Ka`u New Briefs Monday, March 31, 2014

This unidentified whale was photographed about a month ago between Green Sands Beach and Ka`alualu. The carcass was 60 to 70 feet long with flippers detached, skin gone and blubber showing, scattered across a rocky flat. Photo by Richard Taylor

DISTRICT FIVE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY held its elections yesterday, with many of the officers involved in agriculture. The District covers Kona and the west side of Ka`u through Na`alehu. The new chair is Steve Sakala, President of the Kona Chapter of Hawai`i Farmers Union United. Sakala is also a board member of the Kona Pacific Charter School, which has an agriculturally based curriculum for its 250 students. First Vice Chair is Charlie Young, of Kealia, who formerly worked in the macadamia industry.

Barbara Dalton

Steve Sakala

      Second Vice Chair is Tane Datta, a farmer in South Kona, owner of Adaptations, producing high-grade lettuce and cinnamon, which was highlighted in a recent edition of the Hawaiian Airlines magazine. Third Vice Chair is En Young, of Kealia, who heads Hawai`i Island Food Basket. Secretary is Barbara Lewis, of Ocean View, who is retired from Cyanotech and the macadamia nut industry. Treasurer is Mike Matsukawa, one of the founders of the Young Farmers Association, who is also a public interest attorney who has worked on energy issues. Second Secretary is Sarah Crawford, Executive Director of Friends of Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai`i Authority.
      West Ka`u state Representative and former District Five Chair Richard Creagan said yesterday’s meeting drew the largest turnout for any district meeting he has attended.
      In Ka`u, two precincts are represented in District Five. Precinct One is in Na`alehu. Its officers are President Marilyn Creagan, who owns a farm in Kiolaka`a between South Point Road and Wai`ohinu along with Na`alehu Vice President, state Rep. Richard Creagan. The Na`alehu precinct’s District Council representative is Joe Iacuzzo, one of the founders of the new Ka`u Learning Academy and science fairs in Hawai`i.
      Precinct One for Ocean View is headed by President Barbara Louis. Vice President is Greg Smith, who farms vegetables at Ka Lae.
      During yesterday’s meeting, there was a mahalo presentation to John Buckstead for his years of service with the Democratic Party. The new West Hawai`i Vice Chair is Barbara Dalton, Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s liaison for West Hawai`i and former postmaster at Na`alehu. East Hawai`i Vice Chair is John Irving, and Chair for Hawai`i is Island is David Tarnas.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Dennis Kamakahi performing at
Pahala Plantation House.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY HOST A BENEFIT CONCERT, dinner and silent auction today for Dennis Kamakahi on his 61st birthday at 6:30 p.m. at Willows Restaurant in Honolulu. Kamakahi is undergoing treatment for lung cancer. 

      Pakele Live! will stream the celebration at new.livestream.com/pakele. Admission to the event is free. Musicians include Ledward Ka`apana and Mike Kaawa, Keawe Ohana, Herb Ohta, Jr., Danny Carvalho, Maunalua, Stephen Inglis, Waipuna, Na Hoa, Kupaoa, Raiatea Helm, Bryan Tolentino, Nathan Aweau and special guests. Ben Gutierrez, of Hawai`i News Now, will host.
      To donate, see teamdenniskamakahi.com.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TODAY IS THE DEADLINE TO SIGN UP for health insurance or possibly face a fine from the federal government. Help in Ka`u is being offered through a $125,000 grant given to Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. Those wanting to sign up can receive help by calling 928-0101. 

      KRHCAI has assisted Ka`u residents at various events around Ka`u District and in its offices at 96-3126 Puahala Street in Pahala.
      The next open enrollment period begins Nov. 15 for coverage in 2015.

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PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS ENDORSED Sen. Brian Schatz in his race facing Rep. Colleen Hanabusa for Senate. "I have worked with Sen. Schatz on the issues that matter to Hawai`i. Brian's deep commitment to the people of Hawai`i and his effective leadership are why I believe it is important to return him to the Senate,” President Obama said. “Sen. Schatz is protecting Hawai`i’s values and fighting every day on behalf of middle-class families. There is no question that Sen. Schatz is the right choice to continue delivering for Hawai`i.”

Pres. Barack Obama has endorsed Sen. Brian Schatz.

      Schatz said, “This is confirmation that the work we’ve been doing to fight for Hawai`i’s values is gaining support and momentum. I’m proud to be one of Pres. Obama’s staunchest allies in the Senate. Whether it’s protecting Social Security or advancing clean energy, I hope you will give me a chance to keep working hard for what matters to all of us.”

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JAPAN LOST ITS BATTLE TO BE ABLE to continue whaling. An international court told Japan to stop whaling under the guise of scientific research. Possible delisting of humpbacks, however, could lead to new whaling quotas for humpback whales. Only a few humpbacks are harvested each year legally, and these are by native hunters in the Grenadine Islands in the Caribbean. Whaling internationally has largely been for minkes by Japan, fins and bowheads in Greenland, minkes and fins in Iceland, minkes in Norway and bowheads among native hunters in U.S.
      Pilot whales – about 950 a year – are taken in Faroe islands.
Japan said today it objects but will accept the ban on its whaling for scientific research.

