Monday, August 31, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Aug. 31, 2015

Does Van Gogh's Starry Night remind you of digital depictions of hurricanes going by Hawai`i? Media outlets see similarities.
VAN GOGH’S STARRY NIGHT is being circulated through social media and on Hawai`i News Now broadcast as an image that harmonizes with digital depictions of the hurricanes going by the Hawaiian Islands. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu is expected to pick up responsibility of reporting on Jimena Tuesday afternoon as it moves closer and Ignacio moves off to the northwest.
Social media and Hawai`i News Now are comparing patterns of Pacific storms
to Van Gogh's Starry Night.
      Hurricane Ignacio threatened Hawai`i Island earlier but is tracking to the north of the state. Hurricane Jimena is behind Ignacio but expected to make a turn to the north before reaching Hawai`i.
      Another disturbance is developing to the east of Ignacio.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL CONSIDERS two resolutions introduced by Ka`u’s Council member Maile David this week. The council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo. 
      David is proposing an amendment to Hawai`i County’s General Plan relating to the principles of the ahupua`a system. David’s Resolution 256-15 calls for the General Plan to apply values, philosophy and geographical features of the ahupua`a system as a land use model to regulatory decisions and government programs, fulfilling sustainability goals and land use policies with consideration for resource management.
Maile David
      David’s Resolution 258-15 proposes another amendment to the county’s General Plan relating to roadway access in Ka`u during times of flooding. David wants the county to investigate potential solutions to prevent the closure of Hawai`i Belt Road due to flooding, including improving, acquiring and maintaining alternate routes.
      A communication document from David states, “During times of heavy rainfall, flooding along the Hawai`i Belt Road in the Ka`u District still occurs whereby streams in the area often exceed the capacity of existing bridges and culverts and flood the roadway, resulting in temporary closure of the Hawai`i Belt Road; and such road closures severely impair access to the district of Ka`u from surrounding areas and to essential services and shelters.”  
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES meet tomorrow at Council Chambers in Hilo, with Planning at 9 a.m.; Public Works & Parks and Recreation, 9:30 a.m.; Finance, 10 a.m.; and Governmental Relations & Economic Development, 1 p.m.
      Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building.
      All meetings are streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings.
      Agendas are also available on the website.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A PROPOSED OCEAN VIEW RANCHOS project that would cover 26 lots with solar panels is the topic of a story in this morning’s West Hawai`i Today. Bret Yager wrote that “Ka`u residents angered by a massive solar energy project are changing county law to prevent another of its kind from landing in a residential area.”
Rep. Richard Creagan
      The change refers to Ka`u Community Development Plan policy that would require such projects to apply for a special permit at the county level. Currently, state allow allows these projects on ag land even if it is mostly residential, which is how many of the county’s nonconforming subdivisions are zoned.
      “The state figures ag land is ag land, but they just didn’t consider the big, nonconforming subdivisions,” Loren Heck told Yager.
      Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan said, “The state law was so broad and unrestricted, it was unfortunate. The devil was in the details, and we didn’t put in the details.” Creagan told the reporter that O`ahu Rep. Chris Lee, chair of the House Energy & Environmental Protection Committee, has committed to revisiting the law.
      Sandy Shelton, a Ranchos residents who has collected hundred of signatures from neighbors opposing the project, told Yager, “Solar companies should be required to take a holistic approach that protects the residents and the ecology of the area.”
      See westhawaiitoday.com.

