Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 31, 2011

Biofuel is being tested at HECO's Kahe power plant near Kapolei on O`ahu
in preparation for use of biofuel that could be manufactured in Pahala
from feedstock from Ka`u.

TESTING OF BIOFUELS, which Hawaiian Electric Company plans to buy from factories that would be built in Pahala and on Kaua`i, has begun. HECO is testing biofuel in a petroleum oil-fired steam turbine generator at its Kahe power plant near Kapolei on O ‘ahu.
     “We believe this is the first time a utility-scale steam unit has fired on 100 percent biofuel at 100 percent capacity,” said Hawaiian Electric Executive Vice President Robbie Alm. “This successful test confirms that biofuels — locally grown to the greatest extent possible — can be an important part of Hawai`i’s clean energy future, along with energy from the sun, wind, ocean, waste-to-energy, hydro and geothermal,” he said.
     The fuel came from Sime Darby, a Malaysian multi-national corporation for which approval was given by the Public Utilities Commission to ship 1.6 million gallons of biofuel to Hawai`i for the test. The state Department of Health also approved the test. “The test uses sustainably produced crude palm oil blended with palm stearin, an inedible by-product of palm oil refining usually used to make candles and soap,” says a statement from HECO.
     According to the electric company, emissions from the power plant using biofuel were less than emissions from corresponding operations with fossil fuel. The tests found that using biofuel reduced opacity – visibility of emissions – and emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide compared to using low sulfur fuel oil.
     HECO continues to look for biofuels that are locally manufactured from local biomass, such as the `Aina Koa Pono project planned for Pahala and the lands between Pahala and Na`alehu.
     `Aina Koa Pono will make a presentation on Monday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center at the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce meeting. The public is invited to attend.

Richard Ha, state Board of Agriculture member
and proponent of geothermal over biofuels.

KUOKOA INC., a newly formed hui including Big Island farmer Richard Ha, would use geothermal, instead of biofuels, to meet the state’s electrical needs. Ha and his partners intend to call on Hawai`i residents and other investors to purchase the stock of Hawaiian Electric Industries and phase out oil burning power plants. They told Pacific Business News last week that they would keep the day-to-day staff and operations in place should they succeed in a company takeover. 

THE COUNTY COUNCIL takes up redistricting – which will change the boundaries of voting precincts on the island – taking into consideration new population data from the 2010 census that will be release in the next few months. A redistricting commission, to be confirmed by the council by March 31 after being nominated by Mayor Billy Kenoi, is scheduled to submit its plan to the county clerk by the end of the year. A proposal by Kona council member Brenda Ford would require the commission to be trained and establish more rules for the redistricting.

THE HAWAI`I METH PROJECT has formed a Teen Advisory Council to promote and facilitate peer outreach. The council encourages teen volunteerism and identifying peer outreach opportunities at schools and in the community to raise awareness about the dangers and risks of methamphetamine use. Teens interested in applying for the 2011-2012 Teen Advisory Council should contact Hawai`i Meth Project Program Manager, Jennifer Phakoom at (808) 529-6254 or jphakoom@hawaiimethproject.org.

This recent photo shows activity in the lava lake at Halema`uma`u.
Photo courtesy of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY of Volcano Awareness Month. A hike at 10 a.m. begins at Mauna Ulu parking lot on Chain of Craters Road in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

THE OCEAN VIEW TEEN CLUB meets tomorrow and every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Kahuku Park and Ocean View Community Center. It is for ages 13 to 18. Call 937-3335 for more information.

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 30, 2011

Fifteen hundred pounds of net were pulled off Kamilo Beach near South Point
on just one workday in January by volunteers for the Hawai`i Wildlife Fund.

CONGRESSWOMAN MAZIE HIRONO says that jobs and education are two of her highest priorities. In a statement announcing the committees on which she is serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Hirono said she particularly feels fortunate to retain membership on the Education and Workforce committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Education is critical to developing the workforce Hawai’i needs to create a more diversified and resilient economy. Investments in transportation and infrastructure provide good jobs, improve the quality of life for our citizens and strengthen our economy,” said the congresswoman. 

Mazie Hirono

     She also serves on the Subcommittee on early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, which includes Native Hawaiian education, Head Start, school nutrition, alcohol and drug abuse prevention and vocational education. 

     Hirono serves on the Subcommittee on Workforce Protection, which covers wages and hours of workers, workers’ compensation and family and medical leave.
     One of her subcommittees covers the Federal Aid Highway program, public transit, highway safety and commercial motor carriers. Another covers aviation, airports, aviation noise and airline safety. The Coast Guard and Marine Transportation Committee covers ports, passenger vessels and international maritime activities.

NEED HELP WITH TAXES? The Ka`u Federal Credit Union is hosting the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Volunteer tax preparers are Rollie, Lali and Cherish Jara and Catherine Sy. Call the credit union at 929-7334, extension 205 for an appointment. 

FIFTEEN HUNDRED pounds of net were pulled off Kamilo Beach near South Point on just one workday in January by volunteers for the Hawai`i Wildlife Fund. In addition to nets, volunteers found computer circuit boards, a scuba cylinder, motorcycle helmet, liquor bottles from Japan and Scotland, an old tube television and car tires. The 33 volunteers also pulled out 66 large garbage bags of debris from the beach. The next Ka`u Coast cleanup days are April 2 and June 4. The Wildlife Fund is also starting an anchialine pond restoration project. To help out, call Megan McWhite Lamson at 769-7629 or email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

FOUR MEMBERS OF OCEAN VIEW BOXING Club were victorious last night in a Boxing Smoker Tourney. Female boxer Staysha Ault defeated Jaime Pagan of AP Boxing. Keliʻi Ka-Ne beat Andy Marzon, as did Justin Wirtz over Jessie Lorenzo, of Galiza Boxing Club. Thor Soder defeated Galiza Boxing Club's Frank Lorenzo. Saul Fukunaga, of Yashua Boxing Club, beat OV Boxing Club's Kainakoa Broadfoot.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL battled for a berth to the state competition Friday and Saturday. On Friday, against number one seed HPA, the Trojans lost. The Ka Makani pulled ahead quickly in the first half. In the second half Ka`u picked up steam to close the point gap, but it was not enough. Final score was 50-40, HPA. The Trojans moved on to fight for the second state tourney spot yesterday versus Honoka`a. The Trojans struggled with their shooting, making just 13 of 60 attempts, while the Dragons were on fire, spreading their scoring among 11 of 12 players. Finals score 59-42, Honoka`a. For the Trojans, sophomore Janessa Jara led the scoring with nine points. Seniors Jaeneise Cuison and Amery Silva each scored eight.

THE KAʻŪ TROJANS BOYS soccer team will be going to the BIIF playoffs on Feb. 8. following their win over Hawai`i Academy of Arts and Science last Thursday.

