Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014

Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford is asking for a council resolution to encourage the state legislature to
require more complete coffee sourcing labeling.

COFFEE BLENDERS yesterday called for defeat of Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford’s efforts to require coffee origin labeling for coffee claiming to be from Ka`u, Kona and other Hawaiian regions. The blenders testified at the County Council’s agriculture committee meeting. According to Ford, the blenders opposed “full disclosure” of the percentage of foreign coffees in their blends. She said she encourages the community and its farmers to watch television coverage of the ag committee meeting on Channel 55 on Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 and 30th at 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. to witness the testimony and discussion.
     Ford’s resolution before the County Council is directed to the Hawai`i State Legislature “to adopt provisions for truth-in-labeling for Hawai`i-grown coffees.” It refers to the Hawai`i County Council’s 2006 resolution encouraging labeling of coffee sources and the state legislature’s resolution adopted in 2007, which zeroed in on Kona coffee and stated: “Existing labeling requirements for Kona coffee causes consumer fraud; existing labeling requirements for Kona coffee degrades the “Kona coffee” name; and the Confusion as to the difference between Kona coffee and Kona coffee blends caused Consumer Reports magazine to rate Kona coffee as “second rate.”
     Ford said the issue also applies to Ka`u Coffee and her proposed council resolution notes that the Hawai`i County Democratic Party Convention adopted a truth-in-labeling resolution this year.
     Ford’s resolution states that the “Hawai`i State Legislature has not protected the regional coffees grown in the State of Hawai`i, the only state in the United States capable of growing coffee for commercial purposes.”        
     It states that “it is essential that the Hawai`I State Legislature act immediately to stop the consumer fraud, deception and confusion that continues due to existing labeling requirements for Hawai`i-grown coffees of any region or district.”

     The proposed resolution before the council says, “Immediate legislative action is necessary to protect the reputation of Hawai`i-grown coffees as premier, specialty coffees and from further degradation and asks that the legislature schedule committee hearings, give floor consideration, and adopt into law provisions for truth-in-labeling for Hawai`i grown coffees.” To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

Statewide Farmers Union United President Vince Mina and his daughter Kahaulani at
Earth Matters farm in Ka Lae. Mina will beat the Sept. 27 Ka`u Farmers Union meeting
 in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

STATEWIDE HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED PRESIDENT  Vince Mina will address the Ka`u chapter’s next meeting, on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Na`alehu Community Center at 5 p.m. Organizer Malian Lahey encourages gardeners and farmers to “Bring your home-grown produce for the produce swap table - drop off something and pick up something yummy that your neighbor is growing!”
     “Our meetings are always All About the Food! Bring a dish made from local produce for our pot luck dinner.”
     Mina will talk about his recent trip to Washington D.C. for the National Farmer's Union Fly-In event.
     The new Ka`u chapter also encourages local farmers to register to vote to give agriculture more clout in state and national government. Voter registration forms will be available at the meeting. Registration for the November general election is allowed through Oct. 6. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

RE-GROWING COMMUNITY FOOD SYSTEMS is the theme of  the Oct. 3 conference to bring together education, health, and agricultural stakeholders from across the islands to raise awareness and facilitate discussions about increasing the supply, distribution, and procurement of locally grown food for Hawai‘i’s schools. Two scholarships were made available for travel to the event on O`ahu.

     “Farm to school is a local, national, and international movement that is simultaneously making positive and significant strides in the areas of agriculture, education, and health,” said Hawai‘i Farm to School and School Garden Hui coordinator Lydi Morgan Bernal. “This conference will promote the knowledge and best practices needed to develop and sustain a statewide farm to school program to re-grow Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy, future farmers, and healthy schools and communities.”
     Keynote speaker Kacie O’Brien, farm to school regional lead for the Western Region of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, will provide federal-level guidance and support for strengthening Hawai‘i’s farm to school efforts. Panelists include Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture chair Scott Enright, state procurement administrator Sarah Allen and Hawai‘i Department of Education school food services branch director Glenna Owens.  Hale Kealoha ‘Ai Pono will offer attendees a model school lunch featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

