Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015

Mauna Loa's eruption alert level remains "advisory" at the end of 2015. The largest volcano in the world's Northeast Rift Zone extends from the left edge of this photo also showing Mauna Kea, partially obscured by clouds, in the background, and Kilauea's north rim. See more below. Photo from USGS/HVO

HUMPBACK WHALES ARE LATE this season, Bret Yager reported in West Hawai`i Today. Ed Lyman, of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whales National Marine Sanctuary, told Yager, “Even though there are no formal surveys in December, the numbers clearly are down. What I’m seeing out there right now I would have expected a month ago. We’ve just seen a handful of whales.” 

      One theory about the late arrivals to the mammals’ mating and breeding ground is that El Nino may caused the whales to stay in their northern feeding grounds longer than usual. The whales need to build up enough energy reserves before migrating to Hawai`i.
      Ocean Sanctuary Counts of humpback whales are scheduled for that last Saturdays of the first three months of 2016. Register at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

      See westhawaiitoday.com.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Bubbles showing areas of dengue fever risk on Hawai`i Island are smaller
on DOH's latest map, although eight more cases have been reported.

EIGHT NEW CASES OF DENGUE FEVER have been identified by Hawai`i Department of Health as of yesterday. Currently, as many as four of the 190 confirmed cases, having had onset of illness as late as Dec. 26, are potentially infectious to mosquitoes. All others are no longer infectious. 

      A new map shows risk areas shrinking, with high-risk areas only in South Kona, including Miloli`i, Ho`okena and Captain Cook. Some areas of Ka`u, once referred to as “high risk,” are now “some risk.”
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

ON ITS WEEKLY MAUNA LOA Volcano update, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory today reported that seismicity remains elevated above long-term background levels. In the last week, earthquakes at Mauna Loa occurred mostly beneath the volcano’s upper Southwest Rift Zone at depths less than three miles. Global Positioning System measurements continue to show deformation related to inflation of a magma reservoir complex beneath the summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone. Mauna Loa's alert level remains at advisory, having been raised from normal on Sept. 17.

      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Eddie Seenarine, of Volcano, is missing.

HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ARE SEARCHING for a 50-year-old Volcano man who was reported missing on Dec. 25. 

      Eddie Seenarine was last seen in the Volcano area on Sept. 30. He is described as five-foot-nine-inches tall, weighing 176 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
      Police ask anyone with any information on his whereabouts to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.
      Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

A BILL SIGNED INTO LAW by Gov. David Ige will make Hawai`i the first state in the nation to accommodate for the hearing and visually impaired at movie theatres statewide.
      HB1272 requires anyone that operates a motion picture theater in more than two locations in the state to provide open captioning during at least two showings per week of each motion picture that is produced with open movie captioning. It also requires them to provide an audio description of any motion picture that is produced and offered with audio description. The measure takes effect Jan. 1, 2016 and sunsets Jan. 1, 2018.
      The law allows equal access to movie theaters for the deaf, blind, deaf/blind and hard-of-hearing communities. It also brings Hawai`i closer to achieving full inclusion for our deaf and blind communities that was first initiated with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
      The law removes communication barriers and provides equal access to persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have poor vision through reasonable accommodations at movie theaters. It will also help seniors who have trouble hearing, as well as individuals who are learning English as a second language by providing written dialogue on-screen.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

JAYSEN MORIKAMI IS HAWAI`I’S new Taxpayer Advocate. Morikami has worked to resolve both taxpayers and tax practitioners’ problems the past eleven years in the Department’s Taxpayer Services Section. 

      The Taxpayer Advocate helps taxpayers who have unresolved state tax problems after exhausting all appropriate avenues of resolution, who believe their rights have been abridged, who are not looking for an alternative to the formal appeals process or established departmental procedures, and who are not seeking legal or technical tax advice or determinations.
      “We’re excited to have Mr. Morikami take on the Taxpayer Advocate role in the State Tax Department,” Tax Director Maria Zielinski said. “Because the Advocate helps to ensure that all taxpayers rights are protected, finding and hiring a highly qualified person to handle these responsibilities is important. We have confidence that Mr. Morikami will serve the state’s taxpayers well.”
      For more information about the Taxpayer Advocate program, see http://tax.hawaii.gov/assistance/advocate/.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates the New Year. Its New Year’s Eve party begins at 8 p.m. today at the Lava Lounge with music by DJ Thomas Ramirez, dancing and a midnight toast. New Year’s Day brunch is tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Menu includes omelet station, roast pork, chicken picata, French toast, fresh fruit, many side dishes, sundae bar and beverages. Prices are $16.95 for adults and $9.50 for children.

