Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Friday, Aug. 26, 2016

Pres. Barack Obama has expanded Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
See more below. Photo from PMNM

IS CONSERVATION THE HIGHEST priority for Hawai`i County residents? At forums on Tuesday in Hilo and yesterday in Kona, attendees answered questions about preferences regarding development over the next 25 years. Ka`u residents had an opportunity to participate at a remote site at Na`alehu Community Center. At the main sites, participants had keypads on which they answered questions, and results were instantaneous. In Na`alehu and other remote sites, attendees filled out questionnaires that will be included in results.

      At yesterday’s forum, 30 percent of respondents said conservation was the highest priority for new development between now and 2040. When asked the same question in relation to their grandchildren, the percentage increased to 44. Cost of housing was the next highest priority, at 26 and 30 percent.

      Presenters proposed methods to conserve agricultural land, including imposing a minimum lot size based on scale of production and prohibiting lots smaller than the minimum. When considering both themselves and their grandchildren, 40 percent favored such a scenario.
      Offering low housing and transportation costs was also important to respondents. Seventy percent said low-cost housing was extremely important, and 85 percent said low-cost transportation was extremely or moderately important.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD comes to Ka`u this Monday, Aug. 29. Gabbard will host a Tulsi in Your Town meeting at Ka`u Coffee Mill. She will meet with Ka`u community and other Hawai`i Island constituents there to talk story, assist with federal casework and discuss legislative updates and priorities related to supporting local agriculture and farmers.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard meets with her
Ka`u constituents Monday.

      Gabbard’s visit is part of a six-stop farm and agriculture tour on Hawaiʻi Island that day. She will tour three different Hawaiʻi Island farms, discuss state and federal research on invasive species and meet with local farmers. The Tulsi In Your Town forum follows similar events she has held over the past few weeks, including Kailua-Kona. All meetings are open to the public and give constituents an opportunity to hear from the congresswoman on her legislative priorities, ask questions and share their ideas and concerns.

      Here and at other stops, Gabbard will also discuss legislation she’s introduced to help control invasive species in Hawai`i and across the United States and her work to help secure green bean pricing valuation for Hawai`i-grown coffee, fight for truly transparent GMO-labeling, support the viability and success of local coffee farmers and producers, and more.
      “Throughout my work in Congress, I’ve fought to secure sensible, transparent food policy, support our local farmers and agriculture industry, and strengthen Hawai`i’s food security,” Gabbard said. “In past visits to our local farms in Hawai`i, I’ve seen firsthand how invasive species like the coffee berry borer, fruit flies and macadamia nut felted coccid and others have impacted our local farmers and cost our agriculture industry millions in lost revenue. I’m looking forward to hearing from both state and federal researchers and to update them on legislationI’ve introduced to fight invasive species in Hawaiʻi and across the country. I’m also looking forward to touring more of our Hawai`i Island farms and continuing to meet and hear from constituents across our islands before I head back to Washington, DC after Labor Day.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Papahanaumokuakea is home to many endemic species.
PMNM Photo by James Watt

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA today issued a proclamation expanding Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument “for the purpose of protecting those objects, reserve as a part thereof all lands and interests in lands owned or controlled by the federal government within the boundaries.”

      The federal lands and interests in lands reserved in the expansion consist of approximately 442,781 square miles, “which is the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected,” Obama’s proclamation states. The monument will be expanded from 139,800 to 582,578 square miles. The expansion is expected to provide critical protections for more than 7,000 marine species.
      As a result of the expansion, “all federal lands and interests in lands within the monument’s boundaries are withdrawn from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, leasing or other disposition under the public land laws to the extent that those laws apply, including but not limited to, withdrawal from location, entry, and patent under mining laws, and from disposition under all laws relating to development of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal, or renewable energy,” the proclamation states.
      While commercial fishing and mineral extraction will be prohibited, permits are available for Native Hawaiian subsistence fishing and cultural practices as well as scientific research “to further understanding of Monument Expansion resources and qualities,” according to the proclamation.

      On Wednesday evening, Gov. David Ige sent a letter to President Obama conveying his support for the expansion.

