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| Ka`u residents who support local businesses could win $1,000 at a drawing at Ka`u Coffee Festival on Saturday, May 2. |
A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT at Discovery Harbour was a hot topic at Sunday’s Ka`u Community Development Plan speak-out held at the community center there. The development includes a lodge, condominiums, possible time-share units and retail areas.
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| The Discovery Harbour display attracted many residents who offered views on a proposed residential, resort and commercial development there. Photo by Ron Johnson |
Comments from community members were both pro and con. One resident said the development would provide an option for the one million people who visit Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park annually.
Concerns about the development included waste management, more theft and increased traffic. “Residential lots are fine; not commercial resorts or big development,” a resident said.
“I think it’s selfish for people to discourage development,” someone wrote.
“Growth can bring beauty,” another resident said.
Another suggested that developers should generate a community benefits packet with commitments to community.
Another said the development would create more jobs “to keep the younger generation here.”
One resident listed “three reasons to reject upzoning: changes nature of Discovery Harbour fundamentally; logistics and infrastructure; and roads will be dangerous as more tourists come through.”
Planner Ron Whitmore has scheduled a focused discussion on the proposed development Tuesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
Concerns about the development included waste management, more theft and increased traffic. “Residential lots are fine; not commercial resorts or big development,” a resident said.
“I think it’s selfish for people to discourage development,” someone wrote.
“Growth can bring beauty,” another resident said.
Another suggested that developers should generate a community benefits packet with commitments to community.
Another said the development would create more jobs “to keep the younger generation here.”
One resident listed “three reasons to reject upzoning: changes nature of Discovery Harbour fundamentally; logistics and infrastructure; and roads will be dangerous as more tourists come through.”
Planner Ron Whitmore has scheduled a focused discussion on the proposed development Tuesday, May 12 at 10 a.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Prizes for Saturdays's Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest winners have been announced. Photo by Julia Neal |
KA`U COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST PRIZES have been announced. First-place adult division winner receives $300, and first-place student receives $200. In each division, second place wins $150, and third place takes $75.
Miss Holly K, of Native-FM radio, will be DJ at the event, with entertainment by Keoki Kahumoku and friends.
Ka`u cooks with pupu, entrée and dessert recipes can still enter the contest through Friday at 4 p.m. The contest begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
For more information, see kaucoffeefest.com or call 928-0550.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for Ka`u Coffee Trail Run, celebrating award-winning Ka`u Coffee. All proceeds raised by the event, sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou, stay in Ka`u to benefit the Ka`u community.
On Saturday, Sept. 19, runners will have a second annual opportunity to run through a trail and view Ka`u’s prized coffee and view the Ka`u Coast.
Ka`u cooks with pupu, entrée and dessert recipes can still enter the contest through Friday at 4 p.m. The contest begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
For more information, see kaucoffeefest.com or call 928-0550.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for Ka`u Coffee Trail Run, celebrating award-winning Ka`u Coffee. All proceeds raised by the event, sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou, stay in Ka`u to benefit the Ka`u community.
On Saturday, Sept. 19, runners will have a second annual opportunity to run through a trail and view Ka`u’s prized coffee and view the Ka`u Coast.
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| Registration is now open for the second annual Ka`u Coffee Trail Run. Photo from Taylor's Treasures Photography |
The course is fun challenging for all ages, offering runners the choice to register for either a 5K, 10K or Half Marathon. The 5K is a family friendly run/walk trail through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields. The 10K is a moderate run through macadamia nut grove, coffee fields and a huge eucalyptus tree forest. The Half Marathon follows the 5K and 10K course, then continues up to an elevation of 3,100 feet, traversing onto a four-wheel-drive access road, marked trails undulating through grazing pastures, former sugarcane fields and winding down through newly planted coffee fields.
Awards go to top three men and women overall (overall winners do not win top age group awards) and top three men and women in age groups from 19 and under to 70 and over.
