Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, July 13, 2014

Courtney Okinishi takes first in the women's traditional division at Kapapala Ranch yesterday, where Hawai`i Island Archery club held a tournament. Photo from Royden Okinishi

THE FLEDGLING KA`U BRANCH of Hawai`i Farmers Union United held an organizing meeting last night at Ka`u Coffeehouse in Na`alehu, and David Case, the statewide secretary of the organization, reviewed the history of the national Farmers Union United founded in 1902.
      He said that the Farmers Union is unrelated to labor unions, predating them. He said Farmers Union United was formed to help family farms with such efforts as getting products to market. He said it was founded at a time when the name “union” meant cooperating, as with electrical co-ops that were organizing to bring energy to farms across the nation. Union was a commonly used term and often used to refer to the country, the United States.

State Rep. Richard Creagan encourages small
farmers to become involved in the political process.

      Case described the organization as a “bottoms up” group where leaders represent members and do not act on their own without discussion and approval by members. He said conflict of interest rules prevent leaders from using the organization for personal benefit.
      He said the Farmers Union is set up to protect and benefit small family farms. He contrasted its history with the American Farm Bureau, which he contended was “founded by the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts” to serve corporate agriculture, with different goals than the Farmers Union.
      Case said Hawai`i Farmers Union is approaching 500 members. Membership is $45 a year, with $5 going to the national organization, which has offices in Washington, D.C.
      Legislation, education and enterprise are priorities, he said. The organization is increasingly involved at Hawai`i state Legislature each year.
      State Rep. Richard Creagan, who is acting vice-president of the Ka`u branch, said it is important for small farmers to become more involved in the political process. County Council candidate Richard Abbett, who is acting treasurer of the Ka`u branch, said later that he is volunteering his services to help at the Legislature as he has extensive experience in advocating on behalf of community organizations at state Legislatures.
      The meeting also included a presentation on fig farming in Ka`u and a discussion on possible products from hardy and pesky plants, from Christmas berry to guava and “Hawaiian oregano.”
      Ka`u Natural Farming practices and ideas came from speaker Richard Perea.
      See hfuuhi.org.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A new report offers suggestions on improving Hawai`i
Island's transportation systems.

“DESPITE THE GEOGRAPHICAL COMPLEXITIES associated with islandwide transportation connectivity and accessibility, there are a number of optimizing cost-effective technological innovations available both in public transit and through the private sector.” This is the conclusion of a report by the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment for The Kohala Center. 

      According to the report, while the average public transit commute time for rural areas is 50 minutes, Hawai`i Island’s average is 68 minutes.
      The report calls for improvements to the Hele-On bus system to increase ridership and reduce personal vehicle use. Suggestions include redesigning routes with more direct and express trips, clearly defining stops and scheduling service to optimize times and peak hours.
      Improving communication would also increase Hele-On ridership, the report says. It suggests upgrading and redesigning the mass transit system’s web page to make it user-friendly, interactive and intuitive. It also calls for clear signs at designated bus stops, clear and more intuitive route mapping, major communication campaigns when changes are made and web and mobile phone applications with GPS tracking of vehicles.
      Car-share and ride-share services would also reduce the number of personal vehicles on roads, the report states. It suggests engaging the business community to introduce such programs and implementing car-share services in existing rental car agencies.
      The report, Expanding Transportation Opportunities on Hawai`i Island, is available at deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/106554/Hawaii%20Transit_Final_for%20distribution_2014.pdf?sequence=1.

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

Eight-man football returns to Ka`u High in the upcoming school year.
Photo by Dave Berry

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL TROJANS’ EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL TEAM will have more opportunities to play in the upcoming season. Following Ka`u High’s pioneering effort in fielding Hawai`i Island’s first eight-man team when there weren’t enough players for an 11-man team last season, Pahoa and Kohala plan to have eight-man teams this year, reports J.R. De Groote, of West Hawai`i Today. 

      While there are still not enough leagues to have an official eight-man football state championship, Ka`u athletic director Kalei Namohala told De Groote she has spoken with Maui Interscholastic League’s coordinator about the possibility of a champion vs. champion post-season matchup.
      “I’m glad that we got to do eight-man last year,” Namohala said. “I’m so proud of our kids, coaches and community that embraced it. I believe in helping our students succeed in life through whatever positive means available and within our limitations.”

