Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015

Runners and families are invited to the second annual Ka`u Coffee Trail Run next month. Photo from Taylor's Treasures Photography

CONCERNED ABOUT INSUFFICIENT RESPONSES to its information requests, Hawai`i’s Division of Consumer Advocacy is calling for the Public Utilities Commission to issue subpoenas to Hawaiian Electric Industries and NextEra Energy executives. In documents filed with the PUC this week, Consumer Advocate Jeffrey Ono noted that because PUC rules in the docket pertaining to the $4.3 billion merger of the utilities do not provide specific procedures or guidance related to taking depositions, he requests that subpoenas be issued “to require the attendance of (NextEra Energy Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer) James L. Robo and (HEI President and Chief Executive Officer) Constance H. Lau for deposition upon oral examination.”

Jeffrey Ono

      Ono had requested documents provided to HEI by financial advisor J.P. Morgan that he believes would help establish “a complete record upon which to render recommendations and determinations.” The applicants responded that the documents contain “confidential and proprietary information that is subject to non-disclosure provisions.”
      Ono suggested that if the applicants believe there is a valid reason to withhold or redact data and information sought, applicants could provide it without redaction as “confidential and restricted information.”
      “Without the choices and input made by Mr. Robo with respect to the acquisition of the Hawaiian Electric Companies by NextEra, it is impossible to fully assess the factors considered by NextEra to proceed with its acquisition of the Hawaiian Electric Companies,” the Consumer Advocate wrote.
      According to Ono, “Ms. Lau possesses knowledge and information that only she can know and possess concerning the circumstances, events, rationale, and reasoning that resulted in NextEra’s decision to acquire the Hawaiian Electric Companies.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ross Williams is HVNP's new Fire Management Officer Photo from NPS

ROSS WILLIAMS IS THE NEW Fire Management Officer for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. He oversees fire management operations for the Pacific Island Park network, which includes 12 national parks in Hawai`i, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. 

      Williams previously served as deputy fire staff for Gifford Pinchot and Mt. Hood National Forests in Oregon and has 34 years of experience working in integrated aviation, fire and fuels programs throughout the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies and Great Basin areas. He helped develop the Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood volcano coordination plan and has collaborated with numerous federal, state, local and private organizations.
      In his new position, Williams will again coordinate fire management with partner agencies, including Hawai`i County Fire Department, Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry & Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
      Williams hit the ground running since arriving in Hawai`i this summer and has already mobilized crew and resources to assist with the Kawaihae wildfire, which burned more than 4,650 acres earlier this month. He also directed fire crew and resources from Hawai`i and American Samoa to assist with mainland fires and recently led a weeklong training for fire recruits in American Samoa.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kilo has moved past the Hawai`i Island, but may impact the state next week.
Map from NOAA

KILO IS NOW 405 MILES southwest of South Point, having passed by Ka`u last night. Although the tropical depression has been struggling to organize, Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported that the environment appears conducive for strengthening. The forecast track takes Kilo over warm sea surface temperatures and relatively weak shear. It is expected to become a tropical storm tomorrow morning and then a hurricane Tuesday as it tracks toward Kaua`i.

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

RUNNERS AND FAMILIES ARE INVITED to Ka`u Coffee Trail Run next month. The three events of the run on Saturday, Sept. 19 are drawing local families and competitors from around the state and around the world, from as far away as Germany.

      The keiki- and kupuna-friendly 5K takes participants through macadamia orchards and coffee fields around Ka`u Coffee Mill, which is located along Wood Valley Road above Pahala. The 10K follows the 5K course onto a moderately challenging grade to higher elevations into the forest. The half-marathon climbs through the `ohi`a forest to an elevation of 3,100 feet. The race features a staggered-gun start, with the Half Marathon beginning at 7 a.m.

OKK sponsors the annual
Ka`u Coffee Trail Run.

      To register, go to okaukakou.org or to race360.com/21357. Race-day registration begins at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 6:30 a.m.
      This is second annual Ka`u Coffee Trail Run, sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou. OKK spokesperson Nadine Ebert said that “all proceeds will remain in Ka`u to support all the projects for keiki and kupuna, schools, community groups and organizations that look to us for assistance.”
      OKK recently finished with its School Tools project to furnish items needed by new preschool and kindergarten school students to start their educations at Na`alehu and Pahala Elementary Schools. OKK also recently spruced up the roadside along Hwy 11 between mile markers 52 and 60. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono recently recognized OKK with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, and County Council member Maile David gave OKK special recognition at the July 24 council meeting.
      Ebert said, “We also want to invite all family and friends to come and enjoy the entertainment and then get a head start on Christmas gifts by stopping by the silent auction. We have many fun gift certificates and nice gift ideas.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sensei Alan Moores teaches Aikido in Pahala.
Photo from Alan Moores

LOCAL SENSEI ALAN MOORES will attend a four-day Aikido seminar in Hilo over the Labor Day Weekend to receive instruction from Morito Suganuma eighth degree black belt. Moores intends to bring back what he learns and share it with Pahala Aikido Club.

