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| Miss Ka`u Coffee candidates Kawailani Houvener, Tiare-Lee Shibuya, Rachel Ornelas and Seneca Lee Oleyte get ready for this Friday's pageant at Ka`u Coffee Mill as they pick coffee and experience the Miranda farm. Photo by Nalani Parlin |
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| Blaze DeLima, Debbie Wong Yuen and Eilene O'Hara at Pahala Library's 50th anniversary celebration. |
Special guests brought commendations and congratulatory letters: Eilene O’Hara for East Ka`u’s Sen. Russell Ruderman, and Blaze De Lima for Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and for her father, Brian De Lima, who is Hawai`i Island’s board member in the Board of Education. “State Librarian Richard Burns, who was not able to attend, sent a huge, gorgeous floral bouquet,” reported library branch manager Debbie Wong Yuen.
A special presentation was made by calligraphy artist Ikuko Furuya, who presented limited edition special pins she designed for Tokyo, Japan, one of three finalists for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Throughout the morning, the library was graced by entertainment by haumana of Hannah’s Makana `Ohana Hula Halau, Ka`u Middle and High School `ukulele and ensemble students, and haumana of Halau Hula O Mahealani.
A special presentation was made by calligraphy artist Ikuko Furuya, who presented limited edition special pins she designed for Tokyo, Japan, one of three finalists for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Throughout the morning, the library was graced by entertainment by haumana of Hannah’s Makana `Ohana Hula Halau, Ka`u Middle and High School `ukulele and ensemble students, and haumana of Halau Hula O Mahealani.
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| Gabriella Santos |
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| Aiyana Galletes-Alapai |
Throughout the day, Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u provided a hands-on demonstration in making lauhala bookmarks. In the afternoon, students of all ages enjoyed a special treat - temporary airbush tattoos for their arms.
The event concluded with prizes for winners of the Haiku contest, who read their poems. Elementary winners are Gabriella Santos, 5th grade – first place and Chaz Kajiwara-Ke, 1st grade – second place. Middle/High School winners are Aiyana Galletes-Alapai, 8th grade – first place and Morrighan Ottor, 7th grade – second place. Special commemorative bookmarks were created, featuring the first place Haiku poems.
Wong Yuen talked about the library service provided in the building constructed 50 years ago, in 1963. She noted also that the first public and school library opened in the early 1950’s behind the present county basketball and tennis courts and was managed by librarian Doris Koga. Her daughter, Naomi Yoshida, an avid reader and library patron, was presented a lei in memory of her mother.
Prizes were also awarded to Rhonda Ruggles, who was the fiftieth person to come to the celebration, Tiare Wong Yuen, a fourth grader, who guessed the closest number of materials in the library collection, and Ron Ebert, who guessed the closest number of registered patrons at Pahala Library.
Wong Yuen said she thanks the many local businesses for their generous support, as well as the Friends of the Ka`u Libraries, all who made the day-long celebration possible.
The event concluded with prizes for winners of the Haiku contest, who read their poems. Elementary winners are Gabriella Santos, 5th grade – first place and Chaz Kajiwara-Ke, 1st grade – second place. Middle/High School winners are Aiyana Galletes-Alapai, 8th grade – first place and Morrighan Ottor, 7th grade – second place. Special commemorative bookmarks were created, featuring the first place Haiku poems.
Wong Yuen talked about the library service provided in the building constructed 50 years ago, in 1963. She noted also that the first public and school library opened in the early 1950’s behind the present county basketball and tennis courts and was managed by librarian Doris Koga. Her daughter, Naomi Yoshida, an avid reader and library patron, was presented a lei in memory of her mother.
Prizes were also awarded to Rhonda Ruggles, who was the fiftieth person to come to the celebration, Tiare Wong Yuen, a fourth grader, who guessed the closest number of materials in the library collection, and Ron Ebert, who guessed the closest number of registered patrons at Pahala Library.
Wong Yuen said she thanks the many local businesses for their generous support, as well as the Friends of the Ka`u Libraries, all who made the day-long celebration possible.
