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| A member of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's trail crew repaves Thurston Lava Tube's exit trail. NPS Photo by Tom Foster |
HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION has the authority to penalize utilities if they don’t comply with the state law mandating 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. Hawai`i is the first state to declare the 100 percent goal. According to Duane Shimogawa, of Pacific Business News, Mark Glick, administrator for the state Energy Office, said, “The one thing that sets the [Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative] apart from almost every program in the world, here in Hawai`i, all the key players and stakeholders, support the clean energy agenda. The most important thing for us is believing that it can be done economically.
"We’re going to demonstrate through our modeling and planning that we hope to work collaboratively with the utilities, and if that’s the case, it has every bit of weight as the current system.”
"We’re going to demonstrate through our modeling and planning that we hope to work collaboratively with the utilities, and if that’s the case, it has every bit of weight as the current system.”
House Bill 623 sets goals of 30 percent renewable by the end of 2020, 70 percent by the end of 2040 and 100 percent by the end of 2045. Gov. David Ige signed it in May. While the bill lacks specific penalties for noncompliance, the PUC has the authority to hand them down, Glick told PBN. Glick said, however, he expects utilities to comply.
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| Lingering rain from Hilda could bring flash floods to Ka`u. Map from NWS |
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS in effect for Ka`u and Hawai`i County until 6 a.m. tomorrow as a tropical storm south of the Big Island moves west. Abundant moisture from remnants of Hilda will linger over the Big Island today and tonight. An additional two to four inches of rain may fall in some areas. Limited clearing this morning is expected to yield to locally heavy showers and thunderstorms by this afternoon, especially over interior slopes. This additional heavy rain today and tonight could produce excessive runoff, rock and mudslides in steep terrain and overflowing streams.
A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. The National Weather Service reminds everyone that flash flooding is very dangerous. Never enter areas where water covers the road; the road may not be intact and you could be swept away. Remember that it does not have to be raining heavily where you are for flash flooding to occur. Do not camp or hike in low areas or near streams when there is a threat of flash flooding. Monitor the latest forecasts, and be prepared to take immediate action if a flash flood warning is issued.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Thurston Lava Tube remains open during repaving of its exit trail. Photo by Michael Szoenyi |
IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE at Thurston Lava Tube in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Originally scheduled to reopen today following replacement of an old electrical line, the exit trail leading out of Thurston Lava Tube will remain closed for another week while workers repave it.
The lava tube remains open, and the trail that leads into it is being used for both exit and entry. The paving project will repair the entire exit trail (about 700 feet).
The closed area extends from the far end of the lava tube toward the restrooms, which remain open. Escape Road, from Hwy 11 to Thurston Lava Tube, continues to be closed during the project.
Thurston Lava Tube, or Nahuku, is one of the most popular features in the park. Visitation is consistently heaviest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. To reduce congestion in the parking lot and lava tube, visitors are encouraged to enjoy it in the early morning or late afternoon.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
The closed area extends from the far end of the lava tube toward the restrooms, which remain open. Escape Road, from Hwy 11 to Thurston Lava Tube, continues to be closed during the project.
Thurston Lava Tube, or Nahuku, is one of the most popular features in the park. Visitation is consistently heaviest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. To reduce congestion in the parking lot and lava tube, visitors are encouraged to enjoy it in the early morning or late afternoon.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act 80 years ago today. Photo from wikipedia |
ON THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY of Social Security, Sen. Brian Schatz introduced legislation to expand the program. The Safeguarding American Families and Expanding Social Security Act would increase benefits for families in Hawai`i and across the country. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act on Aug. 14, 1935.
“In Hawai`i, more than 250,000 people depend on Social Security, the most successful safety net program in American history,” Schatz said. “With the number of retirees growing, we need to do everything we can to strengthen it. Our legislation would expand Social Security and put more money in the hands of seniors who rely on it, strengthen the program for the next generation of retirees and make sure everyone pays into the system equally. After a lifetime of hard work, seniors deserve to retire with the dignity and benefits they have earned.”
The Safeguarding American Families and Expanding Social Security Act would strengthen benefits by reforming the Social Security benefit formula. The legislation changes the method used to calculates Social Security benefits. This change will boost benefits for all Social Security beneficiaries by about $65 a month but is targeted to help those in the low and middle of the income distribution, for whom Social Security has become an ever greater share of their retirement income.
The legislation would insure that cost of living adjustments adequately reflect the living expenses of retirees by changing the way Social Security Administration calculates the Cost of Living Adjustments. To ensure that benefits better reflect cost increases facing seniors, future COLAs will be based on the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly. Making this change is expected to result in higher COLAs, ensuring that seniors are able to better keep up with the rising costs of essential items like health care.