     Presented by the Hawai‘i Farm to School and School Garden Hui and The Kohala Center, Hawai‘i Farm to School Conference will be held at Kamehameha Schools’ Kapalama Campus in Honolulu from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 3. Registration is $50 per person and includes breakfast and lunch. More information and registration are available online at hif2sc.eventbrite.com or by calling The Kohala Center at  887-6411. Conference sponsors include Kamehameha Schools, Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation, Slow Food of Hawai‘i, the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, and USDA Farm to School Program.
     According to a statement from the sponsors, "The local farm to school movement seeks to effect meaningful food systems change in Hawai‘i by connecting island agricultural producers and distributors with public, charter, and independent schools across the state, and by increasing youth and community awareness, interest, and involvement in local agriculture. With well over 100,000 school meals served daily in Hawai‘i and a growing interest in fresh fruit and vegetable snack programs for schools, the potential is great for a significant expansion of Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy. Additionally, studies have shown that farm to school programs increase student knowledge about and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, contribute to improvements in health and social behaviors, and can boost academic achievement."
     Farm to school site visits will also be offered statewide throughout October in conjunction with National Farm to School Month. 

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Hawai`i 24/7 and Big Island Video News recorded the lava flow yesterday
with Baron Sekiya cameraman. Photo from Big Island Video News

THE LAVA FLOW has picked up speed, is about 1.7 miles upslope from Apa`a Road, and has been moving about 890 feet a day in Puna, according to the update this morning from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. 

     The leading edge of the flow is 9.9 miles from its source at Pu`u O`o Crater where it began on June 27. The front  is moving through unoccupied thick forest in Kaohe Homesteads. According to USGS, as of this morning the lava had advanced 350 yards since yesterday. Smoke conditions were moderate to heavy over the Kaohe area. USGS predicts that the lava may cut off Hwy 130 and march through or near Pahoa town. The county is improving an alternate unpaved road for residents in the area, using Railroad Avenue and Beach Road.
     Should the lava flow over these alternate routes, some Puna residents may have to rely on the possible reconstruction of a road that was earlier covered by lava, connecting Kalapana and the surrounding area from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

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VIDEO OF THE LAVA FLOW from Pu`u O`o to the leading edge in Kaohe Homesteads was taken and edited yesterday by Hawai`i 24/7 and Big Island Video News with Paradise Helicopters pilot Calvin Dorn leading the way. See www.bigislandvideonews.com and www.hawaii247.com for the coverage. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

SEPT. 30 IS THE DEADLINE to donate through Foodland to the Hawai`i Wildlife Fund which leads beach cleanups and pond restorations along the Ka`u Coast. The donations opportunity is the Give Aloha Campaign through which Foodland allows contributors to double the impact of their gifts. Foodland matches each donation it receives to specific charities up to $300,000 total. Last year, it raised over $2 million for over 650 island non-profit organizations. Support Hawai`i Wildlife Funds Maui and Hawai'i Island projects by using the separate codes 78764 for this island and 77187 for Maui. 

     Meagan Lamson of Hawai`I Wildlife Fund reminds prospective donors that donations of up to $249 will be added to receipt at checkout; each donation guarantees that a percentage of Foodland's $300,000 matching gift will go to Hawai'i Wildlife Fund. The more support HWF receives from the community to more matching funds it will receive from Foodland; and HWF will not be informed who donated so please let the organization know if acknowledgement for gift is desired. She also asks to “Please share this with all your friends!”
     Give Aloha is Foodland's Annual Community Matching Gifts Program. It was created in 1999 to honor Foodland's founder, Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan, and continue his legacy of giving back to the community. Each year during the month of September, customers are encouraged to make a donation at checkout to their favorite Hawaii non-profit organization. The nearest Foodland to Ka`u is in Kea`au. Sack n Save Foods in Hilo and Kona are also raising money for the non-profits.