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY of Volcano Awareness Month. Hikes begin today at 1 p.m. at the Kilauea Iki Overlook parking lot on Crater Rim Drive, and tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Mauna Ulu parking lot on Chain of Craters Road in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 29, 2011

Unroasted Ka`u Coffee headed for out-of-state markets would be inspected locally
if a bill introduced by Sen. Gil Kahele passes in the Legislature.

 GIL KAHELE HAS INTRODUCED bills for capital improvements and sustainability in his first month as Ka`u’s new senator. Following up on work initiated by Russell Kokubun when Kokubun held the District Two Senate seat, Kahele introduced House Bill 282 for capital improvement projects. They include:
     * $2.5 million for the Ka`u irrigation system, which restores old plantation tunnels and distribution of agricultural water between Pahala and Na`alehu;
     *$6.2 million for seven new classrooms at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences;
     *$10 million for a new home for Na`alehu Elementary and Intermediate School administration and library;
     *$6 million for the University of Hawai`i Komohana Agriculture Complex; and
     * $250,000 each for the U.H. ag research stations at Mealani and Volcano.
     Kahele also introduced Senate Bill 283 to implement the recommendations of the Hawai`i 2050 Plan to guide future long-range sustainability planning of the state. To guide state planning, the bill states:

     “Hawai`i residents desire a balance between economic, cultural, and environmental concerns and priorities. Thus, sustainability in Hawai`i shall be established as the overall theme and guiding principles of sustainability policy.”
     It lists the following guiding principles:
     “To balance economic, social, community, and environmental priorities;
     “To respect and live within the natural resources and limits of the state;
     “ To achieve a diversified and dynamic economy;
     “ To honor the host culture;
     “To make decisions based on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations;
     “To observe the principles of the ahupua`a system to guide resource management decisions; and
     “To emphasize that everyone, including individuals, families, communities, businesses, and government, has the responsibility for achieving a sustainable Hawai`i.”
     The Senate bill also establishes five major goals to achieve a preferred future by the year 2050:
     “A way of life in which living sustainably is a part of daily practice in Hawai`i;
     “A diversified and globally competitive economy that will enable residents to live, work, and play meaningfully in Hawai`i;
     “Responsible and respectful use, replenishment, and preservation of the State’s natural resources for future generations;
     “ A community that is strong, healthy, vibrant, and nurturing, thus providing safety nets for those in need; and
     “ An environment where Kanaka Maoli and island cultures and values thrive and are perpetuated.”

Ka`u's Senator Gil Kahele

SENATE BILL 286, WHICH PROVIDES agricultural commodity inspectors in remote areas like Ka`u, was also introduced by Kahele. This is seen as particularly important to the Ka`u Coffee farmers who must drive their out-of-state green bean shipments to Kona for certification. Ka`u Coffee farmers Lorie Obra and Efren Abellera testified for this bill in Honolulu. 

OTHER BILLS INTRODUCED BY KAHELE include a measure to have non-violent inmates working on restoration of historic sites selected by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Another would provide telehealth services coverage for Medicaid and Quest patients using Kona Hospital’s medical van program.

IN SPORTS, the Ka`u Trojans boys soccer won their last season game versus Hawai`i Academy of Arts and Science, 2-0, to advance to the BIIF playoffs on Feb. 8. Brian Simmons scored first, with Moses Espaniola adding the second goal off an assist from Derrick Medeiros-Garo. Goalie Tyler Atwood shut out the HAAS defense.

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 28, 2011

Hele-On Bus will soon see fees between 50 cents and a dollar per ride,
but free to students and kupuna.

MAYOR BILLY KENOI became the first mayor on this island to give a state of the county address. Held yesterday in both Kona and Hilo, the address reviewed his experience with tough times and cutting the county budget. When he took office the budget was $403 million a year but has been chopped to $376 million. The county has 180 fewer workers, and 125 vacant positions that were eliminated. He said the county is able to make it through a harsh economy only with cooperation from the community, staff and the county council.

THE FREE HELE-ON BUS TRANSPORTATION is the pride of Kenoi, but he said buses will soon cost between 50 cents and a dollar per ride, with kupuna and students probably still riding for free. Charging a small fee for the bus could bring in some .75 million dollars, he said. The Hele-On Bus has more then 1.2 million riders a year, and the county will continue to expand the bus routes, said the mayor.

Mayor Billy Kenoi

TO SAVE MONEY AND BOLSTER CONSTRUCTION, the mayor said the building permit process has been streamlined. In the past, permitting has taken up to a year. A new procedure, called one-stop review, puts the various department representatives together in a conference room to go over an application at the same time. Combined with new computer software, the permitting time has been reduced to a month with cooperation from the state Department of Health, he said. 

SPENDING MONEY ON YOUTH is very important, the mayor said, with every dollar invested saving $7 to $11 in the future. He has kept parks and recreation facilities open during furlough Fridays.

RENEWABLE ENERGY, AGRICULTURE and the visitor industry are three of the top priorities from the mayor. He said the goal of the county is 100 percent energy self-sufficiency.
     He noted that there are now 100 kilowatts of photovoltaic power being produced at the county building and 250 kilowatts of photovoltaic at West Hawai`i Civic Center. The West Hawai`i voltaics are saving the county $60,000 a year and will sell excess energy back to the utility company.
     Kenoi said he wants to invite the energy ministers and tourism ministers to the Big Island during the next Asia Pacific Economic Conference to be held in Honolulu.
     He also talked about a U.S. Travel China summit to be held on the Big Island in October.

TO SHOW OFF THE BIG ISLAND, the mayor discussed the establishment of such events as world cliff diving championships and world standup paddle board championships.

YESTERDAY KA`U WON their last season game versus HAAS, 2-0, to advance to the BIIF playoffs on Feb. 8. Brian Simmons scored first, with Moses Espaniola adding the second goal off an assist from Derrick Medeiros-Garo. Goalie Tyler Atwood shut out the HAAS defense.

Volunteers look out to sea to count whales.

AN ANNUAL WHALE COUNT takes place tomorrow. The count, which begins at 8 a.m., provides important population and distribution information on humpback whales around the islands. To sign up, call 888-559-4253.

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 27, 2011

Sen. Gil Kahele, right, joined eight other state senators in prayer yesterday.

KA`U SENATOR GIL KAHELE was one of nine state senators who joined in prayer yesterday on the Senate floor after the Senate changed its rules to abolish official opening prayers for senate sessions. The Hawai`i Senate is the first state legislative body in the nation to do away with prayer. Prayers are given in Congress, city and county councils and state legislatures around the country. The 25 Hawai`i senators voted unanimously last Thursday to end prayers after receiving a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union which stated that prayers referencing Jesus go against the separation of church and state.

COFFEE FARMERS may soon be helped by a fungus that kills the coffee berry borer, which has wiped out some farms in Kona and threatens the Ka`u Coffee industry. The state Board of Agriculture has approved an emergency permit to import the fungus for test trials. Next month, the board is expected to decide whether the trials can be held on all coffee farms or just a sample few. Recent rains are also expected to help the coffee trees be strong enough to fend off the borer that eats the coffee beans.

