Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014

Photographer Anne Celeste said Wood Valley fields looked like rice paddies during the height of inundation by Tropical Storm Iselle.

WATER AND ICE ARE ON THEIR WAY to Wood Valley Temple for residents in the valley who are still without water and electricity, according to Hawai`i County Civil Defense representative T. Ilihia Gionson. He also said Hawai`i Electric Light Co. has crews on the way to clear the tangle of trees and electric lines near the intersection of Wood Valley and Kapapala Ranch roads.
      Wood Valley residents ask for kokua in keeping access available to their homes. The temporary road cut through pasture is becoming muddy, rutted and impassable, even to some residents with 4WD vehicles.

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

A fence post impaled this tree as it fell during the storm.
Photo by Anne Celeste

WOOD VALLEY AND OTHER RURAL KA`U WATER CO-OPS may qualify for Emergency Community Water Assistance grants to repair damage to their water system caused by Tropical Storm Iselle. Funding ranges from $150,00 to $500,000. According to Rural Development Community Programs Director Robin Pulkkinen, the grants do not replace Federal Emergency Management Agency Funds, and FEMA funds must be applies first.
      To be eligible, areas to be served may not be located in cities or towns with a population in excess of 10,000 nor may they have a median household income of more than 100 percent of a state’s non-metropolitan median household income of $59,353.
      Material submitted with the application should include the Preliminary Engineering Report, Environmental Review, population and median household income of the area to be served, description of project and the nature of the emergency that caused the problems being addressed by the project. The documentation must clearly show that the applicant has had a significant decline in quantity and quality of potable water or an acute shortage of potable water, or that such a decline or shortage is imminent and that the proposed project will eliminate or alleviate the problem. A disaster designation is not required.
      Expenses can be reimbursed up to six months if repairs have to take place before funding can be received. “We would recommend that any system that may benefit from this program apply now so RD can process and approve the applications,” Pulkkinen said.
      Applications are accepted at any time through Rural Development State and Area Offices. Contact Samantha Shimizu at Samantha.shimizu@hi.usda.gov or 808-933-8307 or Pulkkinen at robin.pulkkinen@hi.usda.gov or 808-933-8317.

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

Pa`u riders return to Ka`u Plantation Days this October. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS COMMITTEE MET LAST NIGHT, and new volunteers stepped forward to support the Sweet Memories day at Pahala Plantation Manager’s House from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. Ty Chun is the entertainment chair. Debbie Ryder and her halau along with Demetrius Oliveira and friends will be among the entertainers. Marion Villanueva is organizing the Chinese display. Hawaiian arts and crafts will be presented by Larry and Dutchie Ka`upu. Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai`i will host the Hawaiian food booth. Filipino food will be through Ada Demayo. Pahala and Na`alehu Hongwanji will sell sushi. 

      Informational booths will be manned by the state Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement, World War II 442nd veterans, Pahala senior citizens and Holomua Ka`u. All eight islands will be represented in a pa`u parade, with riders on horseback traveling down several Pahala streets before the event at Pahala Plantation Manager’s House. Chair of the event is Darlyne Vierra, who said that floats and walking groups are also invited. Ann Fontes, of Friends of the Library, said they will walk and conduct a book sale. The Boys & Girls Club will join the parade. Aikea International Karate League, under the direction of Dr. Cliff and Susan Field, will give a demonstration. Representatives of ethnic groups that make up the community are invited to join in with ethnic dance, music and cultural displays. She said she also looks forward to organizing a coffee cafe representing Ka`u’s many coffee brands.
      The next meeting is Monday, Sept. 8 at Pahala Plantation House. Those wanting to donate and participate can call Vierra at 640-8740.

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

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to monitor Kilauea and other volcanoes
closely while experiencing intermittent disruptions in eruption updates.
NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