Along the route of the Ka`u Coffee Trail Run.
Photo from O Ka`u Kakou

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KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN has drawn more than 150 entries for its races this Saturday, beginning at Ka`u Coffee Mill at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road. While online registration has stopped, registration will be taken beginning at 6:30 a.m. on site. 

     Racers who have not received their packets in the mail, can pick them up beginning at 6:30 and until 7:15 a.m. on race day. The half marathon, 10 K and 5 K are part of an `Ohana Day, which also includes games for kids, vendors, food, art and entertainment, as well as legal assistance. Runs are designed for people of all ages and abilities.
    Races start at 7:30 a.m. and include running through orchards, coffee fields and the rainforest into the mountainous terrain above the coffee mill with views of the ocean and volcano.
     According to sponsoring organization O Ka`u Kakou President Wayne Kawachi, all income from the race will stay in Ka`u and benefit the Ka`u community.
     See okaukakou.org for updates and course photos. 

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM travels to Waiakea High School in Hilo this evening with jayvee game starting at 6 p.m. and varsity to follow. The Trojans will host Honoka`a  Daggers in the Ka`u High gym this Friday, also at 6 p.m. Ka`u Trojans next eight-man football game is at Kamehameha Schools on Friday, Sept. 26.

KAI HO`OPI`I SHARES MUSIC this evening at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

TOMORROW  IS THE U.S. AIR FORCE’S 67TH BIRTHDAY. Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates with casual dinner available to airmen and guests. Open to authorize patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK asks families to sign up by Friday for its free Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and take a closer look at the Kahuku Unit during a day of activities. Connect with the culture, people and `aina (land) through mo`olelo (stories), GPS and compass. Free lunch is provided. Call 985-6019.

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 Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists measure the flow rate of lava in the tube that is transporting lava
to the flow front near Pahoa. Photo from USGS/HVO

HAWAI`I WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION will hold community input meetings to update four Hawai`i County Community Wildfire Protection Plans. One-hour meetings will be held at Cooper Center in Volcano on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.; Na`alehu School, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 6 p.m.; and Ocean View Community Center, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 6 p.m.
      Community input is critical to the CWPP process in determining priority wildfire concerns, needs and action steps to better prepare and protect fire-prone areas from wildfires, according to Elizabeth Pickett, HWMO Director. The CWPP update meetings will identify and prioritize projects to reduce the threat of wildfire in these communities. All full-time and part-time residents in these areas are encouraged to attend.

HWMO will have an information booth at `Ohana Day & Ka`u Coffee Trail Run
at Ka`u Coffee Mill this Saturday.

      CWPPs have become a prerequisite in order to receive federal funding for wildfire protection projects. The CWPP updates help communities identify and prioritize areas for hazardous fuels reduction treatments, and support communities to take action. The plan assesses values at risk such as safety, natural resource protection, recreation, scenic values and economic issues. CWPPs are collaborative efforts with input from community members, firefighting agencies and any other organizations that are interested in taking part. These plans are becoming increasingly important in Hawai`i. They bring wildfire hazard information and planning/action opportunities to all who are affected, making it possible to address wildfire more effectively. As drought episodes increase and land uses continue to change, working at all levels to mitigate wildfire has become essential.

Ka`u Coffee farmers know the dangers of wildfires after experiencing them
is 2012. Photo by William Neal

      Hawai`i County Fire Chief Darren Rosario said, “The number one defense against the effects of a wildfire to your community is prevention. The Hawai`i Fire Department stands ready to respond to the needs of our community. This includes responding through prevention and collaborative efforts to reduce the threat of wildfires to your community. We are a proud team member with HWMO, and your community, in providing you with information and assistance in the sustainability of your community through fire prevention efforts.”
      “CWPPs are meant to tie into existing or planned projects,” said Pickett. “Many communities are developing disaster plans or long-range community plans, and the CWPP is meant to complement those plans. It will be a useful tool for community members to help make their communities and natural areas fire-safe. Wildfires tie into many natural resource, municipal, and community issues, so this is an important opportunity for communities to learn, have their voices heard and get involved.”