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| New police commissioner Bobby Gomes emceed the groundbreaking in October for the new Ka`u Gym & Disaster Shelter, now under construction. Photo by Julia Neal |
RETIRED POLICE OFFICER BOBBY GOMES is a new police commissioner, nominated by Mayor Billy Kenoi and affirmed by all nine “yes” votes of the County Council. While the County Council meeting was held in Kona last week, Gomes was interviewed for the commission from Hilo Council chambers through the interactive video system that allows remote participation in Waimea, Ocean View, Hilo and Kona. After being approved, however, he said he plans to personally thank each Council member for confirming his nomination when they swear him in in Hilo. Gomes is an active volunteer in the Ka`u community and can often be seen as a peace officer at community events and in the office of the Na`alehu Police Station. He has hosted a show on KAHU Radio and plays and sings music at community gatherings, along with his wife Phoebe Gomes, an accomplished singer and hula dancer.
The retired police officer is himself an award-winning hula dancer. The Gomes live in Pahala.
The retired police officer is himself an award-winning hula dancer. The Gomes live in Pahala.
HAWAI`I COUNTY POLICE COMMISSION has delayed a decision on Kittrena Morgan’s complaint of physical and mental injury she claims occurred when she was arrested during the Oct. 25 eviction of Abel Lui and others from Kawa. According to Chelsea Jensen, of Stephens Media, Hawai`i County officials said at the time that Morgan became emotional during the procedure and did not cooperate. She was arrested and charged with simple trespassing and resisting arrest.
On Friday, the commission heard Morgan’s complaint and deferred the issue to its next meeting scheduled for May 17. Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida told Jensen that more information and investigation were needed.
According to 3rd Circuit Court records, Morgan pleaded not guilty to the charges on Jan. 24. Her trial is set for May 14 before Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra.
Morgan’s complaint alleges that, when officers executed the writ of possession and ejection, they caused her bodily injury and emotional distress.
According to 3rd Circuit Court records, Morgan pleaded not guilty to the charges on Jan. 24. Her trial is set for May 14 before Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra.
Morgan’s complaint alleges that, when officers executed the writ of possession and ejection, they caused her bodily injury and emotional distress.
“SOUNDS MORE LIKE A CORPORATE ADVOCATE rather than Consumer Advocate,” wrote Lisa Kirbin, of Ocean View, to the Public Utilities Commission regarding the proposed contract for `Aina Koa Pono to grow feedstock and produce biofuel at a refinery in Ka`u. “We are extremely disappointed Mr. Ono did not represent the consumers at all since the consumers are overwhelming against the HELCO/AKP alliance, yet he testified in favor of it.”
Kirbin asks the PUC to “turn your attention to the continuing concerns that we all still have concerning the proposed contract between HELCO and `Aina Koa Pono. It is obvious that there will be no rate nor economic benefits to the community at large.
“Also in question are issues that will forever negatively alter the landscape and lifestyle of Ka`u, including clearing of the land of all vegetation/trees resulting in erosion, the use of GMO ‘sterile’ grasses that will contaminate local crops, the use of poisons and chemicals that will leach into the water table and ocean, massive unproven microwave technology with undetermined long-term consequences to the health of the residents and animals, displacement and housing for workers, massive trucking activity on rural roads, etc.
“This is not a viable business proposition for this area, and the people who live here do not want it in our neighborhoods. We ask for permanent rejection of this proposal for a pono resolution.”
Although the period for public testimony on the proposed contract has passed, people can still send letters to the PUC at hawaii.puc@hawaii.gov or 465 South King Street, #103, Honolulu, HI 96813.
“Also in question are issues that will forever negatively alter the landscape and lifestyle of Ka`u, including clearing of the land of all vegetation/trees resulting in erosion, the use of GMO ‘sterile’ grasses that will contaminate local crops, the use of poisons and chemicals that will leach into the water table and ocean, massive unproven microwave technology with undetermined long-term consequences to the health of the residents and animals, displacement and housing for workers, massive trucking activity on rural roads, etc.
“This is not a viable business proposition for this area, and the people who live here do not want it in our neighborhoods. We ask for permanent rejection of this proposal for a pono resolution.”
