Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, May 3, 2014

Bolo sings Kaiholena, about the misty mountain of Ka`u, with dancer Kamaluhia, of Volcano, at last night's Ka`u Coffee Festival kickoff event at Pahala Plantation House. Photo by Julia Neal

THE HAWAI`I STATE SENATE HAS ADJOURNED the 2014 legislative session, passing more than 240 bills that align with its initial priorities supporting Hawai`i’s keiki, kupuna, workers and the environment. Many of the notable bills this session focused on prevention and maintaining core services and projects. Lawmakers funded initiatives that address imminent problems (as part of the joint majority package) such as the rise in kupuna population, spread of invasive species and effects of climate control. Lawmakers also remained committed to providing continued support for the people most in need, including Hawai`i’s keiki, kupuna and workers who earn the lowest wages.

Miss Ka`u Coffee 2013 Tiare-Lee Shibuya dances last night at the opening of
the Ka`u Coffee Festival, as Miss Ka`u Peaberry candidates, anticipate
Sunday's pageant. Photo by Julia Neal

      The following bills have been forwarded to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who has 45 days from the time a bill was received to veto it, sign it into law or allow it to pass into law without his signature.

• SB2609 increases minimum wage rate to $7.75 per hour beginning on Jan.1, 2015; $8.50 per hour beginning on Jan.1, 2016; $9.25 per hour beginning on Jan. 1, 2017; and $10.10 per hour beginning on Jan. 1, 2018. It also increases the tip credit to 50 cents per hour beginning on Jan. 1, 2015 and 75 cents per hour beginning on Jan. 1, 2016, provided that beginning Jan. 1, 2015, the combined amount the employee receives in wages and tips is at least $7 more than the applicable minimum wage.
• HB1671 increases the current cap on transient accommodations tax revenues to be distributed to the counties for two fiscal years and establishes a working group to determine future county allocation ceiling amounts and the appropriate division of the provision of public services between the state and counties.
• HB1713 SD2 and SB2346 SD1 HD2 support Hawai`i’s kupuna through funding of aging, long-term care and investor education programs.
• HB1714 establishes an interagency sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation committee under the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.
• HB1716 appropriates $5 million to the Hawai`i Invasive Species Council for invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research, and planning, passed out of committee earlier this month.
• HB2590 allows and appropriates funds for voter registration at absentee polling places beginning in 2016 and late voter registration, including on Election Day, beginning in 2018.

      See more regarding bill highlights in future Ka`u News Briefs.

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

THE KANA`IOLOWALU ROLL OF NATIVE HAWAIIANS now lists 125,631 people, reports Susan Essoyan, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser. About 10,000 signed up after registration reopened March 17. The last day to sign up was Friday.
      Clyde Namuo, executive director of the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission, told Essoyan there are another 5,000 names to be certified, which would bring the total of signers to about 130,000.

Halau Hula O Leonalani opens up Ka`u Coffee Festival 2014, under the direction of
Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, last night at Pahala Plantation House. Photo by Julia Neal

      The names form a base for the election of delegates to a constitutional convention, or Governance `Aha, where Hawaiians will consider different options for self-determination, including state, federal and international recognition as a nation.
      The registry, which was launched July 20, 2012, has signed up about 40,000 new registrants, including those still to be processed, Namuo said. Other names on the list came from previous registries such as Kau Inoa, Operation `Ohana and the Hawaiian Registry.
      A state law recognizing Native Hawaiians as the only indigenous people of the islands was passed in 2012. The law also called for creation of the commission to identify them.
      Fewer than 500 people contacted the commission to have their names removed from Kana`iolowalu Roll, Namuo said.

      See staradvertiser.com.

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

DUE TO A BREAKDOWN YESTERDAY, the Ocean View water well has been under emergency repair. At this time, the well is in operation, and water is flowing into the storage tank, reports Department of Water Supply spokesperson Kanani Aton.

