Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Ka`u Roping & Riding Association's 38th annual Fourth of July Rodeo is this Saturday and Sunday. Photo by Julia Neal

A PROPOSAL FOR STEWARDSHIP of Kawa, which Hawai`i County purchased for preservation, comes before Hawai`i County Council's Finance Committee tomorrow. Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai`i is requesting $9,500 to purchase supplies, plants and power tools toward a project that it estimates to cost $131,088.
      Kawehi Ryder, of Pahala, is organizing the stewardship program. He and his family, including kumu hula Debbie Ryder, who is from the Big Island, moved here from Lana`i almost two years ago. According to the application, Ryder’s hui proposes to restore the area’s cultural sites, including Kawa Fishpond, grave sites and Ke`eku Heiau, while also removing invasive species. These activities would be in conjunction with developing a community work plan involving youth, with a special focus on at-risk keiki, who would be taught traditional farming and other cultural practices.

Stewardship of Ka`u is on tomorrow's Finance Committee agenda.
Photo by Julia Neal

      The hui's application listed other projects it has worked on, including Mauanlei Stream restoration and Fisherman’s Alanui Trail stewardship maintenance on Lana`i. It also lists organizations the hui has worked with, such as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center. In Ka`u, the Ryders work on programs with the Salvation Army and organize the annual Ho`okupu Hula No Ka`u Cultural Festival.
     Other nonprofits are asking the county to help steward places around the island. Kohala Kahakai has a plan for Pa'o'o and Kaiholena in North Kohala. Pohaha I Ka Lani and Friends of the Future have plans for Waipi'o Valley.
      Finance Committee meets at 1 p.m. at County Council Chambers in Hilo. Also meeting tomorrow are the full council at 9 a.m. and Planning Committee at 10:30 a.m. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building. Meetings are also streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings.

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

ORGANIC FARMING IS MORE PROFITABLE that conventional agriculture, according to researchers at Washington State University. Professors David Crowder and John Reganold examined the financial performance of organic and conventional agriculture among 55 crops grown on five continents. They found that organic agriculture was significantly more profitable (22–35 percent) and had higher benefit/cost ratios (20–24 percent) than conventional agriculture. 

      The researchers pointed out that although organic agriculture is rapidly growing, it currently occupies only one percent of global cropland and has room to expand. “Moreover, with its environmental benefits, organic agriculture can contribute a larger share in sustainably feeding the world,” according to the report.

      See pnas.org/content/112/24/7611.abstract.

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

New tipping fees at Kona and Hilo will help finance expansion of greenwaste recycling
at facilities such as Pahala Transfer Station. Commercial dumping is not allowed at
local transfer stations. Photo from Hawai`i Zero Waste

NEW TIPPING FEES ON COMMERCIAL greenwaste recycling go into effect tomorrow and the county reminds residents that commercial disposal of waste at local transfer stations is not allowed.
      Hawai`i County Department of Environmental Management will charge $21.25 per ton for businesses that drop off greenwaste at recycling facilities in West Hawai`i and East Hawai`i. Revenue will help finance an expansion of greenwaste recycling services across the island.
      The new fees do not affect residential customers with self-hauled greenwaste from their private residential properties.
      For more information, see HawaiiZeroWaste.org.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Mufi Hannemann 

MUFI HANNEMANN HAS RETURNED to Hawai`i Lodging & Tourism Association as president and CEO, according to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Hannemann previously held the posts in 2011 and 2012. 

      In recent years, Hannemann has toured Ka`u during his campaigns for higher office. Decades ago, he lived in Ka`u when he worked for C. Brewer and lived in what is now Punalu`u Bake Shop, which was established under Hannemann management and Brewer ownership originally at the SeaMountain at Punalu`u resort development location.
      “We had excellent candidates come forward wanting to lead HLTA, but the search committee felt that Mufi was the best choice considering his superb record of leadership, experience and drive in supporting tourism’s best interests,” said Kelly Hoen, chair of HLTA’s board of directors. “Mufi did a stellar job in leading HLTA previously, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to advance initiatives that build on our success for Hawai`i’s lodging industry and its thousands of employees statewide.”
      Hannemann replaces George Szigeti, who became president and CEO of Hawai`i Tourism Authority.
      See staradvertiser.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GOV. DAVID IGE HAS INFORMED the state Legislature of his intent to veto eight bills passed by the 28th legislative session before it adjourned on May 7.
      HB540 would extend authority of University of Hawai`i to maintain separate accounting and financial management system. “The University of Hawai`i believes, and I agree, that this measure contains provisions that violate the Hawai`i state constitution regarding autonomy for University System management over university finances,” Ige said.
      HB553 would allow UH graduate student assistants employed by UH to collectively bargain their wages, hours and other terms. Ige said these concerns can and should be addressed internally.