INTERMITTENT DISRUPTIONS IN ERUPTION UPDATES, webcam imagery, earthquake data and other information normally available on the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website could continue for the next few days. HVO staff worked through the weekend to repair damage to the observatory’s power system that occurred during Tropical Storm Iselle, but complete restoration of the system is not expected until at least Wednesday.
       According to HVO Scientist-in-Charge Jim Kauahikaua, volcanoes on the Island of Hawai`i continue to be closely monitored. “Fortunately, Iselle caused no or little damage to our field instruments, so HVO’s monitoring network is functioning normally,” he said, “but power issues within the observatory are impairing our ability to process the data and update our website.”
       As of Monday morning, Kilauea continued to erupt at its summit and near Pu`u `O`o on the volcano’s East Rift Zone. The level of the summit lava lake within Halema`uma`u Crater was relatively steady at 115 to 130 feet below the vent rim. The active East Rift Zone lava flow, which had reached 4.3 miles east-northeast of Pu`u `O`o as of Aug. 6, the day before Iselle struck, continued to advance into forest. HVO geologists plan to map the progress of the lava flow during a scheduled overflight today.
       Should scientists observe any significant change in volcanic or seismic activity, HVO will immediately notify Hawai`i County Civil Defense and other emergency managers and will keep the public informed through media releases.
      “For now, we appreciate your patience when visiting the HVO website. We are working as quickly as possible to fully restore our power system so that the website operates smoothly and without interruption,” Kauahikaua said.
      Updates for Hawai`i’s active volcanoes and earthquake data for the state of Hawai`i are available at hvo.wr.usgs.gov, 967-8862 or askHVO@usgs.gov.

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

Ka`u farmers and ranchers can make an appointment with
USDA FSA to review damage. Photo by Anne Celeste

USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY REQUESTS that Ka`u farmers and ranchers make an appointment before visiting the office regarding storm impacts. Hawai`i County Executive Director Lester Ueda’s phone number is 933-8341. Email address is lester.ueda@hi.usda.gov.
    Along Wood Valley Road, Olson Trust land manager John Cross said that at least 1,200 macadamia trees went down, along with hundreds of coffee trees.

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

ALL ARE INVITED TO KA`U HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI & FRIENDS’ 13th annual potluck reunion at Pahala Community Center on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organizers encourage attendees to bring a favorite dish to share and come and enjoy a day of fun, live music and good food.
      The purpose of the reunion is to bring alumni and residents back to Ka`u to reconnect with their roots, meeting classmates, and getting reacquainted with other Ka`u alumni, neighbors, and friends. The potluck invitation is open to current residents and school administration and staff.
      The potluck luncheon is held annually on the Sunday of the Statehood holiday weekend. The set day on Sunday allows individual classes to make their own plans for their own reunions during the weekend to coincide with the all alumni Sunday potluck.
      In recent years, Class of 1973 meets at Pahala Community Center on Saturday evening. Audielyn Cabudol is this year’s reunion chairman. Among members assisting is Darlyne Vierra, who is in charge of Ka`u Plantation Days. She will be displaying pictures of former Ka`u days at the Sunday potluck.
      Class of 1961 meets for the second year in a row at a vacation rental in Pahala. Members plan to take a tour of Ka`u on Saturday and meet in the evening and join the rest of the alumni for the Sunday potluck.
      Members of Class of 1959, who organize Las Vegas reunions, usually meet at Pahala Plantation Cottages’ Market House, the former Ka`u Meat Market, on Saturday and after the potluck on Sunday. The recent Las Vegas reunion held in June drew 200 attendees.
      Back to the Fifties music trio led by Ernest Kalani, Hands of Time led by Calvin Ponce and Terrie Louis and Philip Barro, a key performer at earlier reunions, are other local entertainers expected to perform at the potluck.
      Mahealani Halau, comprised of a group of senior women and a single male, Robert Gomes, a retired Ka`u police officer, has been a regular part of the program since the reunion started in 2002. The late Edna Aguil is founder of the halau. They will be performing a few hula numbers.

Volcano Rain Forest Runs through Volcano Village take place Saturday.

      Wendell Ka`ehu`ae`a produced a video of the 2013 potluck reunion and captured the senior halau’s performance. Musicians and singers Lei Kaapana Aken, sister of slack key artist Ledward Ka`apana and Ernest Kalani were also featured in the video.
      The video was shown on local television (Channel 54), Na Leo Hawai`i, and the DVD is on file at the public libraries in Pahala and Na`alehu, where it can be borrowed and viewed.
      For more information, contact Lovey Grantz at 982-8242 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.

VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS are coming up this Saturday. Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m., followed by the 10K at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K at 8 a.m. Keiki runs begin at 10 a.m. Registration is available at volcanorainforestruns.com. 

