Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015

Humpback whales are returning to Hawai`i, and boaters are asked to observe safe practices.
National Marine Fisheries Photo by R. Cartwright

HUMPBACK WHALE SEASON IS HERE, and to ensure the well being of both ocean users and whales, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary asks boaters to observe safe practices. Remain vigilant, keep a sharp lookout, keep a speed of 10 knots or less to reduce injury to whales, stay at the helm with hands on the wheel and throttle, and keep the legal distance of 100 yards away from sighted whales.

Viewing humpback whales from the side is an acceptable maneuver for boats.
Image from HIHWNMS

      Thousands of humpbacks come to Hawai`i each year, primarily between November and May, and vessel-whale collisions happen each year.
      More information is available in the Boating and Ocean use Guide at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
      “Thank you for helping to ensure the continued protection of Hawai`i’s humpback whales,” said Sanctuary Superintendent Malia Chow.
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THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE and Consumer Affairs’ Cable Television Division conditionally approved the merger transferring control of Oceanic Time Warner Cable, LLC’s six cable franchises to Charter Communications, Inc.
      Charter provides entertainment and communications services to approximately six million customers in 28 states. Charter and Time Warner Cable, Inc., the parent company of Oceanic, filed an application in July to indirectly transfer control of Oceanic’s cable franchises statewide, pursuant to a merger transaction between Charter and TWC.

      “After an extensive review of the merger transaction application, which included statewide public hearings, we determined that the proposed transfer of Oceanic’s Hawai`i cable franchises to Charter, with the conditions imposed on by the state, is in the public’s best interest,” CATV Administrator Ji Sook “Lisa” Kim said. “As outlined in the Decision and Order, Charter is committed to improving cable networks in Hawai`i and providing a low cost broadband service for Hawai`i’s low-income consumers.”

      Requirements outlined in the Decision and Order include:

      1) Provide a broadband service for low-income consumers in Hawai`i (providing families with children participating in the National School Lunch Program and seniors, age 65 and older who are eligible and receive federal Supplemental Security Income benefits, with broadband service initially for $14.99/month, at speeds up to 30 megabits per second download, and four Mbps upload) within three years of the close of the merger transaction.
      2) Invest $10,000,000 to build out its networks in Hawai`i and build out 1,000 new line extensions of its networks to homes in its Hawai`i cable franchise areas within three years of the close of the merger transaction.
      3) Provide 1,000 new public WiFi access points within three years of the close of the merger transaction, 100 of these new access points to be deployed at public parks, civic and community centers and other public open areas and gathering places at the direction of DCCA.
      4) Within 30 months after the close of the merger transaction, transition virtually all of OTWC’s cable systems to all-digital networks and, upon the conversion, Charter/OTWC shall provide, among other things, subscribers two digital transport adaptors or “basic boxes” free of charge for a period of two years and make them available at OTWC’s customer service centers and delivery by mail (including pre-paid return service).
      5) Promote and make available energy efficient set-top boxes (within three years of close of merger transaction, at least 90 percent of newly deployed boxes shall meet energy star requirements), and Charter/OTWC is encouraged to: (1) partner with community organizations to educate and promote the use energy efficient set-top boxes; and (2) develop an economically feasible program to trade out old boxes with efficient ones.
      The merger and transfer of Oceanic’s Hawai`i franchises will not take place until federal regulatory review of the merger transaction is completed. As of today, Dec. 18, 2015, the Federal Communications Commission is on its 98th day of review of the Charter and TWC merger.
      Decision & Order No. 366 giving DCCA’s conditional approval for the merger can be viewed at http://cca.hawaii.gov/catv.
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The federal solar tax credit has been extended.
Photo from Revolusun

SOLAR INVESTMENT TAX CREDITS were extended for five years Friday as part of negotiations that passed the federal budget for 2016. The 30 percent federal tax credit was to sunset at the end of 2016. The 35 percent Hawai`i state solar tax credit also continues. 

      According to a Duane Shimogawa story in Pacific Business News, the federal extension was “likely to spur more investment in this industry in Hawai`i.”
      The spending bill also includes tax credits for other renewable energy sources, including geothermal, hydro and wind.
      PBN reported that “the extension of the federal solar tax credit is expected to result in $130 billion in total investment in the United States through 2020, with more than $40 billion being directly attributed to the passage of the extension, according to GTM Research.”