Gov. David Ige

      SB105 would require estimated future debt service for proposed capital improvement projects to be included in budget documents submitted to the Legislature. Ige’s rationale for vetoing this bill is that it would be difficult to implement given the uncertainty of capital finance markets.
      SB218 calls for clarification in the order of succession to the lieutenant governor’s office. Ige said the existing order of succession is adequate and appropriate and that these changes might leave a gap in succession that would be difficult to address in a state of emergency or disaster.
      SB265 changes wording in statute from “promoting prostitution in the first degree” to “sex trafficking.” The state Attorney General and three of four county prosecutors advised Ige that this bill may result in fewer prosecutions for these types of crimes. Ige asked the state attorney general and county prosecutors to propose a bill that would allow for prosecution of the full range of prostitution and sex trafficking offenses.
      SB349 would repeal ethanol facility tax credit and establish a five-year renewable fuels production tax credit. The state attorney general advised Ige that the definition of qualified taxpayers doesn’t allow for companies outside of Hawai`i to be qualified. “This potentially violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution and could subject our state to potential litigation,” Ige said.
      SB569 would increase the dollar threshold with respect to property or services, for theft in the second degree, from the current $300 to $750. County prosecutors advised Ige that increasing the threshold for felony theft would eliminate the deterrent effect within retail markets.
      SB1324 provides authority for Employees’ Retirement System to make direct payments of benefits to a non-member former spouse of a member on order of court judgment, order or divorce decree. Ige said this can be accomplished without state law by working with the Employee Retirement System Board and administration.
      This Intent to Veto list gives the governor the option to veto any, but not necessarily all, of the bills on the list by July 14.
      Bills that are not on this list will become law with or without the governor’s signature no later than July 14.

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

Ka`u residents are invited to join an Interfaith devotional meeting
today and every Tuesday.

INTERFAITH DEVOTIONAL MEETINGS are held each Tuesday at 6 p.m. at 96-1164 Holei Street at the corner of Ohia Street in Pahala. “We pray to praise God and to seek understanding. We pray for our loved ones. We pray for assistance in hard times and gratitude for good times,” says a flyer in the community. The gathering is also for music and fellowship for healing and elimination of racial prejudice. It is sponsored by the Bahai community and open to all. 

KA`U IS GEARING UP FOR A CELEBRATORY Fourth of July. Na`alehu’s patriotic parade begins at 12 p.m. Saturday, with participants walking and riding in classic cars. Pa`u riders and lei-bedecked horses join decorated trucks and floats. `O Ka`u Kakou sponsors the parade and festivities at Na`alehu Park that begin at 12:30 p.m. Participants enjoy shave ice, hot dogs, watermelon water slides and bounce houses. Senior bingo and luncheon takes place in the community center.
      For more information, call 929-9872.

KA`U ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION’S 38th annual Fourth of July Rodeo begins Saturday with slack roping at 8 a.m. Shows start at 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, Thy Word Ministries-Ka`u Pastor Bob Tominaga presents Cowboy Church at 10 a.m. 

      Paniolo events scheduled include Open Team Roping, Kane/Wahine Dally Team Roping, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Kane/Wahine Ribbon Mugging, Wahine Mugging, Tie Down Roping, Wahine Break Away, Po`o Wai U and Bull Riding.
      Dummy Roping, Goat Undecorating, Calf Riding and Youth Barrel Racing events are set for youngsters.
      For more rodeo information, call Tammy Kaapana at 929-8079.

      

VOLCANO VILLAGE’S FOURTH OF JULY PARADE begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at the post office and travels to Cooper Center, where festivities continue. Volcano Rotary will be selling pulled pork and other goodies. Volcano Friends Feeding Friends sponsors the Great American Bake Sale. Volcano Community Association offers keiki face painting, games and toy giveaways. Friends of Hawai’’i Volcanoes National Park raises funds through its popular silent auction.