      The court’s rulings at the Hague are binding and not subject to appeal.

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JAMES M. K. TAKAMINE IS THE NEW Executive Vice President of CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union. Takamine was previously President and CEO of Hawai`i Community Federal Credit Union in Kailua-Kona.

      “James comes to CU Hawai`i with years of financial experience outside of the credit union industry as well. His past experience with American Savings Bank and First Hawaiian Bank, along with his background with prestigious companies such as M&T Bank Corporation and the New York Stock Exchange, gives James a well-rounded perspective of the finance world from all angles,” said Marketing Manager Cheryl Weaver.

James Takamine

       Takamine is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and East Asian Studies from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. 

      “Outside of the office, James keeps busy giving back to the community in many capacities,” Weaver said. Currently, he is Board Chairman of Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board, Director/Treasurer of The Kohala Center and Director of Bishop Holdings Corporation. Takamine has also dedicated personal time as a director with The Food Basket and as a volunteer with Hawai`i Island United Way.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VARSITY SOFTBALL fell to the Honoka`a Dragons Saturday, with a score of 8-19. Winning pitcher for the Dragons was Kailin Agustin, who started pitching in the third inning. Ka`u’s Shaylee Tamura hit one single and one double. The next game for the Trojans will be on Friday, April 4 at 3 p.m. at Pahala ball field.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S NI`AULANI CAMPUS in Volcano Village each week presents Multi-Media Monday’s from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Lisa Louise Adams’ students experiment using drawing, painting, printmaking, bookmaking and more to find their inner voices and personal styles. $50 per month/$45 VAC members, plus a $30 per month materials fee. Call 967-8222.

Ab Valencia Photo by Jay Robinson

Tim Tunison Photo by Lanaya Deily

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES INSTITUTE, a program of the Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, presents Plants of Hula: Na Mea Kanu o Ka Hula Friday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In this field seminar, which celebrates the Merrie Monarch Festival, a kumu hula and botanist team up for a cultural and scientific exploration of the plants used in hula. 

      Kumu hula Ab Valencia teaches about hula plants as kino lau, manifestations of Hawaiian deities in plant form, as his Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu understands them.
      “There are plants for the hula altar, the kuahu, which include maile, `ie`ie, `ilima, lehua, and halapepe. In addition, there are adornments—mele hula plants that are worn by the dancers—which include maile, `ilima, and lehua, plus palapalai, `a`ali`i, pukiawe, and `olapa,” Valencia said.
       At Kilauea Overlook, the group discusses cultural protocols used when picking plants and walks among native species in their natural environment, with scientific information and insight shared by botanist Tim Tunison.
      “After lunch, we’ll visit Tunison’s property in Volcano Village, where he is restoring the land to its native ecosystem. We’ll get a hands-on lesson in native plant propagation, plus receive plant seedlings to grow at home,” said Valencia.
      Program cost is $45 for Friends members and $65 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are $25. Non-members are welcome to join the Friends in order to get the member discount.
      To register, call 985-7373 or see fhvnp.org.

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

Ka`u News Briefs, Sunday, March 30, 2014

Students map archaeological sites during the Wahi Kupuna internship program. Applications are open for this summers' paid
 internships in Ka`u. Photo from Kamehameha Schools

HAWAI'I COUNTY'S TAKE OF INCOME from the 9.25 percent state Transient Accommodations Tax that is levied on income from vacation rentals, inns and hotels, could increase. On Friday, the state Senate Committee on Ways and Means passed House Bill 1671 to repeal the $93 million cap on county income from TAT revenue. Mayor Billy Kenoi and the Hawai'i County Council both support removal of the cap, contending that the county needs the income to take care of police, fire and ambulance services, as well as roads, parks and other public places used by visitors.

Mayor Billy Kenoi
Photo by Julia Neal

    State Finance Director Kalbert Young testified that the state also needs the revenue to improve the transportation system, which includes airports, harbors, state highways and parks. He wrote: "We must all remember that TAT revenue is not intended to pay for all the costs or perceived county burdens of providing services for visitors. The TAT revenue merely supplements what is already extracted by the counties from visitor industry businesses." He pointed out that counties already collect real property taxes from hotels and businesses that fund services to visitors and residents. "I would also point out that real property taxes on visitor accommodations are the highest ad valorum rates of any property classes in all the counties. The $93 million in TAT provides to the counties supplemental revenue from state tax revenues."