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS Lorie Obra and Efren Abellera are off to the state legislature today to testify in support of training a few good Ka`u residents to become inspectors who would certify Ka`u Coffee as being from Ka`u and being of decent quality, before shipping to market. Currently there is a shortage of coffee inspectors statewide, leading to delays in shipments. Obra said that taking the coffee to Kona to visit an inspector could result in exposure to the coffee berry borer. No borers have been found in the coffee farms above Pahala, she said.

BIG ISLAND SIERRA CLUB CHAIR Deborah Ward said she is concerned that biofuels projects could be placed on the most protected lands that are classified Conservation by the state Land Use Commission. New rules proposed by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources would allow biofuels projects on most lands. Ward testified at a public hearing on Tuesday in Hilo asking whether public hearings and public notices would be required for major projects. Another public hearing on conservation land rules is scheduled for February 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mayor’s Conference Room 103 on Kuakini Hwy in Kailua-Kona.
     The Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands is tasked with stewarding more than two million acres of public and private lands that are classified Conservation.
     During the Hilo hearing Tom Cummins, of Hawai`i Electric Light Co., supported allowing electric company projects on conservation land because of their “public purpose.” Such uses included power lines and future biodiesel projects.
     The proposed amendments can be seen at hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl.

THE KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE will sponsor a meeting on the proposed biofuels project for Pahala on Monday, February 21 at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.

Janessa Jara guards against Kohala to take the win for the Ka`u High Trojans last night.

IN SPORTS, Kaʻū Girls Varsity Basketball beat Kohala 44-34 last night on home turf in the first round of the BIIF playoffs. Pili Kailiawa scored 12 points, and Janessa Jara added 11. The girls advance to the second round, which will take place on Friday at Konawaena.

AUTHOR CAREN LOEBEL-FRIED and translator Kaliko Beamer-Trapp read in English and Hawaiian from Legend of the Gourd, a story set in Ka`u, at 5:30 today at Volcano Art Center Gallery.

VOLUNTEERS HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY to monitor humpback whales along the Ka`u coast this Saturday morning during the annual whale count. The count, which begins at 8 a.m., provides important population and distribution information on humpback whales around the islands. To sign up, call 888-559-4253.

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 26, 2011

Today is the last day to sign up for the Miss Ka`u Coffee pageant.
Last year's contestants pose in the coffee fields.

`AINA KOA PONO, the company planning a biofuels refinery for Pahala and a biofuels farm for lands between Pahala and Na`alehu, will make a presentation to the community at the Monday, February 21 meeting of the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. `Aina Koa Pono had originally planned its factory site at the old sugar truck and equipment shed near the Pahala Methodist Church, preschool and homes. However, company engineer Alexander Causey said they are moving the site away from the village and hope to secure land near the Pahala trash transfer station. The company promises 100 full time farm and factory jobs, following more than 300 jobs in constructing the $320 million facility, which would take about two years.

`Aina Koa Pono is researching crops for biofuel.

`AINA KOA PONO representatives said they have decided to refrain from accepting any solid municipal waste to process in their factories. The new processing facility is cutting edge and involves a series of microwave reactors that vaporize whatever is placed inside of them. The vapor can be made into diesel to run power plants and more refined diesel for vehicles and even jet fuel. The microwave process is proposed for many sites around the country to process municipal solid waste. Causey said the best place to process municipal wastes would be at landfills and places where most of the municipal waste originates, which are Hilo and Kona. He said the feedstock in Pahala would only be from green sources.

     The public meeting about the project, sponsored by the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, will be at Pahala Community Center, on Monday, February 21 at 6 p.m.

IN SPORTS, BOTH GIRLS AND BOYS KA`U VARSITY SOCCER beat St. Joseph’s yesterday in Pahala. In their last season game, the girls won 4-2. Sophomore Kaila Olson scored a hat trick (three goals), and classmate Marley Strand-Nicolaisen put in one. Brandy Eder served as goalie.
     The Boys won 3-0 with goalie, senior Derick Medeiros-Garo, combining with junior Tyler Atwood for the win. Medeiros Garo started the scoring in the 55th minute with a 35-yard blast into the upper right corner. Sophomore Jemy-Ray Palancia scored on a penalty kick for his second goal of the season, and junior Patrick Garcia found the net in the 75th minute on what Coach Bob Martin called “one of the top all-time goals scored for Ka`u.” Garcia kicked a 22-yard rocket off an assist from senior Moses Espaniola.

BOYS BASKETBALL played at home last night. JV lost to Hilo 59-41. High scorer was Honua Kauhi with 14 points. Hilo also defeated the Trojan Varsity 67-59. Holden Galigo scored the most points with 16. Callen Koi put away 14 and Dillon Ballo added 11.

IMPACT FEES charged by the county to people building homes will be explained at area meetings in February, as county council members assess how they can balance the cost of new homes to county infrastructure, including roads and parks with keeping homes affordable.
     Council member Pete Hoffman is initiating the meetings, which will also be attended by Ka`u council member Brittany Smart. Entitled How Impact Fees Affect Me, they are set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 10 at Cooper Center in Volcano; Thursday, February 17 at Pahala Community Center; and Wednesday, February 23 at Na`alehu Community Center.

Muriel Anderson perfoms tonight in a
free concert at Pahala Plantation House.

EVERYONE IS INVITED tonight to a free concert by Muriel Anderson and Tierra Negra. Anderson is one of the top guitarists in the world, famed for her finger picking. Tierra Negra presents New World Flamenco. They also performed at Ka`u High School today for the students. The community house concert is tonight at 7 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. It is free.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to sign up for the Miss Ka`u Coffee 2011, Miss Ka`u Peaberry and Little Miss Ka`u Coffee pageants. Prospective contestants can pick up applications at Kahuku Gift and Garden Shop in Ocean View, Grandma's Closet in Na`alehu, Pahala Community Center and R&G Store in Pahala. For Miss Ka`u Coffee, contestants must be ages 17 to 24; for Little Miss Ka`u Coffee ages 10 to12, and Miss Ka`u Peaberry ages 7 to 9. The age category is determined by the age of the contender on May 13, 2011. Each contestant’s main residence must be in the district of Ka`u. Call Gloria Camba at 928-8558, Nalani Parlin at 217-6893 or Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. Posters can be seen around the community.

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 25, 2011

Gov. Neil Abercrombie proposes a tax on sodas and encourages healthful living.