      “There are only a handful of these masters in the world at this level, and this event will be an incredible learning opportunity,” he said. 

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

HO`OKUPU HULA NO KA`U Cultural Festival returns to Pahala Oct. 1 through Oct. 3. Public events include Hawaiian music, hula and honoring families with a kukui ceremony and ho`okupu, as well as classes in hula and other Hawaiian cultural practices such as lei making and lauhala weaving.
      Halau come to Pahala from Lana`i, O`ahu and several areas of Japan, including Tokyo and Okinawa. Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, a student of the late George Na`ope, and her husband Kawehi started the festival on Lana`i and brought it with them to Pahala when they moved here.
      On Thursday, Oct. 1, Mark Yamanaka will perform at a fundraiser dinner for the nonprofit Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai`i, which works with challenged youth though agriculture and traditional Hawaiian skill building. The concert, with Yamanaka, a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano winner, famous for his songwriting and falsetto, will be held on the grounds of Pahala Plantation House. Call 315-7032 for reservations.

Tahitian dance from Lana`i honored the photo of the late
George Na`ope, mentor of Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder,
during last year's cultural festival.
Photo by Julia Neal

      An opening pule for the Cultural Festival will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, on Plantation House grounds, followed by a kukui ceremony at a special ahu where local residents are invited to honor ancestors. Halau, families and individuals are invited to participate in presenting ho`okupu.
      Two nights of sharing hula and music will be presented manuahi, free, to the public on Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3 after 4 p.m. ceremonies. Skylark, Demetrius and Keaiwa and Ryder family musicians will entertain along with other headliners to be announced. Those performing include Kamehameha School Hula Ensemble; Halau Hula O Leionalani members from Pahala; Kumu Hula Sammi Fo and her Halau Kahoku Kauhiahionalani, of Ocean View; and Ka `Imia Na`auao Kahiko from Ka`u School of the Arts, with Kumu Hula Marsha Bolosan.
      From afar come Halau Hula O Ke Anuenue and Halau Hula Ho`omaikai`i.
      Musical groups Times 5, Southside Serenaders and Makanau will perform.
      Saturday workshops, most of them free, begin at 8 a.m. They include hula, lauhala and coconut weaving, lei making and `ukulele. Sign up at 315-7032. Local crafters and community service and educational organizations are welcome to sign up for space for the two days of events. Call 315-7032.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

IN KA`U HIGH SPORTS, girls volleyball teams were triumphant at their first home matches yesterday. After losing the first game, Junior Varsity fought back to beat Ehunui in a three-set thriller 17-25, 25-20 and 15-5. Varsity took Laupahoehoe in two sets 25-18 and 25-21. The teams host Makualani Wednesday.
      Cross-country is at Christian Liberty today for a preseason meet. The regular season begins next Saturday at Hawai`i Prep.
      Eight-man football also begins next Saturday with Ka`u traveling to Kohala.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent are topic
of a guided walk tomorrow. Photo from NPS

PARTICIPANTS DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN goddesses Hi`iaka & Pele and the natural phenomena they represent on a moderate, one-mile walk tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit. 

      Call 985-6011 for more information.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI AND FRIENDS’ 14th annual Community Potluck is tomorrow. Everyone is invited to bring a favorite dish to Pahala Community from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a day of fun, food and live music.
      The theme is Back to the Future. All attendees will be going back in time to their high school days to celebrate their sixteenth birthday. The Class of 1958, celebrating their 75th birthday, is donating a cake with 16 candles.
      For more information, call Margaret Ann Cabudol at 928-8164 or James Yamaki at 969-6828.

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.

