 |
| Black-axil chromis, a damselfish species that is essential to coral health, is threatened by over harvesting for aquariums and pollution. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
A FOUR YEAR COLLEGE that could be easily reached by residents of west Ka`u and South Kona is the aim of County Council member Brenda Ford. Her resolution passed the County Council on first reading yesterday. Bill 289 says the council supports funding for a science classroom and laboratory building for a four –year University of Hawai`i campus in West Hawai`i.
 |
| County Council member Brenda Ford. Photo from Brenda Ford |
Ford told The Ka`u Calendar that funding would have to come from private donors and government money. She described possible partnerships, including attracting a pro baseball team to winter in Kona, and help pay for the university’s athletic field.
Even though the measure passed, eastside council members Fred Blas, Donald Ikeda and Dennis Onishi opposed it.
HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. is asked to renegotiate its contracts that tie the cost of energy to the cost of oil. The resolution, put forth by county council member J Yoshimoto was passed unanimously, yesterday. As the cost of oil rises, wind and other renewable energies tied to oil costs become more expensive with the rationale of helping to pay for their startup costs. As time goes on, however, the plan is to decouple the rates from oil to make less expensive power for consumers.
THE FAMOUS FINDING NEMO orange clown fish, with four of its species living in Hawaiian ocean waters, is drifting toward extinction. The Center for Biological Diversity has issued a warning that acidification and global warming are threatening the coral reef ecosystem that provides food for the clownfish. The clownfish is also in decline because of its popularity with fish collectors.
 |
| The orange clownfish, nemo, faces extinction. Screenshot from Finding Nemo |
A petition before the federal government asks that the Endangered Species Act protect the crown fish, along with the coral-dependent damselfish and selected coral reefs in the Hawaiian Islands.
The Center for Biological Diversity filed its petition with the National Marine Fisheries Service on Sept. 13. Its climate science director Shayne Wolf said, “We risk losing the striking fish that inspired Finding Nemo forever if we don’t put the brakes on global warming and ocean acidification. Carbon pollution harms these fish and destroys their coral reef homes. If we want these beautiful animals to survive in the wild, not just in a movie, we have to protect them under the Endangered Species Act.”
The Center for Biological Diversity filed its petition with the National Marine Fisheries Service on Sept. 13. Its climate science director Shayne Wolf said, “We risk losing the striking fish that inspired Finding Nemo forever if we don’t put the brakes on global warming and ocean acidification. Carbon pollution harms these fish and destroys their coral reef homes. If we want these beautiful animals to survive in the wild, not just in a movie, we have to protect them under the Endangered Species Act.”
Regarding protecting coral reefs, Wolf said that “Coral reefs are the rainforests of the ocean, but carbon pollution will bulldoze their biodiversity,” Wolf said. “The longer we wait to provide Endangered Species Act protection and reduce the greenhouse gases harming reef fish and destroying their homes, the harder it’s going to be to save these unique creatures.”
He noted that the United States is the world’s largest importer of ornamental marine fish, and damselfish and anemone fish are by far the most commonly traded species. Studies indicate that the orange clownfish and black-axil chromis damselfish are suffering population declines in the wild because of over harvesting for the aquarium trade.
He noted that the United States is the world’s largest importer of ornamental marine fish, and damselfish and anemone fish are by far the most commonly traded species. Studies indicate that the orange clownfish and black-axil chromis damselfish are suffering population declines in the wild because of over harvesting for the aquarium trade.
 |
| Ocean View water well station is down for commercial haulers but
workers, including Ted Blanco, water supply chief Quirino Antonio and Harvey Galapir, are looking toward a temporary transformer to help solve the problem. Photo by William Neal |
THE OCEAN VIEW WELL problem is an electrical issue and not a matter of the well running dry, according to reports at yesterday’s Ka`u Chamber of Commerce board meeting in Na`alehu. A possible transformer problem was described and until repairs are made, the standpipes for hauling water by commercial trucks have been shut down. Spigots are still open at the water station in Ocean View for families needing to fill containers with drinking water.
Tests on the electrical pumping system at the well yesterday showed possible issues with the step-up transformer. A used transformer was located in Waikoloa and transferred to Ocean View. The unit is being installed and tested to further isolate the problem, according to the Department of Water Supply.
ARTISTS ARE PLANNING to enter the cover contest for The Directory, the annual phone and information book for the district of Ka`u. The theme is The Beauty of Ka`u, with five categories: Graphic, Sculpture, Wood, Photography and Craft. The fee is $5 per entry and no more than three entries may come from any artist, and no more than one entry per category. Art must have been completed in the last year.
Tests on the electrical pumping system at the well yesterday showed possible issues with the step-up transformer. A used transformer was located in Waikoloa and transferred to Ocean View. The unit is being installed and tested to further isolate the problem, according to the Department of Water Supply.
ARTISTS ARE PLANNING to enter the cover contest for The Directory, the annual phone and information book for the district of Ka`u. The theme is The Beauty of Ka`u, with five categories: Graphic, Sculpture, Wood, Photography and Craft. The fee is $5 per entry and no more than three entries may come from any artist, and no more than one entry per category. Art must have been completed in the last year.
Artists must bring their entries to CU Hawai`i in Na`alehu on Friday, Sept. 28, from noon until 5 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Entry forms can be found at local schools and merchants, as well as the credit union, but can also be picked up and filled out when bringing art to the show.