“WHAT HAPPENS TO LAVA FLOWS after they enter the ocean?” Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists ask in the current issue of Volcano Watch. “Does lava continue to flow exactly as it did on land, or does it behave differently after it enters the ocean?”
      The scientists explain, “The availability of high-resolution bathymetry off the coasts of volcanic islands like Hawai`i allows us to get a peek at flows that have continued to advance under water. Geologists studying recent lava flows in the Azores, a volcanic island chain 1,360 kilometers (850 miles) west of Portugal, could easily distinguish the underwater extent of lava flows that had originated on land. They found that the flows behaved differently underwater, primarily due to rapid cooling by water and by buoyancy of the advancing flows.
      “Water can cool the surface of a lava flow more efficiently than can air, so lava flowing in water develops a solidified skin very rapidly. However, when the crust reaches moderate thickness, it insulates the lava flow interior just as well as it does in air. This results in flows stalling after advancing short distances below the surf zone, pressurizing (or inflating, like pahoehoe flows) and advancing farther through multiple breakouts. The most common form was dubbed ‘dendritic,’ because multiple breakouts occurred along a broad flow front, several of which branched again.
      “Lava flows also become buoyant underwater. The flows don’t float because their density is still greater than the density of seawater, but they flow more slowly. This is because upward buoyancy forces partly counteract the downslope pull by gravitational forces.
Steaming water marked the offshore course of lava entering the ocean
on June 2, 1950. Photo from USGS/HVO courtesy of U.S. Air Force
      “The combination of buoyancy and enhanced cooling slows lava flows moving offshore along the sea bed, thereby causing them to pressurize and thicken.
      “High-resolution bathymetry is also available for several offshore areas of the Island of Hawai`i, and we are looking for these same effects on lava flows that entered the ocean north of Kailua-Kona on the west side of Hawai`i. The Hu`ehu`e and Ka`upulehu lava flows from Hualalai volcano entered the ocean along this coastline, as did the pahoehoe and `a`a branches of the 1859 Mauna Loa lava flow. Despite the fact that these flows are tens of kilometers long on land, their submarine lengths are less than six km (3.8 mi).
      “Interpretations from recent lava flows in the Azores seem to also be true in Hawai`i. For example, the 1859 Mauna Loa lava flow advanced over 50 km (31 mi) to the sea in eight days, based on eyewitness accounts; however, the flow appears to have advanced only about two km (1.2 mi) offshore even though it remained active for months. 
      “In the South Kona District, some high-resolution bathymetry exists, but coverage is spotty, so we rely on other evidence for how far recent flows advanced underwater. Just like on land, the slope of the ground over which lava moves affects its speed, with lava flowing faster over steeper slopes. Offshore slopes along the northwest coast of the Island of Hawai`i are 50–100 m (164–328 ft) deep at one km (0.6 mi) from the coast. Much steeper topographies are encountered south of Ho`okena in South Kona; depths there are around 500 m (1,640 ft) at a distance of one km (0.6 mi) from the coast.
      “In 1919 and 1950, Mauna Loa lava flows in South Kona rushed downslope about 20 km (12 mi) to the ocean and continued to flow into the ocean for weeks. While the ocean entries were active, steam was observed rising from the ocean surface 0.8 to five km (0.5–3.5 mi) offshore, with many fish killed in the vicinity. Notably, several of the fish were varieties never seen before. Later study by ichthyologists confirmed that these deep-sea creatures probably came from depths of about 1,000 m (3,300 ft), suggesting that the flow may have advanced 2–4 km (1.2–2.4 mi) offshore in both cases to reach those depths.
      “The slowing of lava flows as they enter the ocean may help explain some aspects of lava delta development and, more broadly, volcanic island development. When lava next enters the ocean in Hawai`i, we may be able to use this information to better assess the extent of any hazards the lava delta and underwater lava flow pose to visitors and near-shore boat traffic.”
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS have a busy week. They play Makualani today, St. Joseph tomorrow and Parker Friday, all at 6 p.m. on their home court. Tonights’ matches were rescheduled from an earlier date. 
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Dick Hershberger takes participants on A Walk into the Past
tomorrow and every other Tuesday. Photo by Ron Johnson
KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK presents A Walk into the Past tomorrow in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The living history program features Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger bringing back to life Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, founder of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and a prominent figure in the history of the study of volcanoes. Free performances are held every other Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center. Park entrance fees apply. 

