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| "We won the Olympics!!!" tweeted Kripps, right, with teammate Alexander Kopacz, celebrating their Olympic gold medal in two-man bobsleigh at PyeongChang Winter Olympics in Korea Monday morning. Photo from Justin Kripps |
On Sunday, Kripps' team ended the first day of two runs just 0.10 seconds behind Germany. On Monday, the first race put Canada first with four other sleds within 0.13 seconds behind, creating an incredibly tight field. The fourth race saw the Kripps' sled fall behind at the start, then rally back to tie for gold. Canada and Germany each posted a total time of 3:16.86 over the course of the four runs.
Kripps comes and goes from Kaʻū, visiting family and friends, and enjoys pig hunting.
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| Justin Kripps right, with his teammate and the Germans, all sharing the gold medal in two-man bobsleigh Sunday morning. Photo from Team Canada twitter |
A NEW SPACE PORT PROPOSAL FOR KAʻŪ, THIS ONE IN MINIATURE, may be in the planning, possibly near Pohuʻe Bay, which is famous for its anchialine ponds, a remote sandy beach, and endangered hawksbill turtle nesting sites.
Scouts for a company in Sunnyvale, California, called SpinLaunch, are looking at Hawaiʻi Island as a possible space port. Unlike big space launch facilities with huge rockets, the SpinLaunch spaceport would use small technology to sling small packages into space. SpinLaunch is searching for about 8 acres with thousands of acres for a buffer around the prospective launch facility. SpinLaunch would send small satellites into space using a launch mechanism only about 20 feet long. The technology would drastically reduce the cost of sending up small packages, like tiny satellites the size of a dog carrier, and supplies for space stations.
According to the Tribune Herald story, Wakai described the model, saying, "It's like a big water tank with an arm on the end. The arm is like the rocket. It spins up to 5,000 miles per hour and launches out of a chute into space." The newspaper also quoted Waikai as saying the SpinLaunch idea is "very doable." He issued the bill in the senate for the funding.
Scouts from an unknown company came to Kaʻū during the last six months and looked at the 16,000 acres above Pohuʻe Bay. They have long been for sale, and eyed by Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and conservation organizations. Both the scouts and Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald report that other locations are also being considered.
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VACATION HOME OWNERS ARE ON THE OUTLOOK AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE for bills that would restrict them, prevent them from representing themselves when renting their properties, and further tax them, according Rental By Owner
Awareness Association.
Senate Bill 2963, around since 2015, "has mutated into something
quite frightening," says a statement from RBOAA. The bill could make both AirBnB and the owner liable for all taxes, so that if AirBnB fails to remit the correct amount, the owner would be "potentially on the hook."
The bill would require AirBnB to provide details of: how many nights were rented; rates per night; and address, name and phone number of the local contact - and this information could be made available to the counties. TheCounty of Honolulu
The bill also includes an amnesty program for those who have been lax with Transient Accommodations Tax, General Excise Tax, and zoning permits. RBOAA states, "We have been asking for this provision for
year, so good to see it is finally on the table."
The bill would require AirBnB to provide details of: how many nights were rented; rates per night; and address, name and phone number of the local contact - and this information could be made available to the counties. The
Concerning a provision in the bill to require owners to provide proof of compliance with tax and zoning laws, RBOAA has some questions. "How do you prove you are
legal in every regard?" asks RBOAA. "The Counties have no system to
accommodate this." Failure to comply with any tax or zoning law is considered
a Class C Felony (more than one year in prison). The bill provides for seizure
of the property and all income earned from operating a vacation rental.
Finally, the bill allows counties to phase out all transient accommodation in
any zone, for any reason.
"RBOAA is actively opposing this bill,
but we need to warn you that the legislators want this bill to pass, and have
cleared away a lot of procedural steps to ensure that it does go through. This
bill has already cleared the Senate." It now goes to the House.
Another bill, SB2641,
requires all local contacts to be real estate agents or brokers. RBOAA says,
"This is the fight we fought a number of years ago. Frankly, we are
surprised that the topic has returned."
Another bill affecting vacation rentals, SB2922, brought
forward by Hawai‘i State Teachers Association, would enact a Constitutional Amendment to require the TAT to be increased, in order to fund education in the State of Hawai‘i .
"We saw this one go right to the bitter end last year before ultimately
failing, so that the TAT could be increased to pay for the Honolulu
rail system," states RBOAA. "It is hard to get a read on the support,
or lack thereof, for this bill at the Legislature, but taxing visitors is
politically popular in an election year as most of them don't vote."
A few more bills are being
considered. One would change the way properties owned by non-residents are
taxed upon sale. RBOAA states, "The original draft displayed a surprising
lack of understanding as to how the tax system works and so is currently deep
in re-writes. This one may not come back until next year."
Another bill would clarify that all amounts charged to transient vacation rental guests are subject to TAT. "It seems some hotels are charging a resort fee but not collecting tax on the resort fee," says RBOAA.
RBOAA closes their statement with: "We will continue to work with the legislators on your behalf and hopefully any legislation which does pass is fair and balanced. We have a pretty strong track record over the past six years."
For more, contact info@rboaa.org or www.rboaa.org.
