Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea Co. has announced long-range plans for the 1,600 acres it recently purchased in Na`alehu.
Photos from Hawai`i Pacific Brokers, LLC

KA`U ROYAL HAWAIIAN COFFEE & TEA, LLC has announced long-range plans for the 1,600 acres it recently purchased in Na`alehu. Project Manager Louis Leong said the hui is grateful for being welcomed into the community of Na`alehu and looks forward to helping to contribute to Ka`u’s economic growth and support of Ka`u’s small farms and small businesses. "We hope to enhance the success of the nearly two decades of work by Ka`u Coffee farmers who have built a new economy after the closing of Ka`u’s sugar industry. We also envision a complementary Ka`u Tea industry becoming as successful,” he said, noting that other crops are also being considered.

Land recently purchased by Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea Co. extends
from Na`alehu toward Wai`ohinu.

      “We may lease some of the farmland to local farmers that fit into our overall plans. We will announce more details on this subject in the near future,” Leong said. He also announced that Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea has engaged Elite Agri Services of Na`alehu as the local representative. Tyler Johansen, of Elite Agri Services, can be reached at 808-938-3230.
       Leong said that plans not only include expanding coffee and adding tea and other agriculture, but also building a coffee mill, tea processing establishment and visitor center along Hwy 11. The property is located on the mauka side of Na`alehu in the area behind Ace Hardware and extends into the hills and along Hwy 11 on the Wai`ohinu side of the village.
      Leong said that through “responsible and sensitive management of 1,600 acres at Na`alehu, we plan to be direct contributors to the community. We will become involved with scholarships and support of local organizations as we immerse ourselves into Na`alehu as an integral part of the economy.”
      The company’s first community donation was to support the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce scholarship fund and The Directory.
       Leong is vice president of HPL Development, of San Mateo, CA, a partner in Island Paradise Investments, which is building a $75 million-plus, 17-story senior housing building in the Ala Moana district on Kalakaua Ave. near the convention center. Called Kalakaua Gardens, it is expected to provide 46 skilled nursing beds, 106 units for assisted living and 32 “memory care” units. The project could be completed by 2016.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Gov. David Ige

GOV. DAVID IGE SIGNED A SUPPLEMENTAL emergency proclamation yesterday that extends the emergency period for the lava flow that threatens Puna. 

       “The state stands ready to support Hawai`i County in its response to the lava flow,” said Ige. “This extension of the emergency proclamation aids current monitoring and response and recovery efforts. The lava isn’t going to just go away, and we need to work together to ensure the community’s health and safety.”
       The extension suspends certain laws as needed for emergency purposes. Copies of the proclamation text can be found at http://www.scd.hawaii.gov/Proclamations.htm.
       A request to expand the Presidential Disaster Declaration to include debris removal and permanent work to repair eligible government and private nonprofit infrastructure damaged by the lava flow was submitted in early February.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

LEGACY LAND CONSERVATION COMMISSION, a nine-member Commission appointed by the governor to advise the Department of Land & Natural Resources on grants from the Legacy Land Conservation Program, is accepting applications for two vacancies.
      The Legacy Land program provides state grant funding to state agencies, counties and nonprofit land conservation organizations to acquire and protect lands having value as watersheds; coastal areas, beaches, and ocean access; habitat; cultural and historic sites; recreational and public hunting areas; parks; natural areas; agricultural production; and open spaces and scenic resources.
      The program also allows applicants to take advantage of other funding programs that require a local match. On average, Legacy Land applicants leverage each Legacy Land dollar with approximately two dollars in federal, private or county matching funds.
      The Commission consists of nine members, with at least one member from each of the counties, and it meets about six times per year. The positions are unpaid, except for reimbursement of travel expenses. The primary duty of the Commission is reviewing project proposals and making recommendations to the Board of Land and Natural Resources regarding grant awards.
      There are currently vacancies for a member of a statewide agricultural association and a member who is knowledgeable about native Hawaiian Culture. At least one of the two new members must be from Hawai`i Island.
      Applications may be submitted online to the Office of Boards and Commissions at http://boards.hawaii.gov/.
      Interested applicants may find more information regarding the program at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp/ and can contact the Program Coordinator with questions at 586-0921.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB of the Big Island encourages Ka`u residents to attend its third annual Youth of the Year Banquet & Awards Ceremony Friday, March 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. The theme is Inspiring Youth, and participants can dress as what they wanted to be when they were young. 