      See westhawaiitoday.com.

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

U.S. SENS. BRIAN SCHATZ AND MAZIE HIRONO are cosponsors of the Protect Women’s Health from Corporate Interference Act that Schatz said “would protect families from corporate interference and make sure that employers cannot deny women essential health benefits mandated by federal law,” including birth control coverage.



      “Corporations aren’t people, and they should not be given Constitutional rights,” Schatz said. “The health and welfare of people should always come before corporations. Our bill will ensure women have the right to make personal health care decisions for themselves and their families.”

      In a divided decision regarding a case brought by owners of Hobby Lobby stores, the U.S. Supreme Court last month ruled that closely held private corporations can impose their religious beliefs on women by denying them birth control coverage as part of their health insurance.

Archers like Courtney Okinishi shot their arrows at targets
representing game during a tournament at Kapapala.
Photo from Royden Okinishi

      Hirono denounced the Supreme Court’s five-to-four decision. “The Supreme Court based this decision on the fact that Hobby Lobby is a ‘closely held corporation,’ and therefore the religious liberty of the humans who own and control the corporation must be protected,” she said. “I disagree with the five Justices’ interpretation of the applicable federal law and will join my colleagues to overturn this decision so that women who work for companies like Hobby Lobby will have access to health care coverage to which they are entitled.”

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

COURTNEY OKINISHI, of Pahala, took first place in the women’s traditional division at Hawai`i Island Archery Club’s tournament at Kapapala Ranch yesterday. Alan Moores, of Pahala, took first in the seniors’ division. The archers shoot at targets designed to look like game across the pastures and woodlands of the ranch. 

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee’s meeting tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church.

VOLUNTEERS WHO WANT TO PARTICIPATE in Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Forest Restoration Project on Friday, July 18 must register by tomorrow. The non-profit invites volunteers to remove knotweed and other invasive plants in an area of Mauna Loa strip. To register, call 352-1402.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK PRESENTS HULA PERFORMANCES Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

      Halau Hula Kamamolikolehua, under the direction of kumu hula Pohai Souza, shares hula hula `auana. Also on stage are Halau Hula Kalehuapuakea, with kumu hula Keu Ostrem, and Halau Hula Kamaluokukui, under the direction of kumu hula Malina Kaulukukui. Music is performed by Kualoa, featuring Kula Abiva and Poki`i Vaughan.
      The program is free; park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support After Dark programs.

KA`U HOSPITAL HOSTS THE ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING of East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors for Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. this Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m. Island residents are invited to attend this meeting, which will be specific to Ka`u and its surrounding community.
      An overview of services offered at Ka`u Hospital and its rural health clinic will be presented prior to opening up the floor for comments and suggestions on the provision of healthcare for the residents of East Hawai`i.
      For more information, call Terry Larson, Administration Secretary at 932-3103.

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, July 12, 2014

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's 34th annual Cultural Festival is happening today until 3 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit. Last year, Tyler Amaral and other youth rangers introduced Hawaiian foods to festival-goers. NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

“WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR KA`U? “What weight will you give to community testimony?” Moderator Kristine Kubat, of Recycle Hawai`i, posed these questions to Hawai`i County Council District Six candidates at a forum held Wednesday at Pahala Community Center. 

      Maile David, of Captain Cook, said, “The direction of Ka`u has to be in the hands of the citizens. It’s the people’s right to decide where they want to go.” She said she would make decisions based on community input. She brought up the Ka`u Community Development Plan, saying it is “a document that drives what the community wants. We need to complete it and implement it.”

      Richard Abbett, of Ocean View, said, “Ka`u need to remain wild,” while acknowledging and supporting its agricultural economy. He said he was involved in CDPs in Washington, where he saw development as the “result of a stacked deck.” He also said he agrees with council member Brenda Ford’s effort to require the county Planning director to visit every site of development, “even if it is expensive.” Ford had introduced Bill 182 at the County Council in an attempt to prevent the Planning Department from approving projects that violate Community Development Plans, but it did not pass.