      The drinking water spigots will remain open for normal operating hours. While water spigots remain open for general community access, users are asked to limit their consumption to potable needs only. Community cooperation extends current water availability in the reservoir.
      Although spigots are open, the standpipe facility for water haulers is closed until Monday, May 5.
      For more information, call 961-8790.

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

Keoki Kahumoku & the `Ukulele Kids with friends sang songs of the late DennisKamakahi, one of their teachers during last night's
 party for the Ka`u Coffee Festival that runs through May 11. Photo by Julia Neal

MAY IS ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH. The observance originally began as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, which was established through a joint U.S. Congressional resolution in 1978. The month of May was chosen due to two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States, and May 10, 1869, when the first transcontinental railroad was completed with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrant workers.
      “While celebrating my own Pacific Island heritage, I am proud to honor the unique culture and rich tradition of all Asian American and Pacific Islanders,” said Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “Throughout our nation’s history, AAPIs have made tremendous contributions to our communities as leaders at every level. Leaders like Hawai`i’s Sen. Daniel Inouye and Sen. Daniel Akaka have broken through barriers, leading the way for generations to follow. Our own Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink was a champion for women and equal treatment throughout her life. Because of these leaders, our communities and our nation are stronger, and our future is brighter.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL KICKOFF PA`INA last night drew a crowd to the free event at Pahala Plantation House for music, food and hula. Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba welcomed farmers, neighbors and visitors to the ten days of activities that wrap up with the Ho`olaule`a Saturday, May 10 at Pahala Community Center and Ka`u Coffee College on Sunday, May 11. Last night’s performers included some of those performing at the Ho`olaule`a, including Keoki Kahumoku and his `Ukulele Kids, Bolo and hula dancer Kamaluhia, and Halau Hula O Leionalani, with Kumu Debbie Ryder. Among those attending was the cultural ambassador from La Reunion, a volcanic island off Africa in the Indian Ocean governed by France, which has similar agriculture to Ka`u and is developing a sister relationship with the Big Island. Also on hand was state Rep. Richard Creagan.

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

TASTING SUCCESS: THIRD ANNUAL KA`U FARMERS’ TABLE is set for today from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Kalaekilohana Inn & Retreat
. The event, which has been sold out every year, features locally sourced fine dining, and premium, live entertainment.
      See kau-hawaii.com or call 939-8052 for more information.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO THE Triple C Recipe Contest tomorrow at noon at Ka`u Coffee Mill. The event includes free coffee and recipe tastings, along with entertainment by Keoki Kahumoku and the `Ukulele Kids.
      Discovering the top original recipes for cookies, candies and cakes infused with a Ka`u Coffee flavor is the goal of the contest.
      Participants earn up to $500 in prizes for the best recipes in adult and student categories.

KA`U COFFEE MILL ALSO HOSTS the Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Ka`u Peaberry Pageant tomorrow, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Three young Ka`u ladies are vying for Miss Ka`u Coffee, while five keiki participate in Miss Ka`u Peaberry.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SPONSORS its Spring Fling today until 4 p.m. in the gardens of Punalu`u Bake Shop. The event features art and entertainment by Ka`u residents.
      For more information, call 854-1540.

KA `OHANA O HONU`APO INVITES KA`U RESIDENTS to Sunday in the Park, tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event features La`au Lapa`au, Hawaiian Healing, with Momi Subiano. For more information, email kaohanaohonuapo@gmail.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, May 2, 2014

Miss Ka`u Coffee & Miss Ka`u Peaberry contenders have been learning about makeup and skin care from Myra Sumida (back center) and Ursula D'Angelo (back right) during sessions at the Old Pahala Clubhouse. The pageant is this Sunday at 6 p.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill Drying Room. Photo by Nalani Parlin

KINDERGARTEN IS NOW MANDATORY FOR FIVE-YEAR-OLD children in Hawai`i. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed Senate Bill 2768 (Act 76), which makes kindergarten mandatory for children who will be at least five years of age on or before July 31 of the school year, unless otherwise exempt.

