls running long jump.
      Here are the results:

• Girls 6-8 Softball Throw: Chelsea Velez gold (73-01); 
• Boys 6-8 4x50m Relay bronze: Derek Lang, Myles Long, Christian Ogle, Owen Flores; 
• Girls ages 9-10 4x50m Relay silver: Vivianne Long, Kaialani Okamura, Roselintha Ken, Linna Ading; 
• Girls 9-10 Long Jump silver: Amber Sugrue (6-0); 
• Girls 11-12 4x50m Relay silver: Jayme Kaneshiro, Sepe Levi, Destinie Alani-Horan, Maliah Ababa; 
• Girls 11-12 4x50m Relay Bronze: Caitlin Long, Jahlysha Gouveia, Chesatie Kai, Faith Johnson; 
• Boys 11-12 4x50m Relay Gold: Rio Chopot, Anthony Ysawa, Daniel Ahuna, Takios Paul; 
• Boys 11-12 4x50m Relay Silver: Cecilio Jelke, Henry Miranda, Joe Riklon, Nelson Boaz; and 
• Gold Boys 11-12 400m & Gold Boys 11-12 Running Long Jump: Kainakoa Kane-Broadfoot, of Ka`u Middle School (1:09.00 & 14-01).

      Other track team members include Ariel Cohen, Candace Keohuloa, Leahi Ka`awa, Chloe Velez, Shaun Galarse, Rolinda Bunglick, Amber Sugrue, Nelson Johnson, William Tabios, Angel Dahlstedt, Kiani Perry, Jahlaysha Gouveia, Dylan Satkofsky, Irata Kelen, Chesatie Kai and Faith Johnson.

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Famous rodeo clown JJ Harrison joined Ka`u paniolo
at the rodeo in Pana`ewa.
Photo from JJ Harrison

KA`U COWBOYS HEADED TO PANA`EWA Feb. 15 and 16 to compete in the 21st annual Hawai`i Horse Owners Panaewa Stampede Rodeo. 

      In Double Po`o Wai U, Rigan Kaapana came in third, Evan Manoha fifth and Boots Kaapana sixth.
      In Ranch Mugging, Justin Amaral and Boots Kaapana came in fourth.
      Boots Kaapana and Rigan Kaapana came in 19th out of 30 in open team roping. Justin Amaral and Denicia DeRasin came in 29th.
      In Double Mugging, Alan Hanoa came in 11th with team member Michael Thorton. Boots Kaapana and Troy Manaloniz came in 17th, and Kapapana came in 29th with partner Kawehi Garo.
      Alan and Warren Hanoa came in seventh in Open Team Roping.
      The rodeo featured nationally known rodeo clown JJ Harrison.
      The weekend event was held at the Panaewa Equestrian Center.

      The next rodeo in Ka`u is planned for Fourth of July weekend at the Nā‘ālehu rodeo arena.

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

HIGHER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE is available tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Na`alehu United Methodist Church. Kamehameha Schools representatives meet with students who want to pursue education beyond high school and families who want help with summer program applications and more information about resources. Call 935-0116.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists Jim Kauahikaua and Janet Babb discuss the origin and history of lava flows along Highways 11 and 190, and recount the stories of people impacted by the eruptions that created the volcanic landscape at After Dark in the Park tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

See the March issue of The Ka`u Calendar newspaper online at kaucalendar.com.

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