      HWMO will also have an information booth at Saturday’s `Ohana Day and Ka`u Coffee Trail Run at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

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

USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY GEOLOGISTS are tracking the rate of lava flowing through the lava tube on the June 27th lava flow in Puna by conducting very low frequency surveys.
      According to HVO, the measurement consists of two steps. First, a transect of VLF measurements across the roof of the tube is used to measure the cross-sectional area of lava flowing through the tube. Second, a radar gun is used to measure the speed that lava is flowing at that location. An open skylight that provides a view of flowing lava inside the tube is required for this speed measurement.

Lava continues to crawl toward Pahoa. Map from USGS/HVO

      By multiplying the cross-sectional area with the velocity, the volume rate of lava flowing through the tube can be estimated. Yesterday’s measurement showed a flow rate of 5.8 cubic meters, or roughly 1,500 gallons, per second. Tracking the lava supply rate like this can be helpful for anticipating fluctuations in activity at the flow front, scientists said.
      According to HVO, the flow narrowness and rapid development of a robust tube system within subsurface cracks make the current lava flow unique among the hundreds of flows that Puʻu `O`o has erupted. “Our best estimates suggest that the tube is transporting about 300,000 – 400,000 cubic meters per day (55,000 – 73,000 gallons per minute) of lava to the flow. This is approximately the long-term average eruption rate for Pu`u `O`o over its 31-plus year eruptive history,” according to the current issue of HVO’s Volcano Watch.
      As of this morning, the flow crossed into an uninhabited portion of Ka`ohe Homesteads Subdivision, is continuing northeast and is 2.1 miles from Apa`a Road, which connects with Pahoa Village Road northwest of the center of town.

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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HAWAI`I WILL RECEIVE MORE THAN $1 MILLION in federal funding for programs aimed to incentivize and further generate economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship, announced U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

DBEDT's Georja Skinner

      The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism will receive a $400,000 investment to support a technical assistance program for entrepreneurs in Hawai`i. The program focuses on launching new businesses and products for export in the film, creative media, new media, music and fashion design industries.


      University of Hawai`i will receive $510,000 to help renovate the Shidler School of Business. The facility will serve as an accelerator to commercialize and license research ideas at the main campus at Manoa.


      The state Office of Planning will receive $180,000 to fund a major revision and update of the Hawai`i Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The CEDS process is designed to bring together public and private sectors in the creation of an economic development roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.
      “Investing in programs that spur innovation and boost startup businesses is one of the best ways to create jobs,” Schatz said. “These investments will give UH and state agencies the resources to develop business and research programs that will create jobs and grow our local economy.”
      “These grants will help provide Hawai`i entrepreneurs with assistance that allows them to take their ideas and turn them into new businesses,” said Hirono. “Innovation is a key ingredient for a thriving economy. While Hawai`i businesses face unique challenges, they also face unique opportunities, and this support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration will help our businesses grow, create jobs, and increase production of local consumer goods.”

      “These federal economic development grants will provide more than $1 million to local programs supporting our most innovative entrepreneurs,” said Gabbard. “We have so much homegrown talent right here in Hawai`i; we need to make sure we are

Kai Ho`opi`i Photo from NPS

empowering people who will strengthen our local economy and create jobs through innovation. In my conversations with local start-up leaders, I have been so impressed by their drive to make Hawai`i a ‘Start-Up Paradise.’ Their work, combined with support like this, creates great opportunity for Hawai`i’s bright economic future.”
      “These funds will help expand the global reach and export of Hawai`i's creative entrepreneurs in the broadband, film, television, new media, music and design clusters,” said Georja Skinner, Administrator of DBEDT’s Creative Industries Division.



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KAI HO`OPI`I SHARES MUSIC OF HIS `OHANA tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK asks families to sign up by this Friday for its free Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and take a closer look at the Kahuku Unit during a day of activities. Connect with the culture, people and `aina (land) through mo`olelo (stories), GPS and compass. Free lunch is provided. 