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.









Sunday, August 30, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015

Hurricane Ignacio was 235 miles east of South Point at 11 a.m. Map from Weather Underground
KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Steering Committee met yesterday to discuss the draft plan’s section on economic development. After much discussion and testimony by residents, the committee decided to make no changes to the draft document regarding economic development, Project Manager Ron Whitmore said.
      According to CDP documents, “the vast majority of public comments related to economic development were supportive of or in alignment with the Draft CDP strategies. They emphasized the need for jobs and strategies for growing various sections – agriculture, renewable energy, health care, community tourism, retail – and the need for workforce development and strategic collaboration.”
      More information is available at kaucdp.info.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hawaiian waters are under a tropical storm warning. Map from CPHC
HURRICANE IGNACIO WAS 435 MILES east of South Point at 11 a.m. and moving northwest, skirting by Hawai`i Island. 
      Although Ignacio’s forecast track is north of Hawai`i Island, a tropical storm watch remains in effect. Based on the latest forecast, there is little chance for hurricane conditions, according to Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Also, the chance for tropical storm conditions currently ranges from 11 to 26 percent. This represents a general downward trend since the last forecast.
      Although the latest forecast is for sustained winds to remain below tropical storm force of 39 mph, only a small change in the track of Ignacio could result in higher winds.
      Total rainfall amounts of two to five inches, with isolated amounts near six inches mainly in areas of higher terrain, are possible.
      A tropical storm warning is in effect for waters surrounding Hawai`i.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ENERGY GOALS OF GOV. DAVID IGE were the focus of an hour-long interview with Honolulu Star-Advertiser reporter Bruce Asato on Friday. Ige has set a goal for Hawai`i to use 100 renewable sources of energy to generate electricity by 2045. He also has recently stated his opposition to the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. and Florida-based NextEra Energy.
      “We are looking for a partner in the electric utility that really embraces 100 percent renewable and, I think, more importantly, changing the business model from the traditional electric utility to what would work in a fully distributed generation renewable future,” Ige told Asato.
Ige wants to move from centralized power generation to distributed generation.
Image from Fresh Energy
      Ige said distribution should be the role of an electric utility, not generation. In his vision, power would be generated by renewable sources such as solar installations on rooftops and farms developed by entities other than utilities.
      “I’m not anti-HECO. I’m pro-partner,” Ige said. “This environment, with the state setting aggressive policy, we would like to find a utility partner that wants to be part of that environment.”
      Ige also is opposed to importing liquefied natural gas as a bridge fuel to 100 percent renewable sources. According to Asato, Ige listed reasons for his opposition as major capital investments needed to build LNG infrastructure, the fuel’s distraction from the state’s 100 percent renewable goal and the impact of the regulatory review process on residents. 
      “We could find a way to defer unnecessary investment in existing oil-based power plants and refineries and really focus investments and new investments in renewables,” Ige said. “That is a better course to take than transitioning over and then transitioning again. There may be a fuel savings, but by bringing in LNG, we are bringing in capital investment that would have to be recovered. The capital investments required were too high, and the regulatory permitting process would take years. It makes the window for LNG serving as a transitional fuel shorter and smaller as we move forward.”