KA`U’S YOUNG HUNTERS CAN START the New Year by honing their skills this holiday weekend at Pohakuloa Training Area. 

      Youths ages 10 to 15 are invited to participate in bird hunting or bow hunting of mammals on Saturday, Jan. 2 and Sunday, Jan. 3. Hunters must check in at the Army check station across from Mauna Kea State Park.
      All youth hunters must have a valid state hunting license and must be accompanied by an adult with a valid state hunting license. Adults will participate in a mentor capacity, only, and are not permitted to harvest any animals during this hunt.
      Reservations are required for bow hunting. A maximum of 15 youth bow hunters will be allowed each day. To make a reservation, call 315-1545. Callers should have the names and hunting license numbers for each youth hunter and adult mentor and a contact number ready when calling.
      The initiative is part of the Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance its local hunting program, according to John Polhemus, manager of the U.S. Army Garrison-Pohakuloa’s public hunting program.
      Adult hunting activity resumes on Saturday, Jan. 9 pending availability of hunting areas.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN MAKE the New Year’s weekend happy through free programs at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 

      Stewardship at the Summit on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. invites volunteers to help cut invasive ginger on trails. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center. Park entrance fees apply.
      At the Kahuku Unit, participants explore the area’s rich geologic history during the Birth of Kahuku, Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. People & Lands of Kahuku on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is a guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focusing on the area’s human history. Kahuku Unit does not charge entrance fees.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_December2015.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015

Dr. Cliff Kopp descended from Volcano to Na`alehu this morning on his walk around the island to raise awareness of homelessness and hunger. See more below. Photo from Kopp's Facebook page

HAWAIIAN RANCHOS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION in Ocean View has approved CC&Rs designed to stop solar farms from being built in the subdivision. The votes were counted at a special meeting on yesterday. One hundred eighty-three voting members approved the CC&Rs, while 16 voted against them. The CC&Rs limit the amount of solar energy that can be produced on any lot to 25 kilowatts. This is the first time that the community has adopted laws to restrict what is built in the development. The adoption of CC&Rs is permitted in the Association’s Charter of Incorporation and its bylaws.

Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos Community Association members approved
CC&Rs to prevent large solar installations in their rural neighborhood.
Photo by Sandra Sheldon

      In 2011, Chinese Company SPI Solar, through a subsidiary, obtained permits to construct 17 solar farms and chose to locate them among homes in the Ranchos subdivision. Residents have consistently opposed this industrialization of their neighborhood, citing deep concerns over loss of property value, danger of fire and unsightliness and inappropriateness of industrial installations among homes. While not against solar power, Ranchos resident Ann Bosted said many feel the project should be located on real agricultural land, as is done on the mainland and at Miloli`i, not land that has been zoned agricultural but is generally used for homes.
      Bosted reported that Sen. Josh Green and Rep. Richard Creagan have drafted an amendment to state law that will also limit the amount of power that can be produced on a lot, thus prohibiting construction of solar farms in neighborhoods. If it passes, it will add another layer of protection to Ranchos residents, she said.
      Bosted also said the project has been criticized by energy professionals. “In his article entitled A Crummy Deal for Ratepayers? Bret Yager (of West Hawai`i Today) quoted former Chair of the PUC, Mina Morita saying, ‘The purpose of FIT was to encourage smaller projects, not as a loophole for larger projects, which would have been negotiated under different terms.’ Marco Mangelsdorf said the FIT program, under which the solar permits were issued, ‘turned into something of a fiasco.’ Stephen Holmes, a retired former energy and sustainability coordinator in Honolulu, called it a ‘crummy deal.’ He said, ‘They (SPI Solar) are breaking a large, megawatt-scale project into smaller Feed-In Tariff projects, so ratepayers are not able to benefit from better pricing.’”
      Bosted also said, “From an engineering and technical viewpoint, the project is a problem, as it involves connecting solar farms with equipment not designed for use in a neighborhood. The project is also far from the load, so Hawai`i Electric Light Co., and consequently its customers, must pay for electricity that is lost while traveling from the distant location to where it is needed.”
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Volunteers prepare Fight the Bite supplies for distribution to Miloli`i residents.
Image from Big Island Video News

DENGUE PREVENTION SUPPLIES were handed out door to door this week in Miloli`i. David Corrigan, of Big Island Video News, covered the effort led by Pa`a Pono Miloli`i. 