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 Monday, Aug. 11, 2014

John Replogle, in white cap, leads Wahi Kupuna Internship Program students on a field trip at Punalu`u. The students discuss their research Thursday at Pahala Plantation House. Photos from Wahi Kupuna Internship Program

Ka`u farmers and ranchers are urged to report storm
damage to USDA FSA. Photo by Julia Neal

USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY REQUESTS that Ka`u farmers and ranchers contact their local FSA office early this week to provide a quick summary of impacts from Tropical Storm Iselle. County and state Emergency Boards use the information to assess the general nature of impacts and determine if there are appropriate levels of damages to warrant requesting a Secretarial Disaster Designation. Contact information is available at fsa.usda.gov/internet/FSA_file/hi_cof_staff.pdf.
      Farm Service Agency will be providing additional information in the coming days and weeks. Programs may be available to qualifying producers.
      Emergency Conservation Program assists with repairing damage to land and possibly fencing.
      Tree Assistance Program can assist qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers with replanting and rehabilitating orchards.
      Farm Service Agency provides low-interest loans to qualifying producers that may help with recovery, and those with existing FSA loans should visit early with their loan officer if they anticipate having problems making payments.
      Those with crop isurance covered under Risk Management Agency should contact their insurance agent directly.
      Andrea Kawabata, of University of Hawai`i Agricultural Extension Service, is also available to answer questions or provide referrals. Email andreak@hawaii.edu.

MOST OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is now open, including popular trails like Kilauea Iki. Some closures remain in effect as park staff removes fallen trees and other debris from roadways and trails following Tropical Storm Iselle.
      Closures are Mauna Loa Road, Mauna Loa summit, Kipukapuaulu, Namakanipaio campgrounds and its A-frame cabins and `Ainahou.
      All coastal trails and coastal backcountry campsites are open. Napau and Kulanaokuaiki campsites and Pepeiao Cabin are also open.
      Power has been restored, and most phones are working throughout the park. Kilauea Visitor Center and Jaggar Museum have returned to normal operating hours.
      “We remind visitors to be mindful of work crews and to be prepared for some closures,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.

Ka`u residents can donate goods for Iselle victims today at Pahala Quilting
& Creative Sewing Center. Photo by Julia Neal

PAHALA QUILTING & CREATIVE SEWING CENTER is joining efforts to provide relief for Tropical Storm Iselle victims. Shop owner Donna Masaniai said Ka`u residents can drop off any unneeded bottled water and canned goods at the shop today. Goods will be available for residents of Wood Valley, where paved road access is cut off, electricity is out and the main water supply line is broken. 

      Masania will also see that donations get to organizers of Operation H2OLA, who are distributing goods to residents in Puna.
      The shop is at the corner of Maile and Huapala Streets.

Torrential rains from Iselle further damaged already rough roads
in the Ha`ao Springs area above Wai`ohinu.
Photo from Geneveve Fyvie

HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CREWS CONTINUE TO WORK on restoring power as quickly as possible to customers who lost electricity as a result of Tropical Storm Iselle, including those in Wood Valley, where toppled trees knocked power lines onto Wood Valley Road makai of Kapapala Ranch road and at other locations further into the valley. Yesterday morning, about 8,100 customers (approximately 10 percent of total Hawai`i Island customers) remained without power.
      HELCO reported that crews have made significant progress repairing main transmission lines that serve as the backbone of the island’s electric grid, making the overall system more stable. Now crews can focus their attention on restoring power to individual neighborhoods.
      Of the 35 transmission lines on the island, HELCO lost more than half during the storm. Both the north and south transmission lines were lost as well as the transmission lines serving Puna Geothermal Venture.
      Customers who have not yet reported their outage should call 969-6666 to report it.
      Customers who are still without power at this time should expect an extended outage into next week and, in some cases, much longer, HELCO said.
      The utility continues to prioritize work that will restore service to the largest number of customers while keeping the grid stable. It said this approach helps ensure that power will stay on once restored.
      HELCO urges customers to remember downed power lines should be considered dangerous. Do not approach a downed line or attempt to move it. If you see someone injured by a downed line, call 9-1-1 for assistance.

      Customers are asked to check that stoves and other appliances are turned off or unplugged to avoid safety hazards or damage to their appliances as power is restored.

Removal of debris from the junction of Wood Valley and Kapapala Ranch roads
await an all clear from HELCO since power lines are down. Photo by Ron Johnson

      Hawaiian Electric and Maui Electric are sending crews, vehicles and other equipment to help with restoration. In addition, contracted construction and tree-trimming companies are also participating. Collectively, this will nearly triple the number of crews in the field conducting damage assessment and working to restore power to customers.
     All workers participating with the restoration process wear badges identifying them as employees of Hawai`i Electric Light, Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric or an approved utility contractor. Customers should feel free to ask for proper identification if approached by someone who says they are from Hawai`i Electric Light or any other organization. Utility company vehicles are clearly marked. Approved contractors have signs for their vehicles indicating they are working on behalf of the company.
     HELCO’s business offices reopened today. Some services, such as new service requests, may be delayed as work crews focus on the restoration effort.
     “We understand the frustration of our customers who are still without power and sincerely apologize to them,” said HELCO President Jay Ignacio. “We understand that customers want estimated restoration times so they can plan. Unfortunately, the extent of damage is worse than anything we’ve ever seen here. … Again, we apologize and ask for their continued patience.”