      See thecoopercenter.org for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_June2015.pdf.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, June 29, 2015

Southside 16's Boys Volleyball team defeated all three adversaries yesterday during their first day of play at the U.S. Association of Volleyball Boys National Championships in Columbus, Ohio. Photos from Julie Enriques

SOUTHSIDE 16’S BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM won all three matches Sunday on their first day of play at U.S. Association of Volleyball Boys Junior National Championships being held in Columbus, Ohio. The team consists of nine players from the Big Island and one from O`ahu. Coached by Guy Enriques, Sam Thomas and Kainoa Downing, the team defeated others from California (Ventura County), Maryland (MCVC) and Wisconsin (Milwaukee Sting).

Southside 16's Players and coaches
in Columbus, Ohio

      The team was led by the hitting of Avery Enriques, blocking of Sam “Nalu” Kahapea and setting of Jai “Nai`a” Makuakane.
      The championships continue through Sunday, July 5, with some matches streamed live at teamusa.org/usa-volleyball/events/indoor/boys/2015-bjnc.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A REWARD IS OFFERED for information leading to the return of more than $25,000 in equipment from the Kaiholena workshop operated by The Nature Conservancy. It is believed that the theft took place this morning around dawn. Stolen were a Troy Flatbed trailer 2009 with wooden bed and black wheel rails, no railings; a 2009 Honda ATV called Big Red, painted in green and tan camouflage: a Briggs & Stratton compressor; and a green ATV 500.
      Also stolen were a standing gun safe with a .22 calibre rifle and a handgun, three Stihl chain saws, a Honda 1000 generator and a Shindaiwa weedwacker, hand tools and landscaping tools. The thieves were seen driving a black 1996 - 2000 Toyota pickup headed through roads from macadamia orchards toward Pahala. Thieves broke hinges off gates to access the property. Any information can be provided to Ka`u Police Station at 939-2520.

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

THE DEATH PENALTY UNCONSTITUTIONAL? For the first time in Supreme Court history, two justices wrote that this is probably so in their opinions issued today concerning a case over legality  of a drug used in executions. While the court upheld use of midazolam, saying that its alleged problems in delivering a humane death are speculative, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor said, “Under the court’s new rule, it would not matter whether the state intended to use midazolam, or instead to have petitioners drawn and quartered, slowly tortured to death, or actually burned at the stake.”
      Justice Sanuel Alito, who wrote the majority opinion that allows the drug to be used, said. “The dissent’s resort to this outlandish rhetoric reveals the weakness of its legal arguments."
      Associated Press writer Mark Shwerman reported: “In a separate dissent, Justice Stephen Breyer said the time has come for the court to debate whether the death penalty itself is constitutional. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined Breyer’s opinion.”
      The AP reported conservative justice Alito saying that “death penalty opponents are waging a ‘guerrilla war’ against executions by working to limit the supply of more effective drugs. On the other side, liberal Justice Elena Kagan contended that the way states carry out most executions amounts to having prisoners ‘burned alive from the inside.’”
      The death penalty became illegal in Hawai`i before statehood. On June 4, 1957, the territorial Legislature passed HB 706, and the death penalty was abolished the next day when Gov. Sam King signed it. However, in 2014, the first death penalty case was heard in the state of Hawai`i. It was in
federal court in Honolulu, where a soldier was convicted of murder and could have received the death penalty. The jury rejected the death penalty.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A solar-powered plane is on its way to Hawai`i from Japan.
Photo from Solar Impulse

SOLAR PLANE IS ON ITS WAY TO HAWAI`I, attempting to be the first to fly around the world without using liquid fuel. Powered by 17,000 solar cells, Solar Impulse Two left Japan at 3 a.m. on the longest flight of its journey. The estimated time is 120 hours
for pilot Andre Borschberg. His team issued a statement this morning saying that Solar Impulse has passed the “point of no return” in its flight to Hawai`i. 

      The flight can be followed at solarimpulse.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD VOTED in favor of H.R. 1295, the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015, which includes Trade Adjustment Assistance. TAA supports American workers who lose their jobs or experience wage reductions as a result of foreign trade and includes worker support services such as job retraining and income assistance. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 1295 by a vote of 266-138.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

      Thursday was the second time the House of Representatives voted on TAA in the 114th Congress. It was originally voted down by a bipartisan majority, including Gabbard, after it was attached to a bill granting the Administration Trade Promotion Authority, also known as fast-track.
      “In the past weeks, we have seen fast-track authority packaged with widely supported bills like worker displacement programs and public servant pensions in order to bully legislators into passing the Administration’s trade agenda,” Gabbard said. “I am disappointed that Congress has passed fast-track authority and given away the ability to voice the opinions of the American people in trade negotiations like the Trans-Pacific Partnership.


      “NAFTA and other trade agreements have thrown millions of Americans out of work. This is why I voted in favor of H.R. 1295, which authorizes funding for job training services and other support for displaced workers.