      Call 985-6019.

THURSDAY IS THE U.S. AIR FORCE’S 67TH BIRTHDAY. Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates with casual dinner available to airmen and guests. Open to authorize patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN & `OHANA DAY is this Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features a 5K walk/run, 10K and Half Marathon, along with entertainment, games, legal assistance, silent auction and more.
      See okaukakou.org for updates and course photos.
      To sign up for food, arts & crafts, retail and information booths, contact Gay Polido at 808-638-1831 or gay.polido@yahoo.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 Monday, Sept. 15, 2014

Volcano School of Arts & Sciences students present their own goodies along with professional chefs at yesterday's Grape Harvest Festival at Volcano Winery to raise funds for the school's STEAM programs. Photo by Julia Neal

VOLCANO WINERY RAISED MONEY for Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences yesterday with its Grape Harvest Festival. Volcano Winery served its wines and teas. Ka`u Coffee growers, chefs and makers of locally sourced foods also made their presentation to the public with generous tastings.

Cafe `Ohi`a brings its offerings to the fundraiser for Volcano School
of Arts & Sciences. Photo by Julia Neal

      The $40 tickets sold out, and attendees were entertained by Keoki Kahumoku and his `ukulele kids, including Volcano School student and singer Jade Tredinnick.
      Volcano Winery partner Marie Bothof said the festival “was wonderful all the way around, and everyone said they would come back next year.” Those who attended were able to tour the vineyard, tea garden, fig orchard, greenhouse and vat room, led by partner Del Bothof and general manager and head winemaker Alex Wood.
      Money raised will support STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) programs at the school. To donate, call Kim at 985-7055.

KA`U’S STATE REP. RICHARD CREAGAN has concerns about proposed wastewater system rules that could raise the price of homes and commercial entities that currently use cesspools in Ka`u. The state Department of Health regulations are aimed at further protecting drinking water sources and the environment.

Chefs came from as far as Hilo, with VooDoo's presenting Cajun
and Creole cuisine at Volcano Winery's Grape Harvest Festival.
Photo by Julia Neal

      “Everything has a risk benefit and a cost benefit ratio, and I think the costs of requiring septic systems as opposed to cesspools on the Big Island far outweigh the risks to both individuals and the environment,” Creagan said. “In my view, as a physician and a former epidemiological investigator for the state health department, the system on the Big Island is not broken, and the proposed rule changes by the Health Department are based on poorly substantiated claims and science that does not apply for the most part to the unique geology of the Big Island.

      “We have a housing shortage. These rules would unnecessarily increase the cost of housing and put another roadblock to the expansion of badly needed additional homes.
      “These rule changes are being rushed through by a lame-duck administration, and I think that these proposed changes should be deferred until we have a new administration and the Legislature is back in session to enable a more measured and informed look at the situation.” Creagan said that if the proposed rule changes are adopted, he will fight for statutory exemptions for the Big Island.

Olson Trust manager for Ka`u,
Randy Stevens, brought Ka`u
Coffee Mill brew to Volcano
Winery. Photo by Julia Neal

Lorie Obra of Rusty's Coffee contributed
 to the fundraising festival. Photo by Julia Neal

      According to DOH, other states, including Iowa, New Jersey and Massachusetts, require cesspools to be upgraded to septic systems whenever property ownership changes. “Requiring cesspool upgrades when property is sold makes sense because the cost of the upgrade can be shared between the buyer and seller at a time when sellers, with proceeds from the sale, are better able to afford upgrading costs and buyers, who are usually borrowing already for their purchase, may obtain additional financing for eliminating a cesspool,” DOH said in its Rationale for the Proposed Revisions.
      To read the proposal and send comments by email, see health.hawaii.gov/wastewater/home/public_notice. Written comments can be sent to Wastewater Branch, Environmental Management Division, State Department of Health, 919 Ala Moana Blvd, Room 309, Honolulu, HI 96814-4920.