      See staradvertiser.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Josh Stanbro Photo from Kanu Hawai`i
JOSH STANBRO, who was the lead negotiator in a successful community effort that placed some 400 acres at Honu`apo into public domain, has been named an Omidyar Fellow for 2015. The fellowship program was created by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar. 
      Stanbro led Trust for Public Land in Hawai`i during fundraising and negotiations for Honu`apo. An attorney, he is now program director for environment and sustainability at Hawai`i Community Foundation.
      The other fellows for 2015 are Vince Baldemor, executive athletics director, Hawai`i Pacific University; Blair Collis, president and CEO, Bishop Museum; Catherine Awakuni Colon, director of Hawai`i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Pualani Enos, executive director, Hui Malama Learning Center; Scott Higashi, executive vice president, Locations, LLC; Pamela Joe, partner, RevoluSun and president, RevoluSun Solar Corp. Inc.; Jack Kittinger, director, Conservation International’s Hawai`i program; Betty and Gordon Moore, Center for Science and Oceans; Robert Lietzke, principal, Booz Allen Hamilton; Dawn Lippert, director, Energy Excelerator; Sherry Menor-McNamara, president and CEO, Chamber of Commerce Hawai`i; David Oyadomari, executive vice president, Bank of Hawai`i; William Pieper, vice President BarclayCard US; Jennifer Walker, vice president of legal and business development, Hawai`i Medical Service Association; and Beth Whitehead, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, American Savings Bank.
      The Hawai`i business and nonprofit leaders make up the fourth cohort of the Omidyar Fellows program. They’ll participate in a 15-month leadership development program starting in October. Several members of the latest cohort are past members of Pacific Business News’ Forty Under 40 program.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Trojans take to the field for their season opener.
Photo from KHPES
THE SCORE WAS CLOSE AT HALFTIME, but Kohala ran away with the football in the second half at Ka`u High Trojans’ first eight-man game of the season. Catching a pass from Kamaehu DeRamos, Kainalu Medeiros-Dancel scored a touchdown to close the second quarter at Ka`u 6, Kohala 7. 
      Kohala ran in three more touchdowns in the second half. Final score: Ka`u 6; Kohala 28.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH FOOTBALL COACH DuWayne Kainoa Ke welcomed West Hawai`i Today reporter J.R. Groote recently to do a story on the team. The coach said he was amazed at the professional respect that the sportswriter showed to the Trojans, not even stepping onto the field before he gained permission.
      Following the Trojans winning the Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship last year, Ke told De Groote that it’s not all about winning. “There are a lot of schools that want to win. But for us, it’s about having fun — win or lose,” Ke said. “If a kid can come out here and have fun, they’re a winner in my book.”
      Ke told De Groote that although many of this year’s players are new, “if the kids are disciplined and listen, we will do just fine.”
      See westhawaiitoday.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GOOFUNDME IS THE CALL of the Ka`u High School cheerleading squad, which has set up a gofundme.com/kaucheer campaign to raise money for shoes and all that goes with outfits to support Trojan teams at sports events.
      The squad, supporting the first eight-man football game for the Trojans yesterday, is in its second year following Ka`u High going without a cheerleading squad for several years. Last year, Trojan cheerleaders raised funds for uniforms through a bake sale and Valentine’s grams. According to the gofundme.com/kaucheer description by Jessica Elizabeth-Rose Carroll, the squad says, “We need to add a few more uniforms; the members need shoes and pompoms.” Because lack of funding prevented Ka`u cheerleaders from attending camp this summer, “We’d like to access some stunting and gymnastics training opportunities here on-island and start saving funds for camp next summer!”
 