“THE TRUTH IS THAT OUR CANOE, which is our beloved Hawai`i, could capsize,” Governor Neil Abercrombie said in his State of the State address yesterday. “We are in that unnerving moment when we could all huli, when we could turn over. All of us are at risk, and all of us have to face this,” he said.
     Abercrombie was talking about the economy and the state’s $846 million fiscal deficit. He proposed to right this canoe by raising some taxes. He said a weakened government affects everyone – business owners waiting for permits that are piling up in offices with a fraction of the necessary personnel, school children without proper tools to learn, public facilities in disgraceful disrepair.”
     To fund government, he suggested some new taxes and cutbacks. Abercrombie proposed that the legislature approve “an overdue increase in the alcohol tax and a fee on soda and similar drinks.” Revenues from these fees will be used to fund health infrastructure and prevention. Childhood obesity, diabetes, health care costs are “screaming out of control because we cannot control ourselves…. Here in paradise that should be a first priority for all of us,” the governor said. He said that more has to be done in the areas of prevention and providing good nutrition for children in the schools.

MOVING MILLIONS of dollars from the Hawai`i Tourism Authority budget to basic government services is another Abercrombie proposal. He named environmental protection, improvements to public facilities and advancing culture and the arts. “The amount we are spending in the name of marketing Hawai`i has grown disproportionate to the amount we need to spend on Hawai`i’s own infrastructure, social as well as physical,” he said. We need to reprioritize and reinvest in our Hawai`i – the things that make our islands unique,” he said.

TAXING PENSION income as if it were income earned by working people is another way to raise money to pay for core government services, Abercrombie said. However, he suggested that those most dependent on their pensions be spared from these tax hikes.

ABERCROMBIE SAID THAT Hawai`i has the most advanced health care system in the country in that few people are left out. However, since it was established in 1974 and 1975, “events have overtaken us,” he said. He called for revamping the system with better information technology and prevention programs, but also said that benefits to Medicaid patients must be cut back to sustain any health care program.
     Abercrombie said that one of the most difficult emotional issues is cutting back social welfare programs for which federal funding is being cut. The governor called on community associations and private foundations to help fill this gap with their own programs.

NEW DAY WORK PROJECTS to stimulate the economy are also on the governor’s list of programs. He said they will jump-start the economy and provide an economic boost that will reverberate around the state. He said he wants to streamline the permitting process by partnering with counties and private industry. He said, however, “we will be thoughtful about these projects and make sure they match our long-term priorities.”
     “We are going to integrate, with your suggestions, what needs to be done with your help. We want to see smiles on people’s faces and for them to feel the prosperity.”
     He promised to fund a backlog of work on roads, highways and harbors, to fix up vacant buildings and get them back into working condition so the state is not wasting money on leasing other buildings for space.

MILITARY FACILITIES UPGRADES will bring in nearly $100 million in federal money, he said.

INVESTING IN EDUCATION is part of the Abercrombie plan. “We will increase the number of college graduates by 25 percent by 2015 by keeping education affordable and reaching out across the state to native Hawaiians and neighbor island students,” he said. He called U.H. the state’s think tank, saying that university grants already bring in $450 million a year.

Dr. Kauanoe Kamana

ABERCROMBIE reached out to the Hawaiian community and everyone who appreciates the host culture. He said there is a unique element in our education system. In 1896 it was made illegal to teach Hawaiian in the schools. Abercrombie was an organizer in the 1986 group of legislators and community leaders who helped remove that ban. He introduced Dr. Kauanoe Kamana, a founder of Punana Leo, the first native Hawaiian to receive a Ph.D. in Hawaiian and Indigenous Language and Culture Revitalization. A frequent visitor to Pahala and Punalu`u, where she participates in educational programs, Kamana was called a Treasure of Hawai`i by Abercrombie. He promised to create a Hawaiian language university within the University of Hawai`i. He said: “Language is a key element in ensuring that the Hawaiian culture remains strong and preserves into the future for the benefit of all. When our young children master language, they master themselves. When they master themselves, they can achieve anything,” the governor said.

Muriel Anderson performs with Tierra Negra tomorrow
at 7 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House.

MURIEL ANDERSON AND TIERRA NEGRA, who are famed for their expert guitar music with flamenco and New World influence, are playing at a school in Hilo today and at Ka`u High School tomorrow. They will give a free concert for the community tomorrow, Wednesday, at 7 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Everyone is invited to attend. The event is co-sponsored by Volcano Art Center and Pahala Plantation Cottages.

Miss Peaberry 2010,
Karlee Fukunaga-Camba

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE to apply for the Miss Ka`u Coffee 2011, Miss Ka`u Peaberry and Little Miss Ka`u Coffee contests. Prospective contestants can pick up applications at Kahuku Gift and Garden Shop in Ocean View, Grandma's Closet in Na`alehu, Pahala Community Center and R&G Store in Pahala. For Miss Ka`u Coffee, contestants must be ages 17 to 24; for Little Miss Ka`u Coffee ages 10 to 12, and Miss Ka`u Peaberry ages 7 to 9. The age category is determined by the age of the contender on May 13, 2011. Each contestant’s main residence must be in the district of Ka`u. Call Gloria Camba at 928-8558, Nalani Parlin at 217-6893 or Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. Posters can be seen around the community.

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 24, 2011

Na`alehu Theater, soon after it shut down years ago. The developers of a
proposed resort on the coast at Ocean View plan to restore it.

THE NA`ALEHU THEATRE has new hope for being restored, according to the spokesman for the Nani Kahuku `Aina development planned for the coastal lands makai of Ocean View. Aaron Eberhardt told Ka`u Hawaiian Civic Club members at their annual installation of officers last weekend that Val Peroff and his family, who own the Nani Kahuku property, are finalizing a lease and a plan with 300 Corp., which owns the Na`alehu Theater and adjacent shopping center. 300 Corp. is a company that owns land on O`ahu, Kaua`i, Maui and also the shopping center in Pahala. It is affiliated with the Weinberg Foundation. 

     Eberhardt said that Na`alehu Theater would be restored for community events and concerts. The Peroffs and Nani Kahuku `Aina are planning a resort with a golf course, hotels, condominiums and a conservation park along the coast that includes Pohue Bay. The Peroffs own 16,000 acres between Highway 11 and the shoreline and plan to submit an environmental impact statement on their resort plans, Eberhardt said.
     Val Peroff also owns SteelTech, Inc. on O`ahu.

KA`U’S NEW SENATOR Gil Kahele has co-sponsored a bill that would set up a governor-appointed state Board of Education with 11 voting members, with one from each of the four counties and six at large, plus one high school student. Gov. Neil Abercrombie would appoint the board, which would be subject to confirmation by the state Senate. The high school student would be a full voting member. Dr. Josh Green, a former Ka`u physician and resident who serves on the state Senate from Kona, co-sponsored the bill. The concept of the appointed school board was approved by the voters in November. The plan is set for a public hearing this afternoon in Honolulu. Public testimony can be sent to EDUtestimony@captiol.hawaii.gov.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie (center, during his Pahala inauguration ceremony in December)
gives his State of the State address today in Honolulu. Tonight the Ka`u Coffee festival,
with Ka`u Coffee Festival Queen Ulu Makuakane, who danced for the governor,
 meets to plan its next festival in May.