Hawai`i County Council District Six candidates answered questions at
Pahala Community Center Wednesday. From left are Jim Wilson,
Maile David and Richard Abbett. Photo from Bob Ernst

      Regarding his vision of Ka`u, Jim Wilson, of Volcano, said he, as a council member, would “reflect what the community wants.” Regarding public testimony, Wilson said, “You have to give it every weight.”
      When asked if they support home rule for all issues in the county, all candidates said they do.
      An audience member asked, “How will you represent we the people in a corrupt political system” that includes “greed and corporate buy-off?”
      Wilson said there’s no room for corruption.
      David said, “Corruption happens when you participate in corruption. I will not be corrupt.”
      Abbett pointed to his work in fisheries, where he “bent the will of the greedy to the will of the community.”
      In closing, Kubat asked, “Why should environmentalists vote for you?”
      Wilson said, “Everybody has to be an environmentalist. I have no problem doing what I can do to help out.”
      David pointed to her “track record” and support of “our need to keep our island from being overly developed in an insensitive way.”
      Abbett said he has a “long, proven record of environmental protection. We need to know how ecosystems work and that balance creates a diversity of species.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u Hospital has released its Community Health Needs Assessment.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HOSPITAL’S COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE has prioritized health needs of the community and strategies to address those needs. Its recommendations are reported in the Community Health Needs Assessment, based on information gathered through surveys and community meetings. 

      One priority identified is improving access to primary and specialty care. The committee recommends that the hospital review its clinic’s practices to improve access for existing patients and add primary care providers to match demand. The report notes that “critical mass” is needed to support additional providers.
      Another suggestion is for the hospital to investigate opportunities for telehealth to improve access to specialty care or opportunities to share clinic space with visiting specialists.
      The committee also recommends exploring options to bring some form of dialysis care to Ka`u and to promote access to prenatal care here.
      To improve access to physical therapy, the committee suggests that Ka`u Hospital could consider building an inpatient rehabilitation program, pending its ability to obtain therapy staff.
      The report also suggests that the hospital aim to provide outpatient physical therapy after hospital renovation creates additional outpatient space.
      Another identified priority is to improve access to more imaging services, including CT, ultrasound and mammograms. While Ka`u Hospital currently has the ability to do emergency ultrasounds, the committee recommends further assessment of costs and benefits of additional imaging therapies.
      Next Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m., Ka`u Hospital hosts the annual public meeting of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.’s East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors.

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

Christopher Yuen

FORMER HAWAI`I COUNTY PLANNING DIRECTOR Christopher Yuen is one of three new nominations to the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. All are interim appointments effective immediately and are subject to state Senate approval.
      Yuen fills an at-large seat and a BLNR requirement of having experience in conservation.
      Yuen, a resident of Ninole, held BLNR’s Hawai`i County seat from 1990 to 1998. He is currently on advisory councils for the Laupahoehoe and Puuwaawaa Experimental Tropical Forest. Since 1995, Yuen has been owner and manager of The Family Farm, Inc., a 20-acre certified organic farm supplying local markets with bananas, lychees and rambutans. Previously, he was also Hawai`i County’s deputy corporation counsel, an interpretive naturalist for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and a private attorney.
      Yuen received a bachelor’s degree in human biology from Stanford University, a master’s degree in environmental science from State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a juris doctorate from UH William S. Richardson School of Law.
      Other nominations are Vernon Char and Ulalia Woodside, both of O`ahu.
      “Because of several recent resignations, these appointments were expedited to ensure that the land board would have sufficient members to conduct business without interruption to its meeting schedule,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said. “Vernon, Ulalia and Chris all have extensive background in public service, and Hawai`i’s resources will benefit from their commitment and passion.”
      The Department of Land and Natural Resources, headed by an executive BLNR, is responsible for managing, administering and exercising control over public lands, water resources, ocean waters, navigable streams, coastal areas (except commercial harbors), minerals and all interests therein within the state, as well as 750 miles of coastline.

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

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY IS FEATURED in the July/August issue of AAA Magazine, along with three other Hawai`i Island byways. Ka`u Scenic Byway follows Hwy 11 and side roads from Manuka State Wayside to Volcano Village. 

      Under Highlights, the magazine lists Manuka Natural Area Reserve, Kula Kai Caverns, scenic overlook with views of South Point, Kahuku section of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Honu`apo Bay, Punalu`u Beach, Tibetan Buddhist Temple and Ka`u Desert Trail. 

      The byways “all tell a special story,” Hawai`i Scenic Byways coordinator David Zevenbergen told writer Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi. “They have outstanding traits that deserve recognition and protection. They also benefit when citizens, business and community groups, and state and federal agencies work together to preserve their beauty and unique character.” 