The expansion adds more than 400,000 square miles.
Map from NOAA

      “Mahalo to your administration for taking the time to conduct direct meetings and public forums to hear from the public, even though this proposal involves only federal waters and does not impact state jurisdiction,” Ige said. “Doing things the right way for the right reasons leads to better decisions, and I know the input of fishers, Hawaiian cultural practitioners, scientists, conservationists and others interested in the proposal strengthened it. Based on public input, I appreciate that Sen. Brian Schatz’s proposal limits the expansion in the current monument southern boundary, to preserve popular fishing grounds for recreational, subsistence and commercial fishers from the main Hawaiian Islands. …

      “You may be familiar with the Hawaiian proverb, E ota ke kai, e ota kakou – As the ocean thrives, so do we. This proposal strikes the right balance at this time for the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, and it can be a model for sustainability in the other oceans of planet Earth.”
      “This is one of the most important actions an American president has ever taken for the health of the oceans,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “Expanding Papahanaumokuakea will replenish stocks of ahi, promote biodiversity, fight climate change and give a greater voice to Native Hawaiians in managing this resource. President Obama’s declaration is only the beginning. To create continued success, we will need to follow through with management, research, educational opportunities, and enforcement. This declaration sets us on a strong path forward for our irreplaceable environment and the generations to come.”
      “I congratulate and thank the President for taking the important step to be a global leader in protecting ocean resources,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “President Obama’s efforts to enhance protections for our ocean ecosystem will help to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity and honor cultural traditions. As part of his announcement, I appreciate the President’s recognition of the importance of commercial fishing to Hawai`i’s way of life and our shared goal of supporting Hawai`i’s sustainable pelagic fisheries.”
      Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that Obama will address the World Conservation Congress in Honolulu on Wednesday before traveling to Midway Atoll. Ka`u residents attending the conference include representatives of The Nature Conservancy, Hawai`i Wildlife Fund and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Dick Hershberger portrays Dr. Thomas Jaggar in Kilauea 1916; A

Centennial Celebration of KMC & HVNP. Photo from KDEN

ENTRY FEES ARE WAIVED at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park today through Sunday to celebrate National Park Services 100th birthday.

KILAUEA 1916 CONTINUES through Sunday. In honor of Kilauea Military Camp’s and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s centennial, Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network presents a look back at the people who were a part of the beginnings of both entities.
      Performances take place at Kilauea Theater today and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
      For reservations or more information, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

Keiki watch Hula Halau Ulumamo o Hilo Paliku perform during a

previous Cultural Festival. NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK holds its 36th Annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free festival invites people of all ages to engage in Hawaiian cultural practices and learn how native Hawaiians lived closely to the land as its stewards.
      BioBlitz, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., returns to the festival again this year. Participants join scientists and cultural practitioners and discover biodiversity that thrives in the park. Register for free inventories at fhvnp.org.               See nps.gov/havo.

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

      Palm Trail Hike tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is a moderately difficult, 2.6-mile, loop-trail hike that provides one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.
      On Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., participants on a moderate, one-mile walk discover Hawaiian goddesses Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016

Sign up to participate in BioBlitz,which returns to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park during its 36th annual
 Hawaiian Cultural Festival. See more below. NPS Photo by Andrew Hara/National Geographic Your Shot

HAWAI`I PUBLIC SCHOOL 2016 graduates who took the ACT college preparation test and who met college readiness benchmarks showed a two-percent improvement in Mathematics and one-percent improvements in English and Science, while Reading scores remained unchanged.

      A national report released Tuesday shows an increase in Hawai`i public schools’ Class of 2016 graduates meeting college readiness benchmarks. ACT, a research-based, nonprofit organization, issued the Condition of College and Career Readiness 2016 report, which includes information on students taking the ACT test in every state, including Hawai`i.
      Hawai`i’s Class of 2016 public high school graduates meeting ACT’s college readiness benchmarks saw year-over-year changes of a two percentage point, improvement in Mathematics, a one percentage point improvement in English and Science and unchanged Reading scores.

Kathryn Matayoshi

      Approximately 10,525 Hawai`i public school graduates in the Class of 2016 took the ACT college preparedness test as juniors. All of Hawai`i’s public school juniors now take the ACT test as part of a range of recent transformational efforts to increase students’ college and career readiness. These efforts have produced strong increases in college enrollment, enrollment in early college programs at the high school level, as well as significant declines in college-level remediation in English and Mathematics.