GOVERNOR NEIL ABERCROMBIE delivers his State of the State speech today at 10 a.m., with a live broadcast from the state Capitol in Honolulu. During his Ka`u ceremony in December, he promised that “everything will blossom in Ka`u.” The governor talked about agricultural and food self-sufficiency. He said, “All the dreams and hopes of Ka`u will come to fruition.” Council member Brittany Smart said that she is hopeful that the governor will release funds to start building an emergency shelter and new gymnasium in Pahala. 

THE KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE is meeting tonight to plan the next Ka`u Coffee Festival, with dates set for Friday, May 13 for Miss Ka`u Coffee, Little Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Peaberry, Saturday, May 14 for the Ho`olaule`a, coffee tasting, recipe contest and food booths and Sunday, May 15 for education and tours. Anyone interested in helping the coffee farmers to put on this event that supports the entire community can come tonight to the Pahala Community Center at 6 p.m.

MURIEL ANDERSON AND TIERRA NEGRA are in Pahala and giving concerts at Volcano School of the Arts and Sciences today, at a Hilo school tomorrow and a free concert for the entire community on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Anderson is a famed guitarist, specializing in harp guitar. She is also winner of the world fingerpicking contest. Members of Tierra Negra are renowned in Europe for their New World Flamenco music.

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 23, 2011

Young fishermen and families braved rough waters at Punalu`u during the
third annual `O Ka`u Kakou Keiki Fishing Tournament.

 GOVERNOR NEIL ABERCROMBIE will give his first State of the State address tomorrow at 10 a.m., and it will be broadcast live on television. Russell Kokubun, who Abercrombie appointed to chair the state Department of Agriculture, said a cabinet meeting was held all day Saturday. The cabinet members have been described as “out of the box” people who can solve problems. Abercrombie is expected to address energy and food self-sufficiency, solving the state budget deficit problem, civil unions and shovel-ready capital improvements that can stimulate the local economy.

THE `AINA KOA PONO hui, which plans a biofuels processing facility in Pahala, is working on preliminary design plans to present to the landowner and community. Engineer Alexander Causey said the hui may choose to install horizontal onsite fuel tanks that would be 20 feet tall rather than 45-foot-tall tanks. The 20-foot-tall tanks could be easily screened from the community by planting trees. 

`Aina Koa Pono chief
engineer Alexander Causey

     The tanks would hold 1.28 million gallons of diesel onsite. `Aina Koa Pono’s preferred site location was initially at the old plantation truck shed now used by ML Macadamia for its farm equipment. Causey said they are negotiating for a site farther from town, this one next to the trash transfer station. He said the factory and agricultural operations could provide 100 permanent jobs for the community. The synthetic fuels produced from chipped eucalyptus, Christmas berries and other foliage and trees that would be grown on old sugar lands would be shipped in tanker trucks to Hawaiia Electric Light Company’s Keahole power plant in Kona. 

THE MICROWAVE processing facility would vaporize all of the feedstock brought to the processing plant. The chief engineer for the project said that `Aina Koa Pono decided last week not to accept municipal solid waste even though the process is able to accept the garbage. 

SPORTS SAW AN EXCITING game last night at St. Joseph's, when the Ka`u High Varsity boys basketball team won in overtime 42 - 41, with Dillin Ballo leading the Trojans with 17 points.

ON FRIDAY, THE KA`U HIGH girls basketball teams beat Kea`au in their last season game at home. JV team captain Shaylin Navarro led with 18 points, and teammate Leah Cariaga added 11 to help the Trojans to a 44 - 30 victory. The Varsity team triumphed over Kea`au 46 - 38. Janessa Jara, a sophomore, scored a whopping 21 points. The Varsity looks forward to their first game of the BIIF playoffs this Wednesday at home against Kohala.

HUNDREDS OF KA`U KEIKI and family members came out to participate in the third annual `O Ka`u Kakou Keiki Fishing Tournament yesterday at Punalu`u. Every keiki won a prize for participation, enjoyed free popcorn and shave ice, and the chance to make a keiki ID. OKK served the families a free lunch.

FAMED GUITARIST Muriel Anderson and Tierra Negra are in concert today at 4 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and again this Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Anderson was the first woman to win the National Fingerpicking Guitar Championships. The Pahala concert is free to everyone.

THE KA‘U COFFEE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE will hold a meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center, and anyone wanting to volunteer is urged to attend. The coffee festival will be in its third year and is scheduled for the week of May 13 for Miss Ka`u Coffee and May 14 and 15 for the ho`olaule`a, coffee tasting, recipe contest and coffee growing and processing education.

THE OCEAN VIEW FOOD BASKET will provide food to the needy on Tuesday from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7000.

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 22, 2011

Hawai`i Islands Land Trust executive director Dale Bonar, Edmund C. Olson
and The Nature Conservancy Hawai`i executive director Suzanne Case
during a ceremony yesterday thanking Olson for placing
conservation easements on his land.

THE KAMA`OA ROAD DISPUTE was put to rest this week when the County Council decided not to reconsider the proposal to sell off the 1.5-mile remnant on the west end of Kama`oa Road to private landowners. Ka`u’s County Council member Brittany Smart opposed selling off the road, saying it could set a precedent for selling off remnant roads elsewhere to private parties who could gate and block them from public access to beaches and to hunting, gathering and hiking trails. She said the county will work on removing the gate that for decades has blocked public access to the portion of Kama`oa Road on the Kona side of South Point Road. 

THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS LAND TRUST, a recently formed collaboration of land trusts from around the state, announced yesterday the completion of a preservation agreement with Edmund C. Olson to protect 1,276 acres on O`ahu and 907 acres in the Honu`apo ahupua`a above the cane haul road between Pahala and Na`alehu. The land is being used for pasture by the Galimba and Andrade families. A small section of the land is native forest and will remain pristine, while the rest of the land will be conserved for agriculture. Cultural sites on the property will also be protected. Within the next few months, Olson and the Land Trust are expected to complete the preservation of more than 8,000 acres of conservation and agricultural land owned by the Olson Trust in Ka`u. The Nature Conservancy is also working on the project.

Bana Grass is one of the plants being
considered for growing biofuel
crops between Pahala and Na`alehu.

THE HAWAI`I AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER on O`ahu is studying options for growing biofuel plants for Ka`u and is expected to provide various sugar cane and Bana grass varieties for test plots on lands above Pahala within the next two months. Stephanie Whalen, director of the organization, said there is an opportunity to integrate ranching, forestry and biofuel production. Livestock can be rotated through freshly harvested croplands and allowed to graze in woodlands in a manner that will allow the biofuels feedstocks and trees to grow. Aina Koa Pono, which is leasing some 8,000 acres from the Olson Trust, plans to meet with ranchers who have month-to-month tenancy on the property to come up with an integrated plan for continued ranching, said spokesman Alexander Causey. 