Cristina-Nicole Kawewehi is a Miss Ka`u Peaberry contestant.

      “Mandatory kindergarten builds on this administration’s early childhood education initiative by providing continuity in a child’s learning experience,” Abercrombie said. “This legislation assists in implementation of Common Core State Standards designed for kindergarten to grade 12 and places our students on the path to success in today’s global marketplace.”
      Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said, “This bill aligns with the Department of Education goals and supports our young children so they may be successful learners.”
      Act 76 takes effect by the upcoming 2014-2015 school year.

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

KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN has announced funding approved by the state Legislature for Ka`u projects.
      Lawmakers approved $2.5 million for design and construction of improvements to irrigation systems in Ka`u, including ground and site improvements, equipment and appurtenances.
      Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District has been working for about a decade on restoring plantation water sources for agriculture between Kapapala Ranch, Wood Valley, and above Pahala, across lands, including Makanau and Hilea, as well as property above Na`alehu and to Wai`ohinu.

Calaysa Koi participates in the Miss Ka`u Peaberry Pageant Sunday.

      The Legislature also appropriated $725,000 for plans and design for expansion of water resources at Ocean View, where one well went into operation in July 2012 after several decades of work by Ocean View residents.

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

OCEAN VIEW WELL IS CURRENTLY DOWN, according to Kanoni Aton, of Hawai`i County Department of Water Supply. The drinking water spigot station remains open for community access. The standpipe facility is now closed to water haulers. Troubleshooting the repair continues. DWS requests residents’ cooperation, patience and understanding during this emergency. 

      For more information, call 961-8790.

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

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO Hawai`i County Democratic Party’s Convention from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow at Sangha Hall in Hilo, where more than 160 delegates will gather to hear speeches and consider proposed modifications to the County Party’s platform, resolutions and rules that will go to the state Democratic Convention on May 24 and 25 in Honolulu.
      Numerous elected officials are confirmed speakers, including Gov. Neil Abercrombie, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.

Madison Okimoto will also be on stage at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

      Invitations have been extended to all Hawai`i Island elected officials and Democratic candidates with active campaigns for either statewide or county positions, including OHA trustees.
      Also, candidates for Chair of the state Democratic Party will have an opportunity to address the delegates.
      Two proposals from the Rules Committee will be discussed. The first proposes to periodically move the biannual state convention to neighbor islands.
      Another proposal is to establish a fair, consistent and transparent statewide procedure for the selection process of candidates for appointments to fill mid-term vacancies for state Senate and state House positions. This follows an appeal of the Party’s recent election of Na`alehu resident Richard Creagan to replace state Rep. Denny Coffman, who resigned.
      “This county level pro-active approach is to firmly embed defined procedures to ensure that Hawai`i County Democratic Party is accountable, responsive and inclusive to everyone who is Proud to be a Democrat,” said a statement from the Party.

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

MISS KA`U PEABERRY CONTESTANTS LIGHT UP THE STAGE at Ka`u Coffee Mill Sunday, with doors for the Miss Peaberry and Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageants opening at 6 p.m.
      Cristina-Nicole Kawewehi, age 9, is daughter of Angelica Kawewehi and Bill Lorenzo, of Pahala. She is in third grade at Pahala Elementary School. “When I grow up I want to be a teacher,” said Kawewehi. She enjoys dancing, singing and swimming. Her siblings are Keana and Zachary Kuluwaimaka. She plans to do a Zumba dance for her talent.
      Calaysa Koi, age 9, is daughter of Cory and Connie Koi, of Pahala. She is sister to Callen and Casey Koi. Her pet family includes a dog, cat, bird and guinea pig. She is a fourth-grader at Pahala Elementary. She enjoys playing and videos. “When I grow up I want to be a star in Hollywood,” said Koi. Her talent is singing.

Chazlynn Marie Kapualokelanioku`uleinani is one of five Miss Ka`u Peaberry contestants.

