Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, June 1, 2014

Pahala residents Royden Okinishi, at left, and Dexter Lee, holding clipboard, at yesterday's archery tournament.
Photo by Alan Moores

A BILL REQUIRING SITE VISITS TO PLANNED SUBDIVISIONS is on the Planning Committee’s meeting agenda for Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Hawai`i County’s Leeward Planning Commission recently forwarded it to the County Council with an unfavorable recommendation. Ka`u’s County Council Member Brenda Ford introduced Bill 182 in an attempt to prevent the Planning Department from approving projects that violate community development plans. 

      The Planning Commission’s opinion states, “To require a site inspection for every application is not a practical use of (Planning Department) staff time. Simple consolidation or small lot subdivisions may not require a site inspection.

Royden Okinishi aims his bow during yesterday's archery tournament
that he helped organize.

      “With technological advancements, a number of software programs, such as Google Earth, Geographic Information Systems and Pictometry, are available to assist planners with identifying general characteristics of the affected property(ies) without having to physically inspect each site. Through these resources, a majority of the information required under Sections 23-63 to 23-66 of the Subdivision Code can be reasonably reviewed using existing resources without conducting a site inspection for each property.
      “Further, current staffing levels within the Planning Department would make it impossible to conduct a site visit for every subdivision application submitted to the department. Again, accuracy of preparing a preliminary plat map is the responsibility of the applicant with revisions based on review by applicable agencies using their staff expertise.
      “The Planning Department has two planners assigned to review and process all subdivision and consolidation applications islandwide. This is in addition to their other responsibilities. In 2013, the Planning Department received 107 subdivision applications and 31 consolidation applications. There is a great amount of work required by staff to review and process the subdivision and consolidation applications from time of submittal to issuance of final subdivision approval. The assigned planners review the preliminary plat to confirm if the information required under ... the Subdivision Code have been identified and noted or depicted on the preliminary plat map. With the current upswing in our economy, we anticipate that subdivision applications will continue to increase.”
      Planning Program Manager Daryn Arai offered a suggestion to the County Council to consider an amendment that would require that the preliminary plat map also be prepared by a licensed engineer or surveyor. Right now, the preliminary plat map does not have to be prepared by those professionals.
      Commissioner Miles Miyasato responded, “The only reason I’m not including that is for me, it’s a little unfair for someone to pay for that expense, not even at a preliminary point, so I would … leave that up to the Council if they want to put that in, but for me, I feel that’s a little unfair to incur those expenses.”
      See hawaiicounty.gov for more information and agenda.

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

Ocean View Community Center offers teleconferencing of this week's
county government meetings.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in Hawai`i County government meetings this week. County Council holds a special meeting Monday at 9 a.m. for its second reading of the County Operating & Capital Improvement Project budgets.
      Committees meet Tuesday, with Government Relations & Economic Development at 9 a.m.; Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability, 9:15 a.m.; Finance, 9:30 a.m.; and Planning, 10:30 a.m.
      Hawai`i County Council hold its regular meeting Wednesday at 9 a.m.
      All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo. Videoconferencing is available at Ocean View Community Center.
      Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

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

Pahala resident Alan Moores with one of the three-dimensional targets at
yesterday's archery tournament. Photo by Royden Okinishi

KA`U ARCHERS PARTICIPATED in Hawai`i Island Archery Club’s One Shot One Kill tournament yesterday. Held a Kaohe Game Management Area on Saddle Road, archers shot at 28 three-dimensional unmarked targets, one arrow per target. Pahala residents Royden Okinishi and Dexter Lee attended, with Lee helping with the scorekeeping. Okinishi explained the set-up: “The targets are set at different yards from in your face – close to 60-some yards. They score your shooting by who can get closer to the kill zone rings on the targets, the x-ring being the smallest and working out 10 points, five points, and if you miss the whole thing, zero.” 

      Also participating was Pahala resident Alan Moores.
      Kapapala Ranch in Ka`u often hosts similar events, with the last one in February.
      For more information, see facebook.com/hawaiiislandarcheryclub.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF HURRICANE SEASON, Hawai`i County urges Ka`u residents to create a family disaster plan. Information is available on county Civil Defense Agency’s webpage at hawaiicounty.gov/civil-defense.
      The guide lists steps to take in making a family disaster plan.
      First, gather information about hazards.
      Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management office and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans. Assess your risks and identify ways to make your home and property more secure.

Assembling a first-aid kit is part of hurricane preparedness.

      Next, meet with your family to create a disaster plan. Discuss your plan with your family. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.
      Then, implement your plan.

1. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone. 
2. Install safety features in your house, such as smoke alarm and fire extinguishers. 
3. Inspect your home for potential hazards (items that can move, fall, break or catch fire) and correct them. 
4. Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home. 
5. Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency number. 
6. Keep enough supplies in your home for at least seven days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important documents. 