      The ACT results provide students information about their readiness for postsecondary education, a score that they can use for college admissions and placement, and information about how to better prepare for postsecondary education during their senior years. The ACT includes a student survey to gauge their plans for life after high school.
      “Eighty percent of 2016 graduates who took the ACT test indicated their desire to earn a two- or four-year college degree, and we are encouraged by steady gains in our students’ college preparation and enrollment,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “However, we recognize the need for more of our students to be ready for the rigors of work and study after high school.”
      Over the past three years, Hawai`i public school students have seen steady improvements in the individually tested ACT subjects: four percentage points up in English and three percentage points up each in Mathematics, Reading and Science.
      While Hawai`i’s scores have been rising, ACT scores nationwide have shown declines and fluctuating results, Matayoshi said. Also, not all states administer the ACT to all juniors.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Hawai`i DLNR supports a federally proposed rule to limit
approaching Hawaiian spinner dolphins.
Photo from Wikipedia

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND & Natural Resources supports a proposed rule by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that would prohibit approaching a Hawaiian spinner dolphin within 50 yards by any means. This would include commercial swim-with-dolphins programs.

      Bruce Anderson, administrator of DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources, said, “We believe NOAA’s preferred option is reasonable. Two of the five initial alternatives involved closing off entire areas designated as essential daytime habitats. We felt that was going a little too far, but we can support approach rules and eliminating swim-with-dolphins activities.”

      The public comment period for the proposed rule ends Oct. 23. “We intend to comment,” Anderson said. “The proposed regulations would be in effect within two nautical miles of the main Hawaiian Islands, and within certain designated waters between Maui, Lana`i and Kaho`olawe. We will recommend NOAA expand that beyond two miles, all the way out to the limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone, which is 200 miles from shore. We don't see a rationale for a two-mile limit.”
      Anderson also said he hopes NOAA will develop a plan to monitor the effectiveness of the proposed rule after it goes into effect.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Two earthquakes recorded yesterday measured higher
than magnitude-3. Map for USGS/HVO

INCREASED SEISMICITY WAS RECORDED within Kilauea’s upper East Rift Zone yesterday afternoon and evening, including two earthquakes of magnitude greater than magnitude-3. A M3.7 at 12:17 p.m., and a M3.4 followed at 1:12 p.m.

      According to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, tremor fluctuations associated with lava lake spattering at Kilauea’s summit continue.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO, tbe only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, denounced Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s changes to immigration policies on MSNBC. Trump has recently come out with what he referred to as a “softening” of his previously discussed policies.

Sen. Mazie Hirono spoke on MSNBC about Donald Trump's
immigration policies. Image from MSNBC

      “I think it’s all a fake because Donald Trump has been talking about being anti-immigrant for months and months now, and his notions about immigration are very bizarre to say the least,” Hirono said. “He wants to deport 11 million people from our country; he wants to disallow all Muslims from coming into our country; he wants to build a wall on our southern border.

      “He has managed to insult every group, including most recently the Filipinos, who he called animals.
      “We can’t trust somebody who changes his mind at the drop of a hat, or in this case, at a drop in the polls.
      “A country with a Donald Trump as president would not be a welcoming country to immigrants like me.”
      Hirono said she supports candidate Hillary Clinton’s approach to immigration reform, in which “family unity is a guiding principle.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

GIRLS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL team took yesterday’s game at Kea`au to five sets. After Kea`au won the first set by a wide margin, Ka`u came back to win the next two and narrowly lost the fourth in overtime. However, Kea`au closed the deal in the fifth set. Final scores were 7-25, 25-14, 25-20, 30-32 and 5-15.

      Junior Varsity Trojans lost in two sets.
      Teams travel to Makua Lani at Waikoloa Saturday for their next games beginning at 2 p.m.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U RESIDENTS who missed Tuesday’s forum can provide input regarding Hawai`i County’s General Plan at an identical one this evening. Na`alehu Community Center is a live remote site where the public can participate from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD comes to Ka`u this Monday, Aug. 29. Gabbard will host a Tulsi in Your Town meeting at Ka`u Coffee Mill. She will meet with Ka`u community and other Hawai`i Island constituents there to talk story, assist with federal casework and discuss legislative updates and priorities related to supporting local agriculture and farmers.

      Gabbard’s visit is part of a six-stop farm and agriculture tour on Hawaiʻi Island that day. She will tour three different Hawaiʻi Island farms, discuss state and federal research on invasive species and meet with local farmers. The Tulsi In Your Town forum follows similar events she has held over the past few weeks, including Kailua-Kona. All meetings are open to the public and give constituents an opportunity to hear from the congresswoman on her legislative priorities, ask questions and share their ideas and concerns.

