Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014

Quilting is a new category in Ka`u Chamber of Commerce's current Art Show, where Ka`u residents can vote for art to grace the cover of The Directory 2015. Quilt by Ric Stark; Photo from Donna Masaniai

LAVA-PRONE AREAS IN KA`U MAY BENEFIT from experiments and precautions Hawai`i Electric Light Co. is conducting and implementing in Puna to keep power on in case lava continues moving through the district toward the ocean.

Dark red shows areas of active lava flows as of yesterday. Map from USGS/HVO

      One concept involves fortifying bases of power poles to keep them from burning and falling if lava reaches them. According to a story in West Hawai`i Today, HELCO is using cinder-filled dry well pipes six feet tall and nine feet in diameter to encase bases of poles, creating a buffer between insulation-wrapped poles and the pipes. The outsides of the pipes also have mounds of cinder surrounding them. HELCO spokeswoman Rhea Lee told reporter Colin M. Stewart that lava, when it hits objects, tends to act much like water and flows around them rather than continue to move forward. “This is experimental,” Lee said. “We don’t know if it will work. But we hope it will.”
      HELCO is also considering increasing the distance between utility poles. Taller, reinforced poles can increase the average distance between poles from 250 feet to up to 1,800 feet, Lee told Stewart. This would theoretically lower the number of poles in harm’s way.
      Placing large-capacity generators in areas that could be cut off by lava is another option HELCO is pursuing.

      This morning, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists reported that lobes of lava are creeping northeast around the north side of the existing flow. Also, a lower volume of lava than two weeks ago during a period of more rapid flow-front advancement is moving through the tube from Puʻu ʻŌʻō.
      See westhawaiitoday.com and hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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Rep. Richard Creagan

SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGALIZED FOR CLINICS on the Big Island? Should it be legalized altogether, including recreational use? Should it be legal to farm marijuana in Hawai`i? Studying in the potential health and social benefits and risks of marijuana is a matter that Rep. Richard Creagan promises to take up at the next state Legislature should he be elected and keep his seat representing West Ka`u and up the coast to Kona.
      During the September Ka`u Farmers Union United meeting held in Na`alehu, Creagan, who is also a physician, said he would propose enabling legislation in the 2014 state House of Representatives calling for local decision making on these subjects. He contended that decisions on regulating marijuana should be as local as possible. Some communities in Hawai`i might want to farm marijuana. Some might want marijuana clinics. Some may see marijuana as too risky.
      Hawai`i Farmers Union United president Vince Mina said there is more effort being put into the farming of marijuana strains to maximize their characteristics for medical use, such as for pain, rather than maximizing THC contents that get people high.
      Dave Bateman, the Republican who is running against Creagan, a Democrat, in the General Election on Nov. 4, states on his campaign website bateman2014.com that he opposes decriminalization and legalization of marijuana. “Where are the studies that assess impacts on children if they are allowed access by parents and on their academic and social growth? What is the impact on job performance with the adults? What are the social/economic impacts of more adults using marijuana? What are the social impacts arising from more drivers driving while impaired? These questions need to be asked and answered,” writes Bateman on his website.

Dave Bateman

      Bateman contends that “scientific research on this issue and my years of experience defending many of these kinds of cases while on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, as a JAG (military attorney) back in the 1970s, have convinced me that marijuana is a dangerous gateway drug that will lead to more serious drug use such as meth, amphetamines, cocaine, crack and other dangerous level II drugs. Hawai`i already has a known serious drug abuse problem with meth. Knowing that marijuana is a gateway to these kinds of higher level abuses, and more addictive (Schedule 1) drugs, why would we want marijuana to be used recreationally? It is guaranteed that this will lead to other more serious drug addictions. And we don’t want more impaired drivers on the road maiming or killing other drivers and pedestrians,” Bateman writes.
      During the HFUU meeting, Creagan also noted legalization downsides and said that each island should decide on its regulation of marijuana. Several people brought up the fact that marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Creagan said that many states are drecriminalizing and legalizing use of marijuana in various forms, sending a message to the federal government not to prosecute where it is legalized by states.