All runs, starting at 7:30 a.m., begin and finish at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Race packets are available by mail or pickup on Friday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walmart in Hilo or on race day between 6:30 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Register at race360.com/21357.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
THE STATE SENATE HAS PASSED 135 House bills that address areas of domestic violence, beach protection, education, public safety, energy and a number of other measures aimed at ensuring the health and well-being of the residents of Hawai`i.
A total of 197 bills have passed third reading by the Senate and will be returning to the House.
Awards go to top three men and women overall (overall winners do not win top age group awards) and top three men and women in age groups from 19 and under to 70 and over.
All runs, starting at 7:30 a.m., begin and finish at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Race packets are available by mail or pickup on Friday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walmart in Hilo or on race day between 6:30 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Register at race360.com/21357.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
THE STATE SENATE HAS PASSED 135 House bills that address areas of domestic violence, beach protection, education, public safety, energy and a number of other measures aimed at ensuring the health and well-being of the residents of Hawai`i.
A total of 197 bills have passed third reading by the Senate and will be returning to the House.
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| Sen. Kalani English |
A majority of the bills will go into conference committees where the House and Senate conferees will convene to settle differences between the House and Senate drafts and negotiate final amended versions.
Among the most substantial bills passed by the Senate are HB321 that would establish a system of medical marijuana dispensaries and production centers, HB290 that appropriates funding for construction of Kona Judiciary Complex and HB365 which appropriates money for body cameras for police officers.
HB124 would require the office of elections to implement elections by mail in a county with a population of less than 100,000 beginning with the 2016 primary election; and in each county with a population of less than 500,000, beginning with the 2018 primary election. Beginning in 2020, it would require all federal, state and county primary, special primary, general, special general and special elections to be conducted by mail.
HB1042 appropriates funds for grants-in-aid to the counties for identifying and mapping important agricultural lands, preparing the final submission package to the land use commission, and assistance with exploring county incentives for important agricultural lands.
HB1489 authorizes issuance of special license plates for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park.
HB1112 would require the state auditor to conduct a financial and management audit of Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation every five years. It would also authorize HHSC to negotiate master collective bargaining agreements for its employees. It also authorizes a regional system of HHSC, in collaboration with a private entity, to transition any one or more of its facilities to management and operation by a new nonprofit management entity.
HB1354 authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds to several state agencies for the purposes of improving and increasing existing public and affordable housing stock in the state.
HB124 would require the office of elections to implement elections by mail in a county with a population of less than 100,000 beginning with the 2016 primary election; and in each county with a population of less than 500,000, beginning with the 2018 primary election. Beginning in 2020, it would require all federal, state and county primary, special primary, general, special general and special elections to be conducted by mail.
HB1042 appropriates funds for grants-in-aid to the counties for identifying and mapping important agricultural lands, preparing the final submission package to the land use commission, and assistance with exploring county incentives for important agricultural lands.
HB1489 authorizes issuance of special license plates for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park.
HB1112 would require the state auditor to conduct a financial and management audit of Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation every five years. It would also authorize HHSC to negotiate master collective bargaining agreements for its employees. It also authorizes a regional system of HHSC, in collaboration with a private entity, to transition any one or more of its facilities to management and operation by a new nonprofit management entity.
HB1354 authorizes issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds to several state agencies for the purposes of improving and increasing existing public and affordable housing stock in the state.
“The Senate was prudent in passing out responsible House bills,” said Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English. “These are reasonable proposals, and we’re looking forward to conference to work out the details.”
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Chris J. Kanazawa |
THE FIRST DEADLINE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 funding from Rural Energy for America Program grants through the 2014 Farm Bill is April 30.
Small businesses and farmers who are considering energy-saving upgrades can save even more though this federal program that helps them make the initial investment in improvements.
