Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014

Meeting in the middle of lava covering Chain of Craters Road, crews finished the first phase of rebuilding the emergency route connecting Lower Puna residents to Ka`u and the rest of the island. Photo from National Park Service

STATE SENATORS REPRESENTING KA`U have been named to key positions, according to the reorganization announced Wednesday. Sen. Josh Green, who serves east Ka`u and Kona, is Floor Leader of the Hawai`i state Senate for the first time and Chair of its Committee on Health. Sen. Russell Ruderman, who serves east Ka`u and Puna, is chair of the Hawai`i Senate Committee on Agriculture. Senator Gil Kahele, who served Ka`u and now serves Hilo, is Caucus Leader and Chair of the Senate’s Committee on Tourism & International Affairs.

East Ka`u's state Sen. Josh Green is Floor Leader and Chair of Health Committee.
Photo from Sen. Green

      Continuing as the only doctor in the Senate, Green said last night that he will focus on solving the Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. challenge to stabilize the safety net for health care. HHSC operates Ka`u, Hilo, Kona and other mostly rural hospitals in Hawai`i as a quasi-state-funded health system. Green said he sees the state creating a partnership with nonprofits already established in Hawai`i. “Both Kaiser and Hawai`i Pacific Health (Straub) are interested in Maui,” said Green.
      Legislation must pass to allow these partnership, he said, noting that the legislative process will delve into whether the whole system or just part of the system will be operated by one or more of the nonprofits. “In time, now that Queens has developed a presence with Kaua`i, Queens may have more engagement with Big Island hospitals,” Green said.
     The Health Chair said that he will work on incentives to bring doctors and nurses to every corner of the state where there is a shortage. He also promised to focus on treatment for those who are addicted to drugs and to prevent drug overdoses by decreasing the amount of narcotics in the community.
      Green stated that 80 percent of all narcotics in the world are consumed by Americans and that much of the consumption is through prescriptions.
      The senator said that as Floor Leader he will have a role in all referrals to committees. “The Floor Leader digs deep into the process to determine which bills have priority,” Green said. He said he promises to focus on real debate and making sure that important bills aren’t left on the side to die without being heard.
      Regarding Ruderman being named Chair of Ag, Green recalled that he and Ruderman co-sponsored the GMO regulation package, including measures on labeling and use of pesticides, which came before the last Legislature. With Green as Health Chair and Ruderman as Ag Chair, they have an opportunity to bring these issues into the forefront for research, debate and decision-making, Green said. “I am very happy to see my colleague as Ag Chair, where he can lead us on issues related to GMO, pesticides and many priorities such as the cottage food industry. He plans to do a lot to help small, local farmers,” Green said.

Sen. Russell Ruderman, at Mo`oheau Bandstand in Hilo the night before the election
with Democratic Party of Hawai`i County Chair David Tarnas, has been named
Chair of the state Senate Committee on Agriculture. Photo by Julia Neal

      Ruderman said, “I am very excited about being Chair of the Ag Committee. I plan to listen and study every point of view without excluding any. I hope to make progress on local food issues, such as cottage foods, supporting small farms and diversified agriculture.” He said he also plans to address coffee labeling issues including truth in labeling and minimum blend requirements in the 2015 Legislature.
      Regarding election results on Tuesday, Ruderman said that he is proud of Hawai`i for resisting the power of outside money to defeat such bills as the GMO moratorium on Maui and the money targeted to defeat Hawai`i County Council member Margaret Wille, who authored GMO bills on this island.
    Senate President Donna Mercado Kim talked about the overall leadership of the Senate the day after the election. “This is a strong leadership team that will waste no time in preparing for the upcoming legislative session.”

     Senate Vice President is Will Espero, and Majority Leader is J. Kalani English. Other leaders in the Senate are Majority Whip Brian Taniguchi; Policy Leader Les Ihara, Jr.; Chair of Ways & Means Jill Tokuda; Vice Chair of Ways & Means Ron Kouchi; Chair of Judiciary & Labor Gil Keith-Agaran; Chair of Consumer Protection Roz Baker; Chair of Hawaiian Affairs Maile Shimabukuro; Chair of Education Michelle Kidani; Chair of Economic Development & Technology Glenn Wakai; Chair of Water & Land Laura Thielen; Chair of Human Services and Housing Suzanne Chun-Oakland; Chair of Higher Education & the Arts Brian Taniguchi; Chair of Government Operations Donovan Dele Cruz; Chair of Public Safety, Intergovernmental & Military Affairs Will Espero; and Chair of Transportation Clarence Nisihara.

