Ka`u News Briefs Monday, May 5, 2014

Miss Ka`u Coffee 2014 Amery Silva (back center), Miss Ka`u Peaberry Madison Okimoto (front center) join other pageant participants who received educational scholarships. Photo by Julia Neal

MISS KA`U COFFEE 2014 is Amery Silva. Miss Ka`u Peaberry is Madison Okimoto. The pageant, chaired by Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative president Gloria Camba and directed by Nalani Parlin, joins young women with keiki in performance, fashion, poise and knowledge to celebrate the Ka`u Coffee industry. It also raises scholarship money for the young women and girls. It drew a full house to the Ka`u Coffee Mill Drying Room last night.

Miss Ka`u Coffee 2014, Amery Silva, in her backpack and coffee bag work
clothes, with the first and second princesses also honoring the hard work
of the Ka`u Coffee farmers. Photo by Julia Neal

      Silva danced hula. For her sportswear presentation, she wore overhaul shorts made of Ka`u Coffee Mill bags and donned the kind of backpack worn by farmers to spray their crops. Silva is the daughter of Mike Silva and Wendylee Napoleon, of Pahala. She is a member of Halau Hula O Leionalani and works as a retail associate at Ka`u Coffee Mill. She received a $1,000 scholarship from Edmund C. Olson.
      Winner of the Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholar Category was Shyann Flores-Carvalho, who earned a $750 scholarship from Hawai`i Coffee Co. and Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. Daughter of Helena Carvalho and Glenn Hashimoto, she was also named First Princess, taking home a $500 scholarship from Miss Bobby Tucker and Halau Hula O Leionalani. Her talent was hula.
      Second Miss Ka`u Coffee Princess is Gloria Ornelas, of Wai`ohinu, whose talent was painting, live on stage, a depiction of a Ka`u Coffee cup with the wording “Aloha to the World.” Daughter of Osamea Ornelas and granddaughter of Memmy and Mario Ornelas, she took home a $400 scholarship from CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union and Miranda Farms.
      Miss Ka`u Peaberry is Madison Okimoto, daughter of Malcolm and Sheilah Okimoto, of Wai`ohinu. Her talent was dance. She aspires to be a doctor or geologist. She received a $500 scholarship from the Ka`u Coffee Festival Committee. She also became Miss Peaberry Scholar, taking home a $400 scholarship from Hawai`i Coffee Co. and retired Na`alehu School Principal Peter Volpe and wife Fran.

      First Miss Peaberry Princess is Chazlynn Pua-Queja, daughter of Jerilynn Pua and Chad Queja, of Pahala. Her talent was hula. She won a $350 scholarship from Hawai`i Coffee Co. 

      Second Miss Peaberry Princess is Shanialee Silva, daughter of Wendylee Napoleon and Michael Silva, of Pahala. Her talent was interpretive dance. She won a $250 scholarship from Punalu`u Bake Shop.

Miss Ka`u Peaberry Madison Okimoto in the gown
competition. Photo by Julia Neal

   Third Miss Peaberry Princess is Christina-Nicole Kawewehi, daughter of Angelica Kawewehi and Bill Lorenzo, of Pahala. Her talent was Zumba. She won a $150 scholarship from Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Onishi. 

      Fourth Miss Peaberry Princess is Calaysa Koi, daughter of Cory and Connie Koi, of Pahala. Her talent was singing. She won a $125 scholarship from Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan. 

      See more on all the winners and the pageant in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.

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

Keana Kuluwaimaka took first among students
with Ka`u Coffee Chocolate Cake.

THE TRIPLE C RECIPE CONTEST drew tasty Ka`u Coffee recipes to the Ka`u Coffee Festival event yesterday at Ka`u Coffee Mill. For Coffees, Candies & Cakes, in the adult division, Cathy Haber, of Na`alehu, won $500 with her first-place Flourless Mocha Cake. Second and $250 went to Joyce Foley, of Hilo, with her Chocolate Mascarpone Torta. Third and $150 went to Leona Lorenzo, of Pahala, with her Coffee Mocha-Mochi.

     In the student division, first place and $300 went to Keana Kuluwaimaka, of Pahala, with her Ka`u Coffee Chocolate Cake. Second and $150 went to Sara Beth Passarelli, of Na`alehu, with her Chocolate-Dipped Espresso Cookies, and third and $100 went to Lorie Lee Lorenzo, of Pahala, with her Ka`u Coco Brownies.
     Judges were Miguel Meza, of Isla Custom Coffees who has worked with Rusty’s Hawaiian 100 Percent Ka`u Coffee, Olson Trust Land Manager John Cross and Miss Ka`u Coffee 2013 Tiare-Lee Shibuya.