Rural Development State Director Chris J. Kanazawa announced that U.S. Department of Agriculture will award up to $280 million through the program. “Developing renewable energy resources for Hawai`i’s farmers, ranchers and business owners strengthens their capacity to be competitive in today’s environment,” Kanazawa said. “The more we reduce dependency on fossil fuel and replace it with renewable energy resources, we become more reliant on self-generated energy, act as good stewards of our islands and support President Obama’s clean energy initiative.”
The grants pay for up to 25 percent of total cost of the project or guarantee a loan of up to 75 percent of total cost for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. The USDA accepts and reviews loan and grant applications year-round. Renewable energy projects may include wind, solar, ocean, small hydropower, hydrogen, geothermal and renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters). The maximum grant amount is $500,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.
Energy efficiency improvements eligible for REAP funding include lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, fans, automated controls and insulation upgrades that reduce energy consumption. The maximum grant amount is $250,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
Rural Development State Director Chris J. Kanazawa announced that U.S. Department of Agriculture will award up to $280 million through the program. “Developing renewable energy resources for Hawai`i’s farmers, ranchers and business owners strengthens their capacity to be competitive in today’s environment,” Kanazawa said. “The more we reduce dependency on fossil fuel and replace it with renewable energy resources, we become more reliant on self-generated energy, act as good stewards of our islands and support President Obama’s clean energy initiative.”
The grants pay for up to 25 percent of total cost of the project or guarantee a loan of up to 75 percent of total cost for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. The USDA accepts and reviews loan and grant applications year-round. Renewable energy projects may include wind, solar, ocean, small hydropower, hydrogen, geothermal and renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters). The maximum grant amount is $500,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.
Energy efficiency improvements eligible for REAP funding include lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, fans, automated controls and insulation upgrades that reduce energy consumption. The maximum grant amount is $250,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
THE BUY LOCAL IT MATTERS cross-promotion sponsored by Ka`u Coffee Festival and the state Department of Agriculture will present a $1,000 check to a lucky person at Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a Saturday, May 2. The campaign aims to encourage residents to support Hawai`i businesses. It particularly focuses on agriculture, encouraging conscious decisions to purchase locally grown farm products. The campaign was created by University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation and Hawai`i Department of Agriculture.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
PA`INA AT PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE is Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The opening event for Ka`u Coffee Festival features music by Jr. Volcano Choy, Keoki Kahumoku and the South Side Serenaders. Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva will dance hula.
Meet Miss Ka`u Coffee contenders, and donate to the scholarship fund. Co-sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. Call 928-6471.
ORCHID HOBBYISTS AND THOSE with budding orchid addictions will want to join speakers from Hilo Orchid Society for Volcano Art Center’s Orchid Workshop, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Larry Kuekes will discuss which orchids grow best at different elevations. Ben Oliveros will be giving hands on demonstrations for dividing and mounting, and Shelby Smith, a self-confirmed orchid addict, will be on hand to answer questions.
Cost is $25 or $20 for VAC members.
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| South Side Serenaders Ti Chun, Terrie Louis and Elijah Navarro perform at Friday's Pa`ina at Pahala Plantation House. |
SENIOR BINGO COMES TO PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER Friday. Hosted by `O Ka`u Kakou, the event features great gifts and food from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
PA`INA AT PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE is Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The opening event for Ka`u Coffee Festival features music by Jr. Volcano Choy, Keoki Kahumoku and the South Side Serenaders. Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva will dance hula.
Meet Miss Ka`u Coffee contenders, and donate to the scholarship fund. Co-sponsored by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. Call 928-6471.
ORCHID HOBBYISTS AND THOSE with budding orchid addictions will want to join speakers from Hilo Orchid Society for Volcano Art Center’s Orchid Workshop, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Larry Kuekes will discuss which orchids grow best at different elevations. Ben Oliveros will be giving hands on demonstrations for dividing and mounting, and Shelby Smith, a self-confirmed orchid addict, will be on hand to answer questions.
Cost is $25 or $20 for VAC members.
For more information or to register, call 967-8222.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf. |
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf. |