      Here and throughout the day, Gabbard will also discuss legislation she’s introduced to help control invasive species in Hawai`i and across the United States and her work to help secure green bean pricing valuation for Hawai`i-grown coffee, fight for truly transparent GMO-labeling, support the viability and success of local coffee farmers and producers, and more.

      “Throughout my work in Congress, I’ve fought to secure sensible, transparent food policy, support our local farmers and agriculture industry, and strengthen Hawai`i’s food security,” Gabbard said. “In past visits to our local farms in Hawai`i, I’ve seen firsthand how invasive species like the coffee berry borer, fruit flies and macadamia nut felted coccid and others have impacted our local farmers and cost our agriculture industry millions in lost revenue. I’m looking forward to hearing from both state and federal researchers and to update them on legislation I’ve introduced to fight invasive species in Hawaiʻi and across the country. I’m also looking forward to touring more of our Hawai`i Island farms and continuing to meet and hear from constituents across our islands before I head back to Washington, DC after Labor Day.”

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

ENTRY FEES ARE WAIVED at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park today through Sunday to celebrate National Park Services 100th birthday.

Performers tomorrow night include Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua and his halau, Kenneth Makuakane
and Mark Yamanaka. Photo from NPS

A FREE HAWAIIAN CONCERT takes place tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hawaiian music, hula and `oli open the fee-free National Park Service Centennial weekend, celebrating Kilauea Military Camp’s 100th anniversary and kick-off the park’s 36th annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival & BioBlitz.

      See nps.gov/havo.

Keiki learn Hawaiian crafts at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Parks
annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival. Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK holds its 36th Annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Themed E Ho`omau (to perpetuate; to continue in a way that causes good to be long-lasting), the free festival invites people of all ages to engage in authentic Hawaiian cultural practices and learn how native Hawaiians lived closely to the land as its stewards. Enjoy hula and music, watch skilled practitioners demonstrate their art and try your hand at Hawaiian crafts.

      This year’s festival again includes a BioBlitz, a fun and hands-on opportunity to join scientists and cultural practitioners and discover biodiversity that thrives in the park. Register for free expert-led field inventories through Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park at fhvnp.org. BioBlitz field inventories run from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can also learn about the importance of conservation and biodiversity through interactive exhibits at the festival.
      See nps.gov/havo.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016

High windows are installed at Ka`u District Gym as construction work wraps up. Photo by Dave Berry

HIGH WINDOWS AT THE NEW GYM at Ka`u High School are going in as workers finish up floors, windows, plastering and other tasks to wrap up construction. The gym will be used as a regional disaster shelter and also by schools and the community. It will be operated by the County of Hawai`i Department of Parks & Recreation.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Tropical moisture streaming up from the south keeps Ka`u
in a flash flood watch. Map from NOAA

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH is in effect until 6 p.m. for Ka`u and much of Hawai`i Island. National Weather Service reported that the chance for heavy rain is 60 percent. Deep tropical moisture moving over the state will maintain very humid conditions with localized heavy downpours and a chance of thunderstorms through today.

      Drier trade wind weather is expected to begin tonight and Thursday, with typical trade wind weather then expected Thursday night through early next week.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I COUNTY BOARD of Water Supply will hold a hearing to receive public testimony regarding a reduction of the power cost charge. According to Department of Water Supply, power costs have declined in Hawai`i Electric Light Co. billings for electricity for wells and pumps. DWS proposes reducing the power cost charge from $1.70 to $1.61 per thousand gallons to reflect the decline.
      The hearing is scheduled on Sept. 27 at 9:45 a.m. at DWS’ Operations Center, 889 Leilani Street in Hilo.
      The reduction would be effective Oct. 1.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Spattering lava is once again visible at Halema`uma`u.
Photo from USGS/HVO

KILAUEA’S SUMMIT LAVA LAKE this morning was at one of the highest measured levels since May 2015, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported. Inflationary tilt, which began Sunday afternoon, continues, with the lake’s surface level rising in concert with the tilt. Spattering has been visible from the Jaggar Museum overlook during the past day. 

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

COULD A SURPLUS in Hawai`i's budget help cool schools?

      As kids sit overheated in public school classrooms, with the state unable to afford air conditioning, and teachers are underpaid, resulting in 625 vacancies in the public school system, Hawai`i state government reported a $1 billion surplus at the end of the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
      Kevin Dayton, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser examined what the funds may be used for. He said the surplus may provide raises to public workers, including members of Hawai`i State Teachers Association. “All of the state public worker unions from the United Public Workers and the University of Hawai`i Professional Assembly to the Hawai`i Government Employees Association and the Hawai`i State Teachers Association have contracts that expire June 30,” Dayton said.