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

John Cross, Miguel Meza and Tiare-Lee Shibuya were judges at the Triple C Recipe Contest. Photos by Julia Neal

Sara Beth Passarelli took second among
students with Chocolate-Dipped
Espresso Cookies.

PRESERVATION OF KAUNAMANO PROPERTIES along the Ka`u Coast has received unanimous approval from Hawai`i County Council’s nine members. Res. 351-14 authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for acquisition of the more than 1,200 acres. The 2012 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission lists the properties as a key priority for purchase. Reasons given in the nomination papers for Kaunamano were cultural, archaeological and natural resources, along with education, recreation and preserving scenic vistas. 

      “This is a good deal,” said Ka`u’s County Council Member Brenda Ford. She said that the owner is willing to sell and that the Trust for Public Lands is willing to help. Although acquisition of other Open Space properties is currently taking place, she hopes that the Kaunamano deal gets done “sooner than later.”

      An archaeological survey of the property in 2004 reported 444 sites with more than 3,900 features, including enclosures, mounds, platforms, walls, salt pans, walled terraces, trails, petroglyphs, papamu, heiau, a refuge cave and other lava tubes, ceremonial sites and burial sites.

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Third-place student winner Lorie Lee Lorenzo
for her Ka`u Coco Brownies with Triple C
Recipe Contest coordinator Brenda
Iokepa-Moses.

HAWAI`I COUNTY’S DRUNK DRIVING STATISTICS are improving, according to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. So far this year, the number of traffic fatalities on Hawai`i island stands at five, compared to 12 last year. According to police, one was due to alcohol, one due to drugs and one to a combination of both.
      From 2008 to 2012, 72 percent of Big Island traffic fatalities involved alcohol- or drug-related driving. Of those, 54 percent were alcohol-related and 44 percent were drug-related.
      Hawai`i County showed improvement last year, 52 percent of 25 traffic fatalities, or 13 of them, involved impaired drivers
      In her story, Leila Fujimori compares Hawai`i Island statistics with those of O`ahu. Last year, O`ahu had 58 fatalities, with six of them by impaired drivers, for a rate of 10 percent.

Cathy Harber took first in yesterday's Triple C Recipe Contest
with a Flourless Mocha Cake.

      Of O`ahu’s 57 fatal accidents in 2012, 19 percent, or 11 of them, involved impaired drivers. That same year, 73 percent of Hawai`i County’s 38 fatalities, or 28 of them, involved impaired drivers. 

      So far this year in Hawai`i County, there have been 422 DUI arrests compared with 432 during the same period last year, a decrease of 2.3 percent.

        While the number of fatalities has decreased, the number of major accidents has increased. There have been 525 major accidents so far this year compared with 438 during the same period last year, an increase of 19.9 percent.

      “As an ER doc on the Big Island, drunk and drug impaired driving is one of my greatest concerns,” Ka`u’s state Sen. Josh Green, chair of the Senate Health Committee, told Fujimori. “I’ve seen many avoidable tragedies. We offer too little treatment for addiction on the Big Island. Also, treatment should always be covered by insurance. Too often it’s not. Long commutes and exhaustion also make the problem much worse. The police do what they can, but they need more resources to bust impaired drivers.”

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

Leona Lorenzo took third in the Triple C
Recipe Contest with a Coffee Mocha-Mochi.

SUMMER FUN REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE today through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Pahala and Na`alehu Community Centers. The programs take place June 9 to July 18, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 928-3102 in Pahala or 939-2510 in Na`alehu. 

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers a Cinco de Mayo Buffet today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Menu includes Mexican chicken casserole, stuff-your-own-burrito bar, short ribs fajitas, Spanish rice, ice cream sundae bar and a beverage for $18 for adults and $9 for children ages 6-11. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 

      Call 967-8356 for more information.

 

JOE LACEBY DEMONSTRATES HIS CYANOTYPE techniques tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, in conjunction with National Parks Arts Foundation, launches its first artist-in-residence program at tomorrow’s After Dark in the Park.
      Rick Makanaaloha Kia`imeaokekanaka San Nicolas provides a public exhibit and lecture about his feather work, his inspiration from Hawai`i’s sacred volcanoes, and the history and culture of Hawai`i. The free program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium Park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support After Dark programs.

HAWAI`I NEWS NOW CARRIED A SEGMENT on the Ka`u Coffee Festival this morning. Business reporter Howard Dicus, interviewing festival Chair Chris Manfredi, suggested the destination as a last-minute getaway. They also talked about the continuing success of Ka`u Coffee growers, displaying several local brands on air.

Joyce Foley took second in the Triple C Recipe Contest
with her Chocolate Mascarpone Torta.

      Ka`u Coffee Festival events continue this week and through Sunday. On Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be the Ka`u Mountain Water System Hike at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Fee of $40 includes lunch. Call 928-0550.

