About The Kaʻū Calendar

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Oct. 27, 2024


An artist's rendering of how two of the proposed solar farms would look from a drone if they were to be built as planned in Ranchos. 17 such projects, each covering three acres, are planned to be built among existing homes throughout the west side 
of the subdivision. The rendering is by John Fretz, a graphic artist who lives in Ranchos.
PUC STILL CONSIDERS APPROVING INDUSTRIAL SOLAR IN OV NEIGHBORHOODS. The eight-year-long fight over the proposed construction of an industrial-scale solar power generating facility in Ocean View took a new twist in October when a state Public Utilities Commission Hearings Officer released a draft of his report. It recommends that the solar project be allowed and that the PUC decide if the project is "in the public interest."    
    The project would allow 17 three-acre houselots to be fenced in and covered with solar panels. They would be built on lots intended for housing. The energy produced would be sold to Hawaiian Electric at 25c per kWh - nearly triple the current market price. Homes could be adjacent to industrial solar lots stripped of trees and bulldozed.
    The complaint was filed with the Public Utilities Commission in August 2016 by Peter and Annie Bosted, who live in Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, below Highwy 11. Many home and lot owners there
joined to launch an opposition, which is documented by a petition, public testimony at community meetings and numerous letters to the PUC. Opponents contend that the solar would come with a high price for the electricity sold to Hawaiian Electric, and with degradation of family neighborhoods that would be turned into a mix of housing and industrial.
    "I find it mind-boggling" is the recent comment by Ranchos resident Bob Werner. "I have been following this case since it began." He said the recent PUC report "is based on a truly shocking and disturbing misunderstanding of the complaint. Many important points have been ignored, twisted, or apparently misunderstood.
    "Over a year ago the Bosteds filed follow-up briefs, amounting to about 40 pages, which detailed the case complete with evidence, citations, rules of law and everything necessary for the commission to come to a well reasoned decision," said Werner. "Now, by law, the Bosteds have less than two weeks to file 'exceptions' and ask for them to be corrected; this after it has been in the hands of the Commission for over a year. For them it will be like picking up the pieces of Humpty Dumpty and gluing the case back together again with more documentation. The way it has been completely changed is staggering and responding to all the misinterpretations and faulty reasoning will be extremely difficult in such a short time."
    Werner, a retired elected county evaluator, also said, "The Hearings Officer complains that he was given a very narrow task and that many issues were outside his scope." The Hearings Officer is recommending that the Commission definitively determine whether such projects as the one proposed at Ocean View are in the public interest.
    Last year the Hawai'i Supreme Court addressed proposed solar projects conceived years ago that don't necessarily result in a lower price for electricity and are far behind the current approach to alternative energy. The Court stated that, with regard to energy projects conceived decades ago, "yesterday's good enough has become today's unacceptable" and named numerous factors not in the public interest. The Court added, "The PUC was under no obligation to evaluate an energy project conceived of in 2012 the same way in 2022. Indeed, doing so would have betrayed its constitutional duty."
    Solar projects now coming on line near Waikaloa sell electricity to HE for about 9c per kWh and they have backup batteries.  Since the Ocean View project will not have batteries, it will supply power only when the sun is shining and will be paid 25c per kWh.

 
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.
About Us — KHPES
An Alumni Scholarship Endowment for Kaʻū High graduates is 
being created through University of Hawai'i Foundation.