AINA KOA PONO is also working on plans to build a biofuels processing plant on the edge of Pahala, where it will use a microwave process to produce fuels for the Hawai`i Electric Light Company power plant in Kona.

THE KA`U FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is once again offering free income tax preparation services through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to the community. VITA promotes tax understanding, awareness and provides worthwhile benefits. Taxpayers may call KFCU at 929-7334, ext. 205 to make an appointment with a VITA volunteer. Appointment times are: Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.; Fridays 1 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.; and Saturdays 8:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. from Feb. 2 through April 15.

HUNDREDS OF KEIKI ARE CONVENING at `O Ka`u Kakou’s annual Keiki Fishing Tournament at Punalu`u Beach this morning. The competition offers many prizes in various categories. It’s a family day, as keiki must be accompanies by adults.

Tierra Negra and Muriel Anderson will offer a free concert this Wednesday
night at 7 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House.

TIERRA NEGRA & MURIEL ANDERSON present their New World Flamenco music this Sunday at 4 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater and again on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Daniel Ho, the Grammy-winning composer and music producer, recommends their music to everyone. Anderson is one of the world’s foremost fingerstyle guitarists. She is the first woman to win the National Fingerpicking Guitar Championships. The concert at Pahala Plantation House at 7 p.m. on Wednesday is free and open to everyone.

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 21, 2011

`O Ka`u Kakou's annual fishing tournament will be held tomorrow at Punalu`u Beach.

COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER BRITTANY SMART said her trip to the opening of the state legislature on Wednesday was very successful in terms of gaining support for Ka`u. She said she has high hopes for being able to get funding for the community disaster shelter and gymnasium in Pahala. She talked with legislators and the governor.

KA`U FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT Chris Manfredi spoke at the legislature this week, cautioning the state to refrain from adding a layer of new food safety laws on the state level before the federal government releases its own new food safety laws. He said that adding layer upon layer of regulations would be tough on farmers and businesses buying farm products.

CHRIS MANFREDI is also the vice president and legislative liaison for the Hawai`i Farm Bureau. He recently traveled to Atlanta for the annual national Farm Bureau convention and to Washington, D.C. to talk with members of Congress. In an op-ed piece he released to statewide media he said the needs of Hawai`i’s farmers and ranchers are straightforward. “We require land, water, labor, transportation and markets. We require science and technology to manage today’s problems and pests. We need these elements at rates that allow us to be profitable. Without these things, there is no agriculture.
     Regarding food security, he said the warning signs are evident. “We must move toward sustainability by producing safe and healthy food, flowers, foliage, fiber and fuel for our fellow citizens. We have a duty to do this. The economics of the food supply have favored imports, causing our local food system to atrophy. The solution is up to you,” said Manfredi. “If you eat, you have a stake in agriculture.”
     “If you value food security, you must create the demand. You must buy local, demand local of your grocer and dine in restaurants that do. Our future hangs in the balance,” he said.

THE KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL will hold its next meeting this coming Monday at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. The date for the 2011 festival has been set for Miss Ka`u Coffee on Friday, May 13; the ho`olaule`a, recipe contest and sales and displays on Saturday, May 14 and education Sunday, May 15. As with the Kona Coffee Festival, many community members beyond the coffee farming community are needed to make the festival a success. Everyone is invited to volunteer.

Blossom DaSilva is sworn in as president of Ka`u's Hawaiian Civic Club.

THE KA`U HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB HELD it annual meeting last night with a feast, installation of officers and entertainment at Pahala Plantation House. Officers are president Blossom DaSilva, first vice president Liz Kuluwaimaka, second vice president Hannah Uribes, secretary Pauahi Pulham, treasurer Lehua Lopez-Mau, and directors Raylene Moses, Debbie Wong Yuen and Shanda Davis-Fujikawa.

THE ANNUAL `O KA`U KAKOU Keiki Fishing Tournament at Punalu`u takes place tomorrow. The tournament is catch-and-release, using poles and barbless hooks. Registration is from 8 to 9 a.m. for fishing from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Many prizes will be awarded.

A FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT will be held next Wednesday, January 26 at Pahala Plantation House at 7 p.m. featuring Muriel Anderson and Tierra Negra, a musical group that will also be performing this weekend in Volcano. 

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 20, 2011

Police Chief Harry Kubojiri encourages Pahala residents to ramp up Neighborhood Watch.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT met with Ka`u residents yesterday at Pahala Community Center. Police Chief Harry Kubojiri told community members that he wants them to feel comfortable connecting with HPD representatives - from Andre Burian, the commander of the Ka`u district and James O Conner, commander of Internal Affairs and Criminal Intelligence, to Ka`u’s community Police Officer Dane Shibuya.
     The police chief said that community meetings and a recent online survey of community concerns “helps us all to improve our services to help you. We are not perfect as an organization. We always can have improvement. The best person to give us our report card is you, the community,” Kubojiri said.
     He described Pahala as a community like the old days where everyone knows each other and can take care of one another. When asked whether there is less crime in this kind of rural, laid-back community, he said the problem is that nowadays people travel from other parts of the island to commit crimes and even fly in from off-island to rip off houses and businesses.
     He and other officers encouraged Pahala residents to ramp up the Neighborhood Watch program and report problems in the community so police can talk to people in trouble to help them get back on the right track.
     Burian summarized the status of issues brought up at previous meetings. He said the camping at Kawa by the Abel Simiona Louie group is being worked on by the county prosecutor’s office. A supporter of Louie told the police that there was new proof that Louie is entitled to live there because of his ancestry. The police chief said that the dispute is not with their department but that police want to make sure everyone is safe.

Legal cattle like these were being displaced by "cattle trespassers"
putting their herds on other people's lands.

CATTLE TRESPASSING was one of the problems brought up. It is a crime to put cattle on pasture without the owner’s permission. Last year a group of people claimed that their ancestors having owned the land gave them the right to introduce and graze cattle even though the land is now owned or leased by other ranchers. The problem pit some paniolo against the trespassers, but “seems to have remedied itself,” said Burian. 

RACING CARS ON HWY 11 was another issue brought up to police. Marian Villanueva and Guy Enriques both talked about a stretch of Hwy 11 near Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, where there is signage to watch for Nene geese. They reported several incidents of cars side by side on both sides of the highway, using the stretch for racing. Gary Domondon said he was hunting and could hear them burning rubber. Others said there are skid marks from the race cars on the highway. Police said they would try to catch them.

JUNK CARS is another issue, and Burian encouraged the community to continue to call in reports. He said more than 40 abandoned vehicles were recently removed through police working with other county agencies and landowners.

TRAPPING WILD DOGS is also important where they are a nuisance and a danger to the public, police officers said. The Humane Society has traps for which there is no charge. They will pick up the dogs once they are caught.