   Hawai'i County Council passed a resolution to lift the cap and supporting the counties receiving 44.8 percent of the TAT. The resolution says, "The current allocation to the counties is inadequate for the increased use of resources from visitors on county parks, infrastructure, and first responders."
     Ka'u Sen. Russell Ruderman voted to lift the cap. Former Ka'u Sen. Gl Kahele also voted to bring more of the TAT income home to the counties.
     Hawai'i County Mayor Billy Kenoi joined the Hawai'i Council of Mayors in submitting testimony stating: "The cap was always understood to be a temporary measure to assist the state with a temporary budget shortfall, with a sunset in 2015. Now that the state economy is recovering and state Transient Accommodations Tax collections are climbing to record levels, there is no further justification for the cap. We respectfully ask that the committee remove the cap on the counties’ share of TAT revenues." To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A PIPELINE TO CARRY BIOFUEL between ship and shore at Hilo Harbor was approved by the state Board of Land & Natural Resources on Friday. The pipe would initially be used to import biofuel to Hawai`i Island for transportation and electricity. The BLNR is requiring review and approval of an Environmental Assessemnt before considering whether to give final approval.
     A tax credit to encourage local production of biofuel is moving through the legislature, with the tax credit available for only those products with low transportation costs. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Whale counting sites during Saturday's last humpback observation day for 2014.

THE FINAL HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT OF THE YEAR took place yesterday when more than 500 volunteers gathered data from the Ka`u Coast, the shores of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and the coastline of O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and the rest of Hawai‘i. The series of volunteer events was sponsored by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The count is a shore-based census that provides snapshot data on humpback whales. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals’ surface behavior during the survey. 

      Yesterday, volunteers collected data from 58 sites statewide. A total of 165 whales were seen during the 9:a.m.– 9:15 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout Saturday's count (57 sites reported data). Weather conditions varied throughout the state. Many sites experienced calm ocean conditions in the morning before heavy rain and thunderstorms reached different parts of the islands, forcing some sites to cancel the count early. Preliminary data detailing whale sightings by site location is available at:
http://www.sanctuaryoceancount.org/resources/
     For more information on becoming a Sanctuary Ocean Count volunteer in 2015 visit http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov or http://sanctuaryoceancount.org. 

University of Hawai`i works with Hawaiian organizations around the state to preserve
 and educate about Native Hawaiian cultural sites. Photo from Oiwi TV

      The sanctuary, which is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai‘i through the Department of Land and Natural Resources, protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters where they migrate each winter to mate, calve and nurse their young.  To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

INTERNS WILL STUDY IN KA`U FOR THE WAHI KUPUNA Program this summer. It is open to University of Hawai`i-Hilo and Hawai`i Community College student applicants. This summer’s interns will conduct cultural resource management projects on Kamehameha Schools’ legacy lands in the moku of Kaʻū.

     The paid internship is sponsored by Huliauapaʻa, a non-profit organization committed to perpetuating and ensuring the integrity of Hawaiʻi’s wahi kūpuna, and Kumupaʻa, a Hawaiian-owned and operated cultural resource management company. Applicants must be enrolled in the fields of Anthropology, Archaeology, Hawaiian Studies, or a related subjects. Up to six student will be selected following acceptance of applications and interviews.
     The internship program runs for five weeks from July 14 – Aug. 15. Interns will work 40 hours a week and receive pay. Interns from U.H.-Hilo must enroll in Anthropology 490 for Fall semester to receive credit. The program includes a week of orientation, three weeks in the field and one week of wrap-up. Students will camp and are expected to be fit for strenuous physical activity for the field work. Work will also involve archival research, interviewing, data analysis, lab, keeping field logs and observational data sheets, report writing and making a final presentation to the Society for Hawaiian Archaeology at its statewide conference in October in Hilo.
     For more information and an application, email to aoloa@huliauapaa.org or call (808) 430-5031. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A MILOLI`I HOUSE BURNED down yesterday, according to Hawai1`i County firefighters. They arrived to the unoccupied and possibly abandoned home at 9:33 a.m. and found it nearly collapsed and overcome by flames. The fire was extinguished by noon and no injuries were reported. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Esteve Salmo is the star this
season in Ka`u Trojan track.
Photo from Ka`u High

KA`U COAST is the title of one of the artworks on display in the offices of state legislators who encourage constituents to visit them this coming Friday for Art at the Capitol, a program sponsored by the Hawai`i State Art Museum.  Ka`u Coast was painted by the late Mike Sakamoto,  the famed television host of Fishing Tales,  who brought his show to Ka`u. Sakamoto's painting can be seen in the office of Rep. James Kunane Tokioko.
     Also participating in the art show is Ka`u Sen. Josh Green with a painting in his office called Afro World Independence Congress. Rep. Richard Creagan says the art in his office is by a painter from Ireland (where some of his family comes from) and was created in Hawai`i. The image shows one person looking out a window and another looking out a door. Creagan said the art encourages people to ponder why two people are carrying out two distinct actions at the same time, though near each other. He said it also reminds him of the "opening and closing of doors and windows in life. It's about being open and realizing that you need to leave some things behind," he said."It's a huge painting about 5 feet by 6 feet. I love the painting. It is full of light," said Creagan. More than 500 works are on display in 50 legislative offices and the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor.  To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