      After reaching its initial goal of raising $3,000 to purchase mosquito nets, repellent and coils, the community organization continues its fundraising at gofundme.com/ztg9544s. So far, $5,025 has been provided that will go toward purchasing more supplies to the community that Hawai`i Department of Health has identified as a hotspot for dengue fever. Last week, the state closed Miloli`i Beach Park and areas around Honomalino Bay due to the outbreak.
      Kai Kahele, of Pa`a Pono Miloli`i, told Corrigan that members of the community “fully appreciate the tremendous support that came out. …”
      “I don’t think this is something that’s going to fix itself overnight. We’re in it for the long haul, and we hope the generosity of people is in it for the long haul with us.”
      Yesterday, DOH reported one more case of dengue on Hawai`i Island, bringing to total so far to 182. Of those, two are considered infectious to mosquitoes that could pass the disease to other individuals.
      See bigislandvideonews.com.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Jendayi Miller, of Na`alehu, spoke with Kopp
when he walked through Na`alehu this
morning. Photo from Miller

HIGHLIGHTING HOMELESSNESS and hunger on Hawai`i Island is Dr. Cliff Kopp’s mission during his holiday walk around the island. Kopp began his walk in Kona on Christmas Eve, and this morning, he began walking from Volcano at 7:30 p.m., arriving in Na`alehu about three hours later. 

      “We’ve been paying lip service to this issue, but nothing is getting done,” the local prosthodontist said. His trek is about reminding people that individuals have the power to take action. “Fifteen years to solve a problem is not going to cut it,” Kopp said, noting that out of a population of 190,000 on Hawai`i Island, there are 1,300 street homeless individuals, or 0.6 percent of the population.
      Hawai`i Island only has shelter space of 220 beds, he said.
      Kopp is walking to build awareness and raise funds to help with the Kukuiola Homeless Shelter – a structure that would provide shelter to the island’s homeless community. To support his efforts, call 933-6030, or email at info@hawaiifoodbasket.org.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

POLICE ARE LOOKING for a car last seen headed toward Ka`u from Hilo on Hwy 11. An all-points bulletin has been issued for a white 1995 Toyota Avalon sedan with license plate HWM 818. The car and its occupants are being sought for questioning in connection with a series of investigations following a Hilo shooting.
      Police caution the public not to approach the vehicle, but, instead, to call police to report its location.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VARSITY basketball team won their hard-fought battle in Pahoa yesterday. The Trojan wahine led through most of the game, but Pahoa was able to tie the score by the end of the fourth quarter. Drama continued beyond the final quarter, with scores tied at 42-42 and 49-49 in two overtimes. In the third overtime, Ka`u drove ahead, scoring ten points and holding the Daggers to only one. Final score was 59-50. “Great game to end 2015,” Athletic Director Kalei Namohala tweeted. 

      Ka`u hosts Honoka`a on Monday, Jan. 4 at 6 p.m.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Barbless hooks cause less harm to unsuspecting marine
mammals. Photo from notonlybowls.com

A BARBED HOOK LEAD TO THE DEATH of a young monk seal Monday. Ola Loa died after surgery to remove the hook from the back of her throat. “That barb causes so much trouble. … It just anchors in and tears,” Charles Littnan, lead scientist for the Hawaiian Monk Seal Program, told Gary T. Kubota, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 

      Kubota said federal officials encourage using barbless circle hooks and J hooks instead of barbed hooks. Littnan told Kubota that many fishers are able to catch fish, including ulua, with barbless hooks.
      He also suggested crimping or flattening barbs with pliers to make them easier to remove from animals that ingest them unintentionally.
      See staradvertiser.com.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

AS THE NEW YEAR APPROACHES, Hawaiian Electric Companies remind everyone to celebrate safely.
      If planning to use fireworks, take a moment to find the safest possible location. Keep away from flammable items, including shrubbery. Make sure to stay well clear of overhead power lines. Don’t hang fireworks or anything else on utility poles. Keep yourself, your ladder, pole and tie lines at least 10 feet from power lines and poles.
      If an object should become entangled in an overhead power line, don’t try to free it. To have the object removed safely, call Hawaiian Electric’s 24-hour trouble line at 1-855-304-1212. In an emergency situation, call 911. To reach Hawai`i Electric Light Co., call 969-6666.