Another bill would clarify that all amounts charged to transient vacation rental guests are subject to TAT. "It seems some hotels are charging a resort fee but not collecting tax on the resort fee," says RBOAA.
RBOAA closes their statement with: "We will continue to work with the legislators on your behalf and hopefully any legislation which does pass is fair and balanced. We have a pretty strong track record over the past six years."
For more, contact info@rboaa.org or www.rboaa.org.
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| Walk into the past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar next month. Photo from National Park Service |
A WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR, supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network, will take place three times in March, announces Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar founded the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in 1912.
The guided walk features actor-director Dick Hershberger, dressed in period costume in an effort to "bring the renowned geologist to life," states the event description.
"Dr. Jaggar" takes participants on a tour of his tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. Learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today.
To find out more about this living history program, visit the park website: nps.gov/hav /planyourvisit/walk_into_the_past.htm. To join the walk, meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center on Tuesdays, Mar. 6, 20, and 27, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Each performance lasts about an hour.
"Dr. Jaggar" takes participants on a tour of his tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. Learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today.
To find out more about this living history program, visit the park website: nps.gov/hav /planyourvisit/walk_into_the_past.htm. To join the walk, meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center on Tuesdays, Mar. 6, 20, and 27, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Each performance lasts about an hour.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
KOHALA CENTER'S RURAL AND COOPERATIVE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES suggests a long list of opportunities:
● Hawai‘i-based food producers can register with the Hawai‘i Agriculture & Food Products Database at hawaiiagrproducts.hawaii.gov, which helps buyers all over the world to find suppliers. Free; read informational flyer or call Anissa Estrella at 973-9595 for assistance.
● Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Producers Cooperative is sourcing breadfruit to supply Hawai‘i Dept. of Education, to serve public schools statewide. Drop off locations are open in Hilo (Sweet Cane Café) and Kona (Honalō Marshaling Yard). Learn more online at eatbreadfruit.com/feed-the-keiki, or contact info@eatbreadfruit.com or 238-8869.
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| Breadfruit is a tropical superfood and a cooperative on this island is looking for suppliers. Photo from NPR |
● USDA Women in Agriculture Initiative is a resource for women as they continue to rise to leadership roles on and off the farm. Visit newfarmers.usda.gov/women-in-ag to learn more.
● Learn how to use visual indicators to evaluate soil health and management practices. This short video by National Center for Appropriate Technology shows dramatic differences in aggregate stability, which result from different management practices of the exact same soil type.
For more information about services, upcoming events, microloan programs, and other resources, go to kohalacenter.org/business.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.
February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.
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TUESDAY, FEB. 20
BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, runs through Fri., Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.
REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 BY FEB. 20 FOR A PRESIDENT'S DAY STAR HANGING arts and crafts activity, Wed., Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Free; call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.
REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS from Feb. 20 to 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEET TUES., FEB. 20, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day, Wed., Feb. 21. Both meetings occur in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
HAWAI‘I COUNTY FULL COUNCIL MEET WED., FEB. 21. Meetings occurs in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, runs through Fri., Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.
REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. , at Pāhala Community Center
REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 BY FEB. 20 FOR A PRESIDENT'S DAY STAR HANGING arts and crafts activity, Wed., Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Free; call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.
REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS from Feb. 20 to 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEET TUES., FEB. 20, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day, Wed., Feb. 21. Both meetings occur in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21
BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, runs through Fri., Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.
HAWAI‘I COUNTY FULL COUNCIL MEET WED., FEB. 21. Meetings occurs in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
THURSDAY, FEB. 22
KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL meets at Punalu‘u Bake Shop Thurs., Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. The council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month - ccco.k12.hi.us.BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, runs through Fri., Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.
REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from
FRIDAY, FEB. 23
JOIN PARK RANGERS FOR COFFEE TALK, an informal conversation on a variety of topics. Fri., Feb 23, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free - nps.gov/HAVO.LAST DAY OF BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.
BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Fri., Feb. 23, 9 p.m., at Pāhoa Lava Shack; Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.
SATURDAY, FEB. 24
SANCTUARY OCEAN HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT, Sat., Feb 24, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; arrive 30 min. prior for orientation. Four locations near/in Ka‘ū: Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, and Ka‘ena Point - hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov for directions; park entrance fees apply. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Pre-registration required: sanctuaryoceancount.org.
LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon , Saturday, Feb. 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.
REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat, Feb 24, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike.
FRIENDS OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING is held Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a free luncheon while learning about what's coming up for the organization, and be involved with the election of new board members. Luncheon is complimentary, registration is required; register and get more info at fhvnp.org/events/annual-membership-meeting-luncheon-2018/.
gardenarts.com.
REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from
14TH ANNUAL LOVE THE ARTS fundraiser gala at the Ni‘aulani Campus, Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets, and sponsorship and artist donation forms, online at volcanoartcenter.org, or in person at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Art Center Gallery, and Basically Books in Hilo - $55 per VAC member, $65 for non-members.
BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.
SUNDAY, FEB. 25
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| Join a Sunday hike in Kahuku along Palm Trail. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO |
BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.
MONDAY, FEB. 26
REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27,
for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30
p.m. to 5 p.m. , at Pāhala
Community Center
UPCOMING
To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.
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