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| Gil Kahele will be the new senator for Ka`u. He emceed Gov. Neil Abercrombie's inauguration ceremonies in Pahala in December with Hulali and Big D. |
GIL KAHELE has been selected to become the new Senator for Ka`u, Puna and Waiakea Uka. Kahele, who emceed Governor Neil Abercrombie’s ceremonies at Pahala Plantation House on December 12, headed the East Hawai`i Abercrombie campaign during the election season. He was a community organizer in Miloli`i who helped Native Hawaiians become homeowners there. He also served on the state legislature’s Coastal Preservation Task Force.
The governor, who chose him over finalists Russell Ruderman and Anthony Marzi, said that Kahele “has the ability to bring people together to address our common challenges.” Kahele served in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired from the Department of Defense in 2000. He worked in Public Works at the Naval Communication Station on O`ahu and at Pohakuloa Training Area on this island. He has received the Rural Development Corporation National Award for community service and has been president of Pa`a Pono Miloli`i and the Department of Natural Resource’s Na Ala Hele Advisory Council. Kahele, who was appointed by Abercrombie after Senator Russell Kokubun stepped down to become chair of the state Department of Agriculture, will serve for two years and then will be eligible to run for re-election.
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| Bionic Fuel Technologies in Germany designed this plant. |
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| The microwave can process most anything into fuel. |
REPRESENTATIVES OF A HUI PLANNING to build a biodiesel processing plant and saw mill in Pahala will come to Ka`u to answer questions today at 4:30 p.m. at the Old Pahala Clubhouse on Maile Street. Kenton Eldridge, a partner in the hui, and engineer Alexander Causey will speak to members of the public, along with County Council member Brittany Smart. The processing plant had been planned for the old macadamia equipment shed near Pahala preschool, the Methodist Church and homes at the bottom of Ilima Street. However, other sites are being considered, including one just mauka of the Pahala Transfer station.
ENGINEER ALEXANDER CAUSEY said the processing plant would have a footprint of more than 150 feet by 300 feet. It would include two small power plants to run the operation and a sawmill. Questions will be answered about the microwave technology that would be used to process trees and plants into a liquid fuel. `Aina Koa Pono plans to process all the eucalyptus trees above Pahala, Christmas berry and other wood as well as sweet sorghum or other crops that could be grown on former sugar lands above Pahala. Representatives of the venture will also answer questions about the new process being able to dispose of municipal waste.
THE MILITARY IS HOSTING a talk story session in Hilo this evening regarding the expansion of its operations at Pohakuloa Training Area along the Saddle Road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The military is submitting a Programic Environmental Impact Statement on potential effects with construction and operation of an Infantry Platoon Battle area at Pohakuloa. The expanded facility “would improve the current shortfall in collective (group) live-fire training capabilities for units stationed in Hawai`i,” says a media release from the military.
The military wants to construct and operate an Infantry Platoon Battle Course Live-fire Shoothouse, and a Military Operations on Urban Terrain facility.
The public is invited to scoping meetings to ask questions and examine tabletop displays. Comments will be allowed. The Hilo scoping meeting will be tonight at Hilo Intermediate School , 587 Waianuenue Avenue, with an open house from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and an open microphone session from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. See www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil.
JASON ZIMMER SHARES his knowledge and skills in making ahu la`i – Hawaiian rain capes – this morning at 10 a.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.
SUZANNE SCHILLER DISCUSSES Living Stress-free and Pain-free at a workshop tonight at Ocean View Chiropractic and Wellness Center. She requests a $10 donation. Call 929-9229 for more information.
THERE ARE MORE PLACES 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, January 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 can be seen around the community.