      Other factors this holiday season can impact your safety and the reliability of your electric service. Some causes are beyond control, and HELCO will respond as quickly and safely as possible. High winds and falling trees and branches, motor vehicle accidents and metallic balloons, in addition to fireworks, all can cause outages. In case of a power outage, or if lights are flickering due to problems like high winds and tree branches affecting power delivery, it is always a good idea to unplug unneeded electric equipment, even if it is plugged into a surge suppressor.
      This year brings a new concern. Flying drones have become popular gifts, but flying them near power lines and substations could lead to power outages and a short life for that new drone as well.
      “If everyone takes extra care and precautions, our customers and community – and our hard working crews – can have a safe, happy and healthy start to 2016,” HECO said.

      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates the New Year. Its New Year’s Eve party begins at 8 p.m. tomorrow at the Lava Lounge. The event features music by DJ Thomas Ramirez, dancing and a midnight toast. New Year’s Day brunch is Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Menu includes omelet station, roast pork, chicken picata, French toast, fresh fruit, many side dishes, sundae bar and beverages. Prices are $16.95 for adults and $9.50 for children

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_December2015.pdf.

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

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015

Hawai`i Island Fire Department asks residents to help keep New Year's Eve celebration safe. Photo by Kris Bakken

 U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD discussed federal actions regarding dengue fever during an interview on KHON news.

Image from KHON

      “There’s a lot of action frankly that needs to be taken, and I think should have been taken earlier on to prevent us from getting to this point, really, where we’re seeing more and more cases of dengue that are worse that we’ve ever seen in Hawai`i in the past,” Gabbard said. “That’s where you really have to focus – on prevention – and recognize that if this is allowed to continue to get worse, what a devastating impact it will have on Hawai`i Island’s economy. Not to speak of the fact that if it starts to spread to other islands, we’re going to deal with a far more devastating issue for us as a state.”  

      Gabbard said Congress passed a bill last week that included more funding for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, which is working with the state Department of Health on the dengue outbreak. Funding is also going to ag research agencies “that are looking to see how can we actually prevent these kinds of pests that are causing so much problem, whether it’s to our ag industry or to people from becoming a problem in the first place,” Gabbard said.
      “Those are two things that I think will help in the long run, but in the meantime, we’ve got to focus on this immediate action and taking this problem with the seriousness that it deserves.”
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Using mosquito repellent is part of DOH's
Fight the Bite campaign.

USING MOSQUITO REPELLENTS SAFELY is the topic of a guide provided at Hawai`i Department of Health’s website to help Hawai`i Island residents Fight the Bite during the current dengue fever outbreak. 

      According to DOH, insect repellents can help reduce exposure to mosquito bites that may carry viruses that can cause serious illness and even death. Using insect repellent allows you to continue to play and work outdoors with a reduced risk of mosquito bites.
      DOH recommends applying repellent when you are going to be outdoors. Even if you don’t notice mosquitoes, there is a good chance that they are around.
      Re-apply repellent if you are being bitten by mosquitoes. Always follow directions on the product. Sweating, swimming or otherwise getting wet may mean that you need to re-apply repellent more frequently. Repellents containing a higher concentration (higher percentage) of active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection.
      Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommend using products that have been shown to work in scientific trials and that contain active ingredients registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use as insect repellents on skin or clothing.
      Of the active ingredients registered with the EPA, CDC believes that two have demonstrated a higher degree of efficacy in the peer-reviewed, scientific literature. Products containing DEET or Picaridin typically provide longer-lasting protection.
      Oil of lemon eucalyptus, a plant-based repellent, is also registered with EPA. In two recent scientific publications, when oil of lemon eucalyptus was tested against mosquitoes found in the U.S., it provided protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET.
      See health.hawaii.gov.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

HAWAI`I ENERGY POLICY FORUM asks Ka`u residents for comment on three significant topics – climate change, challenges and opportunities to attain a 100 percent renewable portfolio standard and clean energy status in the transportation sector.
      As part of an effort to obtain as many voices as possible to build sound policies, HEPF is sending out a public survey on clean energy. Residents can help by completing the survey at http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2496923/c0eea5bc9d86.
      HEPF also asks residents to use their contacts lists to encourage others to participate in the survey.
      The deadline to return the survey is Jan. 11. Results will be posted at the HEPF website at hawaiienergypolicy.hawaii.edu and reported at the annual HEPF legislative briefing on Jan. 22.
      For more information, email Dr. Sharon Moriwaki at sharonmi@hawaii.edu.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

George Szigeti

TOTAL VISITOR ARRIVALS TO HAWAI`I in November 2015 set a new record for the month with 661,352 visitors, a 3.7 percent growth year-over-year compared to November 2014, according to preliminary statistics released today by Hawai`i Tourism Authority. November marked the ninth straight month that total visitor arrivals have surpassed the previous monthly records. 