A PĀHALA-KAʻŪ HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT AT UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I AT HILO is in the making. Gary Ota, a 1966 graduate of Kaʻū High School, assisted in making the arrangement with University of Hawaii Foundation. He reports that so far, $26,000 of $50,000 to start funding the endowment has been raised. Once the $50,000 goal is reached, scholarships will be made available to Kaʻū High School graduates for perpetuity.
    Ota notes that due to the relatively large Federal standard deduction amounts, and the increased Hawaii standard deduction amounts, donors may not receive any tax benefit by deducting contributions on tax returns. The threshold for states other than Hawai'i may vary.
    Donors older than 70 ½, with an IRA, may consider making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from the IRA. QCDs may not be made from other types of retirement accounts (e.g. 401k, 403b, TSP, etc.)
    Those younger than 70 ½ and those without an IRA, could receive the benefit of QCD by partnering. Ota said that for a minimum $150, he will make a $200 QCD from his IRA for the donor. Or, a 25% "discount" on any larger amount. If interested, contact Ota at 808-622-2900.
    For those 73 and older, and subject IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) requirements, a QCD can be applied toward the RMD.
    To avoid tax on capital gains, donors may also consider contributing stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds which have significantly appreciated in value since their purchase, said Ota who can be contacted for details.
    Checks for the scholarship endowment can be made out to University of Hawaii Foundation and mailed to 1314 South King St, Ste B, Honolulu, HI 96814 or PO Box 11270, Honolulu HI 96828-0270

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.


Letters to Santa organizer for many years, Jana Kaniho, has passed the torch to Marlene Freitas, who
will host the gift giving program at her Ku'u Ihi Flowers & Gifts next to Pāhala Post Office.

Photo by Julia Neal

LETTERS TO SANTA KICKS OFF NOV. 1 IN PĀHALA. This years' Letters to Santa will be hosted and sponsored by Ku'u Ihi Flowers & Gifts next to Pāhala Post Office in the Pāhala Center. Co-sponsors are R & G Mini Mart and O Ka'u Kakou. 
   Letters to Santa Pāhala, in which keiki ask Santa for gifts, will be accepted Nov. 1 through Dec. 1. 
Children or parents may pick up the letter templates from Ku'u Ihi Flowers & Gifts or R & G Mini Mart.       Completed letters can be dropped off in the Letters to Santa Mail Box located at Ku'u Ihi Flowers & Gifts located in the Pāhala Shopping Center.  
   "We will be seeking donations to help make this event a success," said organizer Marlene Freitas. For more information on how to make a donation or how donations will be used, contact Freitas at 808-987-2578. 
      Freitas also wished, "A huge Mahalo to Jana Kaniho for organizing the Letters To Santa event in the past years." 

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.




Saturday, October 26, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Oct. 26, 2024

The group Huliau with teachers, composers and performers at Saturday's Ho'olaulea at Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences.
  Photo by Sara Espaniola
Making ti lei at the Ho'olaulea on Saturday.
Photo by Sara Espaniola
THE FIRST VOLCANO SCHOOL OF THE ARTS & SCIENCES HO'OLAULEA celebrated in the rain and shine on Saturday, with people, music, food and fun. Hundreds came to the campus during the statewide flood watch with umbrellas and spirit. 
    The Ho'olaulea honored the mission of the preKindergarten through 12th grade Hawai'i focused public charter school, which services students who are 53 percent from low-income families and 47 percent Native Hawaiian, most of them from Ocean View through Kaʻū into Puna, and all living within five districts on Hawai'i Island.
    The school's welcoming words are "Kulia. 'Ohana. Aloha." It serves about 225 students and has been educating for 15 years.
    The school is on two campuses within Volcano Village, one at 99-128 Old Volcano Road and the Keakealani Campus at 19-4024 Haunani Road where new facilities are being developed.
    Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences puts forth a philosophy that "education is more meaningful to
Learning about care for foundling and orphaned animals.
Photo by Sara Espaniola
children when presented in an environment that is familiar, that relates to their home life, and that allows for discovery-based experiential learning." That approach was on hand at the Ho'olaulea with Hawaiian music, cultural experiences and activities connected to nature. 
    The School's mission is to provide an environment in which students are: "Learning through Volcano’s unique natural and cultural resources to become creative global citizens."
    In addition to day program with the small school of choice capping classes at 18 to 20 students, VSAS offers after school enrichment programs in such experiences as cooking, sewing, dance, art and languages. Among the employment positions at the school are teachers, educational assistants, bus drivers, cafeteria helpers and custodians
    Principal is Kalima Kinney. Vice Principal is Chris King-Gates. The school also has Social Worker Kim Miller, Business Manager Jessica Rohyas, and SASA & Enrollment chief Kaye Nagamine.
    The Governing Board Chair is Rob Hamnett and Friends of the Volcano School of Arts & Sciences is led by Ian Cole.
     See much more with opportunities to enroll, work and volunteer at  https://www.volcanoschool.net/
Wide community support in attendance at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Ho'olauela. Photo by Sara Espaniola