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A HIGHER EDUCATION SOURCE FOR MANY KA`U STUDENTS, Hawai`i Community College is one of seven statewide that will benefit from nearly $10 million in grant funding as part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative. This is the fourth and final installment of the $2 billion initiative aimed at creating and supporting new job training partnerships between community colleges, local businesses and state workforce training systems.

Sen. Mazie Hirono

      “By the time this year’s freshman are ready to graduate high school in 2018, estimates show that two-thirds of the jobs in Hawai`i will require education or training beyond a high school diploma,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “Hawai`i’s community colleges provide an important option to prepare Hawai`i students for higher-skilled jobs in fields like information technology, cybersecurity and health care. The U.S. Department of Labor’s investment in the U.H. Community College Consortium’s efforts is moving Hawai`i toward a more secure and sustainable economic future.”
      Over the last four years, the U.S. Department of Labor has invested more than $52 million in Hawai`i. In 2010, as a member of the Education and Workforce Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, then-Congresswoman Hirono fought for the inclusion of this four-year, $2 billion funding for community college job training in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, which President Barack Obama signed into law. Hawai`i community colleges have won significant funding in each of the four rounds of competition.

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HPR President and General Manager Michael Titterton
Photo from HPR

HAWAI`I PUBLIC RADIO, WHICH IS BROADCASTING its statewide programming through KAHU-FM radio in Pahala, goes on the air with its fall pledge drive Celebration 2014 tomorrow at 6:19 a.m. For the first time in many years, the station’s pledge goal of $1,032,000 remains the same as the last fund drive. Early giving to Celebration 2014 totaling more than $100,000 has already reduced the remaining amount to be raised.

      Over 11,000 individual members and more than a hundred corporate underwriters currently support the station. Michael Titterton, HPR’s President and General Manager, said, “Our pledge goals are always carefully calculated to raise just what the station needs to stay in business for the next six months, not a dollar more, not a dollar less. Each drive, the target amount has risen slightly; but this fall, we are thrilled to be going into the fundraiser with a goal that is unchanged from this past spring. This is due to the growing number of our members who are choosing to make automatic payments on a regular monthly basis. That kind of sustained support gives us not only precious predictable income, but takes some of the pressure off the semi-annual pledge drives.”

      Highlights of the pledge drive include the premium offer of ten frequent flyer miles on Hawaiian Airlines for every dollar donated to HPR. Also, in the Radio Flyers Program, donors can choose to re-gift the miles to Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children’s Family Fund, to assist Neighbor Island families seeking treatment at Kapi‘olani with their travel needs.

      Through Oct.10, membership pledges are accepted toll-free at 888-970-8800 or 877-941-3689. Online donations may be made at hawaiipublicradio.org.

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KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S ART SHOW continues at CU Hawai`i Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Thursday. Along with People’s Choice, which will be on the cover of The Directory 2015, first, second and third place will be awarded in categories of Graphic, Wood, Craft, Sculpture and Quilting. Keiki categories for grades one through six are Graphic and Photo.

KA`U YOGIS CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE THIRD annual Time for Yoga Global Community Practice as National Yoga Month Goes Global today at 7 p.m. local time at Na`alehu Hongwanji Mission. Yoga students of all levels are encouraged to practice as an international observance and the culmination of Yoga Month. For more information, call 937-7940.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Sept. 29, 2014

Reopening Chain of Craters Road, which has been closed for years by lava flows, will increase Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's traffic management, maintenance and operating costs, according to Superintendent Cindy Orlando. Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is preparing for a huge increase in traffic once Chain of Craters Road opens for Puna residents in the event that lava covers Hwy 130 near Pahoa and cuts off access to the rest of the island.

A sign nearly buried by lava covering Chain of Craters Road warns
drivers that the road is closed. Photo from NPS

      “Our law enforcement presence is going to have to go way up because we don’t want illegal fishing along the coast,” Superintendent Cindy Orlando told Dan Nakaso, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “We’re going to have to patrol it regularly so we don’t have illegal activities down there. We’re also going to require a lot more traffic management, and that 19 miles (of Chain of Craters Road) is also going to have increased maintenance and operating costs.”
      Orlando hopes to get more rangers and specially trained law enforcement rangers from other national parks in Hawai`i or from the mainland.
      “And we still have to take care of the 5,000 visitors we get every day,” she said.
      Nakaso reported that, according to Orlando, the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Environmental Planning is requiring the portion of the road on federal land to be one lane of unpaved road to protect Hawaiian archaeological sites and endangered species, including the nene.