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

She Holds a Torch for Johnnie by Suzanne Dix Kaliko
Image from the artist

SUZANNE DIX KALIKO, WHO LIVES in Ocean View with her husband Ronald, has been selected to display her artwork at the Third Annual Alumni Art & Design Fair at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday, Sept. 20. 

      A graduate of Pratt in 1974, Kaliko will exhibit her “Social Commentary” oil and acrylic paintings. Her collection depicts a humorous and refreshing analysis of the human condition from a feminine perspective.
      An artist all her life, Kaliko started on a chalkboard drawing houses, birds and clouds at the age of two. Raised in a rural community in western New York, she was self-taught until 18 when she was admitted to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Her 1974 graduating class was the last classically trained painting/drawing curriculum before computers. 

“We were taught the hard way,” Kaliko said. “Photography was barely accepted at that time as a fine art, and there was zero tolerance for photographic imagery, including the use of photographs for drawn or painted works. I was trained when it was considered ‘cheating.’”

      Kaliko said old-school techniques have served her well over the years. “The test of conveying a scene by drawing from life develops all an artist’s skills. Nature (plein aire technique) forces the artist to work fast and absorb all the nuances of color and light before they change – in about 20 minutes. Since every painting takes more that 20 minutes to complete, the artist is challenged to render the painting from memory once the initial impression is made.

 It is easy to be inspired. Everyone has his or her ‘Aha!’ moment where a saying or an image impresses itself on the psyche. The toughest aspect of making art is taking that inspiration and acting on it. One must get out there and make the painting, dance the dance, play the instrument. That’s when the joy comes – during the act of creation.”

Alex Aden

      Over the forty years Kaliko has spent in the art field, she has created hundreds of paintings and taught thousands of students. Her community involvement supports an interest in connecting others with their own creativity. Her poetry reflects her impressions of culture and social interactions.
      For more information, contact Kaliko at 929-7113 or suzanne@dixstudios.com. See www.509studios.biz.

HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE HAVE FOUND ALEX ADEN, the 19-year-old Ka`u man who was reported missing Saturday.

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Hawai`i Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald

HAWAI`I CHIEF JUSTICE MARK E. RECKTENWALD is seeking public comment on judicial nominees for the current vacancy in the District Court of the Third Circuit (County of Hawai`i). The names submitted for this vacancy by the Judicial Selection Commission, in alphabetical order, are: Jeffery N. Burleson, 
Wendy M. DeWeese, 
Margaret K. Masunaga, 
Michael H. Schlueter, 
Cynthia T. Tai and Kimberly B.M. Taniyama. 

      Because the Chief Justice has the discretion to assign judges to the district or district family court calendar, comments about the qualifications and character of any of the nominees with regard to either calendar assignment may be sent, in writing, to
      Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, 
Supreme Court of Hawai`i, 
417 South King Street, 
Honolulu, HI 96813 
or by fax to 808-539-4703 
or email to chiefjustice@courts.hawaii.gov
      Comments must be postmarked, emailed, faxed or hand delivered no later than Friday, Sept. 26. All comments will be kept confidential.
      The individual selected by the Chief Justice is subject to Senate confirmation.

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Backroads of Puna may become lifelines if lava covers Hwy
130 near Pahoa. Photo from Big Island Video News

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES ARE CONTINUING in Puna to create alternate access routes in the event lava covers Hwy 130 in the Pahoa area. Clearing and grading are taking place on Railroad Avenue and Government Beach Road, which would allow residents to connect with Hwy 130 north of the flow.
      The county is also today opening an operations center at Pahoa Community Center. Fire, police, Civil Defense and other personnel will be available there for the duration of the emergency period.

      See bigislandvideonews.com.

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

KAI HO`OPI`I, WINNER OF ALOHA FESTIVAL’S Hawaiian falsetto signing contest, shares music of his `ohana Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK asks families to sign up by this Friday for its free Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and take a closer look at the Kahuku Unit during a day of activities. Connect with the culture, people and `aina (land) through mo`olelo (stories), GPS and compass. Free lunch is provided.
      Call 985-6019.

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