      The public is invited to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee’s meeting Monday at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church.

      For more information about the meeting, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

      More information about the byways is available at hawaiiscenicbyways.org.

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

Tim Tunison guides a hike on Mauna Loa Trail tomorrow.
Photo by Lanaya Deily

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK hosts the park’s 34th annual Cultural Festival today until 3 p.m.
      Participants enjoy hula kahiko and music, watch skilled practitioners demonstrate their art, try their hand at Hawaiian crafts and taste traditional Hawaiian foods.
      Call 985-6011 or email havo_interpretation@nps.gov for more information.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED’S KA`U chapter holds its next meeting today at Ka`u Coffeehouse & Guesthouse in Na`alehu at 5 p.m.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOSTS A KA`U COAST CLEANUP at Kamilo Point tomorrow. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool to the site. Sign up at 769-7629 or kahakaicleanups@gmail.com.

BOTANIST TIM TUNISON GUIDES A FIVE-HOUR, four-mile, round-trip hike exploring the subalpine zone of the Mauna Loa Trail tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free for Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park members; nonmembers are invited to join in order to attend. Email admin@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, July 11, 2014

Ka`u residents and Hawai`i Wildlife Fund representatives return to Kamilo Point on Sunday to continue their efforts to rid the extremely vulnerable site of a continuous flow of marine debris. Photo from HWF

A WASTE-TO-ENERGY SYSTEM THAT WOULD INCINERATE trash to create electricity was a hot topic at the County Council District Six candidate forum held Wednesday at Pahala Community Center. Systems under consideration focus on maximizing the flow of trash from around the island into an incinerator in Hilo. The garbage would be trucked from as far away as Waimea, the Hamakua Coast, Pahala and Wai`ohinu.

Richard Abbett

      Moderator Bob Ernst, of the Sierra Club, told the candidates Mayor Billy Kenoi’s administration is currently considering proposals by three waste-to-energy companies offering alternatives to dumping trash into landfills. Covanta Energy Corp., Green Conversion Systems, Inc. and Wheelabrator Technologies, Inc. made the short list out of eight vendors who submitted bids following a request for proposals from the county. However, because all three finalists are waste-to-energy companies, Kohala council member Margaret Wille is calling for the administration to scrap its current RFP process and start over with a broader one that would be more inclusive of other alternatives. Ernst asked if the candidates if they would support Wille’s proposal.
      Jim Wilson, of Volcano, said he would support Wille’s proposal.

      Maile David, of Captain Cook, said the RFP is a legal procedure, required by statute, and that she is not sure it could be withdrawn. She suggested that there may be other means of stopping it.

      Richard Abbett, of Ocean View, said he agrees with Wille and said, “We should stop before making a bad mistake.” He said it may be necessary to recycle less in order to have enough material to meet the requirements of the incinerator.

      The candidates also addresses several other questions on environmental issues.
      “What is your stance on GMO laws of the county?” Ernst asked.
      Wilson said, “GMO needs to be completely transparent; we need to know what is in the product.”

Maile David

      David said the county’s ban addresses some of the concerns and is a good starting point. She also noted the pending federal lawsuit against the bill.
      Abbett said the ban is similar to a ban on pesticides in streams and rivers that he worked to get passed in Washington state. “The principle is same – personal choice of persons to know what they put in their bodies.”
      “Would you welcome more military expansion at Pohakuloa Training Area?” asked Ernst.
      Abbett said he wouldn’t support it.

      David said the issue would have to be brought to the community, not just County Council.
      Wilson said he supports PTA but is not sure about increasing arms at the training area.
      Ernst said Gov. Neil Abercrombie is urging Hawai`i Island residents to support geothermal and asked the candidates if they support an undersea cable to distribute electricity from here to other islands.
      Wilson said he would need a lot more information before deciding.
      David said the issue has “huge environmental considerations” and that she would need to do more research.
      Abbett said he is against the cable. “It’s the exact wrong direction,” he said. “We need to be decentralizing power. Exporting power in an underwater cable is not my idea of economic development for the next century.”

Jim Wilson

      The candidates found common ground on several subjects.

      When moderator Kristine Kubat, of Recycle Hawai`i, asked the candidates if they would support a ban on Styrofoam packaging material in the county, each of the three said yes.
      “Would you consider having an environmental management advisory hui?” asked Ernst. They all were open to such an idea. 

