Ka`u News Briefs April 8, 2012

Volcanologist Don Swanson presents his Big Island research Tuesday at After Dark in the Park. Photo from Geo M I

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING could be the way to fill vacant teaching jobs and build a teacher corps for Hawai`i schools, particularly in such remote places as Ka`u. Both University of Hawai`i and Teach America are planning to provide more teachers throughout the statewide school system this fall. The program, funded by more than $2 million from the federal Race to the Top Initiative, allows educators to earn their Hawai`i teaching credentials through working in the schools.
      Another incentive under consideration would waive course requirements for longtime private school teachers who want to move into the public school system. According to a story in this morning’s Honolulu Star Advertiser, this plan could be approved by the state school board this fall. Reporter Mary Vorsino wrote that Teach for America will provide Hawai`i schools with about 100 unlicensed teachers this fall, and University of Hawai`i will provide about 80. Many are recent college graduates, but some are mid-career professionals seeking to move into teaching, the story says.

Donald Ikeda Photo from
Big Island Video News

Gil Kahele Photo
by Julia Neal

DONALD IKEDA CHALLENGES GIL KAHELE in the race for the newly created District 1 seat in the state Senate. Ikeda, a four-time County Council member, is restricted from running for Council again under term limitations. He was first elected to public office in 2004 and has served as the South Hilo councilman for four consecutive terms. He also served as county clerk and as an administrative assistant with the County Council. The Kaumana resident grew up in Hilo, earned a degree in accounting from University of California and returned to start a business in Hilo. Ikeda is considered a member of the minority in the Council, which includes J Yoshimoto and Dennis “Fresh” Onishi.
       Kahele currently serves Ka`u as state senator, but the recent reapportionment puts his Hilo residence in the District 1. Ka`u will be divided. District 2 which runs from Punalu`u into Puna, is sought by Rep. Bob Herkes, Wendell Ka`ehu`ae`a, Russell Ruderman, Gary Safarik and Steve Hirakami. Herke’s House seat is sought by current Ka`u Council member Brittany Smart, Marlene Hapai and Fred Fogel.
      Ka`u’s District 3, running from Honu`apo to Kona airport, is sought by incumbent senator Josh Green, a physician who worked at Ka`u Hospital and lived at Punalu`u during his early years on the island. Others running for the seat are Michael Last and John Totten.

Volcano Farmers Market promotes a farm-to-table
lifestyle. Photo by Julia Neal

FARMERS MARKETS can apply for new grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The 2012 Farmers Market Promotion Program is offering a total of $10 million nationwide to popularize community-supported agriculture, roadside stands, farmers markets and similar operations. The grants aim to increase the availability of local agricultural products in communities throughout the country and with farmer-to-consumer marketing efforts.
      “These grants will put resources into rural and urban economies and help strengthen efforts to provide access to nutritious and affordable foods,” said Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan. “This program not only supports the health and well-being of local communities but also the economic health of their farms and businesses.”
      Projects that expand healthy food choices in what are called “food deserts” or low-income areas (where the percentage of the population living in poverty is 20 percent or above) will receive additional consideration.
      See the application and rules to apply at www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP. Applications are due May 21.

Brad Hirata has been a judge at Ka`u Coffee Festival Recipe
Contest each year since it began. Photo by Julia Neal 

CHEF BRAD HIRATA will be a judge at the Ka`u Coffee Festival’s recipe contest. Hirata, once a chef at the Mauna Lani Hotel on the Kohala Coast, now runs the food service for Ka`u Hospital and lives in Volcano. He has been a judge for the Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest since its inception. This year the recipe contest is sponsored by and will be held at Ka`u Coffee Mill Sunday afternoon, May 6. It is called the Triple C Recipe Contest for Cookies, Candies and Crackers. For an entry form see kaucoffeefest.com or kaucoffeemill.com. The event, which is free to enter and free to attend, also features coffee tasting, music and tours of the mill and farms at its grand opening.

KALAEKILOHANA Bed & Breakfast on South Point Road presents Ka`u Farmers’ Table: A Feast for the Senses on Saturday, May 5. The Ka`u Coffee Festival event features dinner by Chef Morgan Starr of Mi’s Italian Bistro and an evening of music with Robert Cazimero. Tickets are $100 and call be purchased by calling 939-8052.

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN’S Steering Committee meets on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Planner Ron Whitmore will give a project update. Contact him at 961-8137 or rwhitmore@co.hawaii.hi.us.

DON SWANSON, A GEOLOGIST with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, is the speaker at After Dark in the Park this Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Swanson explains how Kilauea’s eruptive cycles were recently recognized, what they mean in terms of how the volcano works and hazards implied by long explosive periods. Two-dollar donations support park programs, and park entrance fees apply.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.