Wahi Kupuna Internship Program students map historical sites along the Ka`u Coast. 

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO THE HO`IKE for Wahi Kupuna Internship Program this Thursday, Aug. 14 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House, which hosted college interns this summer. The public presentation at the old Plantation Managers House at the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets will give the community the opportunity to learn about the research students have been conducting in Ka`u.
      The Wahi Kupuna Internship Program was developed in 2010 in partnership with Kamehameha Schools. It’s run by Kumupa`a Cultural Resource Consultants, LLC and Huliauapa`a, a nonprofit organization. The primary goal of the internship program is to increase the number of Hawaiians and kama`aina in the cultural resource management field through cultural mentoring, professional development, education and applied field experiences. The program provides college-level interns with an opportunity to obtain the necessary training, support and resources to properly research, document and perpetuate the rich culture, history, traditions and resources of Hawai`i.
      The 2014 cohort, He Lua `Ole Mauna Loa, has been learning about the wahi pana of Ka`u for the past five weeks. Interns started off their journey conducting historical research at a number of repositories, including the University of Hawai`i-Hilo Library, Lyman Museum, the State Historic Preservation Division and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park archives.

      After gathering historical documents on Ka`u, the group was fortunate enough to huaka`i to wahi pana in Ka`u with local kama`aina Nohea Ka`awa, John Replogle, Shalan Crysdale and Keoni Fox. Through visits on the `aina with the kama`aina, the students witnessed the connection and aloha residents of Ka`u have for their `aina.

Plein Air Painting is the topic tomorrow in Hawai`i
Volcanoes National Park. Photo from VAC

      During the last few weeks of the program, students conducted an archaeological reconnaissance survey of the entire coastline of Punalu`u ahupua`a, where they identified and documented cultural sites on the landscape. They learned how to use GPS, take field photographs and do tape and compass mapping to thoroughly record historical sites.
      Students will complete final research papers, which will combine all the information they gathered on Ka`u in order to receive three credits at UH-Hilo and Hawai`i Community College during the fall semester.
      “Mahalo to the Ka`u community, our program funders and collaborators who supported us this summer,” said group leader Aoloa Santos.

MARGARET STANTON LEADS A PLEIN AIR PAINTING group in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
      The group meets at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village at 9:30 a.m. to carpool to one of two locations on Crater Rim Drive depending on weather: Kilauea Overlook just before Jaggar Museum or Pu`u Pua`i just past Thurston Lava Tube. 

      Stanton discusses painting from core connections and personal associations while encouraging artists to heighten and accentuate their own unique vision with bold colors, lines and shapes. She offers tips on how to get started, how to get the most color in landscape paintings, how to stay painterly, how to put on finishing touches and more.
      The session is free to VAC members and $20 for nonmembers. Park entrance fees apply.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014

Maile Medeiros David and her supporters shared mahalo messages with the public after her win as Ka`u's new County Council member. Following a visit to Volcano Village, she stopped in Pahala on her way through her district. Photo by Julia Neal

MAILE MEDEIROS DAVID WILL BE the new County Council member for Ka`u. Her District Six, the geographically largest council district on the island, will also include Volcano Village, Hawaiian Orchid Island Estates, Miloli`i, Ho`okena, Honaunau, Ke`ei, Napo`opo`o, Captain Cook, a portion of Kealakekua, Keopuka Heights, the neighborhood of Kona Community Hospital and Keopuka Kai.

Ka`u's County Council member-elect Maile Medeiros David shared her win with
supporters in Pahala this morning. Photo by Julia Neal

      She wins because she took 66.89 percent of the vote in yesterday’s nonpartisan primary election, much more than the 50 percent plus one vote required to stave off a runoff in the general election on Nov. 4.

