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| 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.
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.
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| 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.
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.