IN TROJAN TRACK & Field at yesterday’s islandwide Big Island Interscholastic Federation meet in Waimea, Ka'u High standout Esteve Salmo took second in the long jump, reaching 20.01.25 feet. That's just 2.25 inches shy of the first place jump by Dennis Preston of Waiakea High and a full foot beyond third-place finisher Caleb John Statler, of Hilo High. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, March 29, 2014

NBC'S Today Show reported this morning on the biodome experiment on Mauna Loa to prepare for travel to Mars.
Photo from The Today Show on NBC

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY won approval yesterday for a charter by an advisory board to the Hawai`i State Public Charter School Commission. The establishment of the new charter school is an effort led by former Na`alehu School teacher Kathryn Tydlacka. Tydlacka, Executive Director of Ka`u Learning Academy, holds a Masters Degree in Education Administration. She and Ka`u Learning Academy board member Joe Iacuzzo recently opened Gilliagan's Cafe in Discovery Harbour to raise funding for the charter school, which they hope to establish at the site of the old Discovery Harbour golf clubhouse, which they recently renovated for Gilligan's. Gilligan's Cafe is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Ka`u Learning Academy founder
Kathryn Tydlacka

    Iacuzzo is a Discovery Harbour resident who recently won a grant from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is developing a science fair to take place in each of the counties in Hawai'i. Board member Michael Richards founded Science Camps of America which offers two summer sessions, one called Land & Sea and the other Air & Space. They are both based in Ka`u at Pahala Plantation House. Also on the board is Na`alehu School teacher Terri Chopot, who holds a degree in Business Administration. Another board member is part time Ka`u resident, Dr. Lok Lew Van Voon, Dean of the School of Science and Mathematics at The Citadel, and recipient of a National Science Foundation Grant to sponsor 30 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students to motivate them to become high-school STEM teachers in high-need school districts.
     Another board member is Nancy Sledziewski, a Special Education teacher with more than 30 years experience.
     President of the board is Mark Fournier, an author, lecturer and fundraising specialist for non-profit organizations.
    The approval at the Charter School Commission level yesterday is a major accomplishment in the long line of permitting for opening the Ka`u Learning Academy campus. See more at www.kaulearning.com. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

REALISTIC MARTIAN COLONY SET UP ON HAWAIIAN VOLCANO is the title of an NBC news segment on the Today Show this morning. The story notes that NASA handpicked six people to live inside a biodome high on Mauna Loa for the HI-SEAS experiment that aims to recreate living conditions for future visitors to Mars. Correspondent Dave Malkofff from The Weather Channel was allowed inside the biodome and reported on the story. He noted that “the Big Island is not a place that would remind most folks of dead, isolated planet Mars….Take a two-hour drive up the side of a still active volcano? You may just forget which planet you are on.”

     Blue Planet Research built the NASA-funded University of Hawai`i habitat for "Astro-Nots," who will live in the bubble on Mauna Loa in six “bedroom pods,” with a dining room and kitchen, the story reported. They will wear a space suit each time they go outside. They will stay in isolation in shifts for four months, eight, months and twelve months, with the current shift beginning this weekend, the NBC news story reported.

Inside the biodome on Mauna Loa. Image from NBC

    Approximately 700 people applied to live in the biodome. Scientists plan to observe the chosen ones to better predict how people will eat and sleep on Mars with similar isolation and living condition. One condition that the research group cannot replicate on Mauna Loa, is that Mars has a third of the gravity pull found on Planet Earth, the story noted.
     The reporter quoted the biodome crew saying that volcanic rocks found on Mauna Loa are nearly identical to volcanic rocks that the rovers find on Mars.
     NASA funded the experiment to also help reduce the risk to space travelers to Mars. The journey from Earth to Mars is projected to take two and a half years and is planned for sometime after the year 2030.
     This Mars experiment and other getting-ready-for-space exploration experiments are not new to Ka`u. Testing of space suits and equipment for moon landings was conducted in the Ka`u Desert. Earlier Mars biodome experimets have been conducted. One of the Mars mission scientists comes to Ka`u every year and stays in Pahala with his students from University of Washington at Saint Louis to study the geology of Ka`u that is similar to Mars.  See the NBC Today Show report at http://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/realistic-martian-colony-set-hawaiian-volcano-n66851. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL 2014 is firming up participants for its annual Ho`olaulea on May 10 at Pahala Community Center. Ka`u Coffee farmers will show off their world class beans with tasting and sales at their booths. The Ka`u Coffee Experience will present the taste and aroma of select Ka`u Coffees, prepared by trained baristas, in a program organized by Ka`u Farm Bureau President Ralph Gaston, Joan Obra and Miguel Meza.