      “Although fast-track has passed, this does not mean that those of us who are concerned about protecting American jobs and our nation’s sovereignty should throw up our hands and surrender. The monstrosity known as Trade Pacific Authority still needs to come back to Congress for an up or down vote. If that bill contains the same noxious elements that appear in it at this time, we must do everything we can to defeat it.”


      Under TAA, Hawai`i workers who are adversely affected by trade may receive training for another job or career, weekly cash payments after regular unemployment benefits are exhausted and half the difference between lower, new wages and old wages for two years if they are 50 years or older. Also, the Health Coverage Tax Credit, which helps pay for health care for workers displaced by trade, would be retroactively renewed for six years through December 31, 2019. The bill also extends trade preference programs to developing countries to help them grow their economies.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

An Ocean View resident asks neighbors
to be on the lookout for Hercules.

OCEAN VIEW RESIDENT ROSALYN (last name not provided) asked community members to be on the lookout for Hercules, her two-year-old male Siamese cat. Hercules went missing May 31 from Tiki Lane and could have traveled further than this area. He has marbled markings and blue eyes and is timid. He does not have a collar but is chipped. Rosalyn is offering a reward. Call 896-2000.

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

HENRY CURTIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of Life of the Land, discusses what he calls LNG: The Hawai`i Bridge Fuel Myth, at ililanimedia.blogspot.com. “Many people have asked whether it is worth spending upwards of a billion dollars to build the importation and distribution infrastructure necessary for liquefied natural gas to serve as a bridge fuel to a future world without fossil fuel,” Curtis said. “However, the plan is for that infrastructure not to go to waste.
      “The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute at the University of Hawai`i, Manoa contracted with Facts Inc. to write a report on Liquified Natural Gas which was then submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy.
      “The 2013 report, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) for Hawai`i: Policy, Economic, and Technical Questions, discussed the role of LNG: ‘A notable point in this analysis is the increasing LNG demand for transportation … which would provide an opportunity to shift LNG demand from the power sector to the transportation sector over time.’
      “Hawai`i has already established state policies that mirror federal policies on transportation that could aid in this transition. Hawai`i defines alternative fuel to include a bunch of non-gasoline alternatives such as natural gas, coal-derived liquid fuels, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, ethanol, and biodiesel.
      “Hawaii` has established a non-gasoline procurement standard where the ‘priority for selecting vehicles’ includes electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles.
      “The terminology for alternative fuel vehicles varies. The category includes natural gas vehicles, natural gas light-duty vehicles, and compressed natural gas buses and trucks.

Face-painting and furry friends are some
of the ho`olaule`a fun.

      “The HNEI analysis states, ‘If LNG comes to Hawai`i it could make sense to convert transit buses, waste collection and transfer vehicles, airport shuttles and vehicles, and city and state vehicles to run on natural gas instead of petroleum products.’
      “Hawai`i currently imports large amounts of petroleum and coal. The dream of the fossil fuel industry is to add natural gas to the mix, first in the electricity sector and then in the transportation sector. The hook is that it will be a temporary import, at least in the electric sector.”

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

OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL CHURCH gifts the community with a ho`olaule`a and lu`au and on Saturday, Aug. 8. This will be the church’s third year holding the event.
      Churches from the Ka`u area will present entertainment, and a variety of services will be present such as The Food Bank, The Pregnancy Center, Keiki ID, Operation Christmas Child, CERT and a Prayer Booth.
      Many local business have donated door prizes. Free Hawaiian food including lomi lomi salmon, chicken long rice and kalua pork will be served while supplies last. There will be a bounce house, tie-dying, children’s games and face-painting for keiki.
      Registration opens at 9 a.m. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m.
      This is an alcohol- and drug-free event. Everything is free, “like God’s salvation and is given for God in Jesus’ name as a gift to the community,” said organizer Daneille Scheiern. “Come and join the fun!”

PAHALA POOL CLOSES in observance of Independence Day on Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4. This week, public recreational swimming is available today through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday. Adult lap swim takes place Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The pool reopens on Sunday.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_June2015.pdf.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, June 28, 2015

A magnitude-5.2 earthquake, indicated by the large red circle, occurred in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park last night.
Map from USGS/HVO

A MAGNITUDE-5.2 EARTHQUAKE ROCKED Hawai`i Island at 10:10 p.m. yesterday. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center determined that the earthquake generated no damaging tsunami.

