Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015

More than doubling the number of monk seals on the main Hawaiian Islands is the goal of a newly released draft management plan. This pup was born in Ka`u in 2013. Photo by Justin Viezbicke

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN’S Steering Committee discussed alternatives for increasing access to small agricultural lots during its meeting Tuesday at Pahala Community Center. The committee will consider alternatives for the CDP’s final draft. 

      One alternative is changing State Land Use District designations from Agricultural to Rural. This would allow 1/2-acre lots, which are typically too small for viable ag lots. The draft Ka`u CDP Land Use Policy Map designates agricultural lands in Ka`u as areas to be preserved for agriculture and open space. According to Policy 39, development and construction in “Important Agricultural Land” and “Extensive Agriculture” areas shall be limited to agriculture, related economic infrastructure and cottage industries, renewable energy, open area recreational uses, and community facilities unless otherwise permitted by law.”

Map from draft Ka`u CDP identifies extensive and important ag lands in Ka`u.

      Another alternative is a change of zone and standard subdivision. A potential advantage is that farmers could own smaller lots for high-value crops and farm dwellings. Such actions could result in sprawl away from town infrastructure and services and decreased affordability due to expense of infrastructure and services, according to planning documents. This option opens up the possibility of losing ag land to “gentlemen estates,” increasing property values and taxes. The draft CDP calls for no rezone that increases allowable residential density, improvement of “farm dwelling” enforcement and updating tax incentives for ag land.
      Under farm subdivision, farm land is preserved and sprawl prevented, but farmers are not allowed to live on the property. Policy 44 of the draft CDP encourages farm subdivision.
      Creating agricultural parks is another option. Potential advantages are that farm land is preserved and sprawl is prevented, smaller lots could be leased for high-value crops, lots would be more affordable due to lack of infrastructure and property values and taxes would remain unchanged. However, farmers would not be able to live on the property. The draft CDP supports ag park development.
      Agricultural land trusts also preserve farm land and prevent sprawl while potentially creating land and dwelling equity in smaller lots and limiting impact on property values and taxes. A potential disadvantage listed in planning documents is the potential for village development away from town infrastructure and services. Policy 128 of the draft CDP states, “In those cases where agricultural land is of high value for particular markets in which Ka`u has a unique niche (e.g., coffee, macadamia nuts, grass-fed beef), the County should endeavor to protect that land for agricultural use and secure long-term tenure on that land for local farmers.”
      Ka`u News Briefs yesterday reported on a sixth alternative, subdivision or Planned Unit Development with water and/or road variances, using Moa`ula as an example.
      The Steering Committee holds another meeting Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center to discuss special permits and development there.
      See kaucdp.info for more information.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

MAIN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS’ MONK SEAL population would more than double from the current 200 to 500 under a draft National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service draft management plan released this week. The plan calls for sufficient shoreline and marine habitat in the main Hawaiian Islands to support resting, pupping, molting, foraging and other natural behaviors of at least 500 monk seals. 

      The goal of at least 500 seals in the main Hawaiian Islands is one of the conditions in the Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Plan (National Marine Fisheries Service 2007) to consider down-listing the monk seal species from endangered to threatened status under the Endangered Species Act.
      The Recovery Plan for the Hawaiian Monk Seal (NMFS 2007) identifies and lists the overall threats to the species. However, to develop a comprehensive plan for management of seals in the main Hawaiian Islands, the new plan separately identified and analyzed the primary management and recovery challenges for this portion of the population. Through discussions with NOAA Fisheries biologists, agency partners, workshop and focus group participants, community organizations, nonprofit groups, educators, Native Hawaiian focus group participants and the Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Team authors identified the following priority management and recovery challenges: infectious disease, fisheries interactions and entanglement, human-seal interactions, habitat threats and human dimensions, which the plan defines as management capacity, communication and community engagement, and public knowledge and attitudes that influence every aspect of monk seal recovery.
      The plan lays out management strategies for each challenge. They include identifying sick or injured seals and reducing risk of disease, education and outreach programs, improved communication with fishermen, more effective community management and volunteer participation.
      The intended time frame for implementing the Main Hawaiian Islands Monk Seal Management Plan is five years. Many of the activities in the plan are large-scale, so while some level of implementation may be possible under current circumstances, full implementation will likely require additional resources and partnerships.
      Approximately 1,100 Hawaiian monk seals exist, with most of them living in the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The species was listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1976.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hilda is now a tropical depression, continuing to weaken as the storm
passes south of Hawai`i Island. Map from NOAA

HILDA HAS BEEN DOWNGRADED to a tropical depression and will pass far enough to the south of Hawai`i to avoid any wind impacts. However, the associated moisture plume north of the system may trigger heavy rainfall over portions of the state, especially over the Big Island. 