      “There will be impacts,” Orlando told Nakaso. “I hope people remember that this is a national park and we need to ensure the impacts are lessened as much as possible. With one lane, we do not expect any significant impacts.”

  

      While the flow has been stalled for several days, it is showing signs of activity, with breakouts upslope from the flow front having advanced to the north about 100 yards, Civil Defense reported this morning.

Breakouts upslope of the Puna flow front are more active. Photo from
Hawai`i County Civil Defense

      See honolulustaradvertiser.com.

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OTHER OPTIONS HAWAI`I COUNTY OFFICIALS are considering are building a bridge over the lava flow expected to cross Hwy 130 and taking out part of the road to allow lava to flow across the area rather than be impeded by man-made berms.
      Regarding the bridge, county spokesman Kevin Dayton told Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reporter Tom Callis, “We’re asking if something could be constructed. We don’t know” if that’s possible.
      According to Callis, removing a stretch of the road could help keep the lava’s path narrower over the route and allow it to cool sooner if the flow stops. County officials say that could make it easier for crews to re-establish the highway.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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HAWAI`I ISLAND RANCHERS MAKE MORE MONEY by shipping cattle to the mainland, according to a story in West Hawai`i Today. Prices for beef cattle in drought-stricken areas of the mainland are currently $2.25 per pound, compared to $1.50 to $1.65 per pound in Hawai`i.
      Although consumers increasing want local, organic and healthy meats, 60 to 70 percent of local beef is shipped out of state. Glen Fukumoto, an extension agent with the University of Hawai`i’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, told reporter Brett Yager that current infrastructure can’t support much increased production in the short term. Fukumoto also said more pressure comes from high water costs and development pressures.
      Yager reported that less than nine percent of beef consumed in the state is local. If ranchers kept all their beef cattle here, it would meet less than 40 percent of demand, Fukumoto said.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.

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A small wasp could help control Mediterranean fruit flies in Ka`u Coffee
and fruit orchards. Photo from speciesfile.org

THE STATE OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL is accepting public comment through Oct. 23 on the University of Hawai`i’s application to the state Department of Agriculture and Board of Agriculture for a permit to release wasps as a biological control of Mediterranean fruit flies. Fopius ceratitivorus combats Mediterranean fruit fly found in coffee and other crops throughout Hawai`i by laying its eggs in the pests’ larvae.
      The target pest, Ceratitis capitata, is one of the most important agricultural pests in the world, infesting hundreds of species of fruits and vegetables, according to the application. In Hawai`i, it is a direct pest and a quarantine pest of crops including citrus, eggplant, guava, loquat, mango, melon, papaya, passion fruit, peach, pepper, persimmon, plum, star fruit, tomato and zucchini. Current control practices for medfly rely on a combination of pesticide-treated bait sprays and field sanitation, use of sterile insects, release of mass-reared parasitoids and semio-chemical-based male annihilation. “The sustainability of the latter three techniques, once the federal government stops the influx of implementation funding, is questionable. The use of GF-120 as a bait spray is safer than the previous alternative (malathion); but has nevertheless been shown to be toxic to a wide array of beneficial and non-target insects,” the application states.
      “Numerous entomologists have emphasized the importance and potential economic benefit of introducing new parasitoids of tephritid fruit flies into Hawai`i and other infested regions. Biological control is increasingly viewed as a practical, safe and economically effective means of fruit fly control, and its importance continues to grow as pesticide use becomes more restricted. Imported parasitoids can incrementally increase fly mortality, reduce infestations and contribute to a systems approach to quarantine security for fruit and vegetable industry exports.”
      See oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov.

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Ka`u residents still have time to register
to vote in the General Election.

ONE MORE WEEK REMAINS TO REGISTER to vote. During the two weeks prior to the Nov. 4 General Election, absentee walk-in voting will be available at Pahala Community Center. 