Halau Hula O Leionalani, with dancers from Pahala, will be
in the lineup. See www.kaucoffeefestival.com

   The Ka`u Coffee Festival has grown to ten days of activities.
    Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba is heading up the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant to be held on Sunday, May 4 at Ka`u Coffee Mill. She said the young contenders for Miss Peaberry and the Miss Ka`u Coffee candidates are working hard on their talent under the direction of Nalani Parlin. Tickets for the event are being sold throughout the community and scholarships are rolling in, said Scholarship Chair Julia Neal. To donate for scholarships, call 928-6471.
    In charge of entertainment is coffee farmer Jamie Kailiawa and Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder who have lined up such talent. Entertaining will be Demetrius Oliveira and Keaiwa, Keoki Kahumoku & the Ukulele Kids, Hands of Time, Moses & Eunice and Miss Ka`u Coffee 2013 Tiare-Lee Shibuya, accompanied by Bradley Llanes. Bolo will play his new rendition of the song Kaiholena about the misty mountain of Ka`u, written during a songwriting workshop for an earlier Ka`u Coffee Festival. Dance will be by Halau Hula O Leionalani, of Pahala. and Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu, of Volcano.

Ka`u Coffee Experience brings experts
to pour the brew for tasting on May 10.
See www.kaucoffeefestival.com

      Bolo will kick off the first weekend of the festival at a Pa`ina, Open House and CD Release fundraiser for Miss Ka`u Coffee scholarships at Pahala Plantation House on Friday, May 2 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., co-hosted by Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. On Saturday, May 3, an evening called Taste Success: 3rd Annual Ka`u Farmers Table will be held at the Inn at Kalaekilohana. On Sunday, May 4 will be The Triple C Recipe Contest at Ka`u Coffee Mill at noon, followed by the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant at 6 p.m. On Wednesday, May 7 from 9 a.m to 2 p.m will be the Ka`u Mountain Water Systems Hike at Ka`u Coffee Mill. On Friday, May 9 at 10 a.m. will be Coffee & Cattle Day with lunch at Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm. On Friday, May 9 will be Ka`u Star Gazing from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., starting at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Farm and Mill tours will be all week with special tours on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, starting from Pahala Community Center. On Sunday, May 11, farmers and other coffee industry enthusiasts can attend the Ka`u Coffee College from 9 a.m. to noon.
    For more on each of the events, and fee schedules, see www.kaucofeefestival.com. To sign up to have a booth at the Ho`olaulea, call Brenda Iokepa-Moses at 928-0550. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Judges rate the many recipes made with 100% Ka`u Coffee.
See www.kaucoffeefesitval.com

THE TRIPLE C RECIPE CONTEST, where amateur and professional cooks and chefs employ Ka`u Coffee to create cookies, candies and cakes, is open for registration. Register by April 25 to win up to $500 at the competition on Sunday, May 4 at Ka`u Coffee Mill. An official event of the Ka`u Coffee Festival, Triple C is sponsored by the Edumund C. Olson Trust II. During the competition there will be music with Keoki Kahumokku & the ‘Ukulele Kids. Meet the current Miss Ka`u Coffee Tiare-Lee Shibuya. Tour Ka`u Coffee Mill and Farms and enjoy Ka`u Coffee tasting. The Triple C Recipe Contest will be followed by the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant, also at Ka`u Coffee Mill. 

    Last year's winners of the Triple C Contest  were Gwen Edwards with Coca Mocha Roca,  Masako Sakata with Ka`u Coffee Cookie Delights, Lisa Dacalio with Ka`u Bull Crackers, Aikane Plantation and Kapolei High School Culinary Program with Ka`u Coffee Brownies, and Trinidad Marques with Ka`u Coffee Melts.     Student winners were Sarah Beth Passarelli with Ka`i Coffee-Chocolate Bites and Lorilee Lokelani Lorenzo with Ka`u Coffee Macnut Candy,

Pam Barton and Caren Loebel-Fried celebrate Kapa Rhythms.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

     Pick up registration forms at Ka`u Coffee Mill on Wood Valley Road above Pahala, open 8:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, or download from www.kaucoffeefestival.com.To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KAPA RHYTHMS is the title of the new exhibit at Volcano Art Center Gallery that opens next Saturday, April 5 with a reception from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. The exhibit runs through May 18.
     "Rich traditions and alegends surround kapa, or Hawaiian bark cloth. As a material kapa can transform into an opaque or gossamer fabrid, and lends itself to being woven, sculpted and draped. Traditionally, it served functional purposes, but was often adorned with highly decorative patters," says a statement from VAC. The artists are Pam Barton and Caren Loebel-Fried.
     The gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, March 28, 2014

`Ohelo plants pop up in an area of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park where volunteers cleared invasive Himalayan ginger through ongoing Stewardship at the Summit program. Photo from NPS

THE STATE SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE has given unanimous support to the reappointment of Richard Ha to the Ag Board. Ha, owner of Hamakua Springs Country Farms, supports geothermal energy as a way to lower electricity bills and genetically modified crops as a tool for farmers to create food security in Hawai`i.