       According to Wes Thelen, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Seismic Network Manager, the earthquake was centered about 11.4 kilometers (7.1 miles) south-southeast of the summit of Kilauea and at a depth of approximately 8.5 km (5.3 mi). A map showing its location is posted on the HVO website at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/seismic/volcweb/earthquakes/.

Wes Thelen

       The USGS "Did you feel it?" website (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/dyfi/) received more than 740 felt reports within an hour of the earthquake. It was felt across Hawai`i Island as well as on parts of Maui, Lana`i and O`ahu. Reports indicate that residents experienced light shaking (Intensity IV) during the earthquake. At these shaking intensities, damage to buildings or structures is not expected, though items not properly secured could have fallen over.
       Five aftershocks were recorded within the first hour of the earthquake, including a magnitude-3.1 earthquake at 10:54 p.m. More aftershocks can be expected, including some that might be felt, Thelen said.
       Eight earthquakes with magnitudes of four or greater, including three with magnitudes of five or greater, have occurred in this same area, the central part of Kilauea’s south flank, and at nearly the same depth (eight to 10 km or five to six mi), in the last 20 years. These quakes are thought to be caused by southward movement of the volcano’s south flank in response to magmatic pressure within Kilauea’s East Rift Zone.
      HVO Scientist-in-Charge Tina Neal said the earthquakes had no apparent effect on Kilauea’s ongoing eruptions. “HVO monitoring networks have not detected any significant changes in activity at the summits or rift zones of Kilauea or other Hawaiian volcanoes,” she said.
      For more information on recent earthquakes in Hawai`i and eruption updates, see hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U FARMERS, RANCHERS, land managers and other interested persons took a class in conflict management yesterday, sponsored by the Kohala Center and led by mediation trainer Teresa Young. The class, held at Ka`u Coffee Mill, focused on mediation skills likely needed for Ka`u Agricultural Water District Cooperative’s mission to manage agricultural water under license from the state. The state owns all water resources and much of the land where old plantation water tunnels and springs are located in Ka`u. 

      Before the workshop, state Department of Agriculture chief Scott Enright said the license could be issued sometime this year. He talked about the need for various entities overseen by the co-op, completing their organizing around ag water sources. The group has worked on the project to restore the old sugar plantation system for current ranching and farming for about a decade. Funding is coming from the state and private resources.

State Ag Department Chief Scott Enright spoke
in Ka`u yesterday.

      When asked about more funding for ag water, Enright said that funding already approved will need to show growth in agriculture here and that farmers and ranchers can approach state legislators to consider more money.
      Enright also mentioned that Jeff Melrose, who has identified and mapped the agricultural operations on the Big Island and elsewhere in Hawai`i, is also mapping water resources, which will be available to the public online.
      Suggestions during the workshop included studying and anticipating all needs of possible stakeholders who could want water in the future; understanding how each of the Ka`u ag water systems would work and who pays for distribution lines; understanding that those who provide distribution can charge for water; and limitations of the sources during rainy and drought times. Planning of equitable distribution of water during droughts was also discussed. The need for a fire plan, concerning use of ag water during forest and range fires, also came up.
      Interests that could become involved with the Ka` u water system that were mentioned included Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which asks the state for a percentage of income from water sold. Enright said that the state does not plan to charge farmers and ranchers for the water though there is a possibility of a watershed protection fee. Also mentioned was an Earth Justice lawsuit concerning equitable distribution of water in another abandoned former sugar plantation at Kekaha on Kaua`i. Another interested party is Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which sent a representative to the meeting and has plans to bring water to Hawaiian ranchers at Ka Lae and possibly other ag lots owned by DHHL in Ka`u.
      Concerning the cooperative’s efforts, Eright said, “We live in a water-scarce world, and this is important work.”
      See a workbook on conflict resolution and planning to prevent conflict at www.kohalacenter.org/laulima/kauwater.html.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

MAP AND NEWSPAPER ARCHIVES HELP USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists unravel the eruptive histories of Hawaiian volcanoes. HVO scientists extract as much insight as possible from historic accounts of eruptions and then combine that information with current observations of activity to improve their understanding of how Hawaiian volcanoes work. Recent Volcano Watch articles have compared past records for topics such as the Halema`uma`u lava lakes over time, the Mauna Loa lava flow that threatened Hilo in 1881, and the Kilauea lava flow that threatened Pahoa in 2014–2015.
      In the current issue, HVO scientists discuss research on the Mauna Loa eruption that started on Nov. 5, 1880. The detective work “reveals that witnesses saw three separate lava flows advance from the volcano’s Northeast Rift Zone in the first few days of the eruption,” the article states. “The first flow (the Mauna Kea branch) advanced north into the Saddle area and stalled a few days later. The second flow (the Ka`u branch) moved toward Kilauea caldera and also stalled several days later. The third and last lava flow from this eruption (the Hilo branch) advanced toward the northeast and, by summer of 1881, threatened Hilo (this flow was the subject of our March 26, 2015, Volcano Watch).