      Kubat asked the candidates if they would support changing law so curbside trash pickup companies could also take recyclables, which is currently not allowed. All answered yes.  
      Ernst asked the candidates if they would support requiring events by organizations that receive county grants-in-aid to be zero-waste events. They also said they would. Abbett added that nonprofits “are already doing a great job, and this would be a great incentive.”

      When asked if they recycle at home, all three candidates said they do. David added that her family also composts.   

      See more on the candidate forum in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Howard Ainsley

HOWARD N. AINSLEY HAS SUBMITTED HIS RESIGNATION as Regional Chief Executive Officer of East Hawai`i Region of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. effective Aug. 9. The region includes Ka`u Hospital and Hilo Medical Center, along with Hale Ho`ola Hamakua and Yuko Okutsu Veterans Home.
       “Over the past five years, I’ve had the honor of working with exceptional people as we became the first HHSC affiliated organization to implement an electronic medical record and develop a Family Residency Program; we’ve made significant improvements in our clinical quality and core measures and introduced state-of-the-art technological advances to our hospitals,” Ainsley said. “We are becoming a more patient-centered organization intent on improving the quality of care for our island’s residents and have much to celebrate. It has been my pleasure serving the East Hawai`i Community through this period of growth, and I leave the organization in the care of a dedicated, hard working, and gifted team of board members, executives and managers. I know they will continue to push the region toward becoming a top-notch hospital in Hawai`i, and wish them the very best.”
      Ainsley will join Novant Health System in North Carolina as CEO of its newest affiliated facility, Morehead Memorial Hospital. The private, not-for-profit system operates in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia.
      “We are thankful for having had Howard’s leadership over the past five years as we went through our transformation to becoming a more quality driven organization,” said Gary Yoshiyama, East Hawai`i Regional Board chairman. “We wish Howard the very best as he enters the next stage of his career.
      “The East Hawai`i Region will continue to focus on its vision of becoming a health care system that provides patient centered, culturally competent, cost-effective care with exceptional outcomes and superior patient satisfaction,” Yoshiyama said. “Our board has also reaffirmed its commitment to its strategic plan and will move forward with it as its guiding document.”
      HHSC’s East Hawai`i Regional Board holds its annual public meeting at Ka`u Hospital Saturday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m.

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

The Thirty Meter Telescope requires development and education
of a local workforce. Image from tmt.org

DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION OF A LOCAL WORKFORCE is necessary to support the Thirty Meter Telescope planned to be completed on Mauna Kea in 2022. Representatives of University of Hawai`i at Hilo, Hawai`i Community College and Hawai`i Island observatories held a panel discussion on expanding the island’s astronomy-related workforce, reports Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune Herald. 

      According to project spokesperson Sandra Dawson, the telescope would provide from 120 to 140 jobs, with about 80 percent of the jobs being engineers and information technology positions.
      Dawson said TMT plans to contribute $1 million a year for science, technology, engineering and math education on Hawai`i Island. It currenty has three interns from the island working in Pasadena, CA, she said.
      Doug Simons, executive director for the Canada-France-Hawai`i Telescope, said there is high demand for locally based contractors and staff. “We’re eager,” Callis reports him saying. “You can call us desperate.”

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

Keiki learn `ohe kapala, Hawaiian bamboo stamping, with Ranger Rebecca
Carvalho. NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK hosts the park’s 34th annual Cultural Festival tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
      Participants enjoy hula kahiko and music, watch skilled practitioners demonstrate their art, try their hand at Hawaiian crafts and taste traditional Hawaiian foods.
      Two hikes are also scheduled. The new Pu`u o Lokuana cinder cone hike is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and `Ohi`a Lehua from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
      Call 985-6011 or email havo_interpretation@nps.gov for more information.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED’S KA`U chapter holds its next meeting Saturday at Ka`u Coffeehouse & Guesthouse in Na`alehu at 5 p.m.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOSTS A KA`U COAST CLEANUP at Kamilo Point Sunday. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool to the site. Sign up at 769-7629 or kahakaicleanups@gmail.com.

BOTANIST TIM TUNISON GUIDES A FIVE-HOUR, four-mile, round-trip hike exploring the subalpine zone of the Mauna Loa Trail Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free for Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park members; nonmembers are invited to join in order to attend. Email admin@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.