      The evening includes inspiring youth speeches from Hawai`i Island Club members, cocktails, entertainment, silent and live auctions, dinner, awards and celebration of honored guests.
      The Youth of the Year Award is presented to the club’s most outstanding member. Candidates are selected based on yearlong efforts in areas of leadership, academic achievement and community service. They are also evaluated on public speaking and essay writing.

       Scholarships are awarded to youth who participate in the competition, and each of them will serve as spokespersons for the Club in the coming year. The Youth of the Year winner will compete with other Club members on state, regional and national levels; earn additional scholarships; and possibly meet the President of the United States.
      In Pahala, the club currently provides safe facilities and positive activities including homework help, healthy living practices and character- and leadership-building to more than 50 youth. The Na`alehu/Ocean View club is on hiatus.
      To purchase tickets and for more information, contact Gail Hamasu at gail@bgcbi.org or 961-5536.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

The Vision Van arrives in Ka`u for free screening tomorrow and Thursday.

WALK-INS ARE ACCEPTED by Project Vision for free vision screenings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. tomorrow at Na`alehu Community Center and Thursday at Pahala Community Center.

      Call 929-8571 for more information.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in Hawai`i County Council’s meeting tomorrow.
      The meeting is available via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center and live-streamed at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings on left side of page.
           The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo.
      Agenda is available at hawaiicounty.gov.

WORKSHOPS THIS WEEK GIVE KA`U residents information about rainwater catchment systems, safety, monitoring and proper maintenance. Water quality testing kits and instructions will be provided to workshop attendees free of charge.
      Workshops take place at Ocean View Community Center Friday, March 6 
from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
; Na`alehu Community Center Saturday, March 7
 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
; and Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano, Saturday, March 7
 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

      For more information on these and other professional workshops, see arcsa.org.

Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park explore the largest petroglyph field
in Hawai`i Sunday. Photo by Lanaya Deily

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK presents its next Sunday Walk in the Park on March 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Led by Pohai Montague-Mullins, this month’s 1.5-mile round-trip walk takes explores the largest petroglyph field in Hawai`i.
      Walk participants will see hundreds of ancient symbols carved into lava over countless generations. Montague-Mullins will share stories to help connect viewers to the Hawaiian people who created these images.
      The walk is free for Friends members, and non-members are welcome to join the nonprofit organization in order to attend. Annual memberships, $30 for individuals and $45 for families, come with a variety of benefits.
      To register, contact Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes Park at 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org.

      For more information, visit www.fhvnp.org. Park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf or
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, March 2, 2015

Ka`u residents can provide testimony regarding a state House bill that would appropriate funds to research methods for control of the macadamia felted coccid, which is damaging crops throughout Ka`u and Hawai`i Island. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

GOV. DAVID IGE HAS RETURNED from Washington, D.C., where he attended the National Governors Association Winter Meeting and met with various federal officials and business leaders.

Gov. David Ige

      “Meeting with the other governors was a valuable experience,” Ige said. “We were able to discuss issues affecting the states and share best practices that lead to innovative solutions.”
      Ige was part of a panel discussion on Homeland Security and Public Safety where the focus was on Congressional action related to funding the Department of Homeland Security.
      “Funding for the Department of Homeland Security was a priority for all of the governors,” Ige said. “If the funding is not approved, much of the work will continue at great personal cost to the frontline personnel who would have to report for duty without being paid. In addition, a lapse in funding will have a real impact on FEMA’s ability to ensure that a wide range of emergency personnel have the resources they need to do their jobs and keep our communities safer and more secure.”
      The governors conducted two formal working sessions with President Obama and had dinner at the White House. Ige also attended a signing ceremony with members of Hawai`i’s Congressional Delegation and representatives of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai`i and the Japanese American Citizens League.
      “Visiting the White House and meeting with President Obama, not once but several times, was a highlight,” Ige said. “It was an honor and a privilege to be part of the Oval Office signing ceremony designating the Honouliuli Camp a National Historic Monument.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Brian Schatz

THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION has set rules that protect free expression and innovation on the Internet and promote investment in the nation’s broadband networks. According to the Commission, the “strong, sustainable rules, grounded in multiple sources of legal authority … ensure that Americans reap the economic, social and civic benefits of an Open Internet today and into the future.” 