      See bizjournals.com/pacific.
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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

REP. TULSI GABBARD VOTED IN FAVOR of the Fiscal Year 2016 omnibus spending and tax extender legislative packages that passed yesterday. Both were considered as amendments to H.R. 2029, which the Senate then took up and passed by a vote of 65-33. The President signed the legislation into law shortly afterward. 

      “Today, we averted a potential government shut down,” Gabbard said. “I voted to keep the government open, take care of 9/11 first responders, protect our environment and empower working families and small businesses, encouraging long-term growth across the country. The year-end omnibus spending bill and tax extender packages are far from perfect, but they represent a compromise between both parties and a strong economic package. They avoid the detrimental alternatives of either a shutdown or a continuing resolution, which would have had a devastating impact on our communities, and on our military and national security.
      “There are critical investments across the state of Hawai`i that are funded in this bill, such as rural development projects that serve local businesses and communities, maintenance and improvements for our highways, public transportation and infrastructure, land and water conservation projects for at-risk forests on Hawai`i Island and O`ahu, and education grants for Native Hawaiian students and families, to name just a few.
      “One in eight of our keiki in Hawai`i live in poverty, and the permanent extension of the Earned Income and Child Care Tax Credits will help thousands of middle- and low-income local families pay their bills and put food on the table. Local businesses, students, teachers, working families and the environment will benefit from the extension of tax credits for higher education, energy efficiency, renewable energy, research and development, and more.”
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THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, Tutu & Me Traveling Preschool encourages families to “enjoy these precious years and make time for your `ohana to share a few simple pleasures. It is also a great time to keep up with special family traditions or even start new ones!” 

      Ideas that families shared include making homemade cards with keiki, taking a holiday photo, decorating and eating holiday cookies, taking a walk on the beach, spending an hour or two playing ball outside, visiting with family and friends, sending out a family newsletter, enjoying holiday lights, watching a favorite movie, donate food and toys, inviting cousins for a sleepover, sitting out in the yard and gazing at the stars, and hugging, loving and appreciating one another.
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KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers Mongolian BBQ today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for $.85 per ounce, including protein, veggies, rice and a beverage. Call 967-8356 for more information.
      KMC is open to authorized patrons & sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371.

KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park presents its Palm Trail Hike tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop trail provides one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_December2015.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Friday, Dec. 18, 2015

Ka`u residents, including Rodney Kuahiwinui, help transport a false killer whale from South Point to O`ahu, where scientists determined cause of death. Photo by Ian Chun from DLNR

SCIENTISTS ARE APPLAUDING efforts of a Ka`u rancher and an education specialist from Department of Land & Natural Resource’s Division of Aquatic Resources for their efforts to transport a 1,300-pound endangered false killer whale from Ka`u to O`ahu. By recovering the whale’s body, researchers are given the opportunity to determine the cause of death, which can help protect the species in the future.

Hawai`i Pacific University staff performed a necropsy exam on the false
killer whale. Photo from NOAA

      In early November, resident Rodney Kuahiwinui sighted a dead whale at South Point and immediately called John Kahiapo, of DAR.
      Through text messages that included pictures of the whale, marine mammal experts were able to identify the animal as a highly endangered false killer whale.
      Kuahiwinui raises cattle on Hawaiian Home Lands and owns heavy equipment needed to transport the whale. Using an engine hoist, he was able to lift the animal and place it onto his flatbed truck. With his family, he made the four-hour journey to Kona, where the animal was transported by Transair to Honolulu for examination.
      Scientists were able to determine that the adult female, first documented in 2004 and re-sighted eight times near O`ahu and Hawai`i Island, died from abnormal blood clot formations in the heart and lungs.
      “Without the unwavering efforts of Rodney and John, we would not have been able to find out why this animal died,” said Dr. Kristi West, head of Hawai`i Pacific University’s stranding program. From my perspective, they really are heroes.”
      Only three Hawaiian false killer whales have been reported stranded in the past 18 years. “With less than 200 individuals alive today, every piece of information is critical,” West said. “If we want to understand the threats facing these animals, we need the public’s help.”
      People are asked to call 1-888-256-9840 or local authorities immediately if they observe a dolphin or whale stranded on the beach or unusually close to shore.
      “Today, we are fortunate enough to see whales traveling in the area,” Kuahiwinui said. “We have to do everything we can to help make sure they are still here for future generations.”
      For more information on false killer whales in Hawai`i. see http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/Hawaii/falsekillerwhale.htm.
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Sen. Brian Schatz

THE FEDERAL BUDGET PASSED THE SENATE TODAY and is headed to President’s desk for his signature. The budget deal is considered a major success in compromise between Republicans and Democrats. It allows U.S. oil to be sold overseas, a Republican initiative, while keeping in place many Democratic programs regarding health, education and environment. It provides $1.14 trillion in new spending in 2016 and $680 billion in tax cuts over the coming decade.