      Civil Defense lists items to include in a Disaster Supplies Kit:

• A seven-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day); 
• Non-perishable food; 
• One change of clothing and shoes per person; 
• Prescription and non-prescription medicines; 
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person; 
• First-aid kit; 
• Battery-powered NWR and a portable radio; 
• Emergency tools; 
• Flashlight, extra batteries; 
• Extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash; 
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members. 

      Last, practice and maintain your plan. Ensure your family knows meeting places, phone numbers and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke alarms monthly, and change the batteries at least once each year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace stored water and food every six months. Contact your local National Weather Service office, American Red Cross chapter or emergency management office for a copy of Preparing for Disaster (Red Cross A4600/FEMA475).

      See more about hurricane preparedness in future Ka`u News Briefs.

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

A tour of Clayton Amemiya's pottery studio is set for Friday.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

HARDWARE SCIENCE TAKES PLACE at Na`alehu Public Library Tuesday at 3 p.m. The program uses simple equipment and tools available at hardware and craft stores to teach Science, Technology, Math, Art and Engineering concepts by providing hands-on experiences that can be replicated at home. Program is recommended for ages 8 years old and up. 

      Call 939-2442 for more information.

THERE ARE STILL A FEW SPACES AVAILABLE ON THE TOUR to Clayton Amemiya’s pottery studio during the firing of his unique anagama kiln. The Friday, June 6 tour will allow a close-up look into the process of wood firing. It takes place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Amemiya’s studio north of Hilo. Pieces from this firing will be included in Amemiya’s solo show opening July 26 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      The cost for this event is $55 and includes a tea cup from the artist.
      Reservations are required.
      For more information or to make reservations, call 967-8222 or see volcanoartcenter.org.

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

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Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, May 31, 2014

Kahuku Unit of Hawa`i Volcanoes National Park invites everyone to programs in June, including the Palm Trail Hike, which crosses this 1868 lava flow. Photo from NPS

THE COST OF SOLAR PLUS STORAGE for residential consumers of electricity in Hawai`i is already competitive with the price of utility grid power, according to Barclays, the seventh largest bank in the world. Barclays has downgraded the entire U.S. electric sector corporate bond market over concerns that declining cost trends in distributed solar photovoltaic power generation and residential-scale power storage is likely to disrupt the status quo. While utilities account for almost 7.5 percent of Barclays’ U.S. Corporate Index by market value, according to Michael Aneiro of Barron’s Magazine, the bank is recommending that investors consider alternatives to utilities in areas where solar plus storage is competitive.

      According to a report from Barclays, “in the 100-plus year history of the electric utility industry, there has never before been a truly cost-competitive substitute available for grid power. We believe that solar plus storage could reconfigure the organization and regulation of the electric power business over the coming decade. We see near-term risks to credit from regulators and utilities falling behind the solar plus storage adoption curve and long-term risks from a comprehensive re-imagining of the role utilities play in providing electric power.”

Rob Wile, of Business Insider

      Reporting on Barclays’ downgrade, Rob Wile, of Business Insider, said times are changing for the “regulated monopolies” which “face almost no competition and enjoy access to cheap credit.
      “Cheap solar panels combined with cheap storage will spark a grid ‘defection spiral’ that will pry away utilities’ grip on the power monopoly.”
      Wile noted that Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates that the annual output of PV modules increased almost 30 times in the past decade, making them much cheaper, and battery storage system costs have declined from as much as $17,000 in 2009 to about $3,700 in 2013.
      “It’s been a good run (for the utilities),” Wile concluded.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

“IT COMES AS NO SURPRISE TO THOSE of us in Hawai`i who know Gen. Eric Shinseki that he would assume responsibility for the reprehensible conduct of those in the VA, whose misconduct has led to unacceptable delays in serving the veterans for whom he has been and is a champion,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie regarding the resignation of the Kauai-born U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
      “Twice wounded himself, he has had as his chief ambition since becoming secretary, the welfare of veterans and their families,” Abercrombie said. “That accounts for his resignation today. A man of Gen. Shinseki’s integrity could not allow focus on him to obscure taking the necessary steps to address the pressing issues involved. 

      “It is a measure of his values, Hawai`i’s values and his lifelong commitment to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces that he wants his resignation to lead to a systematic review of, and the taking of action on, the challenges facing the VA in terms of personnel and program support.
      “Eric Shinseki was and is a true son of Hawai`i.”

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

HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS TOMORROW and continues through Nov. 30. Are you ready? A Hurricane Preparedness Guide is available on the Civil Defense page of hawaiicounty.gov.
      The guide tells what Ka`u residents should do to get ready for a disaster in advance:

• Determine safe evacuation routes; 
• Learn locations of official shelters; 
• Make emergency plans for pets; 
• Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards and cell phones; 
• Buy food that will keep, and store drinking water; 
• Buy plywood or other material to protect your home; 
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts; 
• Trim trees and shrubbery; 
• Determine where to move boats in an emergency; and
• Review insurance policies. 