      Turnout for absentee, early walk-in and primary election day voting was dismal, according to poll workers Only 2,394 voted for the new councilwoman. Runner-up Richard Abbett, of Ocean View, took in 665 votes, and Jim Wilson, of Volcano, received 520 votes.
     Medeiros David, currently a deputy county clerk and formerly a County Council staff member and paralegal, said that becoming a council member is a natural progression in her community service.
      The daughter of coffee farmers in a large Hawaiian-Portuguese family, Medeiros has been a champion of preserving precious cultural sites by going to court to prevent and mitigate development. Her successes include conservation of a native Hawaiian cultural site in the face of a proposed multi-story condominium project on the shore along Ali`i Drive in Kona. She also prevented additional dredging of the shore at the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort for visitor swimming areas.
      In Ka`u, David will be involved with the county administration and council in the future planning for management of Kawa and Honu`apo, which were purchased by the county to protect them from development.
      She told The Ka`u Calendar that she also hopes to work with Ka`u Coffee farmers to protect their land security on the former C. Brewer property now that most if not all of their leases have expired. The land is now owned by Lehman Bros., which has it up for sale after foreclosing on a developer that planned to turn it into coffee estates and received preliminary approvals to subdivide it. Ka`u Coffee farmers have developed their famous coffee, mostly at the Lehman land at Moa`ula and Pear Tree, over nearly two decades following closure of the sugar plantation.

      Medeiros David stood with supporters along Ka`u streets this morning and waved to passersby. She told residents who stopped by to congratulate her that she wants to visit with people to understand more about Ka`u’s issues and challenges. She learned about the needs of Wood Valley residents with electricity and water challenges after the Iselle storm hit.
    Second place finisher Richard Abbett said he met David in Na`alehu today and congratulated her. He said he wished her well and said "go get `em girl." He said she looked 'as happy as a girl waking up on Christmas." He said he also congratulated her volunteers. Abbett said he will spend a little time to see what other opportunities there are "to provide some leadership and be of service to the community. I have become required from my first career and view public service as my current career," he said. "I thank everybody from the bottom of my heart, especially the new voters getting involved. I think the community pulled together during the storm and so will the Democratic Party and community leaders," he said.

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

Hawai`i County Council member-elect Maile Medeiros David joined the other two
candidates, Jim Wilson, at left, and Richard Abbett at several forums in Ka`u.
Photo by Bob Ernst

MAILE MEDEIROS DAVID, WHO WILL BECOME KA`U’S new council member, won more than 50 percent of the vote in Pahala, Na`alehu and Miloli`i, but not in Volcano or Ocean View.
      The County Council nonpartisan primary results from Volcano to Miloli`i are: 

      At Cooper Center in Volcano, Davis won 39.9 percent with 148 votes. Wilson took 26.1 percent with 99 votes, and Abbett took 23 percent with 87 votes.
      At Ka`u High, David received 81 percent with 85 votes. Abbett took 10.5 percent with 11 votes and Wilson 1.7 percent with two votes.
      At Na`alehu School, David received 56.7 percent with 123 votes. Abbett received 20.3 percent with 44 votes and Wilson 10.1 percent with 22 votes.
      At Ocean View Community Center, David took 48.9 percent with 149 votes. Abbett gathered 31.1 percent with 95 votes and Wilson 10.8 percent with 33 votes. 

      At Miloli`i Halau, David won 64.3 percent with 54 votes. Abbett took 20.2 percent with 17 votes and Wilson took 3.6 percent with three votes.

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

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, a candidate for U.S. Senate, campaigned
in Pahala last month. Photo by Ron Johnson

NA`ALEHU AND OCEAN VIEW WERE TWO of the last precincts in the state to report voting totals last night. This led commentators statewide to note that remote Ka`u, along with other distant polling places in west Kaua`i, including Ni`ihau, would help determine the U.S. Senate seat battle outcome between Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.
       However, key and still yet undetermined in the Schatz-Hanabusa match-up are two precincts in Puna that have not yet held the vote due to inaccessible polling places in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Iselle.
      Statewide, the tally so far shows Schatz leading with 113,800 votes over Hanabusa’s 112,165, a tiny edge reflected in the tiny voting population of Ka`u. From Volcano to Miloli`i, Schatz took in 192 more votes than Hanabusa with the following precinct totals:
      At Cooper Center in Volcano, Schatz took 62 percent with 212 votes. Hanabusa received 33 percent with 114 votes.
      At Ka`u High School, Hanabusa garnered 54.6 percent with 53 votes. Schatz took in 41.2 percent with 40 votes.
      At Na`alehu School, Schatz earned 48.7 percent with 88 votes, while Hanabusa brought in 46.1 percent, with 83 votes.
      At Ocean View Community Center, Schatz took 60 percent with 147 votes, while Hanabusa took 34.3 percent with 83 votes.
      At Miloloi`i Halau, Schatz took 54.8 percent with 40 votes. Hanabusa took 38.4 percent with 28 votes.
      The remaining votes are expected to be gathered in Puna by absentee voting during the next three weeks.