      Hawai`i’s senators released statements on their accomplishments. Sen. Brian Schatz pointed to $171 million for Hawai`i highway and transportation alternatives, including funding for highway maintenance and construction of new roads, bike and pedestrian paths. Schatz helped to win $64 million for Native Hawaiian Health Care and Education. He also championed funding for military projects around the state.
     “Bringing in federal money for Hawai`i is key, but it’s also critical to work on getting things done on the legislative side,” said a statement from his office. “To do that, Sen. Schatz built bipartisan partnerships with moderate and conservative Republicans in the House and Senate.” He “authored and passed legislation to bolster tsunami warning systems, make our streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, protect the rights of consumers to provide candid online reviews, increase support for addressing climate change, combat illegal fishing, expand the National Sea Grant College program and expand opportunities for Native Hawaiian education and Native language programs.”

Sen. Mazie Hirono with Native Hawaiian Education Council
representatives. Photo from Office of Sen. Hirono

      Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “The appropriations and tax package approved by Congress is very much a hard-fought, bipartisan compromise. I have deep concerns about ending the ban on U.S. oil exports. However, Republicans also unsuccessfully sought a host of other policy changes that were even worse for our environment, our economy and our nation. The final agreement invests in Hawai`i’s future and will help families and small businesses succeed by making some key tax credits permanent, fully funding programs that create educational opportunity and improve our communities and making critical investments in national security and our veterans. Taken together, the benefits of this bill for Hawai`i outweigh the costs, and I concluded it was an agreement that I could support.”
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APPLICATION FOR GRANT-IN-AID funds must be completed and submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2016.
      The GIA application and instructions have been posted on the state Legislature’s website at capitol.hawaii.gov in the Recent Updates box that appears center-screen. They are also available by clicking on the 2016 Grant-in-Aid link on the Legislative Information bar on the right.
      Grants may be appropriated to nonprofit and other organizations for various public purposes that are recognized as priorities and are seen as complimentary to state government functions. If they are available, they will be under consideration during the 2016 Regular Session.
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CHEVRON HAWAI`I’S FUEL YOUR SCHOOL program recently provided thousands of dollars to Ka`u schools. Volcano School of Arts & Science received $1,454 for math and science supplies for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders in the class of David Wells, and $936 for math and science supplies for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in the class of Laura Warner. Ka`u High School will receive $268 for health and sports supplies for ninth through 12th grades, the proposal coming from teacher Dave Berry.  

      See www.fuelyourschool.com for more. Teachers can post projects year round via DonorsChoose.org, as anyone (companies, organizations and individuals ) can support a program.
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TUTU & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL offers tips to combat holiday stress in its Tutu Times newsletter.
      “The busy holiday season can bring families lots of additional stress!” the newsletter states. “These simple strategies can keep you celebrating instead of burning out!
      “Use humor to lighten stressful situations. Find a bit of humor in the most chaotic settings and laugh about it! If you laugh, keiki will often laugh too! 

      “Make time for nature. Reward yourself and keiki with fresh air at the beach or a run around the park. 

      “Put on happy music! Music soothes the soul! Play music in the car that you and keiki can sing along to or dance to at home. 

      “Look to the heart of the situation. Take a moment to love, cuddle and appreciate the good in your `ohana. Let them know you care! 

      “Spend a little less. Find creative ways to help everyone’s budget. Have a family picnic instead of an expensive dinner. Make a holiday craft or cook a family recipe together with your keiki versus buying them a treat. 

      “Ask for help. It’s okay to reach out for advice, a kind word or listening ear. 

      “Nap when possible!”