      See more on hurricane preparedness in future Ka`u News Briefs.

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

IMPROVING LAVA-FLOW RISK ASSESSMENT for populated areas is the topic of the current issue of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Volcano Watch. HVO is testing a new technique that can help identify structures, thereby enabling civil authorities to know how many are in a geographic region threatened by lava flows.
      Hawaiian Ocean View Estates was one area where HVO ran tests involving image classification. They used satellite images in combination with geographic information systems software to locate and classify structures. They then checked their accuracy by going into the area and manually counting the number of structures.
      “Our study shows that classifying satellite images can be useful in estimating the number of structures potentially in harm’s way,” HVO concluded. “Ultimately, it will enhance our ability to assess our island’s vulnerability to future lava flows.”

      For more, see hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE in Hawai`i County government meetings this week. County Council holds a special meeting Monday at 9 a.m. for its second reading of the County Operating & Capital Improvement Project budgets.
      Committees meet Tuesday, with Government Relations & Economic Development at 9 a.m.; Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability, 9:15 a.m.; Finance, 9:30 a.m.; and Planning, 10:30 a.m.
      Hawai`i County Council hold its regular meeting Wednesday at 9 a.m.
      All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo. Videoconferencing is available at Ocean View Community Center.
      Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

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

NA`ALEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS a Hardware Science Program Tuesday at 3 p.m. HouseMart, Ben Franklin Crafts and Ace Hardware are partnering with Hawai`i State Publi Library System to present this inspiring program that uses simple equipment and tools available at hardware and craft stores to teach Science, Technology, Math, Art and Engineering concepts by providing hands-on experiences that can be replicated at home. Program is recommended for ages 8 years old and up.
      Call 939-2442 for more information.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK INVITES KA`U residents to participate in free Kahuku programs in June.
      During the `Ohi`a Lehua program, participants learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a tree, and the lehua flower. Visitors traveling through the park will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent tree in the Kahuku Unit. The program is offered Sunday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Yellow `ohia lehua is one of many forms of the `ohi`a tree found at Hawai`i
Volcanoes National Park's Kahuku Unit. Photo by Dave Boyle

      People and Land of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped and restored this land. The guided hike is offered Sunday, June 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
      Palm Trail is a moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered Sunday, June 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
      For all programs, enter the Kahuku unit on the mauka side of Hwy 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
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Ka`u News Briefs Friday, May 30, 2014

Today is the last day of school for students attending Ka`u's public schools. The 2014-2015 session begins Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Photo by Julia Neal

MEMBERS OF KA`U’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL delegation have issued statements regarding the resignation of Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. Shinseki, from Kaua`i, resigned following an investigation that found falsification of appointment records at VA hospitals and suggestions that many veterans did not receive needed treatment.

Eric Shinseki, former Veterans Affairs Secretary.

      Sen. Mazie Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services and the Veterans’ Affairs committees, said 

“Gen. Eric Shinseki’s patriotism and dedication to this nation is without parallel. I’ve had a number of opportunities to talk directly with Gen. Shinseki about the challenges facing the VA. I agree with the President’s statement that his ‘commitment to our veterans is unquestioned.’


      “I respect the Secretary’s decision to step aside in order to avoid being a distraction. The focus should be on delivering care to our veterans and ensuring the VA has the necessary resources to accomplish that. As I’ve done all year long, I met with veterans groups in Hawai`i this week to discuss their firsthand experiences with the VA. I will take their comments, insights and concerns back to D.C. to inform my work to address the unacceptable situation that has been uncovered.”


      Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, 
“Gen. Eric Shinseki is an American hero; he is a man of character and integrity, with a deep love and commitment for serving our country. Veterans everywhere, and the people of Gen. Shinseki’s home state of Hawai`i, continue to have great love and respect for him and his service.
 

      “But this day is not about Gen. Shinseki. This day is about all of our service members and veterans, and the tragedy that has been occurring within the VA, an organization which has lost sight of its mission. Our loyalty, anger, and hurt must be focused on taking action to ensure that not another day passes where a veteran in need remains waiting in the dark. We are facing a crisis, with veterans waiting months and sometimes years on official or secret waiting lists, while others are lost in the bureaucracy. This is unacceptable and dishonors these great Americans who sacrificed so much.
      “I am currently drafting legislation that will ensure that veterans are immediately able to access care from a doctor, whether in the VA system or not. This is an urgent action that must be taken to begin to deal with the immediate crisis and ensure all veterans are getting the care they need. Until the VA undergoes a systemic overhaul and is once again able to deliver the highest standard of care to our veterans, we need to take creative steps that will yield immediate results.”