      Madison Okimoto, age 8, is daughter of Malcolm and Sheilah, of Wai`ohinu. She has three sisters, Sydnie, Siena and Melia, a former Ka`u Peaberry first princess, and three dogs. She is a third-grader at Na`alehu Elementary School. “I aspire to become a doctor or geologist,” said Okimoto. She enjoys baking with her Easy-Bake Oven, swimming, playing baseball, playing with her dog, riding her ripstick and barbecuing with her family. Her talent will be hip-hop dancing.
      Chazlynn Marie Kapualokelaniokuʻuleinani Pua-Queja, age 7, is daughter of Jerilynn Pua and Chad Queja, of Pahala. She is in second grade at Pahala Elementary School. She has one brother, Preston, and two sisters, Zeishalynn and Jaymelynn. She is still considering the many possibilities of what she could be when she grows up. Her talent is hula.
      Shania Lee Napuamaelo`i`okewe Silva, age 8, is daughter of Wendylee Napoleon and Michael Silva, of Pāhala. She is in the third grade at Pāhala Elementary. She has seven brothers and sisters. “I want to apply for scholarships for becoming an E.R. doctor,” she said. She enjoys playing T-ball and Coach Pitch baseball. Her talent is hip-hop dancing.

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

Miss Ka`u Peaberry contestant Shania Lee Napuamaelo`i`okewe Silva is the sister of
Amery Silva, who is a Miss Ka`u Coffee contender.

TUTU & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL is taking orders for fresh Krispy Kreme donuts through next Friday, May 9. This is a fundraising effort to help support the work of Partners in Development Foundation statewide. 

      All pre-paid orders must be picked up in front of Pahala Community Center or in front of Na`alehu Ace Hardware from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 16. Any orders not picked up by 1 p.m. will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
      Payment is by cash only. Price is $10 per dozen.
      Call 929-8571 for more information about placing orders.

THE PA`INA OPEN HOUSE, Ka`u Coffee Festival 2014’s first event, happens this evening at Pahala Plantation House. The Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholarship fundraiser includes music, hula, refreshments and house tours. Candidates for Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Peaberry are introduced. Performers include Bolo presenting his new CD, Keoki Kahumoku and his `Ukulele Kids and Halau Hula O Leionalani. New Ka`u products, including Ka`u Coffee Mill’s Ka`u Coffee Singles and Alan Moores’ Iki Art, are introduced. Co-sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, the event takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

TASTING SUCCESS: THIRD ANNUAL KA`U FARMERS’ TABLE is set for tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Kalaekilohana Inn & Retreat
. The event, which has been sold out every year, features locally sourced fine dining, and premium, live entertainment. 

      See kau-hawaii.com or call 939-8052 for more information.

TRIPLE C RECIPE CONTEST takes place Sunday at noon at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Discovering the top original recipes for cookies, candies and cakes infused with a Ka`u Coffee flavor is the goal of the contest. Participants can earn up to $500 in prizes for the best recipes in adult and student categories. The event includes free coffee and recipe tastings.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SPONSORS its Spring Fling tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the gardens of Punalu`u Bake Shop. The event features art and entertainment by Ka`u residents.
      For more information, call 854-1540.

HAWAI`I COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL representatives, including founder George Yokoyama, discuss OEOC programs tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.

KA `OHANA O HONU`APO INVITES KA`U RESIDENTS to Sunday in the Park, May 4 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event features La`au Lapa`au, Hawaiian Healing, with Momi Subiano. For more information, email kaohanaohonuapo@gmail.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, May 1, 2014

Masako Sakata, seen here with Keoki Kahumoku at last year's Triple C Recipe Contest, and Alice Yonemitsu have donated their winnings to this year's Miss Ka`u Coffee education scholarship fund. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I HOUSE AND SENATE HAVE APPROPRIATED $102 million for 2015 to Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. The funding is $48 million less than the state hospital system requested.

Shyann "Makamae" Flores-Carvalho is one of
three Miss Ka`u Coffee contestants.

