Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Protection and enhancement of natural and cultural resources is one of the intentions of the Ka`u Community Development Plan. The draft CDP is now available for public review. Photo from The Ka`u Calendar

THE DRAFT KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN is now available for public review by community members and other stakeholders. The draft includes revisions recommended by Ka`u CDP Steering Committee.
      “None of the CDP strategies are set in stone,” said project planner Ron Whitmore. Comments and feedback are welcome through June 1.

      Informal drop-in listening sessions called speak-outs are scheduled throughout the district. They are organized as open houses where residents can find visual displays about parts of the CDP they are interested in, discuss CDP strategies with people familiar with the plan and provide feedback. Listeners and recorders will be on hand to document comments. There will not be any presentations or formal testimony at the speak-outs.
      Four identical speak-outs are scheduled. Two on Saturday, April 11 are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. On Sunday, April 19, residents can attend from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pahala Community Center and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.
      Residents can also submit feedback online or in writing by email, fax, or mail.
      For community organizations wishing to offer feedback, Whitmore suggests having comments officially recorded in meeting minutes and submitted in writing to Ka`u CDP Steering Committee, c/o Planning Department, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720.
      According to Whitmore, the CDP is intended to direct future conservation and development patterns; protect and enhance natural and cultural resources; strengthen infrastructure, facilities and services; and build a resilient, sustainable local economy. The CDP will become a county policy document when adopted by County Council. It also guides state and federal agencies as well as community-based action.
      Copies are available at www.kaucdp.info, with review reference copies at local libraries and community centers as well as the Hilo and Kona Planning Department offices. Two versions of the CDP are available: a shorter “clean” copy and a longer version that includes brief explanations for each CDP strategy. The CDP includes an executive summary and a more detailed introductory section.
       The CDP Planning Team is available to discuss specific topics or sections of the document. On May 9 at Nāʻālehu Community Center, discussions will focus on agriculture at 9 a.m. and coastal management at 1 p.m. Contact Whitmore to schedule a discussion about another topic at 961-8137 or ron.whitmore@hawaiicounty.gov.
      The Steering Committee will review all feedback and make final decisions about revisions before recommending that the county adopt the CDP. As always, committee meetings are open to the community, and public testimony on agenda items is welcome.
      Whitmore said he, Steering Committee members and Community Planning Assistant Nālani Parlin are happy to answer any questions. Contact information is available at www.kaucdp.info.

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

KA`U FARM BUREAU elected new officers last night. The new President, succeeding Ralph Gaston, is Brenda Iokepa Moses, of Ka`u Coffee Mill. Vice President is Phil Becker, of Aikane Plantation Coffee. Treasurer is Michelle Galimba, of Kuahiwi Ranch, and Secretary is LAyla Abellera, of Kehau’s Coffee Co. Board members are Jeff McCall,  Lorie Obra and Ralph Gaston. Also attending were Mac Farms of Hawai`i manager Dan Springer and Sue Springer, coffee farmers Leonardo and Joseph Castaneda and `Ua Galimba, of Kuahiwi Ranch.
      Gaston said his main focus during his presidency was fighting the coffee berry borer. He said the organization needs more members to carry out its programs and encouraged all farmers to join.

Brenda Iokepa Moses is now President
of Ka`u Farm Bureau.

      The new president Iokepe Moses began working with Ka`u Coffee farmers in 1994 when she assisted Ka`u Sugar Co. in placing displaced sugar workers on agricultural plots to grow coffee as the sugar industry was shutting down in Ka`u. She has worked for C. Brewer, Ka`u Farm & Ranch, Olson Trust and currently Ka`u Coffee Mill. She is president of Hawai`i Association of Conservation Districts, chair of Ka`u Soil & Water Conservation and board member for the county water department and Ka`u Coffee Festival. She is a retired member of the U.S Army Reserves and is married to Ka`u firefighter Jack Moses, with three children, living in Pahala.
      Founding Ka`u Farm Bureau President Chris Manfredi, now statewide president, reviewed legislation of interest to agriculture that is making its way or has failed at the state Legislature.
         He said the Farm Bureau aims to strengthen existing Future Farmers of America programs and dormant ones like the one in Ka`u. He said the Farm Bureau has been lobbying for a pilot program on the Big Island that would put a special investigator assigned to agriculture in the prosecutor’s office. ‘Folks invest everything into a crop, and to have someone come and take it from you is not right,” said Manfredi.
        He talked about land exchanges to protect ag land and mentioned a possible swap on O`ahu where the state would exchange developable land for good farm land. He said that state money for Ka`u irrigation projects is still in the pipeline.
      A proposal to put an expert in the state ag department to deal with coffee berry borers did not advance in the Legislature, Manfredi reported; nor did a bill dealing with permitting to help farmers markets.
      Manfredi warned of the U.S. Department of Agriculture drafting new regulations for which it will be expensive for the ag industry to comply. He said that if the state Department of Agriculture could adopt best practices for agriculture, there could be some exemptions and possibly lower costs for compliances and lower regulatory costs.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Jim Robo

THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION has given its approval to the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Industries and NextEra Energy that was announced in December.
      “Approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission represents a significant step toward the completion of our merger,” said Jim Robo, chairman and chief executive officer of NextEra Energy. “Through our partnership, we will apply our combined expertise and resources to deliver significant savings and value to Hawaiian Electric customers. We will continue to work closely with our partners at Hawaiian Electric in pursuing the remaining necessary approvals to complete the merger and begin to deliver the more affordable clean energy future we all want for Hawai`i.”
      Connie Lau, HEI’s president and chief executive officer and chairman of the boards of American Savings and Hawaiian Electric, said “We are pleased with this substantial progress on our proposed merger. Hawaiian Electric is gaining a partner that is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun, with a commitment to supporting rooftop solar in Hawai`i and a proven track record of lowering electric bills. This approval provides further momentum toward ultimately delivering that substantial value to our customers and communities.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A REQUEST BY PARTIES EXAMINING the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. and NextEra Energy for an extension of time should be rejected, the utilities stated in a memorandum to the state Public Utilities Commission.

      Ulupono Initiative, Hawai`i Gas, Paniolo Power Company, AES Hawai`i, SunEdison, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1260, Hawai`i Renewable Energy Alliance and the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism had asked that the deadline to complete all discovery and file all testimony be changed from Aug. 31 to Oct. 30.
      According to the utilities, “If granted, the Motion for Reconsideration will unduly delay this proceeding. The Commission would be unable to review and complete its decision-making on the application in a 'just, speedy and inexpensive' manner, consistent with the purpose of its rules.”
      The utilities also noted that the motion “was untimely filed four days after the ten-day period for filing such motions for reconsideration expired.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT, in partnership with the County of Hawai`i, is hosting an energy workshop for East Hawai`i tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Office of Aging's Resource Center, 1055 Kino`ole Street in Hilo.  The primary focus of this workshop is to notify rural small businesses and agricultural producers of renewable energy loan and grant opportunities and to review new application requirements. Topics to be covered include eligibility requirements, application information and tips for submitting a better proposal. Interested businesses and farmers/ranchers are welcome to attend. This program does not allow residential use. T
      More information on the Rural Energy for America Program can be found at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency. 

      For an accurate count on handouts, RSVP to Lori Nekoba, Business Programs Specialist at 933-8312 or lori.nekoba@hi.usda.gov.

HO`OMALU KA`U HOLDS A DINNER DANCE, Spice Up Your Spring, on Sunday, April 12 at Discovery Harbour Community Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The organization is raising funds to build a Ka`u Heritage Center on property in Manuka.
      “Come join us for a sumptuous spread of spicy and saucy Asian, Mexican and American foods, dance to the music of Full Tilt, the best dance band in Ka`u, drink beer and wine by donation, and enter your name in our lucky number drawing for great door prizes,” said Lehua Lopez. Tickets are $20 each.
      Buy tickets by calling 929-8526, or see Lopez at Na`alehu Farmers Market tomorrow and on Wednesday, April 8.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2015.pdf.

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Ka`u News Briefs Monday, March 30, 2015

A volunteer with Stewardship at the Summit removes invasive Himalayan ginger from a kolea lau nui, an endemic understory tree found in the rain forests on Kilauea volcano in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Stewardship dates are set through June.
NPS Photo from Jessica Ferracane

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES tomorrow discuss ways to limit material going into landfills. The Finance Committee, meeting at 10 a.m., considers Resolution 126-15, which would authorize payment of funds of a later fiscal year and of a multi-fiscal year agreement for the Department of Environmental Management to furnish organic waste diversion operations in West Hawai`i and East Hawai`i .