      “Our state continues to face a number of fiscal challenges, and the Senate Majority stands ready to work with both the House and the Ige administration to address these issues and help Hawai`i families,” said Sen. Tokuda.

More voters cast ballots at Cooper Center in Volcano that other polling places.
Photo from advocacy.britannica.com

      For more on the legislative process, biographies of legislators, calendar and to testify on various bills when the 2015 Legislature opens in mid-January, see www.capitol.hawaii.gov.

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VOTER TURNOUT WAS 47.7 PERCENT FOR HAWAI`I ISLAND in Tuesday’s General Election, with turnout ranging from 55.4 percent to 41.7 in precincts from Volcano through Ka`u and Miloli`i. The precinct in Volcano showed the most voting, and Ocean View the least. Pahala was second highest with 48.8 percent. Na`alehu was third with 46.5 percent, and Miloli`i was fourth, with 43 percent. 

      Here is how gubernatorial candidates did in each precinct with percentages of votes cast:
      Winning the governorship, David Ige earned the highest percentage in Miloli`i with 56.5 percent of votes. He got 56.3 percent in Volcano, 52.3 in Pahala, 47.7 percent in Na`alehu and 44.4 percent in Ocean View.
      Duke Aiona had the highest at Ocean View with 32.5 percent. His next highest was in Na`alehu at 28.6 percent, followed by Volcano, 28.2 percent; Miloli`i, 25.7 percent; and Pahala, 24.6 percent.
      In Pahala, 21 percent of those registered voted for Mufi Hannemann. He received 20.2 percent in Na`alehu, 15.8 percent in Ocean View, 12.2 percent in Miloli`i and 11.3 percent in Volcano.
      Jeff Davis received 6.9 percent of votes in Ocean View and 3.8 percent in Volcano. He got less that one percent of votes in the other three precincts.
      See more local election results in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.

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Mayor Billy Kenoi, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando
and Hawai`i County Department of Public Works Director Warren Lee celebrate
completion of the first phase of rebuilding Chain of Craters Road.
Photo from NPS

SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE on Chain of Craters Road since work began in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Oct. 24. Yesterday, crews working from each end met in the middle. This completes the rough grade of the road. Work will now begin on crushing excavated material for the road bed. The finished road will be a gravel-surfaced, 22-foot-wide, two-lane road. The road is scheduled to be completed in the next 30-45 days, weather and construction conditions permitting. 

      Lower Puna residents will be able to access the route after the lava has crossed Hwy 130 and Railroad Avenue and the National Park Service has determined that the road is safe for vehicles. The emergency access route will not be open to the public or park visitors. Residents will receive a free window decal for access through the park.

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HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS tomorrow at 9 a.m. All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.

KA`U RESIDENT WHO WANT TO ATTEND `Ohana Day on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park should register by this Saturday, Nov. 8 to be included in the free-lunch count.
      Recently returned from serving as an apprentice navigator aboard Hokule`a, Hilo-native Celeste Manuia Ha`o recounts her epic return to Faleapuna, her village of Samoa. Guided by the waves, winds, stars, and Ka Panana Hoku, the Hawaiian Star Compass, she navigated her way home using knowledge of Hawaiian ancestors. Participants discover how, whether on sea or on land, they, too, can orient themselves and never be lost.
      Call 985-6019 to register.

Dennis Kamakahi played for the hula of Erin Cole, of Ocean View, for
last year's opening concert. Photo by Julia Neal

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE AT PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE is the site of an `ukulele build reunion Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All who have built `ukulele over the years through the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies programs in conjunction with Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center, Ko Aloha `Ukulele and Pāhala Plantation Cottages are invited. Reservations for the `ukulele build have closed, but alumni are invited to bring their `ukulele for tune-ups, repairs and restringing. 