Ka`u High's cheerleading squad is fundraising online.
      The campaign statement says that squad members “live in a rural area on the Hawai`i Island, over an hour’s drive from any larger metropolitan area. Nearly 85 percent of the students in the area qualify for free or reduced lunch. Therefore, it is difficult for squad members to come up with the funds to cover the costs associated with participation on their own. Any support you can give is greatly appreciated!”
      The Trojan squad says that “cheerleading teaches important life values such as preparation, dedication and working together as a team, and cheerleading produces active, engaged citizens. According to a survey conducted by Varsity Brands, a company that runs cheerleading camps and makes uniforms, cheerleaders were more likely to hold a leadership position in their school or community. Therefore, by supporting the squad, you are also supporting these young men’s and women’s future success!”
      To contribute, see gofundme.com/kaucheer.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.









Saturday, August 29, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015

Hurricanes surround Hawai`i, with Ignacio expected to arrive by Monday and Jimena following later in the week.
Map from Weather Underground
KA`U IS UNDER A TROPICAL STORM WATCH as Ignacio, currently a Category Four Hurricane, approaches the area, bringing an increased potential for tropical storm conditions. According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center at 11 a.m., the chance for tropical storm conditions ranges from 29 to 51 percent. There is potential for sustained winds to reach tropical storm force of 39 miles per hour as early as tomorrow night. 
      Swells generated by Ignacio will begin to arrive along east and southeast facing shores of Hawai`i Island later today and increase to 15 to 20 feet tomorrow through Monday. Surf will be large and potentially life-threatening later this weekend and early next week. Some coastal inundation of low-lying areas is expected, especially at high tide.
      Total rainfall amounts of two to four inches, with isolated maximum amounts near six inches mainly in areas of higher terrain, are possible in the watch area.
      It is vital to not focus on the exact forecast track; forecast movement, direction and speed are only estimates. Even small errors in the track can mean major differences in where the worst conditions will occur. Damaging effects can extend far from the center.
      A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the possible arrival of tropical storm force winds, which make continuing outside preparations dangerous. A watch is the time to prepare. Do not wait until it is too late.
Although Ignacio is expected to track north of Hawai`i, officials urge
everyone to prepare for tropical storm conditions. Map from NOAA
      Be ready to evacuate if necessary. Heed the advice of local officials, and comply with any orders that are issued. Persons living near the shore should be prepared to evacuate quickly should building surf threaten.
      Loose objects such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and other items should be secured or stored indoors. Have supplies on hand and be ready for power outages.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GOV. DAVID IGE YESTERDAY SIGNED an emergency proclamation in anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Ignacio. National Weather Service has advised that even though Ignacio’s track is still highly uncertain, the system has the ability to cause widespread damage across the state.
      The proclamation activates the Major Disaster Fund set aside by the Legislature for disaster relief for the entire state. It also allows easier access to emergency resources at state and federal levels, along with the ability to suspend certain laws as needed for emergency purposes.
      “We thank Gov. Ige for his support during this crucial time and are taking advantage of this pre-landfall period to ensure that we are as best prepared as possible,” said Vern Miyagi, Executive Officer of Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency. “With our whole state engulfed in the cone of uncertainty, we ask the public to continue their preparedness efforts and monitor news media for the latest updates regarding Hurricane Ignacio.”
      The cone of uncertainty presents the probable track of a tropical cyclone and the area over which the center is most likely to pass. The path of the cone can be extremely unpredictable, and the center of a storm can fall anywhere within that cone.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

“THE STATE OF HAWAI`I IS LIKELY to extend the operations of the Hawai`i Health Connector through October 2016 for $3.3 million, the health insurance exchange’s officials announced Friday at its board of directors meeting.” This is the report from Pacific Business News, which covered the meeting. 
      The Connector also received confirmation that the federal government would provide $2.8 million support “marketplace assister organizations” — the Connector’s nonprofit partners that assist the community in signing up for health insurance, such as Ka`u Rural Health Community Association. KRHCAI has promoted and helped people sign up for government-sponsored health insurance at many community gatherings and at its offices next to Pahala Library.
      In May, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services informed the Connector that federal funds were no longer available to support its long-term operations. The Connector has been unable to generate sufficient revenues to sustain operations.
      See bizjournals.com/pacific.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A POSTER CONTEST for the Society for Hawaiian Archaeology is open until this Monday, Aug. 31 with the theme Kulaiwi: Repositioning our Identity in the Present
      Dr. Keao NeSmith described the Oct. 9-11 annual conference, saying it “examines the role of identity within the work of archaeology.” He said archaeology is an essential part of “people’s desires to know about themselves and their surroundings more intimately as they examine their own family histories.”
           “Kulaiwi centers the thinking of people everywhere on their ‘piko,’ the focal point of what connects them to their identity. There is a direct correlation between this knowledge and how one formulates and reformulates their definition of themselves. The work of archaeology, therefore, is access to not only our past, but ourselves today.”
           The conference will be on Kaua`i. The poster winner will receive a one-year Society for Hawaiian Archaeologists individual membership and have their poster design, printed and distributed to all SHA conference participants.
      Designs must be 18 x 24 inches in size and have either a portrait or landscape orientation. Selection of the winning design will be based on composition and thematic interpretation. Submit entries electronically to Regina K. Hilo, Archaeology Week kako`o, at archaeologyweek@hawaiianarchaeology.org. For more information, email kananakahilo@gmail.com.