Archival map shows lava flows in the saddle between Mauna Loa
and Mauna Kea (at top). Hawai`i State Archives map from HVO

      “Until recently, all three branches of the 1880–1881 lava flows were represented on geologic maps of the Island of Hawai`i. But an ongoing remapping effort for Mauna Loa has produced some surprises — one of which is that the flow mapped as the first and northernmost 1880 lava (the Mauna Kea branch) was actually erupted a few years later — in 1899.
      “The true identity of this flow was determined by matching its chemistry with other lavas that are known with certainty to have been erupted in 1899. It would be hard to challenge such definitive geochemical evidence, but we still don’t know what happened to the reported Mauna Kea branch of the 1880–1881 eruption.
      “Going back to newspapers of the time, one can find clear descriptions of the three flow branches, with the first branch advancing north into the saddle just north of the Mauna Loa 1855 lava flow (right where it was formerly mapped). One of these accounts described a trip by a pair of explorers who traveled from the vent high on the rift zone down into the Saddle along the Mauna Kea branch of the flow.
      “Of course, GPS didn’t exist in the 1880s, so these travelers, at best, might have had a barometer that estimated elevation using variations in air pressure. Some travelers recorded approximate elevations of landmarks that we can recognize today. A few others published sketch maps in the newspaper along with their harrowing accounts of the eruption.
      “In addition, government surveyors of that era were working hard on mapping the Hawaiian Kingdom using triangulation and chaining distances (literally using a chain of known length and counting how many ‘chains’ it took to replicate the distance). Toward the end of the nineteenth century, many areas were mapped, including the Saddle between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. There was a lot of sketching ‘by eye’ that went into mapping the Mauna Loa side of the Saddle, but it was still useful.
      “Some of these wonderful old maps can be found online at the Hawai`i State Archives (http://ags.hawaii.gov/survey/map-search/). For this particular quest, registered map number 1718 (from the year1891) shows the first branch of the 1880–1881 lava flows (a dark, thumb-shaped lobe peeking up from the bottom of the map) lying on 1855–1856 lava.
      “These maps confirm that there was a Mauna Kea branch of the 1880–1881 eruption, but that, in fact, it may have only been about 13 km (eight mi) long instead of 20 km (12 mi) long, as the map showed it until recently.
      “With further mapping, the Mauna Kea branch may have been found again — under the later 1899 flows or to the side of the 1855–1856 flow. The challenge now is to see whether we can identify the Mauna Kea branch in remaining kipuka within the 1899 flow or nearby areas.
      “Boots-on-the-ground field work is still the best way to ascertain the geologic record of a volcano. However, geologic questions can sometimes be answered by good old archival research, so we are fortunate that so many archives are now available online.”
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Fourth of July fireworks sales begin today.

FIREWORKS SALES BEGIN TODAY and end at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. There are no retail locations selling firecrackers that require a permit to purchase. However, permits will be required to set off firecrackers purchased previously. Permits are not required for other consumer fireworks and paperless firecrackers.

      Call the Fire Department Prevention Bureau at 932-2915 or 932-2912 regarding purchase of permits.

COWBOY CHURCH IS A WEEK from today at 10 a.m. with Thy Word Ministries-Ka`u Pastor Bob Tominaga. Next Sunday is the second day of Ka`u Roping and Riding Association’s 38th annual Fourth of July Rodeo. Shows start at 12 p.m. both days. On Saturday, slack roping begins at 8 a.m.

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_June2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, June 27, 2015

Ka`u families can register now to be included in the free lunch count at next month's Kahuku `Ohana Day that features poi pounding. Photo from NPS

TAKING ANY SPECIES OF SEA CUCUMBER from Hawai`i waters is illegal for the next 120 days. Hawai`i Board of Land and Natural Resources approved the rule yesterday, and Gov. David Ige is expected to quickly sign the emergency administrative rules.

      DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “Based on a briefing from DOCARE about their ongoing investigation and recent findings and input from the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources, we took the unusual step of fast-tracking this rule to immediately stop the continued depletion of this natural resource. This decision was further confirmed to be prudent when people across the state expressed outrage after seeing photographs and learning about the mass commercial harvesting of sea cucumbers in near shore waters … .”