TO MAKE COMPLAINTS about any policing matter, the police officers said it is most efficient to call Dispatch at 935-3311 since the calls are tracked and the reports can sometimes be linked to similar activity in other parts of the island.

`O KA`U KAKOU'S ANNUAL KEIKI Fishing Tournament at Punalu`u takes place this Saturday, January 22. The tournament is catch-and-release, using poles and barbless hooks. Registration is from 8 to 9 a.m. for fishing from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Many prizes will be awarded.

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 19, 2011

Richard Ha (l) has long promoted food self-sufficiency, along with Chef Alan Wong,
and is now promoting energy self-sufficiency with geothermal.

RUSSELL KOKUBUN’S 10-member working group to study geothermal energy’s potential to help wean Hawai`i from petroleum is distributing it findings to the Legislature, which opens today in Honolulu. Kokubun established the working group when he was senator from this district. He is now head of the state Department of Agriculture.
     Farmer and businessman Richard Ha is a member who works on both food self-sufficiency and energy self-sufficiency. He said the report provides lawmakers with an evaluation of using hot water reservoirs, created by heat from the volcanoes, to provide local and renewable energy for electricity and transportation. Already, Puna Geothermal Venture, which has been online for nearly two decades, is helping to meet the Big Island’s electrical needs.
     Said Ha: “There is an urgency to developing new energy resources because Hawai`i, like most of the world, is overwhelmingly dependent upon depleting supplies of fossil fuels. The consensus among credible resource scientists and many economists is that petroleum prices will rise to unprecedented levels in a few years.”
     He noted that the Big Island alone pays a billion dollars a year for petroleum.
     Other members of the geothermal working group are: Nelson Ho, who is the legislative assistant to county council member Brittany Smart and president of the local chapter of the Sierra Club; OHA trustee Bob Lindsey, who is also a property owner in Ka`u; Hawai`i Electric Light Co. president Jay Ignacio, who recently gave a presentation on biofuels in Pahala; Wallace Ishibashi, Jr., of the Big Island Labor Alliance; energy expert Barry Mizuno; Public Utilities Commission chair Carlito Caliboso; former state energy administrator Ted Peck; Keaukaha Community Association president Patrick Kahawaiola`a; and community volunteer Jacqui Hoover, from West Hawai`i.

COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER Brittany Smart is on O`ahu today for the opening of the state Legislature and said she will be lobbying for the release of $1.5 million in funding to help plan a new emergency shelter and gym facility for Pahala. She recently met with former council member Guy Enriques, who initiated the project, and Ka`u High School principal Sharon Beck.

THIS COMING SUNDAY will mark the Volcano Project’s 100th week hosting an information table at Volcano Farmers Market. Anne Lee and David Donald, co-founders of The Volcano Project, said they are expecting to learn soon whether they have won the contract for the concession at Volcano House for its hotel, restaurant and retail services. They say they would create 91 permanent jobs and education in the hospitality industry to more than 60 students each year. The lease would be for 14 years. Volcano House has been closed for National Park renovations and for selecting the new concessioner.

Karmen Scheffler, of the McGhee family in Na`alehu, recently introduced her family,
baby Sebastian and husband Heinz, to Michelle and Barack Obama
at Kaneohe Marine Base,where Scheffler is serving his country.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA recently met a Ka`u native during his vacation in Hawai`i. Karmen Scheffler grew up in Na`alehu, and her mother Ellenor McGhee said that Ka`u should be proud of this young woman who is now 22. After school in Na`alehu, she boarded at Lahainaluna High School on Maui, then had a full scholarship to the University of Hawai`i at Manoa where she received two degrees, one in Political Science and the other in Anthropology. She has an infant son Sebastian and is married to Heinz Scheffler, a marine at Kaneohe, where they met Michelle and Barack Obama. 

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED to meet with representatives of the Hawai`i Police Department at Pahala Community Center from noon to 2 p.m. today. Scheduled to be on hand is the police department’s command staff as well as Deputy Chief Paul Ferreira, Area II Assitant Chief Henry Tavares, Area II Maj. Randy Apela, Ka`u Capt. Andres Burian and Ka`u Community Police Officer Dane Shibuya. Residents are also invited to call 939-2520 or email Officer Burian at aburian@co.hi.us.

UNDER THE DIRECTION of Meleana Ulrich-Manuel, the dancers of Hula Halau Ke `Olu o Mauna Loa perform tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 18, 2011

Pahala community leader Ana Cariaga spoke at Governor Neil Abercrombie's
confirmation ceremony at Pahala Plantation House in December.

WATER FOR KA`U FARMERS and ranchers is on the priority list for Rep. Bob Herkes. With the legislature opening tomorrow, he plans to work on the release of funding to help repair tunnels from the old plantation water system above the farmlands between Pahala and Na`alehu. Some of the tunnels are partially collapsed, and flumes and pipes are broken. An association of farmers and ranchers has been working on restoring small sections for several years to bring irrigation down the mountains. Herkes will attempt to put $1.5 million into the project. He said former governor Linda Lingle was unable to release money, but the new administration should be supportive.

AN 11,000-ACRE wilderness area from Manuka north toward Miloli`i is another legislative project that both Herkes and new Ka`u Senator Gil Kahele plan to work on together. Kahele and Herkes worked on establishing the South Kona Wilderness Area in the legislature in 2003, but it was never fully completed. They also worked together on the South Kona – Ka`u Coastal Conservation Task Force.

KAHELE was a founder of the Miloli`i community group called Pa`a Pono Miloli`i in 1980, in an attempt to conserve the shoreline and Hawaiian customs. Pa`a Pono means stand firm for what is right. He also organized Miloli`i families to gain permission to build self-help housing on land at Miloli`i. The next project was the wilderness area to protect the coastline. Pa`a Pono asked for preservation from the shore to 6,000 feet inland to protect coastal land for the local community and the entire state. Kahele also worked to establish a program to protect opelu for fishing.
     Pahala community organizer Ana Cariaga, who served with Kahele on the police commission and other groups, described Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s appointment of Kahele as a “balanced choice, a good choice.”

NEW FACILITIES for Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences is another project expected to be introduced by Herkes and supported by local legislators. The charter school, located on the Ka`u border in Volcano Village, is on an old state Department of Education campus and is comprised of temporary buildings.

HERKES also plans to establish a permanent interagency vog task force, which would accept testimony from residents continually. He appeared recently on PBS in Honolulu appealing for more study of vog’s effects on health and protection for Ka`u residents during vog events.
     Herkes retains his position in the House of Representatives as chair of its Consumer Protection and Commerce committee.

Community groups can raise up to $400 by replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs
through a program sponsored by The Kohala Center and Blue Planet Foundation.