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

Democratic gubernatorial primary winner David Ige made a campaign stop
in Pahala last month. Photo by Julia Neal

IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR GOVERNOR, though losing statewide, Neil Abercrombie received more votes than David Ige from Volcano through Miloli`i. Abercrombie took Volcano, Ocean View and Miloli`i but lost in Pahala and Na`alehu. 

      The governor’s race Democratic Primary results Volcano to Miloli`i are:
      At Cooper Center in Volcano, Abercrombie took 49.9 percent with 170 votes, while Ige took 46 percent with 157 votes.
      At Ka`u High, Ige took 56.7 percent with 55 votes, while Abercrombie took 41.2 percent with 40 votes.
      At Na`alehu School, Ige took 55 percent with 99 votes, while Abercrombie received 41.7 percent with 75 votes.
      At Ocean View Community Center, Abercrombie garnered 56.6 percent with 137 votes, while Ige received 40.1 percent with 97 votes.
      At Miloli`i Halau, Abercrombie took in 58.7 percent with 43 votes, and Ige received 41.7 percent with 30 votes.

      After winning the primary, Ige said it was a humbling beginning for his campaign. Pointing to his wife and children, he said, “This started in our living room.” He said his father instilled in him “that leadership is walking the talk and what you do is more important than what you say.     

      “Together, we have made history,” Ige said. “People told me I was crazy for giving up my seat in the state Senate. They reminded me that no incumbent governor had ever lost a primary election. 

     “That changed tonight. With our campaign’s primary election victory, we have proven that the people – not special interests – are in charge of Hawai`i’s future.

Rep. Richard Creagan is the Demcratic
nominee for state House District Five.
Photo by Ron Johnson

     “We have more work to do, of course. Tonight was just the beginning. We must set our sights on the general election on Nov. 4.
     “Mahalo for your support and the trust you have placed in me. Together, let’s move Hawai`i forward.”  

     After conceding the election to Ige, Abercrombie said to his supports, “You are so great. I am full of so much gratitude. Onipa`a, steadfast, forward.

      “Today, I begin the final chapter of a 40-year career of service to the people of Hawai`i. I couldn’t possibly be more appreciative of the faith and support you’ve given me. 

     “I have no regrets simply because every waking breath has been for you, Hawai`i. I have given all that I could, every day that I could.
     “To my campaign team and my administration, I wish to say ‘mahalo.’ To David Ige, our Democratic nominee for governor, I say ‘imua.’ I am behind your candidacy with every ounce of energy I possess.
     “I remain forever grateful for the opportunity to have served all of you. I look forward to working to elect a new Democratic governor, David Ige.”

KA`U HAS TWO MEMBERS OF THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, with incumbent Richard Onishi, of Hilo, running unopposed in the Democratic Primary and incumbent Richard Creagan, of Na`alehu, beating Gene “Bucky” Leslie, of Holualoa.
      House of Representatives District Five results for Na`alehu through Miloli`i are:
      At Na`alehu, Creagan received 66.7 percent, with 120 votes. Leslie received 24.4 percent, with 44 votes.
      At Ocean View, Creagan took 55.4 percent with 134 votes, while Leslie received 30.2 percent with 73 votes.
      At Miloli`i, Creagan took 56.2 percent with 41 votes, while Leslie received 35.6 percent with 26 votes.

Marion Villanueva, who recently held a coffee hour for Sen. David Ige, celebrated Ka`u's
Puerto Rican heritage at last year's Ka`u Plantation Days. A planning meeting for this
year's event takes place tomorrow. Photo by Julia Neal

SEN. JOSH GREEN RAN UNOPPOSED in state Sen. District Three Democratic primary.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO Ka`u Scenic Byways Committee’s meeting tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS ORGANIZERS hold a meeting tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center to begin planning for the Oct. 11 event. For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI & FRIENDS hold their 13th annual potluck reunion at Pahala Community Center a week from today on Sunday, Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All are invited to attend. Organizers encourage attendees to bring a favorite dish to share and come and enjoy a day of fun, live music and good food.
      Individual classes also hold their reunions next weekend. For more information, see future Ka`u News Briefs or contact Lovey Grantz at 982-8242 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.