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Aug. 21, 2015

Ka`u Plantation Days is organizing for the October event. Kupuna who studied under the late Edna Aguil continue their hula tradition as part of the annual festivities at Pahala Plantation House. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS IS ORGANIZING for Saturday, Oct. 17 to celebrate the multicultural evolution of the community and the history of sugar, ranching and dairy, and diversification into macadamia, coffee and food farms.
      Interested persons and volunteers are invited to planning meetings at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24; Thursday, Sept. 10; Thursday, Sept. 24; and Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Pahala Community Center and Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the old sugar manager’s house.
      Sponsored by Ka`u Multicultural Society, led by Darlyne Vierra and Liz Kuluwaimaka, Ka`u Plantation Days will be held on the grounds of the old sugar plantation manager’s manor, Pahala Plantation House.
      It begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 with an opening pa`u parade, with representatives of ranches and farms on horseback, foot, car, truck and float. Flower lei-bedecked riders and horses represent each island. Clyde Silva emcees the parade. At the old manager’s house, families with roots in Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Filipino, Samoan, European and other traditions present their memorabilia, dress, dance and foods. It will be the first year with Samoan dance, Vierra said.
      Sponsors include `O Ka`u Kakou and Pahala Plantation Cottages.

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

Tropical Storm Kilo, 435 miles south of South Point, is on its way past Ka`u.
Map from NOAA

TROPICAL STORM KILO, 435 miles south of South Point at 11 a.m., is expected to stay south as it passes Hawai`i Island today and tonight, according to Central Pacific Hurricane Center. The forward speed of the cyclone is forecast to diminish significantly with a gradual turn toward the north-northeast, with the most recent track showing it heading directly to Kaua`i. 

       The storm will strengthen into a hurricane Monday morning, CPHC reported. Kilo is moving over very warm water, and easterly shear winds, which often help destroy tropical storms, are expected to slowly weaken later today and then remain rather weak.

    In advance of Kilo’s possible landfall in the state, Gov. David Ige today signed an emergency proclamation making Major Disaster Funds available for disaster relief.

      CPHC said the U.S. 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron will begin flights into Kilo this evening and will continue to do so at 12-hour intervals until further notice, providing insight into Kilo’s structure and intensity.

      Another tropical storm, Loke, is southwest of Hawai`i and not expected to impact the state.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Merilyn Harris

KA`U HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR Merilyn Harris provided more information regarding Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.’s preliminary talks with Adventist Health, which initiated a conversation about possible acquisition of East Hawai`i Region facilities. Ka`u Hospital, Hilo Medical Center and Hale Ho`ola Hamakua had to cut $7 million from East Hawai`i Region’s budget this year, resulting in over 80 staff layoffs across the region and some service reductions. 

      “Fortunately for Ka`u Hospital, we did not lose any permanent positions, but the financial stresses on our facilities are considerable,” Harris said, “and we are very worried about the future because the road ahead is going to be even more financially challenging, and the health care needs in our community continue to grow. Ka`u Hospital is great evidence of that as our hospital and clinic have been busier than ever.
      “Our Board has to look at all the potential options, and that includes evaluating any prospective strategic alliance that would ensure our ability to sustain our services. …. The fact that you are seeing these reports in the news is evidence of the fact that the leadership of the East Hawai`i Region of HHSC wants our staff and community to be confident that our Board is being open and transparent about all considerations.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u's organic coffee farmers are urged
to contact their certifier regarding
use of Mycotrol O.

KA`U ORGANIC COFFEE FARMERS who use Mycotrol O to control coffee berry borers should contact their certifier immediately, according to University of Hawai`i Cooperative Extension Service Agent Andrea Kawabata. After next Friday, Aug. 28, it is highly likely that use of Mycotrol O, which contains Beauveria bassiana, will be prohibited on certified organic farms. 

      A few options for repellency and control of CBB still exist. Surround WP Crop Protectant and Garlic Barrier are for repellency, and Pyganic Crop Protection EC 5.0 is for direct contact. Unlike Beauveria products, Pyganic does not persist or continue to kill after initial contact with the beetle. The beetle must be contacted directly to kill.
      “We would like you to be prepared and informed about this situation,” Kawabata said. “Please talk to your certifier to better understand how this ruling by Organic Materials Review Institute will affect you.”
      Information has also been posted at http://hawaiicoffee.weebly.com/educational-events-and-announcements.html.