      Sen. Brian Schatz, Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet, said, 

“I congratulate Chairman Wheeler and the FCC on a deliberative process which has led to the adoption of open Internet rules tailored for the 21st century. While I do not yet know all the details of the FCC’s proposal, it is clear that they contain three essential elements: no blocking, no throttling and no paid prioritization. These critical elements will ensure a level playing field so that a free and open Internet continues to thrive in the future. I am pleased the FCC has voted to enshrine these principles into formal protections.

      “I will continue to review the details of the rules as they are made available. If we can find bipartisan consensus that legislation is still necessary to codify robust open Internet rules, I will work with the FCC and my colleagues on the Commerce Committee to ensure that any legislation protects the FCC’s flexible and forward looking authority to prevent future forms of discrimination that could threaten Internet openness.”

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

State Department of Ag Chief Scott Enright

HAWAI`I HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE on Wednesday considers a bill that would appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with UH CTAHR, to research and develop methods for prevention and treatment of macadamia felted coccid.

      Hawai`i Department of Agriculture Chief Scott Enright testified that “the macadamia felted coccid is an insipid pest that can cause severe damage to macadamia nut trees and hurt our macadamia nut industry. It is vital to develop new methods to prevent the spread of this pest and limit the damage that it will have on the macadamia nut industry.”
      Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association President John Cross said, “We have seen and unfortunately have experienced the especially devastating effects of this pest islandwide but especially so in the Ka`u region. This pest is one of most virulent, aggressive and damaging alien pests I have witnessed in the 20 years since leaving the sugarcane plantations.”
      Bonnie Schoneberg, Director of Research Royal Hawaiian Orchards, L.P., with an office in Pahala, said, “The macadamia industry isn’t solely comprised of large companies; in reality many of the farms in Hawai`i are small growers that depend on their macadamia harvests and value added products for survival. Treatment options are already scarce to non-existent for large growers. When you consider the resources available to small growers, there are even fewer options. If realistic and economical treatment options aren’t discovered, many of the small farmers will be powerless to save their trees and will likely lose their means of income.”
      More testimony and the opportunity to testify are available at capitol.hawaii.gov. Testimony is due by 1:30 p.m. tomorrow to be included at the hearing.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Dean Curran, fifth-grade teacher at Na`alehu School, won a National Milken
Educators of Hawai`i Teacher of Promise Award. Photo from Nalani Parlin

NA`ALEHU FIFTH-GRADE TEACHER Dean Curran is the National Milken Educators of Hawai`i annual Teacher of Promise Award winner for the Ka`u-Kea`au-Pahoa educational complex area. Schools submitted nominees of teachers who have already made outstanding contributions in the classroom in just a few years of service. Hailed as the Oscars of Teaching by Teacher magazine, Milken Educator awards have been given at the state level since 1987. 

      A Teach for America recruit, Curran moved to Ka`u last year from rural Massachusetts. He graduated from University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in political science and journalism but always harbored a passion for teaching. “I had so many teachers in my life that made a difference for me and steered me in the right direction. I want to do the same for our kids,” Curran said.
      Curran co-teaches students with and without disabilities in an inclusive setting with teacher Karen Wallace, a special education teacher. Curran said that he enjoys working with students who may have experienced difficulties in school. “I want to show them that they can do it and push themselves further,” he said. Curran said that he hopes to add a special education credential to his license.
      Joining TFA, which places new teachers in traditionally underserved schools, became a turning point in Curran’s life. “I could stay with family or go some place completely different, but I was determined to go where I was needed or where I thought I could make an impact,” he said. The TFA program allowed Curran to earn his teaching license through an affiliate program with Johns Hopkins University. Curran is now pursuing his Masters degree while continuing to teach full-time.