A CONCERT SPONSORED BY THE CENTER for Hawaiian Music Studies celebrates the life of the late Dennis Kamakahi this Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House.
      Sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, the concert and kani ka pila with `ohana features John Keawe, Diana Aki, Martin Pahinui, Ben Ka`iwi, Dennis’ son David Kamakahi, Keoki Kahumoku, Peter deAquino, Kai Ho`opi`i, the Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Rion Schmidt and more. Donations will be accepted.

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 Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014

Governor-elect David Ige stopped in Pahala during his grassroots campaign, visiting with Ka`u residents at the home of
Marion Villanueva, who sits to the right of Ige. Photo by Julia Neal

AFTER CAMPAIGNING IN KA`U and throughout the state, Sen. David Ige crossed the finish line yesterday, winning 49 percent of votes in the race for governor against Republican Duke Aiona, who garnered 36.7 percent; Independent Mufi Hannemann, with 11.6 percent; and Libertarian Jeff Davis, with 1.7 percent. Ige spoke to Ka`u residents in small groups during his campaign.

      While several states replaced their U.S. Democratic senators with Republicans, Hawai`i’s congressional delegation is all Democratic, with Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard keeping their seats. State Sen. Mark Takai also won in a close race against Charles Djou to represent Hawai`i’s House District One in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Brian Schatz, at left, continues his role as U.S. senator after rallying supporters,
including Democratic Partyof Hawai`i County Chair David Tarnas
Monday night at Mo`oheau Bandstand in Hilo. Photo by Julia Neal

      Ka`u’s incumbent Democratic state legislators easily kept their seats, with Sen. Josh Green receiving 76.1 percent of the votes and Rep. Richard Creagan continuing to represent west Ka`u. Rep. Richard Onishi also won by a large margin in east Ka`u’s House District Three.
      Creagan, who won with 55.9 percent of the vote over Republican Dave Bateman’s 36 percent, said, “It was a good night for Democrats in Hawai`i last night. We only lost one of our representatives, Karen Palama. Otherwise, our team stayed intact, and I think that bodes well for what we can do for the Big Island. Our politics are reality-based and very positive. Let’s let our constituents have a good life. That’s what I want to do.”
      The one bright spot in voting, said Creagan, was that “money didn’t win in Hawai`i.” He pointed to incumbent County Council member Margaret Willie facing PAC money that opposed her stance on regulating GMOs. “Hawai`i County voters rejected the outside money and realized they needed Willie to balance the council,” said Creagan. He said it mirrored the GMO moratorium on Maui, where Monsanto and other GMO companies spent millions on advertising, claiming the moratorium was an “anti-farming” bill. “The outside money lost,” he said.
      Creagan also noted that incoming governor David Ige was outspent ten to one by sitting Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the primary, and Ige won.
      Creagan said that Democrats win in Hawai`i because they “have been taking care of people. There are inefficiencies, but it benefits everyone, not just the rich.”
     Ka`u's new county council member Maile Medeiros David won her seat in the primary. Sitting council member Brenda Ford is was not allowed to run due to term limitations.

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A new state constitutional amendment expands revenue bonds to support
agriculture. Photo by Julia Neal

VOTERS DECIDED ON FIVE STATE CONSTITUTIONAL amendments on the ballot. 

       They approved a state constitutional amendment calling for the Judicial Selection Commission to disclose its list of nominees to the public when presenting it to the governor or the chief justice to fill a vacancy in the office of the chief justice, Supreme Court, intermediate appellate court, circuit courts or district courts.
      Another relating to agricultural enterprises passed. It authorizes the state to issue special purpose revenue bonds and use the proceeds from the bonds to assist agricultural enterprises on any type of land, rather than only important agricultural lands. The idea of using bonds for important agricultural lands was initially used to encourage people to farm the best agricultural lands and to keep them in agriculture, rather than development.
      The state Legislature proposed that the mandatory retirement age for all state court justices and judges be increased from seventy to eighty years of age, but voters did not agree.
      Also failing was a proposal to permit appropriation of public funds to support or benefit private early childhood education programs.

      Issuing special purpose revenue bonds and using proceeds to offer loans to qualifying dam and reservoir owners to improve their facilities to protect public safety and provide significant benefits to the general public as important water sources also passed.

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HAWAI`I COUNTY VOTERS APPROVED a Hawai`i County Charter amendment creating a four-year term for County Clerk, with the County Council having the authority to remove the County Clerk from office by a two-thirds vote of its membership.