      A flash flood watch is in effect for Ka`u through 6 a.m. Saturday. Storm total rainfall amounts of four to eight inches with local amounts up to 12 inches are possible. Highest amounts are expected to occur along east and southeast facing slopes.
      At 11 a.m., the storm was almost directly south of the eastern edge of Hawai`i Island.

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

CHANGES IN NEW DIGITAL FLOOD Insurance Rate Maps for Ka`u and Hawai`i County are on the agendas of public information meetings next week. Doors are open from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., with presentations from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17 at Aupuni Center in Hilo and Tuesday, Aug. 18 at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona.
      The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA is nearing the end of a multi-year effort to update and modernize the Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Hawai`i County. The updated maps will help community officials and local residents better identify known flood risks, and when finalized, will be used for flood insurance, land use and development decisions.

      Flooding is one of the major natural disasters in the United States. These maps can help residents make informed decisions about flood insurance options and flood protection measures.

Ka`u and South Kona residents can learn about new flood insurances maps
next week. Photo by Kaiali`i Kahele

      The preliminary FIRM maps serve to revise and update information on existence and severity of flood hazards in Hawai`i County. The revised maps reflect the combined efforts of FEMA and Hawai`i County.
      The maps will be available for viewing beginning tomorrow at Hawai`i County Department of Public Works Engineering offices at either 101 Pauahi St., Suite 7 in Hilo, 961-8327; or 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Building D, 1st floor of West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona, 323-4850. They will also be available for online viewing on the State of Hawai`i’s Flood Hazard Assessment Tool at http://gis.hawaiinfip.org/fhat. To learn how to view the preliminary maps using FHAT, click on the tutorial link provided on the Hawai`i NFIP website www.hawaiinfip.org.
      Personnel from FEMA, DLNR and Hawai‘i County will be available to answer questions, concerns and provide information on the mapping timeline and appeals process.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets today at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. The public is invited. Email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net for more information.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S Niaulani Campus features British artist Banksy’s film Exit Through the Gift Shop with host Elizabeth Miller this evening at 7 p.m. Participants can join a discussion and view some examples of Banksy’s art after the film.
      Call 967-8222 for more information.

Randy Lee teaches lei making tomorrow.
Photo from VAC

RANDY LEE TEACHES LEI MAKING tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Volcano Art Center Gallery’s front porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. 

      Call 967-8222 for more information.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT PU`U O LOKUANA and enjoy an expansive view of lower Ka`u on a moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Kahuku unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      Call 985-6011 for more information.

KUMU AB VALENCIA and Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu present Na Mea Hula (All Things Hula) on Volcano Art Center Gallery’s front porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and perform on the hula platform near the gallery from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply
      For more information, call 967-8222.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

 

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015

Central Pacific Hurricane Center advises Ka`u residents to be vigilant as Tropical Storm Hilda weakens on its path south of Hawai`i Island. Map from NOAA

HOW TO KEEP FARM LAND AFFORDABLE for agriculture was one of the main discussions at the Ka`u Community Development Plan Steering Committee meeting last night in Pahala. County planner Ron Whitmore noted that farmland around the island has been subdivided and that its market value is based on houses allowed. As more houses are allowed on farmland, the land becomes more costly to purchase. He said there are many examples of houses on agricultural land around the island with little farming going on. 

     The example of Moa`ula coffee lands where much of the famous Ka`u Coffee is grown by farmers who created a new economy after the sugar company shut down in 1996 was given as a place where subdivision is planned. The land has a Project Unit Development Plan approval from the county. It allows subdivision of the land in small coffee plantation-size units and also the construction of houses on the lots. The idea, according to Chris Manfredi who worked on the Project Unit Development approvals and spoke at the meeting last night, was to allow houses on each farm but keep the land in coffee around the houses. He suggested that CC&R’s – Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions attached to the deeds – could keep the land in farming.

     Whether Ka`u Coffee farmers could afford to buy the farms became the question. Steering Committee member and state Board of Agriculture Board member Michelle Galimba said that she thought coffee farmers are at the stage in the development of their coffee businesses where they want to buy their farms.