Margaret Wille

      It calls for the mayor to enter into a four-year contract, with the option of two one-year extensions, to provide organics diversion, treatment of mulch for invasive species, a compost demonstration project and to expand organic diversion programs to a composting operation.
      At 1 p.m., the Environmental Management Committee takes up Bill 32 and 33 introduced by Kohala’s County Council member Margaret Wille.
      Bill 32 relates to disposal of refuse in a manner that rewards those who separate recyclables and compostables from landfill refuse. It would require the Environmental Management director to implement a partial pay-per-bag fee program for refuse to be landfilled, allowing each household and business one 33-gallon bag of refuse per week to be landfilled without any bag fee.
      Bill 33 would prohibit the disposal of compostable or recyclable material at any county landfill or transfer station as of Jan. 1, 2018. It would also establish additional requirements and fees for commercial haulers with regard to the disposal of compostable or recyclable materials.
      Other committees meeting tomorrow are Governmental Relations & Economic Development at 9 a.m.; Planning, 9:15 a.m.; Public Works and Parks & Recreation, 9:30 a.m.; and Human Services & Social Services, 9:45 a.m.
      The full County Council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m.
      All meetings, held at Council Chambers in Hilo, are streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings.
      Ka`u residents can also participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
      Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ronn Nozoe Photo from HDOE

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Deputy Superintendent Ronn Nozoe, credited with helping steer schools toward higher achievement and lead organizational change, heads to Washington D.C. next month. He will be Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Programs in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education. The position is a presidential appointment. 

      “Ronn Nozoe is part of a great team in Hawai`i that has made tremendous strides in improving teaching and learning across the state. His experience as a teacher, principal, superintendent and state leader make him well qualified to help the U.S. Department of Education’s effort to partner with states and local districts to help ensure all students are successful,” said Deborah Delisle, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. “We are thrilled to have Ronn on board.”
      Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi praised the move. “Ronn will bring to Washington school- and state-level perspectives of the hard work that has been done here in Hawai`i as well as a focus on keeping students at the center of our work,” Matayoshi said.
      Nozoe was appointed Deputy Superintendent in December 2010 after serving as interim Deputy Superintendent since January 2010. During his tenure, the state has seen measurable improvements in student achievement, behavior, absenteeism, graduation rates and college-going rates, including unprecedented gains on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Under the direction of Matayoshi, he has led the charge in aligning school, complex, state and national efforts to systemically improve student learning, including development of the Academic Leadership Team; establishment of the Teacher Leader Workgroup and Deputy’s Principal Roundtable to ensure face-to-face input and feedback in making adjustments for better outcomes; leading the Zones of School Innovation in collaboration with CASs and Principals of the Zones’ schools; overseeing development, implementation and monitoring of the Strategic Plan, Race to the Top, Elementary and Secondary Education Act Waiver and Strive HI system; development and implementation of the Complex Area Support Team structure and routines; improving the relationship with U.S. Pacific Command and the military to one that is more engaged; and partnering with Hawai`i State Teachers Association on the Joint Committee to improve the Educator Effectiveness System.
      “At the heart of any real change and improvement are deeply committed and selfless people who are willing to put the cause – in our case, kids – before their individual needs or wants,” Nozoe said. “By increasing the number and quality of measures of success, we are now able to recognize excellence and progress in more schools and more people which helps to highlight the valiant efforts happening statewide.”
      Sen. Mazie Hirono congratulated Nozoe on his appointment. “Ronn has been a great asset in our state and served our students and educators well. I know he’ll be a wonderful leader in the U.S. Department of Education, implementing policies that will help students be successful nationwide,” Hirono said.
      The USDOE Office of Elementary and Secondary Education is responsible for ensuring access and excellence in learning between federal, state, and local educational agencies.

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

Sen. Brian Schatz

THE U.S. SENATE HAS PASSED the Schatz-Murray-Shaheen Amendment #1063 which would establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund for legislation to ensure all legally married spouses have access to Social Security and VA benefits their family has earned, including all same-sex couples.
      Sen. Brian Schatz, who co-authored the bill, said, “Gay couples legally married in any state should be entitled to veterans and Social Security benefits identical to any other married couples… . Eleven Republicans joined Democrats in recognizing that gay couples deserve equal treatment, regardless of where they live. We still have work to do to, but this is progress and a win for equal rights. I thank Sen. Murray and Sen. Shaheen for their leadership on this important issue.”

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

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN HELP PROTECT the native Hawaiian rainforest at the summit of KIlauea by volunteering for Stewardship at the Summit programs in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park now through June.
      Stewardship at the Summit begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon. The dates from April through June are: April 2, 11, 17, and 24; May 1, 8, 20 and 30; and June 5, 13, and 19.
      Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native species from growing. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center at 9 a.m. on any of the above dates. 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.
      Volunteers have dedicated 4,271 hours of their time and have restored more than 25 acres of native rainforest within the park since 2012. 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.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u Farm Bureau President Ralph Gaston

KA`U FARM BUREAU MEETS today at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Election of officers is on the agenda, along with a guest speaker. For more information, email ralph@rustyshawaiian.com. 