LOOKING FOR A FUNDRAISER? The Kohala Center and the Blue Planet Foundation are looking for 20 school or community groups to help with exchanging incandescent light bulbs for compact, energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs. Blue Planet will pay the nonprofit 40 cents for each light bulb exchanged – up to 1,000 bulbs – allowing each community group to raise up to $400. Blue Planet and The Kohala Center will also make a presentation to the nonprofit to educate them about clean energy and climate change. There is no cost to residents to change their bulbs. Replacing eight 60-watt incandescent bulbs with 13-watt CFLs could save $140 a year. Replacing 1,000 60-watt bulbs can save 750 barrels of oil. To participate, email bulbexchange@kohalacenter.org for the application. 

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY geologist Tim Orr reviews highlights of Kilauea’s ongoing 28-year eruption and discusses the latest developments tonight at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT will hold a meeting at Pahala Community Center from noon to 2 p.m. tomorrow. Scheduled to be on hand is the police department’s command staff as well as Deputy Chief Paul Ferreira, Area II Assitant Chief Henry Tavares, Area II Maj. Randy Apela, Ka`u Capt. Andres Burian and Ka`u Community Police Officer Dane Shibuya. The police department asks that participation be limited to Ka`u residents. Residents are also invited to call 939-2520 or email Officer Burian at aburian@co.hi.us.

Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 17, 2011

This aerial view of Pu`u O`o crater shows new flows that have been slowly filling the crater over the past few months.
Kilauea's ongoing 28-year eruption is the topic at tomorrow night's After Dark in the Park program.

TODAY IS A NATIONAL HOLIDAY WITH BANKS, POST OFFICES AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES CLOSED.

THE 2011 STATE LEGISLATURE opens at 10 a.m. on Wednesday with ceremonies in the Senate and House chambers. Members of both chambers say they are ready to work with the new Governor, Neil Abercrombie, after eight year of sometimes contentious relations with former governor Linda Lingle.
     Senate President, Shan Tsutsui, said he has hope and optimism for the coming year following the challenging times during the recent economic slowdown. He said he looks forward to working with county council members to urge the state to preserve the transient accommodations tax and other contributions to the county coffers.
     “Let’s not turn against each other to make up for financial shortfalls,” he said. Tsutsui said he plans to support the state legislature helping to fund water infrastructure and storage on neighbor islands. He said he will make sure that capital improvement money approved by the legislature will be released quickly by the governor.
     He said there is hope for the economy and the state being able to pay its bills, with the Council on Revenues having reported an increase in projected state income based a double-digit increase in visitor spending and increase in visitor arrivals and an increase in consumer spending.
     However, balancing the needs of today with one eye on the future will be critical, he said.

Shan Tsutsui

     According to Tsutsui: "We know refusing to fund social programs today will end up costing us more in the future. 

     "We know burdening our residents and businesses with excessive taxes and fees may fulfill our immediate need for cash but slow economic recovery.

     "We know putting our sole focus on tourism as a driver of our economy may make us comfortable but does little for the diversified economy that will support generations to come.

     "We know that putting today’s comforts over building our sustainable future in energy and agriculture robs our state and counties of their full potential."

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY geologist Tim Orr reviews highlights of Kilauea’s ongoing 28-year eruption and discusses the latest developments Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT will hold a meeting at Pahala Community Center from noon to 2 p.m. this Wednesday. Scheduled to be on hand is the Police Department’s command staff as well as Deputy Chief Paul Ferreira, Area II Assitant Chief Henry Tavares, Area II Maj. Randy Apela, Ka`u Capt. Andres Burian and Ka`u Community Police Officer Dane Shibuya. The police department asks that participation be limited to Ka`u residents. Residents are also invited to call 939-2520 or email Officer Burian at aburian@co.hi.us.

Ka`u News Birefs Jan. 16, 2011

Volcano Skate Park is the subject of a meeting on Jan. 31 to discuss reopening the facility next to Cooper Center.

THE VOLCANO SKATE PARK has been shut down by the county Department of Parks and Recreation. It is located next to Cooper Center on Wright Road. According to the county, it is closed until further notice due to maintenance and safety concerns.  A meeting will be held at Cooper Center on Monday, Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. to discuss safety standards. The skate park was transported from Hilo to Volcano in 2003 and 2004 and rebuilt without building permits, as there are no standards in the building code for skate parks.

      Skateboardpark.com describes it as one of only two skate parks on the island, located in a very remote area off of Route 11 just before Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.  It describes the covered park is good as it often rains. It is made of Masonite and at times the wood is in bad shape and needs to be fixed. However, skateboardpark.com says it has a “very nice layout with lots of ramps, angles, stairs, and coping for grinding, which doesn't lay real well in the masonite so the transition isn't smooth.” The website calls it a very nice park for a remote area. 

The location of the new Ocean View well and fill station to be completed by Oct. 3.

 THE REPORT ON THE INVESTIGATION of the Ocean View water project called for by Rep. Robert Herkes has been made available to the public on the Internet and presented to the state legislature, which opens its 2011 session this Wednesday. The report says that the Investigative Committee believes that the speedy completion of the water system is in the best interest of the Ocean View community.

      In its background report, the committee describes Ocean View as having about 5,000 residents in Kahuku – a remote rural community located in one of the driest and most drought-stricken areas of the state. The community has no central distribution point for residents’ water supply. Instead, residents must rely on catchment or water delivery to their homes to meet their water needs.

Rep. Bob Herkes

      It points out that funds to develop water were approved by the legislature during the administration of Gov. Ben Cayetano, who served from 1994 – 2002, but funds were never released.  Again, funds were approved in 2005 and released in 2006 to the county. Design and management changes plagued the project, but the investigative committee reports progress in recent months, including grading and preparing the filling station site and access road; connecting the pipeline from wellhead to filling station; buying a submersible pump; submitting plans for the 300,000 gallon concrete storage tank; arranging with the electric company for power for the filling station; planning protective landscaping and fencing to preserve privacy of homes nearby; and by setting a completion date of Oct. 3.

      The investigative committee urges the county to enter into a formal agreement with the Department of Water Supply or the Ocean View Community for the ongoing operation of the water system and filling station.

KA`U MAIN STREET hosts its monthly Plant and Seed Exchange today at the historic Naohulelua Church garden on Kamaoa Road from noon to 3 p.m.

THIS IS A REMINDER TO PICK up applications for Miss Ka`u Coffee 2011, Miss Ka`u Peaberry and Little Miss Ka`u Coffee. Prospective contestants can pick them up Kahuku Gift and Garden Shop in Ocean View, Grandma's Closet in Na`alehu, Pahala Community Center and R&G Store in Pahala. Applications are being accepted through Wednesday, Jan. 26. For Miss Ka`u Coffee, girls contestants must be ages 17 to 24; for Little Miss Ka`u Coffee ages 10 to12 and Miss Ka`u Peaberry ages 7 to 9. The age category is determined by the age of the contender on May 13, 2011. Each contestant’s main residence must be in the district of Ka`u. Call Gloria Camba at 928-8558, Nalani Parlin at 217-6893 or Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. Posters about the pageant can be seen around Ka`u.