      Alice Hall, the hospital system’s acting president and CEO, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that the shortfall compels HHSC to consider cutting services or staff.

      “We believe all our services are essential,” Hall said. “But we must examine all options in order to make up for the huge deficit that we’re anticipating for next year.”

      The Legislature rejected a proposal to allow HHSC to partner with a local nonprofit provider such as Hawai`i Pacific Health, the Queen’s Health Systems or Kaiser Permanente Hawai`i.
      Unfunded wage increases negotiated through collective bargaining make up most of the shortfall, Hall said. “The way our system is set up right now is unsustainable. We did come up with what we think is the best solution, but then it died at the last minute. These are major changes, and it takes a long time for people to be comfortable with major changes.”
      Hall said HHSC will ask for an emergency appropriation for next year.

      See staradvertiser.com.

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

INDUSTRIAL HEMP WILL BE USED IN HAWAI`I for soil remediation and biofuel crop research, following Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s approval of Senate Bill 2175 (Act 56). The measure allows University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to establish the two-year program.
      Act 56 authorizes the growth and cultivation of industrial hemp in accordance with requirements established by the federal Agriculture Act of 2014, which allows higher education institutions and state departments of agriculture to conduct industrial hemp research.
      “Hawai`i’s environment and economy will benefit from this research,” Abercrombie said. “Industrial hemp can be used to decontaminate soil and increase the state’s production of biodiesel, therefore reducing our dependency on imported fuel.”

Gloria Ornelas is participating in Sunday's
Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant.

      Act 56, which takes effect July 1, requires the state Department of Agriculture to certify the industrial hemp seed stock and verify that plants grown are not marijuana. The program will be limited to one test site. It also states that the dean of the UH CTAHR must submit a final report, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature prior to start of the 2016 legislative session.
      With the state Legislature adjourning today, more bills approved by the House and Senate are on their way to Abercrombie. The governor can sign bills into law, allow them to become law without his signature, or veto them.

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

BEFORE ITS REJECTION AT THE U.S. CONGRESS, Sen. Brian Schatz called on Republicans to pass legislation to raise the national minimum wage. Schatz cosponsored the Minimum Wage Fairness Act, legislation that would raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 and increase earnings for more than 28 million workers across the country, while helping grow our economy. The Hawai`i Legislature passed a bill raising the state’s minimum wage to $10.10.

      “Hawai`i showed leadership again on an issue that’s important to families and our economy by increasing the state’s minimum wage and giving workers a raise,” Schatz said. “Nobody who works full time should be in poverty. It’s time Republicans do the right thing and allow more Americans across the country a fair shot to support their families.”
      President Barack Obama had also praised Hawai`i’s Legislature for its work on minimum wage increases.

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

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL EVENTS BEGIN TOMORROW and fill the weekend.

Amery Silva is a Miss Ka`u Coffee
candidate.

TOMORROW IS THE PA`INA OPEN HOUSE at Pahala Plantation House. The Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholarship fundraiser includes music, hula, refreshments and house tours. Candidates for Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Peaberry are introduced. Performers include Bolo presenting his new CD, Keoki Kahumoku and his `Ukulele Kids and Halau Hula O Leionalani. New Ka`u products, including Ka`u Coffee Mill’s Ka`u Coffee Singles and Alan Moores’ Iki Art, are introduced. Co-sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, the event takes place Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

TASTING SUCCESS: THIRD ANNUAL KA`U FARMERS’ TABLE is set for Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Kalaekilohana Inn & Retreat
. The event, which has been sold out every year, features locally sourced fine dining, and premium, live entertainment.
      See kau-hawaii.com or call 939-8052 for more information.

TRIPLE C RECIPE CONTEST takes place Sunday at noon at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Discovering the top original recipes for cookies, candies and cakes infused with a Ka`u Coffee flavor is the goal of the contest. Participants can earn up to $500 in prizes for the best recipes in adult and student categories. The event includes free coffee and recipe tastings.