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TODAY IS EXPECTED TO BE A MILESTONE in reconstruction of the Ka`u-Kalapana route along Chain of Craters Road, according to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park spokesperson Rainey McKenna. She said crews working from both ends of the road expect to meet in the middle.
      “Construction is going very well, especially considering lava tubes, steam cracks and very big hills of lava,” McKenna said. There are hills up to 60 feet high and lava depths of up to 150 feet.
      “The contractors are doing an excellent job and demonstrate a deep respect for the `aina and its resources,” she said.
       Meanwhile, the lava flow front near Pahoa has been stalled for five days, though fingers have been moving parallel to the main path upslope. The Chain of Craters Road would be used should the lava cross Hwy 130 into lower Puna and other emergency roads that have been prepared along the Puna coast.

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Crews working from both ends of Chain of Craters Road to rebuild the lava-covered section expect to meet in the middle today.
Photo from NPS/Rainey McKenna

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is seeking public comment on the environmental review and decision regarding construction and use of an emergency access route along the lava-covered section of Chain of Craters Road. The environmental review for the emergency access route was completed in accordance with alternative NEPA arrangements developed by and in consultation with the Department of Interior and the President’s Council on Environmental Quality.

      To sustain access in and out of Pahoa, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is working in cooperation with the state of Hawai`i, Hawai`i County and the Federal Highways Administration to construct an emergency access route between the park and Kalapana along the park’s historic Chain of Craters Kalapana Road.

      The environmental review considers alternatives to the emergency access route and potential adverse impacts, and includes public involvement, mitigation and monitoring commitments. As part of the alternative arrangements, the National Park Service will continue to engage the public by soliciting comments on the project, participating in public informational meetings, responding to comments received and publishing periodic reports on the results of monitoring commitments. In addition, the NPS will continue to consult with affected agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Hawai`i State Historic Preservation Division, as necessary. The NPS will also prepare a NEPA review to consider the future of the emergency access route after the emergency ends.

      Use of the emergency access route will only last as long as there is no viable alternative route for the residents of the affected area to use to gain access to the rest of the Island of Hawai`i.
      The public is invited to review the environmental review and decision document and to submit comments via the NPS’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/havo. Select the Emergency Access Route along the Lava-Covered Section of Chain of Craters Kalapana Road link. The deadline for submitting comments in PEPC is Dec. 5 at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
      Comments will be accepted while construction of the road is in progress (anticipated to be 30 days) and are intended to affect NPS consideration of adjustments to the proposed action and enhancement of proposed mitigation measures. The comment period will be extended if necessary. Responses to substantive comments will be subsequently posted on PEPC. Results of park monitoring of resources and road use will be posted on PEPC and the park’s website, shared at community meetings or publicized via other means of communication periodically throughout the duration of the emergency.
      The public can also submit comments in writing, addressed to Superintendent, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, PO Box 52, Hawai`i National Park, HI 96718-0052; or via email nps_havo_planning@nps.gov.

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Bob Herkes, at left, with Gov. Neil Abercrombie, participated in
groundbreaking for the Ka`u Disaster Shelter & Gymnasium.
Photo by Julia Neal

NAMING OF THE NEW KA`U GYMNASIUM and Shelter is on the county Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee agenda for tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford urges interested Ka`u residents to testify at Hilo Council Chambers.

      Ford is introducing two pieces of legislation. Bill 316 names the facility in the County Code as the “Bob Herkes and Laurence Capellas Gymnasium and Shelters.” Resolution 566-14 establishes signage for the facility and recommends two plaques under the facility’s name – one for Capellas and one for Herkes – with permission for the Department of Parks & Recreation to make any changes necessary in the signage.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

OTHER COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES meeting tomorrow are Human Services & Social Services at 9 a.m., Public Safety & Mass Transit at 9:15 a.m., Planning at 1 p.m. and Finance at 1:30 p.m. The full council meets Friday at 9 a.m. All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.