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

NATIONAL OCEANIC & ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION Fisheries’ recently completed Draft Main Hawaiian Island Monk Seal Management Plan is now available for public comment.
      NOAA developed the draft plan through a participatory process, reflecting ideas and input from experts, partners, stakeholders and communities, including outcomes from workshops and other meetings held to discuss monk seal management issues. The agency chose to continue the participatory process by voluntarily including a public review before finalizing the plan.
      While this plan will be a living document and may be updated to reflect changing ecological and social conditions, the target for finalizing this version is Sept. 30.
      The plan is available for public review and comment through Sept. 9. Download the plan at http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/Library/PRD/Hawaiian%20monk%20seal/Draft_HMS_Management_Plan_FNL.pdf.
      Submit comments to monkseal@noaa.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Woodley White builds `ukulele in Ka`u.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE BIG ISLAND `UKULELE GUILD’S annual exhibit opens Friday, Oct. 2 at Wailoa Center in Hilo at 5 p.m. The formal opening features live music, pupus and a drawing for a free `ukulele. The exhibit features builders from across the island including Ka`u builders Woodley White, Dennis Lake, Rodney Crusat and Dave Stokes. It also features other invitational pieces from woodworkers across the island, including furniture, sculpture and turned bowls. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Oct. 30. The exhibit was hailed as the best attended show of 2013. 

      The public is invited to join in the fun for the formal opening and to see the show throughout the month and to vote for their favorite `ukulele for the People’s Choice Award. The public is also invited to join in `ukulele kanikapila on Saturdays, Oct. 3 with Alan Hale and Oct. 17 with Keoki Kahomoku from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 10, members of the `Ukulele Guild lead demonstrations for the public.
      Big Island `Ukulele Guild was started in 2001 and has 50 members. Its primary focus of the guild is to promote `ukulele making by sharing information between builders. Many of the members build as a hobby, while about ten percent build professionally. Any interested person can become a guild member. The guild meets four times a year at varying locations across the island to share food, kanikapila and a presentation on some aspect of `ukulele building.
      For more information about the, contact coordinator Dave Stokes at 989-8890 or visit BigIslandUkuleleGuild.org.
      For more information about Wailoa Art Center, call 933-0416.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS are Saturday in Volcano Village. Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m.; 10K, 7:45 a.m.; and 5K, 8 a.m. Keiki Runs begin at 10 a.m. All events start and finish at Cooper Center on Wright Road.
      Food and entertainment make the day fun for everyone. 

      See volcanorainforestruns.com.

A program about `ohi`a lehua takes place tomorrow. Photo from NPS

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers free programs this weekend. 

      Participants learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and the lehua flower tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. Visitors identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this easy, one-mile or less walk.
      Participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses Hi`iaka & Pele and the natural phenomena they represent on a moderate, one-mile walk Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
      Call 985-6011 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.

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015

HHSC East Hawai`i facilities, include Ka`u Hospital, are in preliminary acquisition talks. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HOSPITAL AND OTHER FACILITIES in Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.’s East Hawai`i region are discussing possible acquisition with Adventist Health. The California-based company operates Castle Medical Center on O`ahu and 19 other hospitals, 230 clinics and several home health agencies on the west coast and in Hawai`i, according to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 

      “There actually have been no discussions up until this point,” Rita Waterman, of Adventist Health, told reporter Kristen Consillio. “The initial conversation is taking place later this week, so it’s very preliminary discussions at a very exploratory stage. Any number of scenarios are possible, so I wouldn’t begin to characterize it at this stage. There are a number of different working relationships, and lots of different arrangements are being created. This is not particularly unique because it’s happening all across the United States.”
      HHSC’s East Hawai`i regional CEO Dan Brinkman told Gomes that Adventist is the first organization that has contacted the East Hawai`i hospitals about public-private partnership options.
      “Our finances have been shaky. The fundamental issues that caused that have not been resolved,” Brinkman said. “We’re very concerned there will be additional deficits in the coming years.”

Maile David

      East Hawai`i Region laid off 87 employees this year in the face of a $7 million budget deficit.
      See staradvertiser.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL YESTERDAY approved a resolution to amend Hawai`i County’s general plan, in accordance with the general plan comprehensive review process, relating to geothermal resources development. The resolution calls for the relevant Hawai`i County Planning Commission to have authority to regulate future geothermal development in Hawai`i County subject to state law. The resolution also states that additional development of geothermal resources should mitigate impacts to people by use of best available control technology and that additional development of geothermal resources that are not part of the previously approved production facilities should avoid urban areas zoned for residential use.
      Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reported that Ka`u County Council member Maile David drank water that one of many testifiers allegedly brought from a geothermal well or spring. “I’m doing this for me and my family because I respect my culture and I cannot refuse a gift,” David said. “I was taught that.”
      Callis said other council members “politely declined or didn’t respond.” He also said David didn’t seem to suffer any ill effects.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A TROPICAL DISTURBANCE 685 MILES south-southeast of Hilo has developed sufficient persistent deep convection around a closed circulation to be considered a tropical depression. This is the sixth tropical cyclone in the Central North Pacific basin for the 2015 season. Tropical Depression Three-C is moving over very warm water. It is expected to become a hurricane in about two days south-southwest of the main Hawaiian islands.