      Testimony from Ka`u reflected the statewide trend supporting Ha’s renomination. 

      John Cross, manager of Ka`u lands for the Olson Trust, testified, “You cannot find a more fitting person for this position on the Ag Board. I, along with Mr. Edmund C. Olson and his Trust subsidiaries, strongly support Mr. Ha's nomination.”

Michelle Galimba

      Ka`u rancher and Ag Board member-at-large Michelle Galimba wrote, “Richard is a thought and action leader in the agricultural community. His interest in and advocacy for clean energy initiatives are invaluable.”
      Randy Cabral, orchard manager of Royal Hawaiian Orchards, wrote that Ha “has been a successful farmer for over 35 years and a strong supporter of small farmers. In addition, he is very much involved with various community organizations.”
      Chris Manfredi, former president of Ka`u Farm Bureau and current president of the statewide Farm Bureau, wrote that Ha’s “widely shared opinions on peak oil, alternative energy solutions and profitable (read sustainable) farming are above reproach. He’s just a smart, selfless, innovative, progressive and experienced farmer who understands, respects and knows how to interpret science and technology.”
      Former Ag Department chief Russell Kokubun, of Volcano, testified, “Hamakua Springs is a working model for successful agriculture, and Richard has always demonstrated his willingness to share his experience and knowledge with anyone who wishes to engage. Having known Richard for over 30 years and having served with him on the BOA, I can say unequivocally that he is an honorable person who has a deep commitment to Hawai`i. which is reflected in his dedication to the agricultural industry in our state.”

Russell Kokubun

      Jeff McCall, of Wood Valley, said Ha is a “longtime farmer and a great representative of Hawai`i agriculture – very innovative and forward thinking.”
      Lynn Hamilton, of Pahala, wrote that Ha “sees food security as a priority and understands the connection of agriculture and energy. Lowering food cost for both the farmer and the customer is most important. The state is fortunate to have such a qualified person willing to give his time and talents to his fellow citizens.”
      Much of the testimony opposing Ha’s reappointment mentioned his support of GMOs. Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte, of Moloka`i, wrote that the board “is already over-populated with GMO supporters and is losing credibility as a neutral body. This is the same trend that is happening at the national level of the ‘revolving door.’”
      This and other testimony is available at capitol.hawaii.gov. Bill number is GM598.
      Ha’s nomination now goes to the full Senate for a vote.

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KAU’S SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN, who had launched an email campaign fighting Richard Ha’s renomination to the state Ag Board, said that, after a meeting with Ha, “we left laughing and shaking hands and vowing to work together” on areas of common ground, including food security and renewable energy. Ruderman told Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, that he was concerned Ha would support biotech over organic agriculture, but he now supports Ha’s renomination.
      Ha has written on his blog at hahaha.hamakuasprings.com that he is in favor of organic, hydroponic, conventional, big farmers and small farmers, saying, “We need to find ways to coexist.”
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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Mina Morita

MINA MORITA, CHAIR OF HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, will continue in her position “on a holdover basis beyond June 30, 2014 when her term ends,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie has announced. “We are at a very critical juncture in developing our clean energy future, and the Public Utilities Commission needs stability to continue to address many of the important regulatory issues before it,” Abercrombie said. 

      The decision follows reports that Abercrombie would perhaps replace her after she and fellow commissioners Michael Champley and Lorraine Akiba rejected two proposed 20-year contracts between `Aina Koa Pono and Hawai`i Electric Light Co. AKP planned to build a refinery above Pahala to make biofuel for HELCO from feedstock grown in Ka`u.
      Addressing accusations that Morita and her husband have illegal vacation rentals on conservation property, Abercrombie said, “At the present time, Chair Morita has business before the Board of Land and Natural Resources, which must be addressed. She will continue to serve in the position while these issues are being resolved.”

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HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND & NATURAL RESOURCES is accelerating forest protection to secure water supply. More than 140,000 acres of forest lands in Hawai`i are now being managed to conserve Hawai`i’s forests through funding provided by Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s “The Rain Follows the Forest” Watershed Initiative. That number will increase to more than 480,000 acres by the time projects currently funded are completed.

DLNR's The Rain Follows the Forest program conserves
forests to secure water supply.

      The administration’s goal, announced is to double the acreage of protected watershed forests in a decade. Abercrombie said, “My administration is supportive of the state Legislature’s consideration of a funding source for the watershed protection.”
      Abercrombie has proposed in his supplemental budget $11 million for watershed protection in fiscal year 2015, as a continuation of his New Day plan to steward Hawai`i’s natural resources.
      Forests protect Hawai`i’s fresh water sources as Hawai`i’s climate becomes hotter and drier. “Changing climate and species invasion are threatening Hawai`i’s fresh water supplies,” said Dr. Tom Giambelluca, a professor of geography at University of Hawai`i at Manoa who specializes in Hawai`i’s climate. “Forests are a major part of the water equation because they intercept water from the clouds and reduce direct runoff. The types of forests also matter,” he said. “A forest of invasive strawberry guava trees can evaporate 27 percent more water than native `ohi`a forests. When the native forests are replaced by more water-thirsty invasive species, large amounts of water can be lost over millions of acres.”