Harvested sea cucumbers in a cooler. Photo from Hawai`i DLNR

      “We will use the next four months to work with our staff and researchers to better determine the overall impact of large-scale removal of sea cucumbers,” said Alton Miyasaka, DAR acting administrator. “Since we’ve never seen this extent of exploitation in Hawai`i, we need to develop a clear understanding of the impacts on the fishery and aquatic environment.”
      Results of DAR’s inquiry are expected to lead to development of permanent rules regarding harvesting of sea cucumbers. Permanent regulations will also require BLNR’s and the governor’s approval. During this process, DAR staff will work with interested stakeholders, including native Hawaiian traditional and customary practitioners, to come up with proposed rules for sustainable harvest of sea cucumbers.
      Today’s emergency rule making was applauded by officers from the DOCARE North Maui Community Fisheries Enforcement Unit, which took the lead in looking into the commercial harvesting of sea cucumbers. CFEU Office Nathan Hillan said, “As a conservation officer, it makes me very happy that we were able to get ahead of this in a proactive way. To see the emergency rule enacted and signed is very satisfying as an officer. It lifts up, why we do what we do.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

BIG ISLAND COMMUNITY COALITION, which works toward reduced electrical energy costs on the Hawai`i Island, issued a statement on geothermal energy, genetically modified organisms and the Thirty Meter Telescope. Among those who signed the statement is Ka`u rancher Michelle Galimba, who is on the group’s steering committee. Others joining Galimba in signing are the hui’s President Richard Ha and members David DeLuz, Jr., Rockne Freitas, Wallace Ishibashi, Noe Kalipi, H.R. “Monty” Richards, and William Walter. 

      There are occasions when events are so alarming that groups such as ours feel compelled to move beyond our primary task, the hui stated. This is such a time.

      We have observed with increasing alarm as our community has taken steps that inexorably blunt the forward movement of our economy and even move us backwards. These include:

1. Anti-Geothermal activists encouraged county government to ban nighttime drilling, effectively stopping expansion of a major source of renewable and inexpensive electric power beyond already-existing permits. This action was taken despite the existing plant meeting all applicable noise standards. It appears that government officials took this action without first going to the site to verify that the noise was disruptive. Once they did go to the site, some years later, government found that the noise was less than other environmental sounds (i.e., coqui frogs) and essentially no more than typical background noise. 
2. Anti-GMO activists lobbied to stop any new GMO products from being grown on the island – despite the fact that the vast majority of scientific, peer-reviewed studies found such products to be as safe, and in some cases more nutritious, as their non-GMO counterparts. Legislation even prohibited GMO flowers – not consumed by anyone – from being grown on the island. Thus, family farmers lost the most effective new tools needed to reduce pesticide and herbicide usage while increasing productivity needed to keep their farms competitive. 
3. Now we have anti-Thirty Meter Telescope activists taking steps to stop construction of the most advanced telescope in the world. If successful in stopping TMT, despite its sponsors following every legal requirement over a seven-year period, we will lose our world leading advantage in understanding the universe. 

      All of these actions share similar characteristics:

• The arguments used to justify such actions are consistently anti-scientific.
• “Anti” groups often obscure the lack of scientific evidence to support their position by using emotional pleas intended to incite fear. 
• The only “win” for many of these groups is to completely stop, thereby making them completely unwilling to consider any facts that refute their position or to make any reasonable compromise. 
• Long-term consequences are significant both culturally and economically. 

      Cultures that survive and thrive embrace new technologies carefully, thoughtfully and steadily. Cultures and economies that thrive are innovative because they generate ideas and solutions, solve problems and take calculated but careful risks.
      Cultures that fall backwards are those that fear advancement, fear change and cling to a mythicized view of yesteryear. The net result is loss of their brightest and most hard working youth. Those youth that remain find fewer and fewer jobs – those jobs having greatly diminished economic value and lower wages. The downward spiral becomes inexorable.
      As we look to tomorrow, we need to ask ourselves whether we wish to give our children the exciting and invigorating job market typified by Silicon Valley or a job market that is much closer to the poorer regions of third world countries. It is up to us to point one way or another. Driving TMT out will be one more major step to cultural and economic poverty.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hawai`i Island Obon season events begin today. Pahala Hongwanji and Na`alehu Hongwanji offer services only on Monday, July 13. Some other locations include bon dances with their celebrations.