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

AS KA`U COFFEE PICKING SEASON BEGINS, statewide statistics from last year show record prices for Hawaii-grown coffee, but growers produced fewer beans and made less money. According to Andrew Gomes, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser, U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that growers received an average of $6.70 per pound, but the total for the season fell four percent from last year’s record amount.
      The report also said progress is being made in controlling coffee berry borers but warned that the pest still threatens the industry.
      See staradvertiser.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HVNP Chief Ranger John Broward

JOHN BROWARD IS THE NEW Chief Ranger at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. He will direct visitor and resource protection for the 333,086-acre park. 

      Broward has served the National Park Service since 1983 and has an extensive background in search-and-rescue, helicopter management, incident command and emergency medical response, in addition to visitor and resource protection. He first volunteered as an archaeological technician for Biscayne National Park in Florida before graduating from Florida State University with a degree in archaeology. He moved on to Everglades National Park, where he worked as a fee collector, a wildland firefighter and a law enforcement ranger. He spent several years as a backcountry area ranger at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon before becoming a law enforcement ranger at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in 2001.
      Since 2001, Broward worked his way up the ranks as the park’s emergency operations and search-and-rescue coordinator and eruption crew supervisor. He also worked as the supervisory law enforcement ranger and has served intermittently as Acting Chief Ranger.
      “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the National Park Service volunteer program,” Broward said. “Volunteering is how I got my foot in the door, and that door opened up into a lifelong career,” he said.
      Broward emphasized that planning ahead and preparation are the most essential elements to a great visit to a national park.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WHILE SEVERAL STATE AGENCIES OPPOSE the purchase of Hawaiian Electric by the NextEra company out of Juno Beach, FL, one state agency is asking that NextEra hand out no-layoff notices during the first four years, should it buy the company.
      Duane Shimogawa, of Pacific Business News, reports this morning that Mark Glick, administrator for the state Energy Office, recommended that the state Public Utilities Commission increase workforce commitments proposed by NextEra from two years to four years.
      See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD is willing to run for vice president next year, according to Ryan Kazmirzack, of the Garden Island newspaper on Kaua`i. “The question that I’ve always asked myself is, where can I be in a position to make the most positive impact? That’s what motivated me to run for office at 21,” Gabbard answered in response to a question asked during an address to Kaua`i Chamber of Commerce. Gabbard said no one has asked her to run for vice president.

      See thegardenisland.com.

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

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO co-introduced the Middle Class Creating Higher Education Affordability Necessary to Compete Economically Act, a bill to increase access to affordable post-secondary education for low- to moderate-income students. The bill would address the significant loss in value of Pell Grants by adjusting them for inflation, reinstate year-round Pell Grants, and increase the number of eligible semesters to 15.
      “As college tuition increases across the country, students and families are struggling to make ends meet,” Hirono said. “Unfortunately, the Pell Grant program has not grown at the same rate as rising college tuition. More than 23,000 Hawai`i students rely on Pell Grants, and those students deserve to know they can count on Pell Grants to help pay for college, regardless of their schedules, work or family commitments. Investing in education is one of the best investments we can make to grow our middle class.”
      According to the state Higher Education Executive Officers Association and the College Board, the burden of paying for college has shifted to students as tuition continues to increase and state funding continues to decrease. More than 23,000 Hawai`i students rely on the Pell Grant, and more than 1,600 students used year-round Pell Grants before they were cut in 2011.
      The Middle Class CHANCE Act will support students by increasing the individual maximum award to $9,140, bringing the maximum amount to the average in-state tuition costs at public four-year institutions; restoring year-round Pell Grants, allowing students to receive additional Pell dollars for courses taken during summer or intercession; and allowing Pell Grant recipients to use awards for 15 semesters instead of the current 12 semesters.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Paul and Jane Field invite Ka`u residents to join Stewardship at the Summit.
Photo from NPS

KA`U SUMMER BASKETBALL League championships are free to the public at Ka`u High School Gym today. The women’s game begins at 6 p.m., and the men’s at 7 p.m. 

DURING STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, volunteers help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from trails. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and the lehua flower Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on this easy, one-mile or less walk.
      Call 985-6011 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.