PAHALA-KA`U ALUMNI REUNION organizers remind classmates to sign up for the event. Dates are June 19, 20 and 21 at Las Vegas’ California Hotels & Casinos. Rooms must be reserved no later than May 17 for special rates at 800-634-6255. Group code is ASFPAHA.

      “Let’s make this year’s reunion another memorable year,” said organizer Priscilla Obado. For more information, call Obado at 225-9173.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Ka` News Briefs Sunday, March 29, 2015

Preliminary results are in from yesterday's Sanctuary Ocean Count of humpback whales. Photo from wayfaring.info

COTTAGE FOOD OPERATIONS are considered by the state House of Representatives tomorrow. SB 379 would require cottage food operators who produce non-potentially hazardous food products in a home or farm kitchen for direct sale to consumers to obtain a cottage food operation permit from the Department of Health.

      Any cottage food product produced by a cottage food operation would have to be labeled as a cottage food product. The label must be displayed in a conspicuous place on the principal display area of the packaging or container and shall the words “Made in a Home or Farm Kitchen” and identify any allergens contained in the product.

Greg Smith, of Earth Matters Farm on South Point Road, submitted testimony
on a cottage food operations bill. Photo by Ron Johnson

      Greg Smith, owner of Earth Matters Farm and president of Ka`u Farmers Union United, submitted testimony in support of the measure. “As an organic farmer on the Big Island, the need for value added products from my farm is crucial to keeping the farm income flowing,” Smith wrote. “I live out in the country, where finding someone to rent the kitchen is almost unheard of, and if you find a (certified) kitchen it is expensive. My wife is a certified master canner and preserver. She is so diligent with her canning safety measures for our Community Supported Agriculture customers that her kitchen is cleaner than the certified one she uses for our farmers market sales. To be able to do everything in one location, at home, would be a step in right direction. Please pass this bill for all of the creative value added folks in Hawai`i.”
      Hawai`i Department of Health opposes the measure because “a comprehensive food safety regulation was recently adopted that incorporates the most current science in controlling risk factors known to cause foodborne illness,” according to DOH’s testimony. “The measure amends HRS 328 and conflicts with and creates confusion with existing Hawai`i Administrative Rules which currently regulate the food industry. HAR Chapter 50, Food Safety Code, already provides the Home-Made food industry the opportunity to produce non-potentially hazardous foods (i.e., cookies, breads, jams, etc.) from their homes for direct sales to consumers.
      Testimony from The Kohala Center addresses DOH’s concerns. Regarding food safety, “the bill draws upon cottage food laws and regulations from across the nation and incorporates measures to control risk factors known to cause foodborne illness by recommending food safety training, product testing, kitchen inspections and food handling rules.”
      Regarding current regulations, “the bill goes beyond the current Food Safety Code and creates a system for cottage food producers to sell non-potentially hazardous foods, including acidified foods, to retailers such as restaurants and hotels, provided that producers consent to kitchen inspections, undergo sufficient training, and, for certain foods, submit their products for testing,” according to The Kohala Center.
      Ka`u residents can read the bill and testimony, as well as provide testimony, at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

T-shirt sales support Sanctuary Ocean Counts.

MORE THAN 600 VOLUNTEERS GATHERED data from the shores of Hawai`i Island, O`ahu and Kaua`i during the final event of the 20th Anniversary Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count. The most whales volunteers saw in Ka`u were at Ka Lae, with three seen in each of three separate 15-minute time periods.

       The count, conducted three times per year during peak whale season, 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.
       Volunteers collected data from 57 sites statewide. A total of 160 whales were seen during the 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout yesterday’s count. The sites that reported the highest average number of humpback whales were predominantly located within sanctuary boundaries.
       Varying weather conditions made for a unique experience at each of the project sites. Many Kaua`i volunteers enjoyed calm weather and clear visibility. Several Hawai`i Island and O`ahu sites were faced with rough seas, white caps and passing squalls. 