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

HAWAI`I’S ENERGY EXCELERATOR IS SEEKING 14 energy startup companies to participate in its upcoming cohort. As part of the mentoring program, the excelerator will provide $5 million in funding and mentorship to help the startups bring their ideas to market. Of the 14 companies selected for the program, Excelerator directors are looking for eight in the seed stage and six in the growth stage. Seed-stage startups will be matched with mentors and awarded $75,000 to strengthen their business models and go-to-market strategies. Growth-stage companies will receive up to $1 million, which must be matched by private funding, to demonstrate their solutions in an early market. 

      Startups with solutions that help solve Hawai`i’s two main energy challenges, integration and resilience, are strongly encouraged to apply. In particular, Excelerator leaders are seeking technologies and business models that advance clean energy across the whole system in the areas of grid, transportation, agriculture and water. Technologies and business models that build security and flexibility into Hawai`i’s energy systems are also encouraged to apply for the cohort. This includes both near-term physical security and long-term economic security technologies.
      Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Office of Naval Research, the energy excelerator is part of the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research, a Hawai`i-based nonprofit that helps spur technology development in the Pacific Rim.
      Founded in 1983, PICHTR has been working to reduce Hawai`i’s dependence on oil. Eight years ago, after the state adopted a goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030, PICHTR launched the Hawai`i Renewable Energy Development Venture to help fund energy innovation with $9 million of support from the U.S. Department of Energy.
      To facilitate startup energy companies’ access to needed mentoring and strategic connections in addition to funding, PICHTR launched the Energy Excelerator in January 2013 with an additional $30 million in funding from Navy’s Office of Naval Research.
      The deadline to apply is June 30. Applying companies then go through a three-round selection process, with the final 14 companies selected Sept. 15.
      For more information, see energyexcelerator.com.

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

Kamana`opono Crabbe

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS MAY NOT BE THE BEST agency to facilitate the nation-building process, CEO Kamana`opono Crabbe said after a meeting yesterday where OHA trustees discussed how to move the process forward. While Crabbe wants to continue public outreach and education about the process, Anita Hofschneider, of Civil Beat, reports Crabbe saying, “It’s imperative for us to establish some political protection as soon as possible.” He also said there is “political will amongst our people to establish or restore our government that is an extension of the legacy of Queen Liliokalani.”     

      Hofschneider described the differing perspectives on the nation-building process. Some want it “to move forward as planned and believe federal or state recognition is the best option for the indigenous community. … Many others want greater independence, citing the current occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom by the U.S. government.
      “A popular refrain during public testimony Thursday morning was that Hawaiian sovereignty endures and that federal recognition similar to that of many Native American tribes wouldn’t be adequate.”
      OHA recently held 18 meetings throughout the state urging Hawaiians to sign up for the Official Roll, with the first one held April 5 in Pahala. The Kana`iolowalu Roll currently has about 130,000 names. OHA trustee Dan Ahuna pointed out during the meeting that 350,000 Native Hawaiians chose not to sign the roll.
      See civilbeat.com.

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

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL for Ka`u’s public school students. First day of the next session is Tuesday, Aug. 5.

STARTING IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, a child must be five years old on or before July 31 to enter kindergarten. The change is a result of Act 183 of 2010 and Act 178 of 2012 (Session Laws of Hawai`i), which noted that younger children may be more appropriately placed in a prekindergarten program.
      For more information, see earlylearninghawaii.gov.

Today is the last day to register for wimming lessons at Pahala pool this summer.
Photo by Tanya Ibarra

THE FIRST SELECTION FOR PREKINDERGARTEN CLASSES in Ka`u takes place today. Beginning the 2014-2015 school year, Na`alehu and Pahala elementary schools will each offer a prekindergarten classroom to prepare as many four-year-olds as possible for kindergarten. 

      Children born on or between Aug. 1, 2009, and July 31, 2010, and eligible for free- and reduced-price meals, may be eligible for the program. Also this year, priority will be given to children born on or between Aug. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009.
      The intent of the new program is to ensure that children will be ready to succeed in kindergarten, said GG Weisenfeld, director of the state Executive Office on Early Learning. The program will have a developmentally appropriate curriculum for four-year-olds, focus on child outcomes and
 include ongoing professional development for teachers.
      Student application packets are available at school offices. For more information, see earlylearninghawaii.gov and click on the DOE-EOEL Prekindergarten Program tab, or call 808-586-0794.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER for Keiki Summer Fun Learn to Swim programs at Pahala Pool. Held mornings Monday through Friday, four two-week sessions are scheduled beginning June 2, 16, 30 and July 14. Fee is $15 per child.
      For more information, call 928-8177.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.