CAMP GOOGLE TEACHING MATH AND SCIENCE WITH HAWAI`I VOLCANOES will remain online past the summer holidays and throughout the school year. The virtual field trip into nature for kids, 7-12, was launched in late July and is available free, online at https://camp.withgoogle.com/. After finishing the camp, kids can earn virtual badges.
      The camp received statewide attention this morning through a feature story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. See staradvertiser.com. See more on Camp Google’s launch at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2015/07/kau-news-briefs-wednesday-july-29-2015.html.
      Google engineers partnered with National Geographic Kids, NASA, Khan Academy and National Park Service for content about nature, space, oceans and music. The exploration of Hawai`i’s volcanoes takes youth into nature through a 12-minute video called What Will You Find in the Wild?
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Judy Knapp and Liz Stabo offer treats from Flyin' Hawaiian Coffee's
mobile kitchen. Photo from Judy Knapp
IN CELEBRATION OF FIVE YEARS of business in Ka`u, Flyin’ Hawaiian Coffee owner Judy Knapp will offer weekly specials throughout September and a Celebration Party on Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with live music, door prizes and giveaways. 
      The mobile cafe serves hot and cold beverages along with sweet treats every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the lawn between Na`alehu Methodist Church and CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union on the mauka side of Hwy 11.
      Since first opening, Flyin’ Hawaiian Coffee’s menu has expanded to include a few non-caffeinated drinks, including “freshly squeezed Ka`u Limeade, fruit smoothies and our newest creation: Ginger-Lemongrass Limeade Crush. Perfect for this hot summer!” Knapp said. According to Knapp, popular caffeinated options include Ka`u coffee, lattes, mochas and Killer Chillers. Knapp said she doesn’t have any plans of moving to a storefront anytime soon, but it is her dream. That, “or getting a second espresso wagon – or winning the lottery!”
      Knapp said she is “still loving (working in Ka`u). Such a wonderful mix of people and cultures, and coffee brings them all together!” She estimates that 60 percent of her customer base resides in the Ka`u district. Knapp rejoices in the “happy looks on visitors’ faces when they pull up after a long day at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and still have the drive back to Kona.” She said she still has repeat customers from years ago who “have returned to the island and make it a point to stop for coffee!”
The Enduring Wiliwili opens today. Image from VAC
      Knapp contributes much of her business’s success with visitors to press coverage, which “has made Ka`u much more recognizable throughout the world. Many tourists ask specifically for Ka`u, rather than Kona, coffee.” She said she “proudly serves Ka`u coffee from Miranda’s Farm.”
      As business has increased, Knapp found herself needing an extra pair of helping hands. She now has Liz Stabo, “my whatever-it-takes co-worker,” Knapp said. “We’ve worked together over two years, and she pushes me forward when I’m dragging.”
      When asked for advice for other entrepreneurs in the community, Knapp said to “plan as well as you’re able, jump in feet first, and hold onto your dream. Prepare to ride out the first year, and then watch it grow.”

THE ENDURING WILIWILI opens today at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit features artwork of the Pacific Island Printmakers.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.