      “For 20 years, the Sanctuary Ocean Count has proven to be a fun volunteer activity for residents and visitors,” said Sanctuary Superintendent Malia Chow. “It also provides important population and distribution information on humpback whales around the Hawaiian Islands that we use to better understand and protect this important species.”
      Preliminary data detailing whale sightings by site location is available at http://www.sanctuaryoceancount.org/resources/.
      Additional information and T-shirt sales to support the program are available on the sanctuary’s website at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hui Panalau colonists onboard the Itasca helped secure and establish jurisdiction
of the United States over remote Pacific Ocean islands.
Photo from University of Hawai`i-Manoa

HAWAI`I’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION has introduced resolutions in the Senate and House of Representatives acknowledging and honoring young men from Hawai`i, the majority of whom were Native Hawaiian, who participated in the Equatorial Pacific colonization project. The efforts of these young men, also known as the Hui Panala`au colonists, helped secure and establish jurisdiction of the United States over equatorial islands in the Pacific Ocean during the years leading up to and the months immediately following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the entry of the United States into World War II.
      “Recognizing these young men for their service to our country is long overdue,” said Sen. Brian Schatz. “Nearly eight decades ago, during a pivotal time in our nation’s history, these men risked their lives and helped secure territorial jurisdiction over the key remote islands of Jarvis, Howland and Baker. This resolution honors the brave efforts of these young colonists and pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

James Carroll was a member
of Hui Panala`au.
Photo from Bishop Museum

      Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “During my time as a member of Congress, I have had the opportunity to learn about the Hui Panala`au colonists, and as a member of the House of Representatives, I joined with the Hawai`i Congressional delegation in introducing a resolution to acknowledge and honor these young men on behalf of the United States. I was struck by how brave these young men had been while living on the remote islands of Howland, Baker and Jarvis. The work of the Hui Panala`au colonists was important, and their stories are riveting and heartbreaking. My condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones in this initiative all those years ago. I look forward to again working with my colleagues in the delegation to help these men and their families achieve the recognition they deserve.”
      Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “We celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of the Hui Panala`au colonists... . More than 130 of these young men, a majority of whom were Native Hawaiian, participated in this project; some of them lost their lives representing our nation during their service, particularly in the years leading up to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It is time for our government to recognize the accomplishments of these brave souls, few of whom are still alive today, and honor the memory of those who are no longer with us.”
      Throughout the seven years of colonization of the islands, 130 men joined the effort and risked their lives. Today, there are three known surviving colonists in Hawai`i.
      “Although precious few of us remain, it is gratifying to know that the Hawai`i delegation is united in an effort to gain acknowledgment of our deeds and to honor the ultimate sacrifices made by the members of the Hui Panala`au,” said surviving Jarvis Island colonist Paul Phillips, 93. “It has been a long time coming, and I hope I live to see the day when the Hui Panala`au receive the recognition that they so honorably deserve.”

George Kahanu Photo from
Bishop Museum

      Noelle Kahanu said, “As a granddaughter of one of the last surviving colonists, George Kahanu, I want to thank Sens. Schatz and Hirono and Reps. Takai and Gabbard for introducing resolutions to acknowledge the accomplishments and sacrifices of more than 130 brave young men of Hawai`i whose collective actions enabled President Roosevelt to claim these remote islands in the Pacific. It has been 80 years since this fledgling group of young Hawaiians, all recent graduates of Kamehameha Schools, set sail for these distant islands, representing their families, their schools, their communities and ultimately, their country.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY SCREENS THE FILM Secrets of the Mummy Dinosaur today at 6:15 p.m. at the charter school’s Discovery Harbour campus. Following the video, KLA Managing Director Joe Iacuzzo, one of the show’s producers, gives a talk on the role Thomas Jefferson played in the fossil history of America.
KLA begins teaching grades three through six in the 2015-2016 school year.
      For more information, call 213-1097.

KA`U FARM BUREAU MEETS tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Election of officers is on the agenda, along with a guest speaker. For more information, email ralph@rustyshawaiian.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, March 28, 2015

Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Middle Public Charter School was awarded $1,000 for first place in the 2014 Recycle-Bowl State Championship. Photo by Rebecca Hatch

NEXT WEEK, THE STATE LEGISLATURE will make a decision on a bill that would authorize the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules relating to the declaration of Hawai`i geographic indication for agricultural commodities, except coffee and macadamia nuts. House Bill 1051 moved to the Senate for consideration by the Agriculture Committee.