      Voters have five proposed state constitutional amendments and one proposed amendment to the County Charter to vote on this General Election. One state constitutional amendment relating to disclosure of judicial nominees asks, “Shall the Judicial Selection Commission, when presenting a list of nominees to the governor or the chief justice to fill a vacancy in the office of the chief justice, Supreme Court, intermediate appellate court, circuit courts or district courts, be required, at the same time, to disclose that list to the public?”
      Another relating to agricultural enterprises asks, “Shall the state be authorized to issue special purpose revenue bonds and use the proceeds from the bonds to assist agricultural enterprises on any type of land, rather than only important agricultural lands?”
      The state Legislature proposed that the mandatory retirement age for all state court justices and judges be increased from seventy to eighty years of age. Voters will decide next month.
      Relating to early childhood education, another proposed amendment asks, “Shall the appropriation of public funds be permitted for the support or benefit of private early childhood education programs that shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex or ancestry, as provided by law?”
      The fifth proposed amendment asks, “Shall the state be authorized to issue special purpose revenue bonds and use the proceeds from the bonds to offer loans to qualifying dam and reservoir owners to improve their facilities to protect public safety and provide significant benefits to the general public as important water sources?”
      Term of appointment for the County Clerk is the subject of a proposed Hawai`i County Charter amendment that would create a four-year term for the position, with the County Council having the authority to remove the County Clerk from office by a two-thirds vote of its membership.
      Voter registration forms are available at local post offices and libraries and online at hawaiicounty.gov/elections-voter-registration.

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KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S ART SHOW began today at CU Hawai`i Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Thursday. Along with People’s Choice, which will be on the cover of The Directory 2015, first, second and third place will be awarded in categories of Graphic, Wood, Craft, Sculpture and Quilting. Keiki categories for grades one through six are Graphic and Photo.

KA`U YOGIS CAN BE A PART OF THE THIRD annual Time for Yoga Global Community Practice as National Yoga Month Goes Global. Yoga studios, teachers and students unite on tomorrow, Sept. 30 for a worldwide yoga practice.
      At 7 p.m. local time at Na`alehu Hongwanji Mission, yoga students of all levels are encouraged to practice yoga as an international observance and the culmination of Yoga Month. A gentle one-hour yoga practice will be followed by savasana at 8 p.m. and a 15-minute meditation for universal peace and well-being at 8:15 p.m. “By participating during your own local time, a wave of yoga will take place around the globe,” said yoga teacher Stephanie Pepper.
      September is National Yoga Month, a national observance designed to build awareness of yoga’s health benefits and provide people with actionable guidance and tools to enhance their own well-being.
      Pepper is offering a free yoga class to new students through October. She teaches each Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Na`alehu Hongwanji. For more information, call 937-7940.

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

See  kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014

Ka`u's late former state Rep. Bob Herkes, at center wearing red and white lei, participated in groundbreaking for Ka`u Shelter & Gym in Oct. 2012. Photos by Geneveve Fyvie

NAMING THE NEW KA`U COMMUNITY SHELTER after the late Rep. Bob Herkes was proposed by Mayor Billy Kenoi yesterday at services for Herkes in Hilo. Kenoi called Herkes “a fighter for Ka`u,” referring to his accomplishments in bringing mobile health care to remote communities, funding for the new emergency shelter and gym next to Ka`u High School and helping to bring potable water to Ocean View. Hotelier Peter Fithian lauded Herke’s work in the tourism industry, where he managed the Naniloa Hotel in its heyday, among other properties. Proclamations from Gov. Neil Abercrombie, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and Lt. Gov. Tsutsui were presented.

Rep. Bob Herkes led the campaign for a disaster shelter in Ka`u for nearly a decade.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie released funds for it to the County of Hawai`i.

      Uncle Bobby Gomes, of Pahala, praised Herke’s work for Ka`u, particularly for the emergency shelter that is nearing completion. Phoebe Gomes and others joined him in performing Momi O Pakipika and Ku`uipo `Ikahe`u Pue One.
      State of Hawai`i and U.S. flags flew half-mast for the day throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
     After the ceremonies, Jack Herkes, brother of Bob Herkes, noted their grandfather’s efforts in researching and helping to construct the water system for the sugar industry in Ka`u.