Ocean View Community Center offers videoconferencing of Hawai`i County
Council and committee meetings tomorrow and Wednesday.

      At Na`alehu, Curran said he has encountered “overwhelmingly positive and collaborative experiences,” which has spurred forward his zeal for teaching. He added that the staff and administration have been very supportive. “It’s like a family,” he said.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in county government meetings this week. 

      Hawai`i County committee and full Council meetings are available via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
      All meetings, held at Council Chambers in Hilo, are live-streamed at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings on left side of page.
     Council committees meet tomorrow, with Planning at 9 a.m.; Finance, 9:45 a.m.; Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability, 10:30 a.m.; and Environmental Management, 1:30 p.m.
      Hawai`i County Council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m.
      Agendas for all meetings are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger presents A Walk into the Past tomorrow
and every other Tuesday. Photo from KDEN

DURING A WALK INTO THE PAST tomorrow, Ka`u Resident Dick Hershberger brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and take a short walk to Whitney Vault. Free; park entrance fees apply. 

PROJECT VISION RETURNS TO KA`U this week with free vision screenings Wednesday at Na`alehu Community Center and Thursday at Pahala Community Center. Hours both days are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for keiki and adults.
      Call 929-8571 for more information.

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI`I SEA GRANT College Program holds free community workshops this week to give residents information about rainwater catchment systems, safety, monitoring and proper maintenance. Water quality testing kits and instructions will be provided to workshop attendees free of charge.
      Workshops take place at Ocean View Community Center Friday, March 6 
from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
; Na`alehu Community Center Saturday, March 7
 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
; and Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano, Saturday, March 7
 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

      For more information on these and other professional workshops, see arcsa.org.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, March 1, 2015

A state House of Representatives bill calls for HHSC facilities, including Ka`u Hospital, to return to centralized, rather that regional, control. Photo by Julia Neal

DAN BRINKMAN, INTERIM REGIONAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER for East Hawai`i Region of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp., which operates Ka`u Hospital, has submitted testimony to the state House of Representatives opposing a bill that would reconsolidate HHSC operational administration and oversight by eliminating regional system boards. In 1996, a task force recommended establishment of regional boards of directors, but, according to HB 1112, “the Legislature finds that the decentralization of personnel, purchasing and other administration functions to the four regions … caused inefficiencies that are detrimental to the financial stability of the system, operational effectiveness and employee morale.”

HHSC's East Hawai`i Regional Interim
CEO Dan Brinkman

      According to Brinkman, the East Hawai`i Region opposes elimination of regional system boards. “We believe that the intent of Act 290 (which created regional boards) has been realized in East Hawai`i,” he testified. “Our highly engaged regional board, composed of professional experts and community leaders, has driven substantive and positive changes in the delivery of our region’s healthcare. We have modernized our systems, including installing a highly efficient and cost effective electronic medical record system, increased our revenues, controlled our expenses and have greatly improved quality and the patient experience.

      “We also believe that each region is unique in its geography, demographics, business environment, types of operations (acute vs. long-term care) and the size of its business. While there is merit to the idea that decentralization has not been successful in all regions, recentralizing imposes a ‘one size fits all’ remedy and neglects the fact that some regions have greatly benefited from community control. Additionally, the primary cause of the public hospital system’s poor condition is not its organizational structure but due to the imposing outside forces of declining reimbursements, increased cost of healthcare (i.e. supplies, medicine, employment) and the unique challenges of providing ‘safety net’ care for communities that are geographically dispersed, socio-economically challenged and aging.
      “Our solution for East Hawai`i is one of service-oriented local partnerships with other healthcare providers, especially those on the Big Island. We are seeking predictable and sustainable funding of our safety net mission and coverage of collective bargaining costs. The stability that is offered by these measured steps will give the region’s board the resources to succeed in maintaining and improving the region's operations.
      “HD 1112 HD2 removes the Regional Boards and places all authority and decision making with the Corporate Board. While this is intended to produce improvements in efficiency and accountability, there are potentially adverse disruptive consequences that should be considered, most significantly the loss of community support, ‘ownership’ and direction. We respectfully request the opportunity for further discussion regarding East Hawai`i and HHSC’s function and governance, rather than a wholesale removal of the current structure.” 