      On Friday at 10 a.m. will be Coffee & Cattle Day with an all-you-can-eat buffet for $25 at Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm. Call 927-2252.

      Also on Friday will be Ka`u Star Gazing from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., starting at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Participants enjoy Ka`u’s vast open landscapes and night skies unmarred by city lights. Fee of $35 includes refreshments. Call 928-0550.
      The annual Ho`olaule`a takes place on Saturday at Pahala Community Center, with entertainment from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ka`u Coffee farmers show off their world-class beans with tasting and sales at their booths. Tours of Ka`u Coffee farms and Ka`u Coffee Mill are scheduled throughout the day. The Ka`u Coffee Experience presents the taste and aroma of select Ka`u Coffees, prepared by trained baristas, in a program organized by Ka`u Farm Bureau President Ralph Gaston, Joan Obra and Miguel Meza.

      Ka`u Coffee College closes the festival on Sunday, when visiting coffee experts offer educational talks from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.

      See more on the events at kaucoffeefest.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 Sunday, May 4, 2014

Volcano resident Bill Doar photographed the stages of life of the Kamehameha butterfly.

FREE SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS are available to select low-income households in Ka`u. Households must consist of a family of three to six persons with limited income who currently use an electric hot water heater. 

      The program is jointly sponsored by Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council and Hawai`i Energy. Applicants must attend an energy class to be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 8 at Ocean View Community Center. Others who are interested in energy conservation are also welcome.

Qualified Ka`u residents can apply for free solar hot water systems.
Diagram from energybible.com

      Mary Finley, of HCEOC, said heating water comprises the largest residential use of electricity in the state. It is the goal of Hawai`i Energy to replace conventional electric hot water with hot water produced by solar power. HE estimates solar hot water will save a family 30 to 40 percent of their electricity cost per month while at the same time reducing the state’s dependence on foreign oil.
      Call HCEOC at 961-2681 to register.

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

HAWAI`I STATE LEGISLATURE, WHICH ADJOURNED Thursday, passed several bills related to government reform.
      SB2629 requires lobbyists and specified individuals to report to the Hawai`i State Ethics Commission, within 30 days of adjournment of a special session of the Legislature, on contributions and expenditures made to lobby on legislative matters considered during that special session.
      SB2634 requires individuals who spend more than $750 on lobbying during a statement period to itemize each expenditure in certain categories, as applicable.
      Under SB2682, fifteen boards and commissions will be required to file public financial disclosure statements.
      HB2139 creates a Sunshine Law exemption for counties. It authorizes a limited meeting where any number of county council members may attend a board’s or community group’s meeting to discuss council business, provided that certain requirements are met. The law remains in effect until June 30, 2016.
      Under SB2591, police departments have to disclose more information about police misconduct, reporting to the Legislature how many officers were suspended or fired in a given year and whether the disciplinary action resulted in criminal charges or was still subject to a union appeal.
      The status of these and other bills is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.

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

A Kamehameha butterfly poses on a lemon flower. Photo by Bill Doar

KAMEHAMEHA BUTTERFLIES enjoy living in mamaki tea plants, and area residents are on the lookout for these endangered native butterflies. While exact locations of the rare Kamehameha are not being revealed by those documenting their whereabouts, some photos of the caterpillars and emerging young Kamehameha butterflies are being taken by photographer Bill Doar in Volcano. Doar recently recorded the caterpillar and its complete transformation into a butterfly. 

      Doar said there are additional Kamehameha caterpillars that he is documenting, including those living inside a rolled up mamaki leaf. He also reported a Kamehameha butterfly on a lemon tree. University of Hawai`i scientists are studying how temperature affects development time of the chrysalis for such insects, hoping to establish a lab colony of Kamehameha for research. It may be that it takes longer in colder elevations for the caterpillar to become a butterfly. Those seeing the Kamehameha butterfly are asked to send photos and reports to pulelehua@ctahr.hawaii.edu.

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Rachelle Agrigado

Janine Balsis

SEVEN DISTINGUISHED JUDGES MAKE THEIR CHOICES for Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Ka`u Peaberry this evening at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Doors open at 6 p.m.

      Rachelle Agrigado was the choreographer of the Junior Miss Hawai`i Filipina pageant opening number and a trainer for Miss Hawai`i Island Filipina. She is currently director of Lihu`e Hawai`i Productions that produces the Young Miss Lihu`e Hawai`i and Miss Teen Lihu`e Hawai`i pageants, a preliminary to the state Miss Hawai`i Junior High and Miss Hawai`i High School pageants. She is an accomplished hula dancer, formerly with Ray Fonseca’s Halau Hula `O Kahikilaulani.
      Janine Balsis is student activities and testing coordinator at Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School. After spending a few years on the East Coast and O`ahu, Balsis is enjoying reconnecting with her home on the Big Island. She will be re-igniting her own educational goals at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa this summer as she works toward earning her master’s degree in Educational Foundations with a focus on Educational Leadership in the Asia-Pacific region.