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KA`U FARMERS UNION elected officers last night. Malian Lahey, of Wood Valley, who had been acting president, is president. Vice President is state House of Representatives member for west Ka`u, Richard Creagan. Secretary is Marla Hunter, and Treasurer is Richard Abbett.
      The group was joined by statewide President Vince Mina from Maui, who encouraged the members to continue to promote and operate small family farms that grow food for people who live here.

Malian Lahey

      He said that he and his family make a living on an urban farm in downtown Wailuku with 2,000 square feet of greens. He said his family farm in not only producing every week, but that farming has meant a lot to his children growing up.
      Mina encouraged more local production of food. “We are importing 90 percent of our food, and we are out there telling people (visitors) to come to paradise but, by the way, can you bring your food with you?”
      Mina talked about the need to understand the microclimates and ahupua`a in Hawai`i to know how to grow food in the many environments of the Hawaiian Islands. He noted that the quest for everyone to have a good view from homes and other buildings has led to many wind abatements being gone, and some of the microclimates “have dried out.”
      He talked about “slowed down” farming to “provide food for people who live here.”
      As President of the state Hawai`i Farmers Union United, Mina recently visited Congress and the Union’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. He said that during the union’s meetings, he proposed a motion to support regenerative agriculture to rebuild soils around the country. He said the motion was approved and a national committee formed, which he chairs. “We are farmers, not miners,” he noted, pointing to responsibility for building rather than depleting and killing soils. “There are dead soils and living soils, and we (farmers) are all in between."  He suggested heading in the direction of rebuilding living soils to “ramp up the vitality of the land.”
       Lahey talked about an agricultural park for Ka`u and said that the one in Kohala is becoming successful. Creagan also talked about an ag park, possibly on state lands.

Vince Mina

       Creagan talked about the upcoming legislative session and said that farmers need more voice. He said that the Farm Bureau “sucks all the oxygen out of the room unless there’s another voice.” He and others in the discussion talked about having a diverse representation of farmers and a positive message.

      The advertising currently on television calling proposed pesticide and GMO regulation anti-farming was called into question. David Case, an attorney and Kona Coffee farmer, noted that Japanese and most European markets do not accept GMO foods and that exports of Hawai`i foods could collapse in those markets if GMO crops cross-pollinated with non-GMO crops. He said current GMO legislation on the Big Island attempts to keep GMOs where they are – GMO papayas where they are currently grown and GMO corn in Hamakua. The purpose of the bill is solely to control cross pollination of GMO with non-GMO crops, he explained. "That is why HFUU supported the bill - and was the only statewide agriculture organization to do so," he later said.

      There was discussion on GMO corn having a bacterium found in nature and genetically engineered into the plant. Mina said that in nature the presence of the BT pulsates, but in the GMO plant the bacterium “is on 24 hours,” leading to death of monarch butterflies and honeybees.
      He noted that 590 people showed up for the first public hearing on regulating GMOs and pesticides in Hawai`i County and that the bill passed and was signed by the mayor, though it is being challenged in court.
      Mina and others noted that the Farmers Union has members who use and members who don’t use GMO crops. However, he said, “I don’t know anyone who likes to walk around in a moon suit to spray” poisons.
      Several talked about the intersection of health care and growing food. “They are intertwined and synergistic,” said Creagan. “If you don’t eat, you are not healthy. The right kind of food is medicine, particularly with such diseases as obesity and diabetes,” he said.
      Mina said his attitude toward farming is wrapped up in the way he lives. “I want to be okay. I don’t want to be rich. I don’t want to be right. I want to be okay,” and growing food helps him toward that goal, he said.
    The next Ka`u Farmers Union United meeting is Friday, Oct. 17 at Na`alehu Community Center at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