Although the period for public testimony on the proposed contract has passed, people can still send letters to the PUC at hawaii.puc@hawaii.gov or 465 South King Street, #103, Honolulu, HI 96813.
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| Kilauea Iki Crater is the site of a hike Tuesday during National Park Week. NPS photo by Michael Szoenyi |
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK volunteer ranger Charlene Meyers leads an invigorating four-mile, three-hour hike through the rain forest and onto the floor of Kilauea Iki Crater Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants learn how the 1959 eruption forever changed this landscape.
The hike is one of several special events celebrating National Park Week, with free entry to the park Monday through Friday.
THE TEN DAY KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL begins this week with the following activities:
Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant - Friday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Tickets are $10 in advance. Call Pageant chair Gloria Camba at 928-8558.
Simply Elegant: 2nd Annual Ka`u Farmers Table - Saturday, April 27, 5 p.m. at The Inn at Kalaekilohana. Tickets are $75 in advance. Visit www.kau-hawaii.com or call 939-8052.
Simply Elegant: 2nd Annual Ka`u Farmers Table - Saturday, April 27, 5 p.m. at The Inn at Kalaekilohana. Tickets are $75 in advance. Visit www.kau-hawaii.com or call 939-8052.
Triple C Recipe Contest - Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Enjoy culinary treats using Ka`u Coffee as an ingredient. Free entry and tasting for the public. Live entertainment. To enter the contest with a $500 grand prize, see www.kaucoffeefest.com or www.kaucoffeemill.com or call 928-0550. Pick up entry blanks at R&G Store, Ka`u Coffee Mill and Pahala Plantation Cottages in the Olson Building on Pikake Street.
Ka`u Mountain Water Systems Hike – Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. starting at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Reservations required. $35 includes lunch and beverages. See kaucoffemill.com or call 928-0550.
Coffee & Cattle Day – Friday, May 3, 10 a.m. on `Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm. $25 includes lunch and beverages. Call 927-2252 for reservations.
Ka`u Star Gazing at Makanau Mountain – Friday, May 3, 5:30 p.m. $35 includes light snacks, Ka`u Coffee and beverages. See kaucoffeemill.com or call 928-0550.
Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a – Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Enjoy a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Tasting, educational displays and demonstrations, food, arts, crafts, vendors and a keiki corner. Enjoy live entertainment featuring: Hawaiian Falsetto of Darren Benitez • Keaiwa with Demetrius Oliveira • Lori Lei Shirakawa Hula Studio • Bolo • Miss Ka`u Coffee & Her Court • Keoki & the `Ukulele Kids with Fiddle & Guitar of Molly & Elliott Russell • Cyril Pahinui • Halau Hula O Leionalani from Lana`i, Japan & Pāhala • Loeka and Pomai Longakit. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.
Ka`u Coffee College - Sunday May 5, 9 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Educational series featuring researchers and industry professionals. Free for farmers. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.
For more, see www.kaucoffeefest.com.
Coffee & Cattle Day – Friday, May 3, 10 a.m. on `Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm. $25 includes lunch and beverages. Call 927-2252 for reservations.
Ka`u Star Gazing at Makanau Mountain – Friday, May 3, 5:30 p.m. $35 includes light snacks, Ka`u Coffee and beverages. See kaucoffeemill.com or call 928-0550.
Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a – Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Enjoy a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Tasting, educational displays and demonstrations, food, arts, crafts, vendors and a keiki corner. Enjoy live entertainment featuring: Hawaiian Falsetto of Darren Benitez • Keaiwa with Demetrius Oliveira • Lori Lei Shirakawa Hula Studio • Bolo • Miss Ka`u Coffee & Her Court • Keoki & the `Ukulele Kids with Fiddle & Guitar of Molly & Elliott Russell • Cyril Pahinui • Halau Hula O Leionalani from Lana`i, Japan & Pāhala • Loeka and Pomai Longakit. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.
Ka`u Coffee College - Sunday May 5, 9 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Educational series featuring researchers and industry professionals. Free for farmers. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.
For more, see www.kaucoffeefest.com.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.