Jennifer Ka`aihue

Ulu Makuakane

      Jennifer Ka`aihue was 1992 Miss Hawai‘i Island Filipina. She was a co-coordinator for the 2011 Miss Hawai‘i Island Filipina pageant. She has been involved as a pageant judge in previous pageants such as Young Miss Hawai`i Filipina, Miss Hawai`i Island Filipina and Miss Ka`u Coffee. She is currently a director of Lehua Hawai`i Productions that produces the Young Miss Lehua Hawai`i and Miss Teen Lehua Hawai`i pageants, a preliminary to the state Miss Hawai`i Junior High and Miss Hawai`i High School pageants.
      Ulu Makuakane was born and raised in Ka`u and now resides in Makakilo, O`ahu. She is a 2010 Ka`u High School alumna who after graduation moved to O`ahu to further her college education and gain more opportunity. She works at the Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, as a performer and hula dancer, performing for multiple family programs including the Aulani Starlit Hui. For work, she has recently been offered the title as a Hui trainer, and this position will allow her to train new cast members the hula choreography for a weekly show. Since her reign as Miss Ka`u Coffee 2010, Makuakane has entered two other pageants. She said, “After gaining the Miss Hawaiian Islands title, I was fortunate enough to compete for Miss South Pacific in December hosted in the Solomon Islands. As a former Miss Ka`u Coffee, I know what it feels like to be in these young ladies’ shoes. They have all worked very hard, and I know they will do their best to represent Ka`u, Ka`u Coffee, their families and their community. I wish them all the best of luck. Laki Maika`i!”

Bruce Mathews

Mitch Roth

      Bruce Mathews is a professor of soil science and agronomy at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo and has worked there since 1993. Mathews currently serves as interim dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management. He has traveled to the Philippines on several projects related to his work and did a sabbatical leave there during 2001-2002.
      Mitch Roth came to Hawai`i in 1983 to attend the University of Hawai`i at Manoa and then received a Jurist Doctorate at Whittier Law School in Los Angeles. After graduating, he returned to Hawai`i as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Honolulu. In 1998, he left Honolulu to become a Deputy Prosecutor and Community Oriented Prosecutor in Hawai`i County. Since coming to the Big Island, Roth has held key positions in numerous government and community organizations and he has been involved with a number of activities in the community.

Kevin Hopkins

Fred Tomas

      Fred Tomas is an event consultant and designer. In 2003 he founded and owns Tomas International, which specializes in full-service event planning, design and management for social celebrations, corporate events and nonprofit and community festivals. He is also the chief floral stylist for Kammy’s Flower Garden in Hilo. Currently he serves as Board of Governor for the United Filipino Council of Hawai`i and Director for the Big Island Filipino Community Council. Tomas also volunteers for nonprofit organizations such as Junior Achievement.

      Pageant auditor is Dr. Kevin D. Hopkins, an internationally known scientist who has managed aquaculture and fisheries development projects throughout the world for more than 35 years. Hopkins is currently a professor in the College of Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resources Management at University of Hawai`i at Hilo. He has served as auditor in previous Miss Hawai`i Island Filipina pageants and in numerous Filipino cultural fashion shows.

      For more information about the pageant, call Gloria Camba at 928-8558.

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

THE INN AT KALAEKILOHANA hosted its third annual Farmers’ Table event last night for the Ka`u Coffee Festival with dozens enjoying fresh food from Ka`u. Organically grown vegetables came from the new Earth Matters Farm at the corner of South Point and Kama`oa Roads. Grass-fed beef came from the Galimba ranch, and fish from the sea. 

      Host and chef Kenny Joyce noticed that there was record attendance of farmers at the annual dinner, among them Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba and Rogelio Aquino, famed coffee farmers Lorie Obra and Lisa Dacalio and Greg Smith from Earth Matters. Music was by `Eke Kekauoka Trio. Ka`u Coffee ice cream and pastries by Chef Janel Panek were featured. Host Kilohana Domingo also expressed his appreciation of the agricultural community and bounty of Ka`u.

The public is invited to Ka`u Coffee Mill for today's Triple C Recipe Contest, featuring
free coffee and recipe tastings, as well as entertainment. Photo by Julia Neal

      For more on Kalaekilohana, see kau-hawaii.com.

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

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO THE Triple C Recipe Contest today 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.
      Participants earn up to $500 in prizes for the best recipes in adult and student categories.

KA `OHANA O HONU`APO INVITES KA`U RESIDENTS to Sunday in the Park, today 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 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.