Diana Aki, at right, here with Keoki Kahumoku at Pahala Plantation House, returns
to perform at a concert Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal

AN `UKULELE BUILD REUNION takes place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Carriage House of Pahala Plantation House. All who have built `ukulele over the years through the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies programs in conjunction with Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center, Ko Aloha `Ukulele and Pāhala Plantation Cottages are invited. Reservations for the `ukulele build have closed, but alumni are invited to bring their `ukulele for tune-ups, repairs and restringing.

A CONCERT SPONSORED BY THE CENTER for Hawaiian Music Studies celebrates the life of the late Dennis Kamakahi this Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Donations will be accepted.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014

Democratic candidates and new Ka`u County Council member Maile David (second from left) rallied supporters at Mo`oheau
 Bandstand in Hilo last night in advance of today's General Election. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U DEMOCRATS RUNNING FOR OFFICE and those already elected, including incoming Ka`u Council member Maile David, Sen. Russell Ruderman and Mayor Billy Kenoi, converged on the Mo`oheau Bandstand in Hilo last night. It was the traditional election eve rally that has drawn candidates and sitting elected officials since 1954. They gave speeches under a banner, “Moving Forward Together Because People Matter Most.”

Sen. David Ige, candidate for govermor.
Photo by Julia Neal

Rep. Richard Onishi
Photo by Julia Neal

      Hawai`i County's mayor, not up for election this year, said he would never miss the iconic, historic event at the bandstand. Kenoi said he was first brought there as a child by his father. Several speakers mentioned that this was the first bandstand rally without the late Sen. Dan Inouye. His successor, Sen. Brian Schatz, gave a Democratic rallying speech along with Sen. Mazie Hirono.
      The rally honored the late Piggy Kaleohano, who was the regular sound man for the rally for years and also supported many events in Ka`u.
     Ikaika Mahoe, Chair of Hawai`i Island Young Democrats, said the bandstand is a place where hope has been defended for 60 years. “Hope is when a mother goes to work hoping to be paid the same as her male counterpart. Hope is what a U.S. senator has when he stays up all night trying to convince fellow congressmen that climate change is real. Hope is when Mayor Billy says ‘No can? Always can!’”
      Hirono called Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency chief Darryl Oliveira “man of the hour” for his work on the Puna lava flow. She praised gubernatorial candidate David Ige: “He is going to make our economy strong (and) take care of our kupuna. ... We are going to elect David Ige. ... Going to govern collaboratively. ... College affordability will be at the forefront.”
      East Ka`u Rep. Richard Onishi and other Democrats described the Democratic Party as a group who cares about other people. West Ka`u Rep. Richard Creagan, who was described by Hawai`i Island Democratic Chair David Tarnas as being in a tight race, answered his own question of why he is running: “I want to have a good life, and a big part of that for me is helping others to have a good life. That is what I tried to do as a Peace Corps volunteer, doctor and teacher, and that is what I am trying to do as a state representative.”
     He also said the most important race is for governor. Creagan said Ige “is a good man who wants his fellow citizens to have a good life. We need to elect a Democratic team led by David Ige.”

Sen. Russell Ruderman
Photo by Julia Neal

Rep. Richard Creagan
Photo by Julia Neal

      East Ka`u and Puna Sen. Russell Ruderman played guitar with his band to start off the evening. He later talked about the lava threat. “We’re going to be asking for your kokua; we’re going to need the help of our statewide partners and our federal partners. When this lava flow is no longer in the news and there’s no longer hurricanes in the news, we’re still going to need serious help. We’re going to ask you folks to be good Democrats, good human beings, and help us out, and in return, I know that we’re going to learn lessons that will help other neighborhoods when they’re hit with disasters. We’re going to learn some lessons about how to pull together and support each other.”

      Missing was Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, whose representative said she had been called up as a Hawai`i Army National Guard police captain to be deployed to Puna ahead of the lava flow. She will join about 80 soldiers and airmen already on the ground. During this time, her offices in Hawai`i and Washington, D.C. will remain open and serving her constituents. The duration of her duty is yet to be determined.

      Sample ballots for today’s General Election are available at hawaii.gov/elections. Local polling places at Cooper Center in Volcano, Ka`u High School cafeteria, Na`alehu School cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Halau are open until 6 p.m.