How to keep farm land affordable was a topic at a Ka`u CDP meeting yesterday.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     John Cross, of Olson Trust, also a Steering Committee member, said that coffee farmers who in the last few years started growing on Olson Trust land at the edge of Wood Valley may also want to buy their farms in five to seven years, which could be done with a Project Unit Development plan. He asked that the Ka`u Community Development Plan have minimal restrictions on allowing houses in such a development. One control that could keep more land in farming rather than housing is a restriction on how many houses would be allowed based on water availability. The Steering Committee agreed to work on the issue, including that the water restriction be changed to allow for more houses.
     Ron Ebert, a volunteer fire captain and steering committee member, said he was concerned about subdivision of land that would waive good roads and other amenities and stated safety as a concern.
     Patti Barry, a realtor and member of the steering committee, said she supports the idea of CC&Rs being used to keep land in farming and also suggested that there may be a way to sell the land to farmers already on the coffee lands. She gave an example, however, of CC&Rs at Ocean View that require each landowner to keep 4,000 gallons of water on each property for drinking water and firefighting, a measure that is not enforced.
     Planner Whitmore illustrated that CC&Rs can be changed over time by owners of the subdivided farm and house lots.
     Regarding keeping the price of ag land down, Whitmore said that when waivers are made to allow substandard roads and avoid cost of basic infrastructure, and the land use becomes residential, residents commonly ask government for the improvements, and costs can wind up being covered by the taxpayers.
     Whitmore said that various tools for making ag land accessible for farming have their advantages and disadvantages. Concerning Project Unit Developments, according to the Planning Department handout circulated last night, Potential Advantages include opportunity to own smaller lots for high-value crops and farm dwellings and more affordable lots due to lack of infrastructure. Potential disadvantages include speculative residential sprawl away from town infrastructure and services, loss of agricultural land to “gentlemen estates,” higher property values, higher taxes and future public costs in excess of tax revenue.
      See more on the Ka`u Community Development Plan at kaucdp.info.
      Another meeting will be held Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center when the Steering Committee will discuss special permits and development there.

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

TROPICAL STORM HILDA’S FORECAST PATH has moved south of South Point. The storm is losing strength quickly and will become a tropical depression before passing near the Big Island. Although Hilda will not hit the island directly, a tropical storm watch remains in effect, and a flash flood watch goes into effect at 6 p.m. Heavy rain is still considered to be likely the biggest impact from Hilda. With the center of the storm south of the island, the wettest and strongest northwest part of the storm has the potential to dump between six and 12 inches of rain, and 18 inches in localized areas, with winds up to 38 miles per hour. 

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

NEXTERA ENERGY INC. CLAIMS that its merger with Hawaiian Electric Co. will result in $1 billion in customer savings and economic benefits in the first five years, according to a story by Duane Shimogawa in Pacific Business News. 

      “As we are in the beginning stages of the PUC review process, we are confident we will find more common ground as we further demonstrate the strong public interest benefits of this merger,” NextEra spokesman Rob Gould told PBN. “To that end, our filed merger plan anticipates almost $1 billion in customer savings and economic benefits for Hawai`i in the first five years after closing, and we have already made commitments to customer cost savings, employees and community causes that compare favorably to other utility mergers. But what this story is really about is Hawai`i’s future — a more affordable, 100 percent renewable energy future — and we firmly believe that this merger represents the best way to get there.”
      Gould’s statement follows Hawai`i Consumer Advocate’s rejection of the proposed deal Monday, saying the Florida-based company failed to prove that the sale would result in significant benefits to consumers.
      In its acquisition application submitted to the Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission in January, NextEra said the merger would save customers about $60 million and that there will be no request for an increase in general base rates for at least four years following the closure of the deal.
      See bizjournals.com/pacific.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u farmers can learn about cacao at an upcoming conference.

BIG ISLAND CACAO CONFERENCE, sponsored by Hawai`i County’s Department of Research and Development in cooperation with the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, is coming up Friday, Aug. 28. This all-day event is intended to bring together industry members, those interested in joining the industry and those who provide support services in order to build relationships and a comprehensive list of resources. 

      The conference begins with registration at 8 a.m. and includes a working lunch. There is no fee to attend this conference, but registration is required, and attendance is limited to 100. Register at http://bicacaoconferenceregistration.weebly.com
      The agenda can also be found at the weebly site.
      Email kiersten@hawaii.edu for more information.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. The public is invited. Email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net for more information.