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Ocean View Community Center offers teleconferencing for Hawai`i County
Council and committee meetings.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES meet Tuesday at Council Chambers in Hilo. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
      Proposed changes to property tax exemptions are on the Finance Committee’s agenda at 9 a.m. Bill 292 would require a person applying for an exemption from the real property tax rate on a principal home to file a Hawai`i State Income Tax Return as a full-year resident for each fiscal year that the exemption is sought.
      Bill 293 would eliminate the one-half year application of a home exemption.
      Bill 294 would increases from $40,000 to $60,000 the property value subject to total exemption from real property taxes and would increase by the same amounts the exemption that can be applied to properties valued in excess of $60,000.
      Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability Committee continues its discussion regarding labeling of coffee 11 a.m. The agenda states that public testimony on the item is concluded.
      At 1:30 p.m., the committee considers a resolution by Ka`u’s council member Brenda Ford urging the Board of Water Supply to authorize the acquisition of land required for development of a second Ocean View Well, a reservoir, support facilities and water main to connect with the existing well in its five-year plan. It also authorizes the Department of Water Supply to engineer and construct the well and all accessory facilities.
      Public Safety & Mass Transit Committee meets at 3 p.m. to discuss Primary Election problems and County Clerk Stewart Maeda’s plan to prevent disruption of the 2014 General Election in the event of a disaster.

Trojan boys Titan Ault, at left and Travis Taylor represented Ka`u High at BIIF
bowling finals at Kona Bowl yesterday, along with Coach Hi`ilani Lapera.
Photo by Taylor's Treasures Photography

      “I requested that the County Clerk provide the Council Committee members with a written emergency plan for the current lava flow and future storms. All of our Primary and General Elections occur during hurricane season, and emergency preparedness for disasters is critical,” said Ka`u’s County Council member Brenda Ford. “It is my hope that the County Office of Elections will be able to provide public information in sufficient time for any changes made to the General Election Day processes due to the lava flow, any storms, or other potential disasters.”

      Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

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IN TROJAN BOWLING, Lanni Ah Yee is holding an average score that ranks her in the top 20 varsity girls on the island, while Kathryn Padaray ranks in the top 30. In Trojan boys bowling, Cameron Enriques ranks in the top 15 islandwide, while Travis Taylor, J-R Albos and Jamal Buyan rank in the top 25, and Trevor Taylor, Jacob Flores, Titan Ault and Kaweni Ibarra rank in the top 30.

      Ault and Taylor participated in BIIF finals yesterday.

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AGE-GROUP RESULTS FOR KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN Half Marathon have been announced. Placing in men’s and women’s divisions were:

• 20 – 29: first place Kenneth Stover 2:05:00.62 and Marie Bourcier 3:04:26.33, second place Curtis Neck 2:05:57.93 and Kyra Bronson 3:09:19, third place Dean Baldwin 2:14:18.95 and Callie Webster 3:27:11.51 
• 30 – 39: first place Mikio Mayazoe 2:13:53.38 and Lindy Washburn 2:23:51.28, second place Loren Williams 2:14:02.83 and Sarah Weiss 2:25:44.25, third place Patrick Leatherman 2:21:59.51 and Rachel Mason 2:35:32.81; 
• 40 – 49: first place Alan Ryan 1:59:59.10 and Kendra Ignacio 2:35:01.70, second place Alan Reynolds 2:09:56.78 and Renee Rintala 2:38:25.55, third place Shawn Mishler 2:22:21.11 and Tucker Anglese 2:40:46.67; 
• 50 – 59: first place Adam Busek 2:15:28.02 and Lynne Brauher 3:30:55.68, second place Deen Tsukamoto 2:29:31.96 and Carla Cheek 3:650:32.86; 
• 60 – 69: Hermann Dittrich 2:35:02.15 and Maggie Murphy 3:46:43.76. 

      See okaukakou.org for more results and photos.

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VOTING FOR ART TO GRACE THE COVER of The Directory 2015 begins tomorrow at CU Hawai`i Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Along with People’s Choice, first, second and third place winners will be awarded in categories of Graphic, Wood, Craft, Sculpture and Quilting. Keiki categories for grades one through six are Graphic and Photo.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014

With the game tied and one minute remaining, Ka`u High Trojan eight-man football team member Cy Tamura ran 35 yards for a touchdown and victory over Kamehamaha-Hawai`i Junior Varsity. Photo by Nalani Parlin

Bob Herkes

AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR THE LATE FORMER state legislator Robert “Bob” Herkes, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has ordered that flags of the United States and state of Hawai`i shall be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawai`i National Guard, from sunrise to sunset today, the day of his memorial service. He died Aug. 21 at the age of 83.
      Herkes served on the Hawai`i County Council from 1984 to 1987, when he was appointed by Gov. John Waihe`e to fill a Hawai`i Island state Senate seat vacated by Richard Henderson. He then went on to serve in the state House from 1992 to 2000 and 2002 to 2012.