      Hawai`i Island’s visitor arrivals increased 0.5 percent compared with November 2014. Also, 4.7 percent more visitors stayed exclusively on Hawai`i Island. Visitors also spent 2.6 percent more money than they did during the previous November.
      Year-to-date through November, Hawai`i Island had 3.9 percent more visitors than the same period last year.
      “November was the latest record setting month for visitor arrivals in a string of nine consecutive record setting months,” HTA President and CEO George Szigeti said. “What an amazing achievement for our visitor industry, especially for a mature travel destination like Hawai`i coming off three consecutive record setting years.
      “This consistency of success signifies how compelling Hawai`i’s brand is to global travelers. Hawai`i’s marketing message is being well received in key markets, and our industry partners deserve credit for how they have evolved their product offerings to match the diversified interests of today’s travelers.”
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Because of fire hazards, sky lanterns
are illegal in Hawai`i. Photo
from Wikipedia

WITH NEW YEAR’S EVE TWO DAYS AWAY, Hawai`i County Fire Department reminds the public of legal uses and safety precautions regarding fireworks. 

      It is illegal for anyone to remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework; throw fireworks from, at or into any vehicle; set off any fireworks at any time not within the specified time periods, within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, zoo, animal hospital or shelter, or church when services are held; on any school property without authorization from the said school official; or on any Public way such as a highway, alley, street, sidewalk or park.
      It is also illegal to offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to minors; or for any minor to possess, purchase, sell or set off, ignite or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult; set off any aerial luminary devices, commonly called Sky Lanterns or Hawai`i Lanterns, or any other aerial devices, such as bottle rockets, sky rockets, roman candles, cakes, mortars or shells.
     The public can help by using extreme care when setting off fireworks. Children playing with fireworks should be under an adult’s close supervision at all times. Even the smallest of fireworks can cause severe injuries that will quickly ruin the holidays.
      Fireworks should be set off in an area well away from dry grass or flammable materials. Be sure fireworks are completely extinguished before being disposed of. And most importantly, have a fire extinguisher and/or a water hose ready to use in the event of an unplanned or unexpected fire. Be sure the water hose can reach all areas of where fireworks activities are being conducted, especially around the entire house. It’s also a great idea to wet down any dry, grassy area before and after setting off fireworks. Doing it before will also let you know the capability of your water source.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

THEY LED 18-12 IN THE FIRST QUARTER, but Ka`u High boys varsity basketball players’ scoring couldn’t keep up with Kealakehe’s last night. The visitors took a 73-42 win back to South Kona. 

      Junior varsity’s game was cancelled due to illness.
      The Saturday, Jan. 2 game scheduled at Laupahoehoe has been changed to Jan. 29 at Ka`u.

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED to celebrate the New Year with music by DJ Thomas Ramirez, dancing and a midnight toast. Festivities begin at 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_December2015.pdf.

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

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Monday, Dec. 28, 2015

Volcano Art Center Gallery's first exhibit of the New Year features glasswork by Daniel Moe. See more below. Photos from VAC 

NO SMOKING IN HAWAI`I if under 21 years of age as of Jan. 1. Act 122 makes Hawai`i the first state to prohibit the sale, purchase, possession or consumption of cigarettes, other tobacco products and electronic smoking devices to anyone under age 21. 

      “Raising the minimum age as part of our comprehensive tobacco control efforts will help reduce tobacco use among our youth and increase the likelihood that our keiki will grow up to be tobacco-free,” Ige said upon signing the legislation in June.
      Hawai`i County is one of a handful of cities and counties to have already raised the MLA to 21, having passed the bill last year.
      According to Act 122, tobacco product means any product made or derived from tobacco that contains nicotine or other substances and is intended for human consumption or is likely to be consumed, whether smoked, heated, chewed absorbed, dissolved, inhaled or ingested by other means. Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, snus and electronic smoking device.

      To help Hawai`i residents comply with the new legislation, tobacco and e-cigarette users are encouraged to contact the Hawai`i Tobacco Quitline for support and free resources, including approved nicotine delivery devices. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or see www.hawaiiquitline.org to learn more.

      For more information about Hawai`i’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program, see www.health.hawaii.gov/tobacco. 