Ka`u had a bumper crop of coffee this
season. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

      House Committees on Health, vice-chaired by Ka`u’s Rep. Richard Creagan, and Labor & Public Employment passed the measure. Finance Committee hears it Tuesday at 11:05 a.m.
      More testimony and the opportunity to testify are available at capitol.hawaii.gov. Testimony is due by 11:05 tomorrow to be included in the hearing.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT and Ka`u resident Chris Manfredi credits this year’s bumper crop of Ka`u Coffee and increase in acreage planted to “the very solid foundation built in establishing Ka`u as a premium coffee growing origin,” reported Carolyn Lucas-Zenk in West Hawai`i Today. Lucas-Zenk listed the Ka`u Coffee Festival, international awards consistently won every year and increased familiarity with Ka`u Coffee as contributing to success of the regional products.
      In contrast to this year’s large harvest, a report from the Department of Agriculture and National Agricultural Statistics Service Pacific Regional Field Office claims that state coffee marketings are down four percent from last season. Manfredi told Lucas-Zenk the statistics are based on those reporting and may be inaccurate if not all farmers participated. Lucas-Zenk also said Manfredi has been trying to get officials to revalue crops using green been values instead of parchment, which, according to the story, would bring it into alignment “with the rest of the world.”
      According to Lucas-Zenk, Manfredi said one of the challenges that continues to exist for Ka`u Coffee farmers is “matching the absorption rate of coffee produced and developing markets.”

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

The second of three Sanctuary Ocean Counts of humpback whales
took place yesterday. Photo from wayfaring.info

MORE THAN 889 VOLUNTEERS GATHERED data from the shores of Hawai`i island, O`ahu and Kaua`i during the second event of the 20th Anniversary Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count. 

       The count, conducted three times per year during peak whale season, is a shore-based census that provides snapshot data on humpback whales. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals’ surface behavior during the survey.
      Volunteers collected data from 55 sites statewide. A total of 105 whales were seen during the 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day’s count. 

      In Ka`u, volunteers at Ka Lae reported 10 whales during this time period, with more sightings throughout the count. Whale sightings at Punalu`u began at 10:30 a.m. and continued through 12:15 p.m.
      Weather conditions were highly variable. Several sites were canceled due to heavy rains, whereas other sites enjoyed sunshine and calm seas.
      “For 20 years, the Sanctuary Ocean Count has proven to be a fun volunteer activity for residents and visitors,” said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent. “It also provides important population and distribution information on humpback whales around the Hawaiian Islands that we use to better understand and protect this important species.”

Ka`u's County Council member
Maile Medeiros David

       Preliminary data detailing whale sightings by site location is available at http://www.sanctuaryoceancount.org/resources/.
      The final Sanctuary Ocean Count for 2015 is scheduled for March 28. Interested volunteers may register online at http://sanctuaryoceancount.org.
      Additional information is available at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov, or volunteers may call 808-725-5917. Volunteers are required to register prior to participating. Registration closes one week prior to the event date.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL, meeting Wednesday at 9 a.m., hears the final reading of a bill that would require Planned Unit Development applications to be reviewed and acted on by either the Leeward or Windward Planning Commission, depending on properties’ locations. Currently, only the Planning director has to approve PUDs, and public notice follows the decisions. Decisions can be overturned by the Board of Appeals and the Third Circuit Court.
      Council committees meet Tuesday, with Planning at 9 a.m.; Finance, 9:45 a.m.; Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability, 10:30 a.m.; and Environmental Management, 1:30 p.m.
      All meetings, held at Council Chambers in Hilo, are live-streamed at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings on left side of page.
      Ka`u residents can also participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
      Agendas for all meetings are available at hawaiicounty.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Project Vision returns to Ka`u this week with free screenings.

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and take a short walk to Whitney Vault, where Jaggar conducted research. Free; park entrance fees apply. 

PROJECT VISION RETURNS TO KA`U this week with free vision screenings, Wednesday at Na`alehu Community Center and Thursday at Pahala Community Center. Hours both days are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for keiki and adults.
      Call 929-8571 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf or
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.