Saturday, October 13, 2012

Ka`u News Briefs Oct. 13, 2012

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park marks 25 years as a World Heritage site with two events this month.
Photo of Halema`uma`u Crater from NPS/Michael Szoenyi.
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK was acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest treasures 25 years ago when it was designated a World Heritage Site for having “superlative attributes of universal value important to the common heritage of humanity.” Today, there are 21 World Heritage Sites in the United States (including two in Hawai`i – the other is Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument) and 962 sites worldwide.
      To commemorate the silver anniversary of its World Heritage Site status and the 40th anniversary of the international World Heritage Convention, the park is offering two events, one at the park and one at the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast.
Jonathan Tourtellot
      A World Heritage After Dark in the Park presentation takes place Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. in Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. National Geographic Traveler editor Jonathan Tourtellot gives an overview of World Heritage Sites, how World Heritage grows jobs, four common myths about World Heritage and America’s position in the global quest for World Heritage sites. This event is free, and park entrance fees apply.
      World Heritage Anniversary Roundtable is Thursday, Oct. 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fairmont Orchid. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Visitors Bureau, and the Fairmont Orchid invite the public to a destination roundtable with Tourtellot, park staff and travel industry leaders. Discussion focuses on why having a World Heritage Site is important, what it means to organizations, and how to leverage this status in outreach efforts. Admission and parking is free. RSVP online at eventbrite.com/event/4450461450/eorg, or contact Jessica Ferracane at 985-6018 or jessica_ferracane@nps.gov.

DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC WRITTEN COMMENTS on the proposed biodiesel supply contract between `Aina Koa Pono and HELCO is Friday, Nov. 30. The Public Utilities Commission announced the deadline and other dates for its Schedule of Proceedings in a Stipulated Procedural Order released this week.
      Due dates for Information Requests and Responses between the companies, parties and participants continue until August 2, 2013. A decision from the PUC will follow that date.
      The order states that “the Parties and Participants have reached an agreement on procedural matters in this proceeding and submit this Stipulated Procedural Order to the Commission, which is acceptable to the Parties and Participants.” The document lists parties as the Consumer Advocate and Life of the Land. Participants are County of Hawai`i and Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

Mongolian BBQ is tonight at
Cooper Center in Volcano Village.
      Public hearings on the issue of whether to allow Hawai`i Electric Light Co. to buy the diesel at a fixed rate for 20 years take place Monday, Oct. 29 at Hilo High School Cafeteria at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 30 at Konawaena High School at 6 p.m.

COOPER CENTER’S MONGOLIAN BBQ offers over 20 choices of vegetables plus chicken, beef, pork, fish and tofu today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Seventy cents per ounce includes dessert and beverage. Visit thecoopercenter.org or call 936-9705 for more information.

Kimberly Darks hosts
Story Flow tonight.
VOLCANO ART CENTER presents Story Flow this evening at 7 p.m. at Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The show features up to ten six-minute stories, told by community members, relating the theme of The First Time. Those interested in telling a story can sign up at 6:45 p.m. Entrance fee is $6. For more, call 967-8222.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT People and Land of Kahuku tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This 2.5 mile hike is moderately difficult and covers rugged terrain while the guide tells a story of the area’s human history. For more, call 985-6011.

FRIENDS OF LINCOLN ASHIDA host a meet and greet for Ka`u residents tomorrow from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. For more, visit ashidaforprosector.com.

KMC Chapel hosts a Buddhist healing meditation.
MEDICINE FOR THE MIND, a Buddhist healing meditation for beginners and the advanced, is offered tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Chapel in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Focus is inner causes of fulfillment and discovering a lasting source of happiness. The free classes are open to everyone. Donations are welcome, and park entrance fees may apply. For more, call 985-7470. 

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS sponsors a candidate forum Monday at Cooper Center in Volcano Village. State Rep. for District 3 candidates Fred Fogel, Marlene Hapai, and Richard Onishi meet the public at 5:30 p.m., followed by Prosecuting Attorney candidates Lincoln Ashida and Mitch Roth at 6:45 p.m. For more, visit lwv.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS NOW OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.