      Among those donating to the Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholarship Fund are Masako Sakata and Alice Yonemitsu, who won at last year’s Triple C Recipe Contest. Sakata and her mentor Alice Yonemitsu will be named for a $250 scholarship. Sakata, with the help of Yonemitsu, created Ka`u Coffee Cookie Delights to take first place in the Amateur Cookie category and win $150. She also took second place and $100 in the Amateur Cracker category with her Coffee Icing on Cracker. Sakata said she wants her donation to go toward the Education Scholarship for Miss Ka`u Coffee.

      See more scholarship donators in future Ka`u News Briefs.

MISS KA`U COFFEE CANDIDATES are in their final days of preparation for the pageant. Doors at Ka`u Coffee Mill open at 6 p.m. Sunday.

      Shyann “Makamae” Flores-Carvalho, age 16, is daughter of Helena Carvalho and Glen Hashimoto and sister to Buddy Flores and Andre Carvalho. She lives in Pahala and is a junior at Ka`u High School. “I like playing basketball, riding horses and spending time with my family and friends,” said Flores-Carvalho. After she graduates from high school, she plans to study nursing. Her talent is Tahitian dance.

      Gloria Ornelas, age 16, is daughter of Osamea Ornelas and granddaughter of Memmy and Mario Ornelas. She has one brother, Carlos. She lives in Wai`ohinu and is a sophomore at Ka`u High. “I play volleyball for Ka`u High. I love coaching T-ball, and I love to spend time with family,” she said. Ornelas aspires to be a nurse or lawyer. Her talent is hula.
      Amery Silva, age 21, is daughter of Michael Silva and Wendylee Napoleon. She lives in Pahala, is a member of Halau Hula O Leionalani and works as retail associate at Ka`u Coffee Mill. “I want to attend college to study business management,” Silva said. Her siblings are Kavelle, Kevey, Savannah, Cameron, Chisum, Shanialee and Wrangler. She said she is enjoying running in the pageant with her little sister Shania, who is a Miss Peaberry candidate. Her talent is hula and singing.

      See Miss Peaberry candidates in future Ka`u News Briefs.

      To comment on or like these Ka`u Coffee Festival events, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts a Dinner & Guitar Night tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. Dinner is available at Crater Rim Café, followed by Hawaiian slack key and Italian finger-style guitar playing at KMC Theater. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SPONSORS its Spring Fling Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the gardens of Punalu`u Back Shop. The event features art and entertainment by Ka`u residents. For more information, call 854-1540.

HAWAI`I COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL representatives, including founder George Yokoyama, discuss OEOC programs Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.

Kamalani Fujikawa sits surrounded by family, Ka`u High School administrators and
her volleyball coach as she signs her letter of intent to attend Shoreline Community
College. Left to right behind her are Terrie Louis, Principal Sharon Beck, her mother
Shaunda Fujikawa, Athletic Director Kalae Namohala, grandmother Wendy Davis,
father Kamake Fujikawa and Coach Joshua Ortega.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR KAMALANI FUJIKAWA, of Wai`ohinu, has accepted a scholarship offer to play volleyball at Shoreline Community College. Fujikawa signed a letter of intent on April 16 and will join the Dolphins for the 2014 – 2015 volleyball season. Known for outstanding outside hitting and defense for the Trojans, Fujikawa participated in four years of girls high school volleyball. An all-around athlete, she also competed for two years of soccer and three years of varsity softball. She received Division II, Second Team honors her junior and senior years for volleyball and was named to the Honorable Mention team for soccer both years. 

      Shoreline Community College’s women’s volleyball team is coached by a husband and wife team comprised of Mark West and former Olympian Raquel Chumpitaz-West. The Dolphins team is a member of the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges.

      The college is located in Shoreline, Washington, 12 miles north of Seattle.
      Fujikawa said she plans to pursue a degree in psychology. She is the daughter of Shaunda and Kamake Fujikawa and grandaugher of Wendy Davis.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.