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








Friday, August 28, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Aug. 28, 2015

Ka`u Coffee growers, including Gloria Camba, Joan Obra, Lori Obra and Trinidad and Francis Marques, show Ka`u's County Council member Maile David and state Rep. Richard Creagan their farms. Photos from Trinidad Marques
HAWAI`I COUNTY DEPARTMENT of Water Supply is decreasing its Power Cost Charge on customer bills from $2.32 to $1.85 per 1,000 gallons of water used. The PCC is applied to each 1,000 gallons of water used by each customer to account for fluctuations in the cost of energy needed to operate the water system. The PCC is one part of the total water bill.
      For an average residential customer using 20,000 gallons of water in a two-month period, the change will decrease costs by $9.40 over the two-month billing cycle, or $4.70 per month.
      A public hearing regarding proposed PCC changes was held in Kona on Aug. 25 before the Water Board.
      Under rules adopted by the Water Board in 2009, the PCC can be adjusted every two months.
      As Hawai`i Island’s largest customer for electrical power from Hawai`i Electric Light Co., DWS continually looks for ways to optimize operations and energy use. In partnership with Hawai`i Energy, the department contracted an independent private consultant to summarize current energy reduction efforts as well as make future recommendations.
      The report highlighted aggressive leak detection, development of renewable energy sources and use of premium efficiency motors and discount HELCO rate schedules as some of the most effective ways the department has reduced energy use. Also mentioned were suggestions in terms of energy management practices, energy supply, conservation and operational measures, as well as possible funding options.
      “Reduction in energy use is a priority to the Department of Water Supply,” said Keith Okamoto, Manager-Chief Engineer of the Department. “This report identifies what is working and recommends further actions that make sense financially and operationally.”
      The entire report is online at www.hawaiidws.org.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hurricane Jimena in the Eastern Pacific is following Hurricane Ignacio, now
in the Central Pacific. Map from East Asia Observatory Weather Page 
TWO HURRICANES EAST OF HAWAI`I are heading west. The center of Ignacio, 855 miles east-southeast of South Point at 11 a.m., is forecast to skirt Hawai`i to the north on Monday, according to Central Pacific Hurricane Center. 
      Jimena, now a Category Two Hurricane in the Eastern Pacific, continues to intensify rapidly and could become a Category Three Hurricane tonight, National Hurricane Center reported. It is expected to cross into the Central Pacific Tuesday and could impact Hawai`i later in the week.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