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Santa is at center stage during a previous OVCC Keiki Christmas Party.
Photo by Melissa Tveter

SANTA ARRIVES TOMORROW AFTERNOON at Ocean View Community Center. The annual Keiki Christmas Party includes face painting, tattoos, stockings, ornaments, food, stickers, games and music from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

KUMU HULA KEALA CHING and Na Wai Iwi Ola present hula kahiko tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Ha`amauliola Aiona presents Na Mea Hula starting at 9:30 a.m. on the gallery’s porch.
      Call 967-8222 for more information.

KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park presents free programs this weekend.
      Participants learn about formation and various uses of Pu`u o Lokuana and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u on a moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
      Palm Trail Hike on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop trail providing one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. 

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers Mongolian BBQ tomorrow from 5 p.m. 8 p.m. for $.85 per ounce, including protein, veggies, rice and a beverage. Call 967-8356 for more information.
      KMC is open to authorized patrons & sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_December2015.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015

Santa and his elves delivered holiday goodie bags to students at Na`alehu School today. See more below.

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS SIGNED 15-year licenses with Resource Land Holdings, LLC by the company’s Dec. 15 deadline, according to Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative president Gloria Camba. The new licenses, for nearly 300 acres in the famous Moa`ula and Pear Tree coffee lands that have generated most of the famous Ka`u Coffee brands, give more than 30 farmers additional security over previous agreements with former owners C. Brewer, WWK and, most recently, Lehman Bros. The old arrangement allowed for licenses to be withdrawn with 120 days notice.

Moa`ula and Pear Tree coffee growers signed 15-year licenses to continue
growing their award-winning products. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

      New licenses with the farmers do allow Resource Land Holdings to withdraw half-acre sections from each farm for houses and other infrastructure. They also require farmers to engage in acceptable coffee farming practices to ensure good yields and combat coffee berry borer pests. The licenses limit farming to mostly coffee, with some exceptions for growing vegetables, windbreaks and boundary landscaping.
      Under WWK, the property was approved by the county for Project Unit Development, which allows the farms, which are zoned for subdividing into 20-acre agricultural parcels, to be cut into smaller estates.
      Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative and its sister Palehua Cooperative have appealed to the county, state and nonprofit organizations to help raise money to buy and turn the coffee lands into an ag park. The farmers seek to secure the lands before they can be developed with infrastructure that would likely make them too expensive for purchase by the farmers.
      State Department of Agriculture Chair Scott Enright said that once the property closes, he will ask RLH if it would be a willing seller and said that one possibility is for the state to acquire some 500 acres, including the coffee lands, to create an ag park with 35-year leases for the farmers.
      Resource Land Holdings is expected to close anytime on the purchase of the coffee lands plus other properties totaling 5,800 coastal and mauka acres. Conservation and ranching groups are looking at the possibility of raising money to conserve the coastal lands should RLH be a willing seller.

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Ka`u's dengue fever risk is lessening. Photo from Hawai`i DOH

KA`U’S DENGUE FEVER RISK is lessening. A new map released by the state Department of Health yesterday shows Ocean View as an area of “some risk” with the rest of Ka`u in the clear. 

      As of yesterday, DOH reported 157 confirmed cases of the disease on Hawai`i Island. Of those, only seven are potentially infectious to mosquitoes, which transmit the disease from person to person through bites.
      The focus of tonight’s Insights program on PBS Hawai`i is dengue fever. Beginning at 8 p.m. the live broadcast takes questions and comments via phone, email and Twitter. Call 800-238-4847, email insights@pbshawaii.org, or tweet #pbsinsights.

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AS EQUIPMENT IS REMOVED from the Thirty Meter Telescope construction site on Mauna Kea, TMT announced that its THINK Fund continues to support teachers in Hawai`i Island schools to boost STEM learning for their students. Equipment removal follows Hawai`i Supreme Court’s invalidation of TMT’s conservation use permit, saying that the state Board of Land & Natural Resources approved the permit before holding a contested case hearing called for by opponents of the project.