Volcano Art Center features British artist Banksy's film tomorrow.
Photo from VAC

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S Niaulani Campus features British artist Banksy’s film Exit Through the Gift Shop with host Elizabeth Miller tomorrow at 7 p.m. 

      In her film, Banksy, an ironic social critic and famously anonymous British street icon, introduces viewers to the underground world of street art and to some of the young people whose talent and methods have been noteworthy enough to earn the admiration of their peers and to catch the attention of the art world.
      The film was a 2010 Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Feature. A discussion follows, plus a look at some examples of Banksy’s art.
      Call 967-8222 for more information.

ALOHA FRIDAY CULTURAL DEMONSTRATIONS are held each week from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Volcano Art Center Gallery’s front porch. This week’s offerings include lei making with Randy Lee. Free; park entrance fees apply.
      Call 967-8222 for more information.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015

A TROPICAL STORM WATCH is in effect as Hurricane Hilda crawls toward Ka`u and Hawai`i Island. The 11 a.m. Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecast estimates the center of Hilda will pass south of  Ka`u on Thursday. Steady weakening is expected through Thursday morning, and this morning Hilda diminished to 75 miles and hour, barely hurricane strength, with expectations of soon becoming a tropical storm. However, heavy rains and flooding remain a threat as the wet side of the storm is expected to hit Ka`u.

      Though uncertainty remains for the storm’s track and intensity, maintaining vigilance and monitoring latest forecasts is prudent through the next several days.
      The latest forecast is for tropical storm-force winds of 40 miles per hour or higher for portions of the area from Thursday morning to early Thursday afternoon. Depending on Hilda’s exact track, there is the possibility of minor wind damage.

The map issued early this morning projected Hilda passing over
Ka`u. By 11 a.m. the prediction changed to Hilda traveling south of
the Big Island, but sending in rain, possibly floods. Map from NOAA

      Hilda is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of six to 12 inches over the Big Island with isolated maximum amounts of 18 inches possible. Very heavy rain is expected to arrive with Hilda on Thursday and continue through Friday. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
      CPHC says now is the time to prepare. Secure or bring indoors any loose outdoor objects like lawn furniture, children’s toys, hanging plants, barbecue grills or any item that could become destructive projectiles in strong winds. Do not wait until it is too late.
      Stay calm and keep informed. Closely monitor NOAA weather radio or other local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for warnings or changes to the forecast.
      Be ready to evacuate if necessary. Heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Persons living near the shore should be prepared to evacuate quickly should building surf threaten.
      Have supplies on hand and be ready for power outages.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ALL BACKCOUNTRY AREAS in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will be closed as of 5 p.m. today until it is safe to reopen them. In anticipation of the heavy rain and wind forecast with the arrival of Hurricane Hilda, no backcountry permits will be issued until park staff reassess the storm’s impact.
      In addition, Mauna Loa Road from Kipukapuaulu to the Mauna Loa Lookout, Namakanipaio Campgrounds and A-frame cabins will close as of 5 p.m. today. Visitor centers, restrooms, lava tube, front-country trails, steam vents and other popular features will remain open.

Dean Nishina

HAWAI`I’S CONSUMER ADVOCATE has joined other state agencies in rejecting the proposed $4.3 million merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. and NextEra Energy. “Applicants have not clearly demonstrated that the proposed transaction is in the public interest,” Office of the Consumer Affairs Public Utilities and Transportation Officer Dean Nishina stated in documents filed with the state Public Utilities Commission yesterday. “The applicants have provided insufficient detail and support for their claims that the proposed transaction will result in more affordable rates.” 

      Concerns expressed in the document include service quality, reliability and use of renewables. “My concern is that the applicants’ reliability commitment is unknown at this time and is contingent upon the commission’s approval of the merger,” said CA consultant Maximilian Chang. “Furthermore, the applicants do not intend to seek approval from the commission in establishing their reliability commitment. In effect, the applicants are asking the commission to trust their judgment. The applicants have not provided the commission sufficient information regarding their post-merger reliability goals or the associated costs of achieving these goals. Thus, it is unclear whether the applicants are truly fit, willing and able to improve the reliability performance of the Hawaiian Electric Companies.”
      Regarding renewables, Chang said, “I am concerned that while NextEra does have a large renewable energy portfolio, almost all of the portfolio is associated with NextEra’s unregulated business and almost none of the renewable energy assets are located in Florida Power & Light, with the exception of 35 megawatts of utility-scale solar. Since it appears that FPL has limited experience with renewable energy resources and it is not known how the Hawaiian Electric Companies will interact with the unregulated NextEra Energy affiliates with renewable expertise, I am not sure how the merger will benefit the Hawaiian Electric Companies’ ability to meet the state’s aggressive clean energy goals.”
      Other concerns expressed in the document include protections for low-income customers, charitable contributions commitments and NextEra’s two-year commitment to retain current employees.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Scott Morishige