The legislation would also extend the life of the trust fund by phasing out the current taxable cap of $118,500 so that payroll taxes apply fairly to every dollar of wages earned.
The legislation’s supporters include Social Security Works, the Strengthen Social Security Coalition, the Alliance for Retired Americans, AFL-CIO and the Kokua Council.
“We applaud Sen. Brian Schatz for introducing the Safeguarding American Families and Expanding Social Security Act, which increases Social Security's modest benefits, including those of seniors, people with disabilities, children who are orphaned and others,” said Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works. “In addition, by proposing a much more accurate cost of living adjustment, the legislation ensures that Social Security’s modest benefits will not erode over time.”
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
The legislation would insure that cost of living adjustments adequately reflect the living expenses of retirees by changing the way Social Security Administration calculates the Cost of Living Adjustments. To ensure that benefits better reflect cost increases facing seniors, future COLAs will be based on the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly. Making this change is expected to result in higher COLAs, ensuring that seniors are able to better keep up with the rising costs of essential items like health care.
The legislation would also extend the life of the trust fund by phasing out the current taxable cap of $118,500 so that payroll taxes apply fairly to every dollar of wages earned.
The legislation’s supporters include Social Security Works, the Strengthen Social Security Coalition, the Alliance for Retired Americans, AFL-CIO and the Kokua Council.
“We applaud Sen. Brian Schatz for introducing the Safeguarding American Families and Expanding Social Security Act, which increases Social Security's modest benefits, including those of seniors, people with disabilities, children who are orphaned and others,” said Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works. “In addition, by proposing a much more accurate cost of living adjustment, the legislation ensures that Social Security’s modest benefits will not erode over time.”
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Na`alehu Spur Road customers will be without water Monday morning and afternoon. Map from Google |
WATER WILL BE TEMPORARILY turned off along Na`alehu Spur Road on Monday, Aug. 24 between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a service change-out. Upon resumption of service, water lines will be flushed and cleaned. Customers may notice turbid or discolored water and air trapped in plumbing.
Department of Water Supply asks customers to take any and all precautions to protect property and facilities, including disabling electrical power to pumps and other devices whose normal operation may be dependent on water pressure or supply and which might be harmed if automatically energized during the water shutoff.
For more information, call Cyrus Sumida at 929-9111.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
KA`U CDP STEERING COMMITTEE meets tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Ocean Community Center. The meeting will focus on community feedback and potential CDP revisions related to development in Ocean View and Special Permits on agricultural lands.
The meeting is designed to quickly bring the committee and others present up to speed and focused on the key issues and decisions. Members of the public in attendance will be able to participate in a review of the trade-offs associated with alternative CDP strategies and revisions. Public comment on agenda items 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-15-2015-steering-committee-meeting/OVandSPinfopacket.pdf/view.
For more information, call Cyrus Sumida at 929-9111.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
KA`U CDP STEERING COMMITTEE meets tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Ocean Community Center. The meeting will focus on community feedback and potential CDP revisions related to development in Ocean View and Special Permits on agricultural lands.
The meeting is designed to quickly bring the committee and others present up to speed and focused on the key issues and decisions. Members of the public in attendance will be able to participate in a review of the trade-offs associated with alternative CDP strategies and revisions. Public comment on agenda items 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-15-2015-steering-committee-meeting/OVandSPinfopacket.pdf/view.
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| Kumu Ab Valencia |
KUMU AB VALENCIA and Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu present Na Mea Hula (All Things Hula) on Volcano Art Center Gallery’s front porch in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and perform on the hula platform near the gallery from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply
For more information, call 967-8222.
KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers free programs this weekend.
Participants learn about Pu`u o Lokuana and enjoy an expansive view of lower Ka`u on a moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
On Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history.
Call 985-6011 for more information.
KA`U SUMMER BASKETBALL League championships are free to the public at Ka`u High School Gym on Thursday, Aug. 20. The women’s game begins at 6 p.m., and the men’s at 7 p.m. The Summer League started in July with six men’s teams and four women’s teams. Playoffs leading up to the championship game wind up Monday, Aug. 17 at Ka`u High Gym. Admission is free.
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.
KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers free programs this weekend.
Participants learn about Pu`u o Lokuana and enjoy an expansive view of lower Ka`u on a moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
On Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history.
Call 985-6011 for more information.
KA`U SUMMER BASKETBALL League championships are free to the public at Ka`u High School Gym on Thursday, Aug. 20. The women’s game begins at 6 p.m., and the men’s at 7 p.m. The Summer League started in July with six men’s teams and four women’s teams. Playoffs leading up to the championship game wind up Monday, Aug. 17 at Ka`u High Gym. Admission is free.
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.
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf. |
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| See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf. |