      Since the classroom grants became available in November 2014, over $84,000 has been given for projects reaching 6,594 students at 25 schools islandwide.
      Recently, classrooms in Volcano and Ka`u received support. Applied Science supplies and kits went to Volcano School of Arts and Science Public Charter School grades three through five. Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School grades nine through 12 received support for a program called Future Health Professional-Providing Hope for the Rural Community.
      “Our local teachers are developing learning activities like modeling, analysis, design and engineering that show great promise to engage their students. We are supporting them by funding the materials and technology to bring those activities to life in their classrooms,” said TMT’s Hawai`i Community Affairs Manager Sandra Dawson. Twenty-eight teachers have received funding for student learning since the beginning of the 2015-16 school year.
      The THINK Fund was launched to better prepare Hawai`i Island students to master STEM and to become the workforce for higher-paying science and technology jobs in Hawai`i’s 21st century economy. TMT’s annual $1 million contribution to the fund is administered by Hawai`i Community Foundation and Pauahi Foundation.

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An earthquake in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park measured magnitude 3.9.
Map from USGS/HVO

A 3.9-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE occurred yesterday at 12:23 p.m. near Kilauea. According to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the 4.5-mile deep temblor located 4.6 miles south-southwest of Pu`u `O`o was felt as far away as Hilo and Kona. 

      Other recent Kilauea quakes include a 3.1-magnitude earthquake on Sunday and a 3.0 last Wednesday.

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TWO QUARRY PERMITS FOR OCEAN VIEW go to continued public hearings at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan.7 before the Windward Planning Commission at Aupuni Conference Room in Hilo. A special permit would add eight acres to make the size of the cinder and rock quarry a little more than 13 acres northwest of Mahimahi Drive between Lurline and Liliani Lanes. A special permit for a quarry on five acres at Kailua Blvd and Lurline Lane is also subject to a hearing. Both are on land zoned Agriculture.
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SANTA, ALSO KNOWN as Lance Ako, and elves delivered goodie bags to every student in grades one through six at Na`alehu Elementary today following the school’s winter program. Students in preschool and kindergarten each received a stuffed animal to take home. The surprise gifts and bags were a part of the Undercover Angel project sponsored by Hope Diamond Ministries, of Wai`ohinu.

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U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD is accepting submissions from Hawai`i high school artists in the Second Congressional District for the 2016 Kaha Ki`i Congressional Art Competition hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard with winners of this year's Kaha
Ki`i art contest. Photo from office of Rep. Gabbard

      “Hawai`i art students, with the support and mentorship of their teachers, continue to surpass my expectations year after year with their creative, beautiful and thoughtful artwork,” Gabbard said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the submissions to our annual competition in 2016. The nationwide competition is a great platform for Hawai`i students to showcase the unique culture of our islands and communities from their perspective.”
      Winning pieces will be on display for one year at the U.S. Capitol and in Gabbard’s Washington and Hawai`i offices for visitors to enjoy.
      Artwork must be submitted by Feb. 23, 2016. Semi-finalists will be announced shortly after, and Gabbard will reveal the winning pieces at an awards ceremony in April at the Hawai`i State Capitol. Interested applicants can obtain complete details at gabbard.house.gov or by calling 808-541-1986.

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KA`U HIGH GIRLS JUNIOR VARSITY basketball team brought home a win Tuesday when they overcame Kea`au 29-27 in overtime.
Varsity lost 26-51.

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THREE-ON-THREE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS will held on Tuesday, Jan. 19 for boys and girls five to eight and nine to ten years of age at Na`alehu Outdoor Courts from 4 p.m. To 8 p.m. On Thursday, Jan. 21, the tournaments will be for ages 11 to 12 and 13 to 14, same place, same time. The tournaments are sponsored by Department of County Parks and Recreation and HI-PAL, the Hawai`i Police Activities League.
      Maximum of five players are allowed per team. Each team must have an adult coach. Entry fee is one non-perishable can of food per player, which will be donated to Hawai`i Food Bank. Registration and waiver forms are available at Pahala Community Center and Na`alehu Community Center. To register, call 939-2510 or 928-3102. Deadline to register is Thursday, Jan.14.

Na Wai Iwi Ola closed Volcano Art Center's 2015 hula kahiko program Saturday.
Photo from VAC

KUMU HULA KEALA CHING and Na Wai Iwi Ola present hula kahiko Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Ha`amauliola Aiona presents Na Mea Hula starting at 9:30 a.m. on the gallery’s porch. Call 967-8222 for more information. 

VISITORS TO KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park can learn about formation and various uses of Pu`u o Lokuana and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u on a moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER hosts its annual Keiki Christmas Party Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a visit from Santa, face painting, tattoos, stockings, ornaments, food, stickers, games and music. Everyone is welcome.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_December2015.pdf.

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