Entry forms can be found at local schools and merchants, as well as the credit union, but can also be picked up and filled out when bringing art to the show.
.JPG) |
| A new keiki division has been added to the annual Ka`u Chamber of Commerce art show. Last year, Lorilee Lorenzo took third, competing with adults. Photo by Julia Neal |
The show will be open to the public beginning Oct. 1, Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The people’s choice winner will become the cover of The Directory 2013. A reception to view all the winners and greet the artists will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, with light refreshments at the CU Hawai`i credit union.
A new Keiki Division is for children in grades one through six, one entry per keiki. Keiki categories are graphics and photos, no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches, including frames, if any. The entry fee is $1, and these entries are not eligible for the cover of The Directory. Only the first 60 Keiki exhibits will be accepted.
Each day during the showing, Oct. 1 to 6, the public may sign in and receive a ballot to vote for a favorite exhibit. The ballot, a numbered ticket, will be entered into a drawing for door prizes to be held each hour.
This year, a panel of local artists will judge all exhibits and award prizes in each category, including Best in Show. Each category will be rewarded with first, second, and third prizes and, if appropriate, as many as two honorable mentions. Ribbons will be given for each of the prizes, and all first-prize winners will appear in the 2013 Ka`u Directory.
To donate door prizes or to help with expenses, call Karen Ingraham at 929-8484.
The people’s choice winner will become the cover of The Directory 2013. A reception to view all the winners and greet the artists will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, with light refreshments at the CU Hawai`i credit union.
A new Keiki Division is for children in grades one through six, one entry per keiki. Keiki categories are graphics and photos, no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches, including frames, if any. The entry fee is $1, and these entries are not eligible for the cover of The Directory. Only the first 60 Keiki exhibits will be accepted.
Each day during the showing, Oct. 1 to 6, the public may sign in and receive a ballot to vote for a favorite exhibit. The ballot, a numbered ticket, will be entered into a drawing for door prizes to be held each hour.
This year, a panel of local artists will judge all exhibits and award prizes in each category, including Best in Show. Each category will be rewarded with first, second, and third prizes and, if appropriate, as many as two honorable mentions. Ribbons will be given for each of the prizes, and all first-prize winners will appear in the 2013 Ka`u Directory.
To donate door prizes or to help with expenses, call Karen Ingraham at 929-8484.
 |
| A String Art program is hosted in Pahala for kids, grades K through 8. Registration due today. Example of string art from birdsofoh.blogspot.com |
KEIKI, GRADES K THROUGH 8, can sign up through the end of today for a String Art program hosted at Pahala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more call Nona at 928-3102.
THE FIRST 60 PEOPLE TO ATTEND the International Day of Peace celebration at Honu`apo Park tomorrow, will have a choice of three different block printed peace flags to take home. The event starts at 3 p.m. and organizers encourage everyone to wear white for a human peace sign photo at 4 p.m. The photo will be “shared with the world,” says one event coordinator Shary Crocker. For more, call 939-9461 or 929-7647.
KICK ICE SIGN WAVING is scheduled for tomorrow from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in front of Na`alehu School gym.
A U.S. SENATE AND HOUSE FORUM will be hosted at Kealakehe High School at 2 p.m. this Sunday. Other events at Kealakehe High include: Hawai`i County Mayor and Hawai`i County Prosecutor at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1; and Hawai`i County Council District 6 (Volcano through South Kona) and District 9 (Waikoloa, Kohala) 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED to pre-register for a ranger-guided hike through an isolated refuge of rare plants in a remnant old-growth forest within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. This Kipuka`akihi Hike is scheduled for Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-registration required, hike is free to all. For more, call 985-6011.
KA`U TROJANS FOOTBALL TEAM plays a home game tomorrow against Kamehameha, 7 p.m. Saturday Trojan events include: a girl’s volleyball match versus Makualani at Konawaena at 10 a.m., a cross-country match at Waiakea at 10 a.m., and bowling matches at Kona Bowl against Makualani and Kealakehe.
THE FIRST 60 PEOPLE TO ATTEND the International Day of Peace celebration at Honu`apo Park tomorrow, will have a choice of three different block printed peace flags to take home. The event starts at 3 p.m. and organizers encourage everyone to wear white for a human peace sign photo at 4 p.m. The photo will be “shared with the world,” says one event coordinator Shary Crocker. For more, call 939-9461 or 929-7647.
KICK ICE SIGN WAVING is scheduled for tomorrow from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in front of Na`alehu School gym.
A U.S. SENATE AND HOUSE FORUM will be hosted at Kealakehe High School at 2 p.m. this Sunday. Other events at Kealakehe High include: Hawai`i County Mayor and Hawai`i County Prosecutor at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1; and Hawai`i County Council District 6 (Volcano through South Kona) and District 9 (Waikoloa, Kohala) 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED to pre-register for a ranger-guided hike through an isolated refuge of rare plants in a remnant old-growth forest within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. This Kipuka`akihi Hike is scheduled for Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-registration required, hike is free to all. For more, call 985-6011.
KA`U TROJANS FOOTBALL TEAM plays a home game tomorrow against Kamehameha, 7 p.m. Saturday Trojan events include: a girl’s volleyball match versus Makualani at Konawaena at 10 a.m., a cross-country match at Waiakea at 10 a.m., and bowling matches at Kona Bowl against Makualani and Kealakehe.