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A NEW BATTERY TO STORE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY could change the dynamics of the quest for more renewable energy, and Hawai`i, with solar and wind, “is an attractive market,” according to a science report from BBC News.
      Jonathan Webb reported that U.S. engineers have invented a new liquid battery that uses lead instead of more expensive metals for its negative electrode.

A new battery to store intermittent energy like that create by South Point windmills
could change the dynamics of the quest for more renewable energy.
Photo by Peter Anderson

      Along with a layer of lead, the battery contains layers of salt and lithium. Movement between the top land and bottom layers of materials causes generation and consumption of electricity, senior researcher Prof Donald Sadoway, of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told the BBC.
      The battery also doesn’t require as much heat to operate. Earlier designs had to be kept at 700 degrees Celcius, while this one operates at 450C.
      According to Webb, Sadoway’s company Ambri plans to have demonstration units running in Hawai`i and Massachusetts within a year. “They’ve got sun, they’ve got wind, but both of those are intermittent,” Sadoway said. “We’d like to get some field data from a place like that.”

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Trojans cheer after a touchdown at Trojans' senior night football game yesterday.
Photo by Nalani Parlin

KA`U HAD AN EPIC WIN AGAINST Kamehameha junior varsity in the season’s final home game last night. As pioneers of the eight-man football league on the Big Island, Ka`u High’s Trojans shined brightly last night against Kamehameha’s JV team.
      Despite an impressive standoff by Ka`u’s defensive line, Kamehameha made the first touchdown of the game but did not succeed in their first effort at a two-point conversion.
      Ka`u’s offense struck back with a touchdown by Kupono Palikiko Leffew and a successful two-point conversion by Anthony Emmsley Ah Yee, leaving the score after the first quarter at Ka`u 8, Kamehameha 6.
      The second quarter found Kamehameha’s offense bringing in another touchdown, two-point conversion and a safety to leave the game at halftime at Ka`u 8, Kamehameha 16.
      The second half of the game revealed a refreshed and determined Trojan team. Quarterback Jordan DeRamos threw a perfect pass to Anthony Emmsley Ah Yee for a touchdown, and Cy Tamura brought in the two-point conversion to tie the score. Tamura and Emmsley Ah Yee then switched up for Tamura to bring in the third touchdown for the Trojans, and Emmsley Ah Yee brought in the two-point conversion to leave the third quarter score at 24-16.

Kamehameha-Hawai`i Warriors Junior Varsity put up a good fight but ultimately fell
to Ka`u Trojans. Photo by Nalani Parlin

      The intensity of the game continued in the fourth quarter as the Warriors brought in another touchdown and two-point conversion for a score of 24-24 with one minute left in the game. Ka`u had possession of the ball, and Cy Tamura ran 35 yards for a touchdown and a two-point conversion to seal the win for Ka`u at 32-24.
      The win for Ka`u was a sweet final home game for the seniors, who were honored last night. Seniors honored were Anthony Emmsley Ah Yee, Makana Gravela, Carlos Uribe-Bounes, Cy Tamura, Kainalu Ke, Kaimanu Medeiros-Dancel, Chisum Silva, Kupono Palakiko-Leffew, Rigan Kaapana, Randall Kahele, Jr., Lanni Ah Yee and Kaweni Ibarra.

      This story was written with reports from Ka`u High School journalism intern Kaweni Ibarra.

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THE TOP THREE MALE AND FEMALE participants in Ka`u Coffee Trail Run 10K and 5K events have been announced.
      John Oubra won the 10K with a time of 22 minutes and 2.38 seconds. Heather Lopez was the first woman to finish at 29 minutes and 39.3 seconds.

