Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Ka`u News Briefs Dec. 7, 2010

The Christmas lights are up at Kilauea Military Camp, with cottages decorated
for a competition among the employees. The public is invited to enjoy the
Christmas decor and vote on the best display.

GOVERNOR NEIL ABERCROMBIE took office in Honolulu yesterday, with ceremonies at Iolani Palace. He said the political campaigns are pau, the transition is over, and it is time to work together for A New Day in Hawai`i. He will be on the Big Island Sunday. Everyone is invited to meet him at Pahala Plantation House from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for continuation of his inaugural ceremonies. Demetrius Oliveira and Deevah will provide music for the event, which will include prayer, chant and a short speech from the governor.

FURLOUGH FRIDAYS at public schools were abolished yesterday in one of Abercrombie’s first acts as the new Hawai`i governor. He said that children’s education should not be sacrificed to balance the state budget.

Brittany Smart with her parents and fiance after she was sworn in as
County Council member for District 6.

THE NEW COUNTY COUNCIL was sworn in yesterday at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. Council Chair Dominic Yagong called for unity on the council and cooperation with Mayor Billy Kenoi. He pointed to the strengths of each of the nine elected council members, from the quiet intelligence of J Yoshimoto, to the heart of Angel Pilago, the work ethic of Brenda Ford, and from the experience of Donald Ikeda to the next- generation enthusiasm and intelligence of Ka`u council member Brittany Smart. 

Jamae Kawauchi with her parents,
David and Jamie, after she was
named Hawai`i County Clerk.

JAMAE KAWAUCHI, who hails from Ka`u, was sworn in yesterday by the County Council as the new County Clerk. She is daughter of retired police officer David Kawauchi and retired Office of Hawaiian Affairs worker Jamie Kawauchi, of Na`alehu. Jamae is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and the University of Hawai`i Law School. She was a Harvard University of Hawai`i fellow. She said yesterday she is proud to be from Ka`u.



RUSSELL KOKUBUN'S SEAT in the state Senate, which is set to be vacated when he becomes chief of the state Department of Agriculture, has at least three suitors: 

Gary Safarik


FORMER COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER GARY SAFARIK said yesterday he wants to represent Ka`u to help support a community of agriculture on small farms and to assist with irrigation for agriculture in Ka`u and for domestic water for such communities as Ocean View. Safarik works in the communications industry and installed communications systems for the old sugar plantation in Ka`u and the macadamia nut farms. 





RICHARD HA, the founder of Hamakua Springs Country Farm and promoter of eating locally grown food, has also announced his interest in becoming the next Senator for this district. He is a supporter of the 30-meter Telescope proposed for Mauna Kea. His company grows tomatoes and bananas and brokers other locally grown produce.

DR. RICHARD CREAGAN is also reported to be interested in becoming the Senator to replace Kokubun to represent the area stretching from Manuka into Hilo. Local Democrats elected the retired physician who lives on a farm near Wai`ohinu as precinct chair of Na`alehu, a position he still holds. During the recent election season, he launched a campaign to unseat County Council member Guy Enriques, mailing out his writings called the Yellow Press. Creagan said he supports compensation to Hawaiians for the use of water sources developed for agriculture.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK tonight features the history of Kahuku Ranch, based on the new book by Marge and Dennis Elwell. From the first rancher, Captain Robert Brown through Parker Ranch, Glover and the Damon Estate, the history describes the paniolo tradition. The program is at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium at 7 p.m.

THE ANNUAL HANA HOU Christmas Party will be held tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Hana Hou Restaurant in Na`alehu. There will be a free buffet dinner and free photo taking with Santa and the kids. Each child will receive a grab bag of candy, and lucky numbers will be given out for bicycles and other gifts. Bobby Gomes will be Santa this year.

TODAY IS THE DEADLINE for a fundraising goal for KAHU radio station manager Demetrius Oliveira for surgery to restore his health. The fundraiser is challenged to bring in $5,000 to receive matching funds from the Olson Trust. Donations can be dropped off at the radio station on Maile Street in Pahala or at Ka`u Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu, Pahala and Ocean View. Checks can be made out to the Demetrius Oliveira Medical Fund.