HAWAI`I ISLAND OBON SEASON EVENTS begin today and continue through August. Ka`u celebrates with services on Monday, July 13. Pahala Hongwanji holds its service at 3 p.m., and Na`alehu Hongwanji’s service begins at 6 p.m. Some other Buddhist temples include Bon dances with their celebrations, and Bon dancers from Ka`u are traveling around the Big Island for the annual celebration of music, dance and services in honor of ancestors. Here is the schedule through the end of July:

Bon Dance at Na`alehu Hongwanji in 2009.

• June 27 (Sat.): Honomu Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (963-6032) 
• July 3-4 (Fri./Sat.) Puna Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (966-9981) 
• July 4 (Sat.): Kohala Hongwanji, 7 p.m., graveside service at 5 p.m.; bon service at 6 p.m. service (775-7232) 
• July 11 (Sat.): Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission, 7 p.m., following 6:30 p.m. service; Obon/Hatsubon service on Sunday, June 28, at 9:30 a.m. (322-3524) 
• July 11 (Sat.): Pa`auilo Hongwanji, 7:30 p.m., graveside service at 6 p.m. service, bon service at 6:30 p.m. (776-1369) 
• July 11 (Sat.): Kohala Jodo Mission, following 6 p.m. service (775-0965) 
• July 11 (Sat.): Hilo Meisho-in, 8 p.m., following 7 p.m. service. Obon service on Sunday, July 12, at 10 a.m. (935-6996)
• July 13 (Mon.): Pahala Hongwanji Mission, obon service only at 3 p.m. (928-8254) 
• July 13 (Mon.): Na`alehu Hongwanji, obon service only at 6 p.m. (966-9981) 
• July 17-18 (Fri./Sat.): Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service, food booths available (961-6677) 
• July 18 (Sat.): Honoka`a Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. community memorial service; 4 p.m. graveside service at Kukuihaele Cemetery; 4:30 p.m. graveside service at Honoka`a Cemetery (775-7232) 
• July 18 (Sat.): Ke‘ei Buddhist Church (Kona Hongwanji), 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service; cemetery service at 5 p.m. (323-2993) 
• July 25 (Sat.): Kona Hongwanji, 6:30 p.m., following lantern parade at 6 p.m.; Hatsubon service on Sunday, July 26, at 9 a.m. (323-2993) 
• July 25 (Sat.): Papa`aloa Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (962-6340) 
• July 25 (Sat.): Hilo Hongwanji Mission, 7:30 p.m., following 6 p.m. service Obon service on Sunday, July 26, at 9:30 a.m.; Toro Nagashi at Wailoa Harbor on Sunday, July 26, at 7 p.m. (935-8331). 

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

INTERESTED KA`U RESIDENTS should sign up for Kahuku `Ohana Day by next Thursday, July 2 to be included in the free lunch count. The event takes place Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Manuel Rego, of Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, teaches how to ku`i, or pound, kalo.
      Register at 985-6019.

A paniolo wrangles a cow during a KRRA rodeo in Na`alehu.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION'S 38th annual Fourth of July Rodeo is next weekend. The paniolo tradition of ranchers and other rodeo riders gathering together with families will fill the Na`alehu Arena grounds with events designed for keiki, wahine and kane on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5.
      Slack Roping begins Saturday at 8 a.m. Cowboy Church is on Sunday at 10 a.m. with Thy Word Ministries-Ka`u Pastor Bob Tominaga. Rodeo Shows start at 12 p.m. both days.
      Rodeo Queen contestants are Ku`ukamali`i Bishop of Na`alehu, Arena Jospeh of Kea`au and Chrissy Perez of Honoka`a. Residents can support the young ladies by buying rodeo tickets for $6. Tickets are $7 at the gate.
      All spectators, guests and contestants can buy $1 raffle tickets and win prizes. Prizes will be advertised at the rodeo. All proceeds from the raffle drawing will be donated to American Cancer Society’s Hilo Relay for Life by KRRA.
      Special guests are Miss Rodeo Hawai`i 2015 and Nebraska Queen, who will be signing autographs.
      Events scheduled at the rodeo include Open Team Roping, Kane/Wahine Dally Team Roping, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Kane/Wahine Ribbon Mugging, Wahine Mugging, Tie Down Roping, Wahine Break Away, Po`o Wai U and Bull Riding.
      Dummy Roping, Goat Undecorating, Calf Riding and Youth Barrel Racing events are set for youngsters.
      For more information, call Tammy Kaapana at 929-8079.

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_June2015.pdf.