To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

KAUAHA'AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH in Wai'ohinu, Kaʻū, will host a fundraising Fall Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. on the church campus. The church is located on the corner of Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamaoa Road and Pinao Street just above the Wong Yuen Store.
    Individuals, schools, clubs, sports/athletic groups are invited to be vendors at the "flea market" that will be located on the church lawn. The charge for a 12' X 12' space is $10. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tent, table and chairs, and if power is needed, a generator. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods/plate lunches.
   Vendors must submit a Vendor Application with the $10 fee by Sat, Nov 23. To request a Vendor Application, and for more information text Delana Phillips at 850-463-7544 or email Treasurer.kauahaaochurch@gmail.com.
    Church members will be selling Laulau plate lunches and Kalua pork bowls, drinks, and baked goods, and will conduct a Craft and Rummage sale.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

Last Trojan Game of the 2024 Season
Playing in the rain during Kaʻū High's last Trojan football game of the season on Saturday,
Trojans fought hard at home against Honoka'a Dragons but came up short 26 - 68.
Photo by Kamamalu Kauwe

Trojan leaps high in contest with Honoka'a on Saturday. Photo by Kamamalu Kauwe





Kaʻū Trojan cheerleading team on the field for the last football game of the season on Saturday.
Photo by Kamamalu Kauwe







    

Friday, October 25, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Oct. 25, 2024

Lei at the dedication of grounds for the Hawaiian immersion school in Kaʻū at WaiʻōhinuAn auction and fundraising
 campaign are underway. Photo by Cadence Feeley
FUNDRAISING & ONLINE AUCTION BEGIN FOR HAWAIIAN IMMERSION SCHOOL: An online auction and fundraising campaign for $100,000 have been launched to create the first Hawaiian immersion school in Kaʻū in modern times. Supporters can learn more and make direct donations to by going to http://bit.ly/nakmfoundation. The school is called Nā ʻĀʻaliʻi Kū Makani 'O Kaʻū. The non-profit is Nā ʻAʻaliʻi Kū Makani Foundation. The location is in Waiʻōhinu at the old Shirakawa Hotel and former Lorilei Shirakawa hula studio and grounds.
    Chief organizer of the immersion school development, Raylene Auli'i Fujikawa Moses, noted that the campus is provided by the Gary and Apolonia Stice ʻOhana Foundation, a 501C3 nonprofit. "They have since the beginning supported our vision and offered a space to be utilized for our mission." She said the $100,000 to be raised is planned for facilities compliance, curriculum development, staffing needs, keiki meals and program insurance.
    The school is set to begin with a Pre-K program for ages three to four, expanding into additional grades each year. Fujikawa Moses explained the vision for the immersion school.
    "A Hawaiian Immersion school is an educational institution where students learn primarily in the Hawaiian language, promoting both language fluency and cultural knowledge. These schools are part of a broader movement to revive and sustain Hawaiian language and culture after it faced significant decline in the 20th century. Students are immersed in Hawaiian from a young age, which enables them to think, speak, and interact in the language while also learning core subjects like math, science, and history through a Hawaiian cultural lens.
    "Hawaiian Immersion programs are spread across the Hawaiian islands, with schools such as Ke Kula 'o Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Ānuenue, and Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Maui, among them, providing education from early childhood through high school.
    "These programs are integral in cultivating a strong sense of identity and cultural pride, as well as preparing students for future success.Graduates of Hawaiian Immersion schools often go on to pursue higher education, including colleges in Hawai'i and on the mainland. Many find meaningful work in areas such as education, community leadership, conservation, and the arts. Their bilingual proficiency, coupled with a deep cultural foundation, uniquely positions them to contribute to fields that benefit from an understanding of Hawaiian values and traditions. This immersion experience not only strengthens the community but also sustains the Hawaiian language and culture for future generations."
Interested members of the public can visit the Kaʻū campus on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and join in fundraising activities, including auction and operation of a thrift store. Fujikawa Moses said, "Welina mai! We accept and appreciate any kākoʻo!"
    Supporters can go online to see the growing number of auction items at http://app.galabid.com/naaaliikumakani/. The auction itself will accept bids Nov. 22-25. Additional auction items are being accepted and already include a $500 stay at Mauna Kea Resort in an ocean facing room with breakfast; a Premium Golf Package for Four at Kohanaiki, two koa canoe paddles valued at $500, one of them a Hoe Wa'a for recreational paddling and the other a Steering Blade; a $300 Gift Card to the Hana Hou Hilo eclectic clothing and gift store; an Aly Dove Photo Session, a Sunrise or Sunset Photoshoot with Moments by Sara Louise; gift baskets from Punalu'u Bake Shop; bags of Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee, selections from KeAliʻi Malu Plants and Things; and many more items.
    Purchased items can be picked up locally at the school on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The organizers also invite everyone to join in for a celebration featuring Hawaiian music, plate lunches, and a visit to the thrift store, which is also a place to give and buy items to fundraise for the Hawaiian immersion school.The address is 95-6039 Māmalahoa Hwy. Nāʻālehu, Hī 96772.
   A statement from the immersion school's lead parent fundraising advocates Cadence Feeley and Wai'ala Ahn says, "These donations are just a few of the many from our community, and we welcome additional contributions to help us reach our goal."
   Those who would like to make tax-deductible donations can make them to the current fiscal sponsor ʻIewe Hānau o ka ʻĀina and designate the donation for Nā ʻAʻaliʻi Kū Makani Foundation, which is registered and incorporated in Hawai'i. Contact nakmfoundation@gmail.com or visit bit.ly/nakmfoundation.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