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Jo Caron

AT AN ECSTATIC DANCE WORKSHOP Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Ocean View, Jo Caron guides participants exploring the Five Rhythms of Gabrielle Roth. No dance experience is necessary. $35 suggested donation. Call 443-6993 to register and for directions.

GREEN SAND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION has invited Ha`ao Springs & Mountain House Agricultural Water Cooperative to give an informational presentation on its project.

Invasive Himalayan ginger
Photo from NPS

      At Green Sand Community Park on Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m., Bill Savage, member and director on the co-op, will discuss bringing irrigation water from mauka to makai. Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford will be in attendance, and light pupus and beverages will be served. 

      For more information, see haaosprings.org or call 936-0141.

VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP PROTECT the Hawaiian ecosystem from invasive, non-native plant species through Stewardship at the Summit programs in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Stewardship at the Summit begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon on April 5, 12, 18, 23 and 30; May 9, 17, 23, and 30; and June 6, 13, 20, and 27. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center at 9 a.m. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. 

      Within the last year, volunteers have restored more than 15 acres of native rainforest within the national park. Countless Himalayan ginger, faya, strawberry guava, and other invasive, non-native plants that threaten the native understory near the summit of Kilauea volcano have been removed. In their place, once-shaded `ama`u and hapu`u tree ferns have re-emerged, and pa`iniu, kawa`u and other important native plants are returning to the stewardship plots.
      “We welcome first-time visitors, repeat volunteers and residents alike. It’s always a fun and rewarding way to spend a few hours,” said volunteer project leader Paul Field. “We supply the tools, you supply the energy to help keep the beautiful Hawaiian rainforest intact and thriving.”

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

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, March 27, 2014

Aloha Bluegrass Band, with Keoki Kahumoku and friends, raised money last night for their children's education workshops with a
 concert at Pahala Plantation Manager's House. Photo by Julia Neal

AN ASPIRING KA`U CHAPTER of Hawai‘i Farmers Union United invites the public to a meeting on Saturday, April 19 at 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Speakers include Vincent Mina, President of the state board of Hawai`i Farmers Union United. Also on the agenda is Bob Shaffer, a coffee farmer and agronomist with Soil Culture Consulting. One of the organizers of the new chapter, Malian Lahey, said all farmers and others interested in the future of agriculture in Ka`u are invited to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring potluck items made from local ingredients.

      Hawai`i Farmers Union United’s mission statement says the organization “advocates for the sovereign right of farmers to create and sustain vibrant and prosperous agricultural communities for the benefit of all Hawai`i through cooperation, education and legislation.” It says the Hawai`i division of the Farmers Union is “recognized and respected in representing a family of farmers here in Hawai`i. Hawai`i Farmers Union empowers island farmers to earn a prosperous living through regenerative stewardship of our lands, waters and communities. Hawai`i Farmers Union serves as a bridge between farmers and consumers through vibrant, local, community Farmers Union chapters in all districts on all islands.”

Vincent Mina will be a keynote speaker at the first Hawai`i Farmers Union United
meeting in Ka`u next month. Photo from Vincent Mina

      Keynote speaker Mina is co-owner/operator of a family farm Kahanu `Aina Greens on Maui with his wife Irene and two children. Making a living on 2,000 square feet producing baby greens in plant-based compost, he has been advocating for small farmers’ rights since being President of Hawai`i Organic Farmers Association in 1997, according to a statement from HFUU. Mina also served as secretary for the Maui County Farm Bureau from 2005 to 2008, President of the Maui Chapter of Hawai`i Farmers Union United from 2011 to 2013 and the state President of Hawai`i Farmers Union United from 2012 to the present. Along with Irene Mina, he co-founded in 2001 Maui Aloha `Aina Association, a nonprofit organization “that promotes life-nurturing practices for the body and the soil through education outreach services,” HFUU notes. Mina has produced 11 conferences since 2001.
      Mina said, “We are on the threshold of our islands becoming a leader in producing a majority of our food, fiber and fuel through the use of regenerative and restorative practices done with a whole systems approach in ecological agriculture. “
      According to HFUU, as state president, “Vincent has focused on the issues and needs of our small family farmers, building chapter strength and consistency of chapter meetings on each island along with surveying the membership to find out what direction our members want us to go in advocating for programs that serve the interest of our small ecological farmers.”