SCOTT MORISHIGE WILL JOIN Gov. David Ige’s administration on Aug. 24 as the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness. Morishige will serve as the state’s point person for homelessness, which includes leading the Hawai`i Interagency Council on Homelessness, staffing the Governor’s Leadership Team on Homelessness and working closely with Director of Human Services and the rest of Ige’s cabinet on its coordinated statewide plan. 

      Composed of state department directors, federal agency representatives and community leaders, HICH is tasked with providing solutions to end homelessness and strengthen the continuity of efforts to end homelessness across future state of Hawai`i administrations.
      Morishige will be leaving his position as executive director of PHOCUSED, a nonprofit and advocacy organization for health and human services, where he is responsible for operations of the organization. He has managed multi-million dollar programs for the Hawai`i Community Foundation and Helping Hands Hawai`i.
      Morishige holds a master’s degree in social work, child and family practice, from University of Hawai`i at Manoa. He earned a B.A. in political science from Oregon State University.
       “Scott is an experienced nonprofit leader with a deep commitment to strengthening human services in Hawai`i” Ige said. “He understands how to develop and sustain programs, as well as the value of building and maintaining relationships to get things done. Perhaps most importantly, Scott has the knowledge and networks to step right into this vital leadership role.”
      Morishige said, “I am excited to join the governor and his leadership team to address homelessness, which is one of the most complex issues facing our state. This is an opportunity to build upon the great work of service providers and collaboratively work together with them and other stakeholders to identify and implement effective solutions.”
      A link to briefing on this week’s meeting of the Governor’s Leadership Team on Homelessness is at https://youtu.be/95XhKrYWdrQ.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Informational meetings about proposed rule changes regarding cesspools
take place this week. Diagram from DOH

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH is holding two informational meetings this week on proposed changes to rules regarding waste disposal. Branch Chief Sina Pruder will explain proposed changes including amendments needed to implement Act 120, which involves providing a temporary income tax credit for the cost of upgrade or converting a qualified cesspool to a septic tank system or an aerobic treatment unit system or connecting to a sewer system. A taxpayer could apply for a tax credit of up to $10,000 for each qualified cesspool. 

      DOH is proposing amendments that would prohibit construction of new cesspools in order to protect public health and preserve natural resources. DOH is not proposing to require upgrades of existing cesspools in these rules.
      Meetings at 5 p.m. are today in Kona Council Chambers at West Hawai`i Civic Center and Thursday in Hawai`i District Health Office Conference Room, 1582 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.
      DOH will not be taking testimony on the proposed changes at this time. Public hearings will be held at a later date.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Steering Committee meets today from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.
      The public is invited to testify on agenda items at the meeting.
      See kaucdp.info for more information and how to contact Steering Committee members.

KENT OLSON PRESENTS THE NIGHT SKIES over Kilauea Volcano in a new perspective at After Dark in the Park this evening at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 

      Call 985-6011 for more information.

Traditional uses of native plants are discussed tomorrow.
Photos from NPS

NA LA`AU IS THE TOPIC tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Ranger Julia Espaniola shares her knowledge and love for some of the island’s native plants and their traditional uses. 

      Call 985-6011 for more information.

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE meets Thursday at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. The public is invited.
      Email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net for more information.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S Niaulani Campus features British artist Banksy’s film Exit Through the Gift Shop with host Elizabeth Miller Thursday at 7 p.m.

      In her film, Banksy, an ironic social critic and famously anonymous British street icon, introduces viewers to the underground world of street art and to some of the young people whose talent and methods have been noteworthy enough to earn the admiration of their peers and to catch the attention of the art world.
      The film was a 2010 Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Feature. A discussion follows, plus a look at some examples of Banksy’s art.
      Call 967-8222 for more information.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.