Simon Russell, at left, with HFUU President Vincent Mina
Photo from HFUU

      Testimony supporting the bill came from Ag Department chair Scott Enright; Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation President Chris Manfredi; John Cross, of Hawai`i Macadamia Nut Association; and Hawai`i Coffee Association President Jim Wayman. “It is important to provide a path for origin protection and the development of rules to support each of our agricultural commodities,” Wayman said. “This bill establishes a path for those commodities which desire this service to do so without having to go to the Legislature for the passage of new statutes. Individual commodity groups will have a place at the table with the HDOA in determining their own future.”
      Simon Russell, Vice President of Hawai`i Farmers Union United, submitted testimony in opposition of the bill. “Producers are not mentioned in the text of this bill,” Russell wrote. “There already is an international framework for geographic indications (Think Champagne from France.) that is being utilized to great advantage to farmers in Europe. We suggest HDOA and industry take a look at that model and work with us to integrate intentions in this bill with what is already happening globally… .
      “While the intent of this bill may be to establish a Hawai`i geographic origin regime, we do not think the method described in this bill will be beneficial to the producers, and in fact will give buyers and processors more leverage to drive prices down, making it more difficult to make a living farming in Hawai`i.”
      Opposition also came from Bruce Corker, chair of Kona Coffee Farmers Association’s legislative committee; Colehour Bondera, of Kanalani Farm; and Eva Lee, a Volcano tea grower.
      See more on HB 1051 at capitol.hawaii.gov.

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

Lex Brodie's was a major Recycle-Bowl sponsor.
Photo from VSAS

VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Middle Public Charter School was awarded as the 2014 Recycle-Bowl Hawai`i State Champion for recycling the most pounds per student per school over four weeks of competition. As a first-time participant in this event, VSAS students received support from teachers and staff to collect and divert a total of 984 pounds of paper, cardboard, cartons, plastics and food waste from the landfill. Their outstanding recycling efforts earned their school a $1,000 prize award sponsored by Lex Brodie Tire Foundation. 

      Hawai`i Island schools rallied to divert campus discards from the landfill by participating in the fourth Annual Recycle-Bowl Competition from Oct. 20 to Nov. 15, 2014. Results of this nationwide recycling competition were announced in February, and an awards ceremony was held on March 11 to acknowledge the top schools statewide.
      Local businesses donated awards for the other top three schools in the state – all from Hawai`i Island. The second place winner, Konawaena High School, received a $500 prize donated by Lex Brodie’s Tire Co. The third place winner, Pahoa Intermediate-High School, received a $250 prize sponsored by Goodfellow Bros., Inc. The fourth place winner, St. Joseph Junior/Senior High School, received a $100 prize donated by Island Naturals Market and Deli.
      For information on Recycle-Bowl, sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, visit www.Recycle-Bowl.org. In Hawai`i, Recycle-Bowl is coordinated and promoted by Recycle Hawai`i and Keep the Hawaiian Islands Beautiful.
      For recycling, composting and zero waste information, contact Recycle Hawai`i at www.recyclehawaii.org or info@recyclehawaii.org.

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

WITH THE RECENT DOWNGRADE of the Volcano Alert Level for Kilauea’s June 27th lava flow that has been threatening the Pahoa area, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists take a look back at the 1880-1881 Mauna Loa lava flow and the threat that it posed to Hilo in the current issue of Volcano Watch.
      “On the evening of Nov. 5, 1880, people in Hilo and at the Volcano House Hotel at the summit of Kilauea noticed a glow on Mauna Loa – produced by an eruption located northeast of the volcano’s summit. A vent at about the 10,500-foot elevation produced one lava flow that moved to the southeast and stalled about 1.5 miles from Highway 11 near Kilauea caldera. A second vent, immediately downslope of the first, erupted a pahoehoe lava flow that advanced to the northeast toward Hilo.

      “By January 1881, the northeast flow was estimated to be about 18 miles from Hilo. This flow was of interest to Hilo residents, but not a big concern. However, by April, the flow had split into three branches in the vicinity of what is now Kaumana City, a subdivision at the upper Hilo city limits, and advanced to within seven miles of the town. By the beginning of July, a single branch was only 2.5 miles from Hilo.

A sketch by Joseph Nawahi shows the 1881 lava flow approaching Hilo.
Image from NPS/Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