Hawai`i Army National Guard member walks with other disaster workers toward lava
that recently covered Apa`a Street in Puna. Photo from Big Island Video News

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA YESTERDAY SIGNED a Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance in response to Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s Oct. 24 request for federal aid to supplement local emergency protective measures in response to the June 27 lava flow that continues to threaten Pahoa. The declaration allows for emergency protective measures under the Public Assistance Program and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to assist Hawai`i County.

      Emergency protective measures undertaken by Hawai`i County include repair, restoration and re-establishment of alternate routes in and out of affected communities. State efforts include measures to accommodate approximately 900 schoolchildren who will be displaced by the lava flow, and support to county requests for additional air quality monitoring.
      Kenneth K. Suiso has been named coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Suiso said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by results of further damage assessments.

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HAWAI`I COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE REPORTS that the flow front remains active but has not advanced since yesterday. Activity has been limited to breakouts along the margins or sides of the flow as well as on the flow surface. Additional breakouts upslope of the flow front are being monitored, and those breakouts currently do not present an immediate threat to area residents.

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A VICTORY EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL banquet on Sunday celebrated Ka`u High School Trojans’ Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship. It is the first BIIF football title for the Trojans since 1962. 

Kainalu Ke shared a Samoan siva dance with his family after
 the awards ceremony. Photo by Tanya Ibarra

      Held at Na`alehu Community Center, the event recognized all team players. Kaimanu Medeiros-Dancel is Outstanding Senior. Trieson Pascubillo is Outstanding Junior. Kali`i Aipia-Dolan is Outstanding Sophomore. James Kuahiwinui-Kaimanu is Outsanding Freshman. Cy Tamura scored Most Touchdowns.

Kupono Palakiko-Leffew is
All-around player.
Photo by Tanya Ibarra

      Evan Manoha earned Best Defensive Player. Rodney Kuahiwinui, Jr. earned Best Offensive Player. Kainalu Ke showed Best Academic Improvement. Kupono Palakiko-Leffew is Best All-Around Player. Rigan Kaapana earned title of Hardest Worker. Kaweni Ibarra earned Coaches’ Choice Award.

  Each player received a certificate of recognition signed by each of the nine County Council members. The County Council invited the Trojans to a reception on Dec. 18 to honor their achievements and announce their victory.

      Among special guests on Sunday, Thane Milhoan from Sportz Viz spoke about college football opportunities.

Carlos Uribe-Bounces
shares his music.
Photo by Tanya Ibarra

    Also recognized on Sunday were members of past Trojan championship teams. Class of 2014 Trojans Jamal Buyuan and Rigan Kaapana received recognition along with their fathers from a previous JV winning team. Anthony Emmsley Ah-Yee received recognition, along with his grandfather, who played on the 1962 winning Trojan team. 

   Carlos Uribe-Bounces shared his musical skills with the crowd at the banquet honoring Ka`u High's football champions. Also recognized were Ka`u Lions Pop Warner coaches Sonny Breithaupt and Daniel Bivings for their team’s performance this year. High school coach Kainoa Ke said, “The Pop Warner League is where our players start now. It’s up to them to get ready for high school football there, then when they come up, they play.”

      This story was written by Ka`u High School journalism intern Kaweni Ibarra.

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

Dennis Kamakahi's son David will play at a memorial
 concert for his late father this Saturday in Pahala.

A CONCERT TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE of the late Dennis Kamakahi takes place this Saturday, Nov. 8 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, the concert and kani ka pila with `ohana features John Keawe, Diana Aki, Martin Pahinui, Ben Ka`iwi, Dennis’ son David Kamakahi, Keoki Kahumoku, Peter deAquino, Kai Ho`opi`i, the Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Rion Schmidt and more. Donations will be accepted.

JELENA CLAY HOLDS HER EVER-POPULAR Holiday Wreath Workshop Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
      For over 15 years, Clay has been teaching workshops at Volcano Art Center on how to create one-of-a-kind wreaths with a variety of native and non-native foliage. This classic workshop demonstrates techniques to create beautiful holiday wreaths. Participants learn how to twist cordage and create roses out of natural materials. These are skills that can be used for many other things including gift wrapping and lei making. The workshop includes tips on plant gathering and how to dry wreaths so they will last.
      Students are encouraged to bring seed pods, liko, mossy branches, etc. Cost for the workshop is $30 for VAC Members and $35 for non-members, plus a $20 supply fee.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.