Portable ACs installed as temporary supplemental cooling in some

of Hawaii's hottest classrooms. Photo from Hawai`i DOE

      Lawyer Ted Hong told Dayton that with such a large surplus, a significant pay increase for public workers “is a given. Absolutely, that’s a given. The first, fundamental issue is always whether there’s enough money to fund the proposed pay raises. Now that issue here is going to be off the table.”

      HSTA President Corey Rosenlee told Dayton, “As any parent can attest to, you’ve got to invest in your children’s future, and in Hawai`i, when kids are going without a teacher in classrooms with the roof falling in, and our classes are crowded, this is the time that we need to start investing in our kids.
      “To continually underpay your teachers to the point where we don’t have teachers is a tragedy for the state, and so because they have this surplus, they need to start investing in our schools.”
      Dayton also reported that state legislators appropriated $200 million for an emergency reserve fund and $81 to repay public workers’ future health benefits after retiring. These are added commitments that some of the funds could go toward.

      According to Dayton, the Hawai`i's Constitution requires the state to either transfer funds to the budget reserve fund or provide a refund to taxpayers if the ending balance exceeds five percent of general fund revenues for two consecutive years. Refunds in the past have amounted to $1 to meet that constitution requirement.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Role playing is one method participants use to learn variety

of approaches for dealing with people in conflict.

Photo from Ku`ikahi Mediation Center

WANT TO LEARN HOW to peacefully resolve conflicts? Then join Ku`ikahi Mediation Center for fall Basic Mediation Training in Hilo. Facilitated by Diane Petropulos and Catherine Lampton, the training spans two consecutive weekends, Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18.

      Participants learn a variety of approaches for dealing with people in conflict – through lecture, group discussion, hands-on exercises and mediation simulations.
      “Whether you want to improve your peacemaking and communication skills or want to become a mediator, this training gives you the tools you need to start resolving conflict in a peaceful and lasting way,” said Julie Mitchell, Executive Director of the nonprofit.
      The 30-hour training offers instruction in the process of mediation and how to apply advanced communication skills – such as active listening, summarizing and rephrasing, and using open-ended questions – in order to help parties resolve their differences.
      “This training is perfect for anyone who wants to communicate more effectively personally and professionally, become a better negotiator and problem-solver, and increase your value in the workplace,” Mitchell said. “We invite people from all walks of life to join us. No particular background or personality is needed – all are welcome.”
      Upon successful completion of the training, participants may apply to join Ku`ikahi’s apprenticeship program.
      “All of our mediators are professionally trained volunteers who donate their time to help people find their own best solutions to a wide variety of issues,” said Mitchell. “Since we rely on this exceptional pool of volunteers to provide mediation services, we continually seek out potential new Apprentice Mediators from the community at large. Basic Mediation Training is a prerequisite.”
      Tuition for the four-day training is $295. Group discounts and scholarships are available. To register or apply for a scholarship, contact Jenifer Aveiro at jenifer@hawaiimediation.org or 935-7844 x 1.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Review the county's general plan takes three years.
Graph from Hawai`i County

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PROVIDE input regarding Hawai`i County’s General Plan tomorrow. Na`alehu Community Center is a live remote site where the public can testify during a forum held in Kona from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

      Hawai`i County General Plan is reviewed every ten years. The existing General Plan was adopted in 2005, and a lot has happened on Hawai`i Island since then. Everything that has transpired, including population growth, natural disasters, technological advancements and sustainability efforts, is being considered in the General Plan. The Planning Director is responsible for leading the review process and recommending amendments to the plan.
      Reviewing the General Plan is a comprehensive process that takes three years to complete; the current review process kicked off in February 2015. The Planning Director anticipates sending recommended amendments to the Planning Commission in August 2017, after which it will be reviewed and adopted by County Council.
      More information about the General Plan comprehensive review is available at http://www.cohplanningdept.com/general-plan/.

A FREE HAWAIIAN CONCERT takes place Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hawaiian music, hula and `oli open the fee-free National Park Service Centennial weekend, celebrating Kilauea Military Camp’s 100th anniversary and kick off the park’s 36th annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival & BioBlitz.
      See nps.gov/havo.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.