      “The flows were initially difficult to access. But by July, the flows had moved close enough to Hilo that residents and visitors alike were frequently trekking up to the flow to watch its progress. They observed that the pahoehoe would advance very quickly as narrow fingers for short periods of time and then stall, only to repeat the process a few hours or days later. Astonishing stories of narrow lobes of lava advancing hundreds of feet in a few hours were common.
      “Observers would occasionally note that the lava sometimes occupied a ravine or gulch where water flowed during heavy rains. As the flows got closer to Hilo, people often noticed that warm water seemed to flow out from under the active lava.
      “As the eruption continued, Hilo residents became alarmed, and many started moving their belongings out of harm’s way. The branch closest to Hilo split into two lobes, with one headed down `Alenaio gulch toward the center of Hilo, and the other headed down Kalanakama`a gulch (near and parallel to Mohouli Street) toward the Waiakea Fishponds and Sugar Mill (Wailoa State Park). Everyone feared that the lava would cut through town and enter Hilo Bay.
      “Just as concern was getting intense, the leading tips of both lobes stalled on or about Aug. 10 with the Kalanakama`a lobe a little more than one mile from Hilo Bay. The `Alenaio lobe didn’t quite reach Komohana Street. The lava had destroyed only one house near the current location of Kaumana Elementary School. By Aug. 19, the lower portions of the flow were inactive.
      “This Mauna Loa flow differed from Kilauea’s June 27th flow in two significant ways. The Mauna Loa 1880-1881 flow is about twice the length of the June 27th flow, and the Mauna Loa eruption rate was probably higher.
      “But there were also some similarities. The Mauna Loa 1880-1881 and the Kilauea June 27th lava flows were both pahoehoe and were active for about nine months before their threats were reduced. Both flows greatly concerned the people who lived and worked downslope of the advancing fronts, but the flows consumed only a single house before their leading edges stalled. And both flows cut a swath through heavily forested land.
      “But in the case of the 1880-1881 Mauna Loa flow, the open swath it cut through the forest eventually improved travel from Hilo to Waimea and Kona via the saddle between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Years later, the Saddle Road, as it is now known, took advantage of this path. Today, Saddle Road crosses four Mauna Loa flows – the 1880-1881, 1855-1856, 1899, and 1935 flows – between mile markers 3 and 29.
      “While the 1880-1881 Mauna Loa eruption may have had a beneficial aspect – blazing a trail for Saddle Road – that’s not always the case with active lava flows.”
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov for more articles and lava flow updates.

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Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park presents its program
Pele & Hi`iaka tomorrow. Photo from NPS

DESIGNS OF MICAH L.K. KAMOHOALI`I are featured in a solo exhibition opening today at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 

      An opening reception takes place 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit is open daily through April 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PARTICIPANTS DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN goddesses, sisters Pele and Hi`iaka, and the natural phenomena they represent through epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. This is an easy 1.7-mile walk on the main road in Kahuku. 

KA`U FARM BUREAU MEETS MONDAY at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Election of officers is on the agenda, along with a guest speaker. For more information, email ralph@rustyshawaiian.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, March 27, 2015

Ocean safety officers at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach will have an ATV to help with rescues. Photo by Julia Neal

PUNALU`U BEACH OCEAN SAFETY OFFICERS will have an all-terrain vehicle available following a grant from Bank of Hawai`i to the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation. The foundation is a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential equipment and training to Hawai`i County Fire Department. The ATV can quickly carry life-saving equipment and supplies to drowning victims and spinal cord injury victims, assisting in life-saving measures provided by Hawai`i County Fire Department.

Dan Galanis

      West Hawai`i Today reported that, according to state Department of Health epidemiologist Dan Galanis, Hawai`i lost 256 residents and 820 visitors to drowning between 2003 and 2012. Hawai`i Island lost the greatest number of residents to drowning and was second in the state for nonresidents drownings.
      Near drownings accounted for 46 percent of nonfatal injuries resulting in hospitalization among nonresidents while an additional 63 nonresidential hospitalizations occurred from ocean-related activities. Approximately 48 percent of hospitalization of nonresidents during this time frame occurred in ocean-related accidents.
      Also, the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in Hawai`i from 2009 through 2012 was from ocean activities.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TALKING ABOUT FARMING WITH FARMERS was the topic of Hawai`i Public Radio’s Town Square program yesterday. Moderator Beth-Ann Kozlovich discussed farming in Hawai`i with Wai`anae farmer Ken Koike, Maui farmer and Hawai`i Farmers Union United Vice President Simon Russell and Hawai`i Farm Bureau Federation President Chris Manfredi.

Ken Koike

      Kozlovich introduced Koike as the farm project coordinator of Ono & Pono farms in Wai`anae, growing fish and kalo in an aquaponic system as well as canoe foods and various animals.
      She said Russell grows crops on Maui including bananas, papayas, vegetables and ducks. He wants to move Hawai`i’s agriculture “in the direction of regenerative farming practices for self-sufficiency and food sovereignty.”
      Kozlovich said Manfredi is “best known for kick-starting the Ka`u Coffee industry” and that he organizes the annual Ka`u Coffee Festival. She said HFBF “supports all forms of agriculture” and is the largest agriculture advocacy organization in the state.
      Educating the next generation of farmers was a priority for the panelists. Russell said HFUU supports mentoring programs to teach and train farmers to utilize a whole-system approach to agriculture.
      Mandfredi said education is “near and dear” to HFBF. “Farmers are constantly faced with challenges,” Manfredi told Kozlovich. “We have to deal with all these at the same time that we’re trying to grow the next generation of farmers and ranchers.” Manfredi said the most important bill being considered at the state Legislature is HB 853, which would establish a K-12 Agriculture Workforce Development Pipeline Initiative to conduct trainings for teachers and school administrators in agricultural self-sufficiency.