SATURDAY IS THE FIRST HO'OLAULE'A FOR VOLCANO SCHOOL OF THE ARTS & Sciences. It's from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
    Entertainment will include: Uncle Dane and Friends, Huliau, VSAS Kanikapila Club and Jade Malia. 
    'Ono Food will include: Ricoʻs Tacos, Pizza ʻOno, Tubular Treats, Bubble Waffles, Lillipops, Krispy Kreme and  Moloka'i Hot Bread.  
    Game Booths will include: Dunk Tank, Bottle Ring Toss, Putt Putt Golf Maze, Nene Pond, Bouncy House and  Football Toss.
    There will be Silent Auctions, Rummage Sale, Lei Making, Pūʻohe Making, Lauhala weaving, Plant Sale, Bake Sale and Face Painting. 
    All booths and games will accept scripts instead of cash or other payments.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

'UKULELE LESSONS FOLLOWED BY KANIKAPILA begin weekly this Saturday, Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. in the Ocean View Community Center downstairs. Lessons and Kanikapila will occur throughout the winter, says 'ukulele teacher Scott Taylor. Beginner lessons start at 3 p.m. followed by a Kanikapila around 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. All ages are welcome, but Taylor encourages children to bring their parent(s) or an adult friend. He also recommends bringing 'ukulele and a music stand to hold the paper songbooks. Donations are accepted for the song printing costs. Taylor says there in an emphasis not only on learning 'ukulele but also having fun.
Taylor, who summers in Anchorage, Alaska, is a member of the Alaskan Jumping Fleas Society, devoted to playing 'ukulele, with a number of the members performing at public venues. Taylor is the gig coordinator.
    OV Community Center is located at 92-8924 Leilani Circle. Taylor is a 14-year ukulele player and teacher. For more info, call him at 907-350-7849. This activity is a branch of the 'ukulele lessons hosted by Woodley White of Na'alehu.

Scott Taylor, front right, announces beginning 'ukulele classes followed by kanikapila on Saturdays at Ocean View Community Center at 3 p.m. Photo from Scott Taylor


To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

THE LAST FOOTBALL GAME OF THE YEAR for the  Kaʻū High Trojans is Saturday, Oct. 26 on home field starting at 1 p.m. Trojans again face Honoka'a, which took the win 64-32 on Sept. 20.