      Second place in the men’s division went to Ferdinand Babas, of Hilo, with a time of 31 minutes and 28.75 seconds. Meggie Olson, also of Hilo, took second in the women’s division, posting a time of 33 minutes and 33.29 seconds.
      In men’s division third place was Alex Wood, finishing at 34 minutes and six seconds. Rebecca Cole took third in the women’s division at 33 minutes and 58.87 seconds.
      Derek McIntyre crossed the 5K finish line first, posting a time of 11 minutes and 5.83 seconds. Cloe Gan was the first woman to finish, at 14 minutes and 31.47 seconds.
      Two Pahala residents took second and third places in the men’s division – Kameron Moses had a time of 12 minutes and 35.22 seconds, and Patrick Pasion, 12 minutes and 46.56 seconds.
      Kashe Dykema, of Hilo, was third in the women’s 5K at 15 minutes and 40.6 seconds, while Veronica Deguzman, of California, came in at 16 minutes and 6.44. seconds.

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Breakouts are sluggish near the front of the lava flow in Puna and more vigorous
halfway upslope toward Pu`u O`o vent, which is feeding the flow.
Photo from USGS/HVO 

“WHY DID THE JUNE 27TH LAVA FLOW slow as it approached Pahoa?” is a question posed in the current issue of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Volcano Watch. HVO scientists noted that the lava flow began to slow considerably as the summit of Kilauea began to deflate on Thursday, Sept. 18. “Such deflations have caused decreases in eruptive output at Pu`u `O`o in the past, and that could be the case with the current flow as well,” the issue states.
      “Another possibility for the stalled flow front is that the tube system feeding the June 27th lava flow could be approaching its limits in terms of efficiently insulating the lava moving through it. Based on HVO observations during our Sept. 24 overflight, the lava tube system seems fairly robust from the vent at Pu`u `O`o to just before the point where lava first flowed into a crack. The exact condition of the lava tube within the crack is unknown because we can't see into it, but it seems to also be robust.
      “However, the nature of the tube system from the point at which the lava flow exits the ground crack system near Ka`ohe Homesteads and heads northeast toward Pahoa is not yet clear.
      “Although lava has traveled beneath this section of the flow to the flow front since early September, a lava tube system is not yet evident.
      “The June 27th lava flow is now longer than any other flow formed during the ongoing eruption of Pu`u `O`o. While the evidence favors a decrease in eruptive output as the cause of the current slow-down, careful study is still needed. If and how a lava tube develops within the distal portion of the June 27th lava flow is important to understanding just how far it, and other pahoehoe flows like it, is capable of advancing.”

      Although the flow front has slowed, the June 27th lava flow remains active. This morning, Hawai`i County Civil Defense reported “some increase in activity along the edges” of the flow front, although it has not advanced. A small breakout upslope had advanced 75 yards since yesterday. HVO reported that more vigorous surface breakouts were documented about halfway between the flow front and Pu`u `O`o.

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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THE PACIFIC CRAFTS & CERAMIC SALE and yART Sale continues today until 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED meets today at Na`alehu Community Center at 5 p.m.
      For more information, email Malian Lahey at malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR VOLCANO ART CENTER’S Forest Work Day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus is seeking volunteers for tomorrow's
Forest Work Day. Photo from VAC

      The event is an opportunity for families, organizations, groups and individuals to connect with nature and each other while helping to perpetuate a rare natural, historical, cultural and inspirational resource. Efforts will focus on the removal of invasive iris, ivy and ginger species that threaten to encroach on the 7.4-acre former Forest Reserve. Niaulani Rain Forest is a rare, old-growth `ohi`a and koa tree forest with a successful restoration story. However, because weeds grow faster than native plants, this near pristine state requires continual upkeep.
      Forest Work Days are scheduled the final Sunday of every month at Niaulani. No reservations, experience, or tools are required. Volunteers should bring gloves and rain gear in case of wet weather.
      VAC’s Niaulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road. For further information, contact call 967-8222 or email programs@volcanoartcenter.org.

VOTING FOR ART TO GRACE THE COVER of The Directory 2015 begins Monday at CU Hawai`i Credit Union in Na`alehu. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Along with People's Choice, first, second and third place winners will be awarded in categories of Graphic, Wood, Craft, Sculpture and Quilting. Keiki categories for grades one through six are Graphic and Photo.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory201.swf.