Simon Russell

      Koike said the biggest problem for so many of those who want to farm is finding land. He said having a Department of Agriculture “that wants to help us farm” should be a priority. He also said that he is not permitted to live on his leased farm land, which increases vulnerability to theft.
      Regarding theft, Manfredi said HFBF supports HB 823, which would establish a two-year agricultural theft pilot project in the Department of Agriculture to focus on investigating and prosecuting agricultural theft or agricultural vandalism in Hawai`i County.
      Kozlovich asked, “Do you feel like you’re all speaking with a similar voice, or is there an issue between farmers that we don’t understand well enough?”  

      Manfredi said, “I think our time is best spent focusing on issues upon which we can all agree.”
      Russell said that the two organizations can collaborate on some issues. He said HFUU supports legislation on markets, lowering cost of labor, access to water and getting farmers onto land.

      Manfredi said biosecurity is a top issue for HFBF members and that HB850, which would provide two new extension agents in every county, is another bill HFBF supports that is making its way through the Legislature.

Chris Manfredi

      Russell said, “To live off of the farm, you need to live on the farm.” He said farmers need affordable labor costs and inputs.
      When Kozlovich asked what could be done to help farmers, Manfredi brought up having a local feed industry so farmers would not have to pay for imported feed.
      Koike discussed the various types of ag in Hawai`i. He characterized one part of ag as an industry – coffee, macadamia nuts and other value-added products – and another as food for consumption locally. He said that using large equipment helps efficiency, “but we want 50 people to be on the field” to create jobs. He said he’s not interested in “massive amounts of profitability.”
      A caller asked what the differences are between HFBF and HFUU.
      Manfredi said the organizations have more that they agree upon than things that they don’t. “We support all of agriculture, he said. “Hawai`i has an important role in the global food system. … Issues that we are talking about here locally play themselves out on a global scale – reduction in farmer work force, finite amount of land, finite amount of water, reducing water, climate change, weeds, pests, disease.”
      Russell said, “We (HFUU) advocate for sovereign right of family farmers to create and sustain vibrant and prosperous ag communities for the benefit of all Hawai`i through cooperation, education and legislation. He said HFUU focuses on soil health initiatives and family farming and that they don’t generally speak for agribusiness corporations.
      Koike said his focus is nutrition. “The ultimate goal isn’t to make money; it is to produce the most healthy food.”
      The full program is available at hpr2.org.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, at left, with Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid,
at podium. Photo from Office of Sen. Hirono

HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS ARE PRAISING Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, who announced he would not seek reelection. 

      “Democratic Leader Harry Reid is one of the smartest and toughest people I know. As our Democratic Leader, Harry never backed down from a challenge – working to protect Social Security and Medicare, pushing for immigration reform, passing the landmark Affordable Care Act and fighting for his home state of Nevada. Harry has always been willing to stand up for what’s right, and our country is a better place because of him.
      “Harry has been a wonderful friend and a mentor, and he will leave behind a remarkable legacy. But this Congress has just begun, and I look forward to continuing our work together as he finishes out his term.”
      Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “Sen. Reid is a fighter for the middle-class and a champion for immigrant families and the Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders community. He’s been a steady hand for our caucus, and his leadership and resolve will be missed next Congress. I wish him and Landra (his wife) all the best.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

`Ohi`a lehua is the topic tomorrow at Kahuku. Photo from NPS

PARTICIPANTS BRING LUNCH AND LEARN about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower during a free program tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Call 985-6011 for more information. 

DESIGNS OF MICAH L.K. KAMOHOALI`I are featured in a solo exhibition opening tomorrow at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      Under his direction, Halau Na Kipu`upu`u will open the exhibit with a Hula Kahiko performance at 10:30 a.m. Kamohoali`i and his halau will be on hand after the performance displaying hand-made regalia and props used.
      An opening reception takes place 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit is open daily through April 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PARTICIPANTS DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN goddesses, sisters Pele and Hi`iaka, and the natural phenomena they represent through epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. This is an easy 1.7-mile walk on the main road in Kahuku.

KA`U FARM BUREAU MEETS MONDAY, March 30 at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Election of officers is on the agenda, along with a guest speaker. For more information, email ralph@rustyshawaiian.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.