`AINA KOA PONO, which proposed a Ka`u biofuel farm and a refinery that was to be located on what is now coffee lands on Olson Trust property, remains on the state’s list of top energy projects, according to a recent story in Hawai`i Tribune Herald. The AKP proposal was turned down twice by the Public Utilities Commission and would have taken large tracts of land out of ranching and other farm use. AKP was in contract with the electric company to sell biofuel at a reported $200 a barrel. Oil now sells for much less.
      See the story on the energy list at hawaiitibune-herald.com.
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Two earthquakes identified as red dots rattled Ka`u this morning.
Map from USGS/HVO
SMALL QUAKES JIGGERED KA`U this morning. At 10:05 a.m., a 2.3-magnitude microquake was felt in Pahala, the epicenter being .5 miles north of Pahala. The quake was .6 miles deep. 
      At 9:24 a.m., a microquake of 2.0-magnitude registered 5.6 miles north-northeast of Na`alehu at a depth of .1 mile.
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DUE PROCESS WAS A FOCUS of Hawai`i Supreme Court justices who yesterday heard oral arguments regarding construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope at the summit of Mauna Kea. Anita Hofschneider, of Civil Beat, reported that the justices grilled attorneys for the state about issuance of a permit for the project before a contested case hearing was completed.
      According to Hofschneider, the state Board of Land Board & Natural Resources issued conditional approval of a permit in 2011 that asked the university to wait until after the contested case hearing before starting construction. Also, the conditional permit came before the state had begun the contested case hearing process.
      “Justice can perform its function in the best way only if it satisfies the appearance of justice,” Justice Sabrina McKenna said. “Justice must not only be done, but manifestly seen as done.”
      Justice Richard Pollack said Land Board rules don’t say anything that would have allowed it to revoke the permit if the state had lost the contested case hearing.
      Justice Paula Nakayama said that nothing in the Land Board’s rules allows a preliminary decision. “Do you think the process that BLNR followed here furthers public confidence in the system?” she asked.
      See civilbeat.com.
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Ka`u Coffee growers discussed options regarding purchasing land where they established a new industry almost 20 years ago.
KA`U COFFEE FARMS, founded almost 20 years ago when displaced sugar workers were given licenses to establish a new industry when the C. Brewer sugar company was shutting down in Ka`u, received a visit from County Council member Maile David and Rep. Richard Creagan yesterday. In the beginning stages of this season’s harvest, farmers were able to show the lawmakers their healthy orchards of Ka`u Coffee that have been winning international awards for years. 
      The lawmakers learned of the farmers’ quest for long-term land security for their farms as they no longer have leases and younger members of the community are starting to show an interest in getting into the business. The property has been for sale by Lehman Bros. and is in escrow with a Colorado land investment company.
      The land where the farms are located was approved years ago by the county planning director for a Project Unit Development which would allow subdividing them into smaller than 20-acre coffee estates. Whether the current coffee growers would be able to the afford them is of great concern to the farmers.
      Several farmers talked about the possibility of the farmers themselves buying the land as a group, with help from government, private partners and/or nonprofit organizations.
Ka`u CDP calls for increased economic opportunities.
      Later in the day, many of the farmers met with Creagan, Sen. Russell Ruderman and Rep. Richard Onishi to discuss their purchasing options and a license agreement that is being negotiated with a Colorado company in escrow to buy the land from Lehman Brothers.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN KA`U is the topic when Ka`u Community Development Plan’s Steering Committee meets tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. 
      The focus of this meeting will be potential revisions to the draft CDP based on public input. The meeting will be actively facilitated to help the Steering Committee consider the trade-offs of alternative strategies for achieving Community Objectives. It is hoped that the meeting will conclude with preliminary decisions by the Steering Committee about CDP revisions. The preliminary decisions will be considered as part of final Steering Committee recommendations at a future meeting. The meeting is open to the community, and public testimony is welcome.
      Background information prepared to inform and guide the meeting is available at http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/steering-committee/steering-commitee-meetings/august-29-2015-steering-committee-meeting/EconDevInfoPacket.pdf/view.
      More information about the Ka`u CDP is available at kaucdp.info.

THE ENDURING WILIWILI opens tomorrow at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit features artwork of Andrea Pro, Margaret Barnaby, Lisa Louise Adams, Kathy Molina and John McCaskill, who together make up the Pacific Island Printmakers. Wiliwili is one of Hawai`i’s threatened species, a flowering tree that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
Image from VAC
      For the exhibition, the printmakers partnered with Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to reforesting a lowland dry forest preserve that is home to several endemic and indigenous plant species including iconic trees such as the wiliwili and the uhiuhi. The artists went into the field where they studied and sketched the few remaining wild wiliwili trees firsthand.
      “This exhibition is a great example of community partnerships – three separate organizations all with one shared goal, to build awareness and conservation efforts of the wiliwili trees,” gallery manager Emily Weiss said. “I find it very exciting to see five different perspectives of one subject matter.”
      In the Hawaiian language, wiliwili means “repeatedly twisted” and refers to seedpods that twist open to reveal the seeds.
      The Enduring Wiliwili is on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily beginning through Oct. 4. Park entrance fees apply.

THE SUMMER JAZZ IN THE FOREST concert series concludes tomorrow. Two shows are offered, with a matinee at 4:30 p.m. and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the matinee are $15 for VAC members and $20 for non-members. For the evening show, prices increase by $5.
      See volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.


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