      The second keynote speaker, Shaffer, said that “the foundation of sustainability begins with respect for nature and feeding the soil.” He is a horticulturist, agronomist and viticulturist for Soil Culture Consulting. He has been consulting and training farmers in sustainable, science-based farming systems in subtropical and temperate environments for 35 years. He is a regular presenter at ACRES USA conferences.
      Shaffer has expertise in development and management of cover-crop systems for farms, orchards and vineyards. He “looks at cover crops from a whole-farm perspective including soil biology,” the HFUU statement says, including “soil physics and how the cover crop interrelates with food production and quality.”
      According to the HFUU statement, the organization “works closely with farmers to develop policy that will then be brought to legislators on the national and state level. At the April 19 meeting, we will hold a World Café session, where anyone who attends can talk about what their priorities are for agriculture-related policy.”
      HFUU also plans a legislative retreat on Maui June 22-23 to develop strategy for the 2015 legislative session.
      Specific help for Ka`u Farmers, according to the statement, involves supporting tax exemptions and deductions for farmers; support for small and medium family farmers and growers using regenerative techniques; and support for various food security task forces and help guide strategy on Hawai`i’s food production into the future.”
      For more information, contact Lahey at 503-575-9098 or malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.

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Jade Tredinnick, of Volcano School of Arts and Sciences,
and Keoni Taylor, of Ka`u High School, are regulars at
Keoki Kahumoku workshops. Photo by Julia Neal

A CONCERT AND FUNDRAISER for the educational programs of the Aloha Bluegrass Band drew about 85 people to Pahala Plantation
Managers House last night. The group, which plays Bluegrass and Piligrass music, features stand-up bass, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar and `ukulele with Keoki Kahumoku. The band plays at Blue Dragon Restaurant in Kawaihae tonight and at the Palace Theatre on Friday. The musicians teach music at children’s workshops on the Big Island, Maui and on the mainland with a concert each year in Pahala.

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DANIEL MORIARTY IS RECOVERING from being shot at his home in Ocean View two weeks ago, reports Chelsea Jensen in West Hawai`i Today. He is receiving treatment at the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific on O`ahu. “I am doing exceptionally well. Everybody is saying I am doing good, and I feel I’m at 150 percent,” he told Jensen. “It’s looking like I will walk again at some point — but the extent of that is impossible to say.”
      Moriarty said he expects to be back home in a couple of weeks. He said friends and family are getting the house ready to accommodate him.
      Moriarty told Jensen he attributes his recovery to a combination of “using every possible tool we can,” including modern medicine and energy prayer.
      Regarding his assailant, longtime friend Clyde Hawse “Cris” Criswell, Moriarty said he forgave him “when I was still laying on the floor. I knew in his right mind he would never do something like that and he could never see himself doing something like that.” He said Criswell had “too much alcohol, and something snapped in his brain.”
      A fundraising account to help the family with mounting bills has been set up under the name of Brooke Moriarty at HFS Federal Credit Union. Call Ray Henderson at 929-9693 for more information.

Ka`u's U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

      Donation jars have also been placed in Ka`u businesses. In Na`alehu, jars are at Hana Hou Restaurant and Island Market. In Ocean View, jars are at Rancho Ace Hardware, Ocean View Pizzeria, Kahuku Country Store, Replay, Ka`u Business Services, Coffee Grinds Restaurant, DJ’s Pizza and Bakeshop, Ocean View Auto Parts, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and Spin Zone Wash.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.

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“I WELCOME THE NEWS OF THE PRESIDENT moving toward ending the sweeping collection of our personal data, and look forward to reviewing the President’s legislative proposal,” said Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The President’s proposal to overhaul its surveillance programs includes ending bulk collection and storage of phone records.
      Gabbard said, “For years, millions of Americans have been kept in the dark about the collection of their personal data by their own government, in the name of national security, without any evidence that such intrusive actions were effective in preventing attacks on our country. I will continue working toward bringing about reforms that strike the necessary balance of protecting our constitutional right to privacy and maintaining strong national security. The American people should not have to choose between the two.”                          To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Mother and father nene seen on O`ahu are from Hawai`i Island.
Image from Hawai`i News Now

NEW PARENTS OF THREE NENE GOSLINGS on O`ahu are from Hawai`i Island, according to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. They are the first nene to be seen on O`ahu since the 1700s. Scientists suspect the birds were on their way to Kaua`i for the nesting season when they stopped in Kahuku. Originally from Kaua`i, the birds, tagged K59 and K60, were previously moved to Maui and then Hawai`i Island. 

TONIGHT IS KARAOKE NIGHT at Kilauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Beginning at 7 p.m., the activity is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park presents Aloha Friday on the porch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with variable hula art offerings of hula lessons, lei making, storytelling, lauhala weaving or `ukulele lessons. Everyone is welcome to this free event. Donations are welcome, and park entrance fees apply.

KILAUEA LU`AU BUFFET TOMORROW from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. features a free hula show at 7 p.m. At Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, the menu includes kalua pork and cabbage, shoyu chicken, breaded ono, chicken long rice and more. Adults $15.25; $8 children 6-11 years old. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8356.

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