      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

DONATIONS TO MILOLI`I CONTINUE. After the state closed Miloli`i Beach Park and areas surrounding Honomalino Bay last week because of dengue fever, community organization Pa`a Pono Miloli`i set up a gofundme account to purchase mosquito protection products. With an original goal of $3,000, the organization has received $4,480 so far from 59 donations. It had suggested $30 donations from $100 people, but several generous folks provided more.
      Funds will go toward purchase of mosquito nets, spray and coils to be delivered to residents by New Year’s Eve.

      To contribute to Miloli`i’s “Fight Da Bite” campaign, see gofundme.com/ztg9544s.

      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN HAWAI`I erroneously believe their health insurance plan and government programs will cover the costs for long-term services and supports, according to a recent statewide survey commissioned by of the state Executive Office on Aging. 

      The survey, conducted by Market Trends Pacific as part of a long-term services and supports public awareness campaign, showed that slightly more than half of respondents, about 54 percent, are very or fairly familiar with long-term care, while about a fourth of the respondents, or 24 percent, has any familiarity with long-term services and supports.

Terri Byers Photo from Office of Gov. Ige

      Those who are least aware of long-term care are younger residents who have been in Hawai`i for 20 years or fewer, non-home owners, persons without a college degree, and males.
      The survey results showed many are unclear about who pays for long-term care: 39 percent think that their health insurance covers it, and 24 percent trust that the government will help them. The majority of respondents identified health insurance, personal savings, Medicaid or Medicare as funding sources.
      “Many in Hawai`i may be aware of the need for long-term care, but there is clearly a smaller percentage who are aware of the need to prepare for the costs associated with that care,” said Terri Byers, director of the Executive Office on Aging. “We know that we should save and plan for college or retirement, but long-term care is not often part of the picture, despite the fact that 70 percent of us will use long-term services and supports at some point in our lives. We recognize that we must begin to change this.”
      The cost of long-term care is one of the obstacles to preparing for long-term services and supports. Young adults may have other financial obligations and may already have difficulty making ends meet. “This is not an issue on their radar, and the costs may make many shy away from even trying to plan for long-term care,” Byers said.
      “The Executive Office on Aging is launching a public awareness campaign in early 2016 to help people understand their options and the need to plan ahead to enjoy more choices and to avoid the risks of not being financially prepared,” Byers said. “Many have been led to believe impoverishing themselves to qualify for government assistance is the best solution, but this ultimately limits their options.
      “It is clear that there are no private products available on the market that provide an answer for everyone, and the best made plans don’t always materialize. Our ultimate goal is to initiate a conversation and inspire more people to find out all they can to be prepared mentally, emotionally and financially to create a personal plan for care that is sustainable and adaptable.”
      The survey consisted of a total of 297 landline phone and mobile interviews and 306 online questionnaires. Results are available from the Executive Office on Aging’s Aging and Disability Resource Center website at www.hawaiiadrc.org.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Aedes aegypti Photo from DOH

HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT MOSQUITOES is available on Hawai`i Department of Health’s website. According to DOH, mosquitoes have been around for millions of years. In that time, they’ve diversified into about 3,000 species worldwide. They have successfully adapted to climates from the arctic to the tropics. Some mosquitoes bite humans while others prefer other animals, and some even just sip plant nectar. Some transmit diseases, while others do not. Some are active during the day, others at night. Some prefer to breed in clean water, others in dirty ponds and swamps. 

      In Hawai`i, the Aedes aegypti (Yellow Fever Mosquito) and Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito or Forest Day Mosquito) carry the dengue virus, DOH reported. Other Aedes members can transmit dengue but are not found in Hawai`i. These mosquitoes are most active in the early morning after daybreak and the late afternoon before sunset.
      Only females bite. They require the protein of a blood meal for development of their eggs – they do not feed on blood for their own nourishment. Since blood is only required to build eggs, the males do not take blood, but rather feed on plant nectar.

Aedes albopictus Photo from DOH

      Females may feed one to three times to obtain a full blood meal. The speed of digestion of the blood meal may take two to three days in tropical areas, and then the female is said to be full of eggs. After laying the eggs, the female mosquito is ready to take another blood meal. So, the female mosquito feeds several times during its lifetime. 

      Heavy mosquito nuisance usually indicates a nearby breeding source, according to DOH. Aedes mosquitoes typically lay their eggs on accessible surfaces above the water line/level. Common breeding sites are in water found in old tires, clogged roof gutters, cans, bottles, unused swimming pools, unused fish ponds, pineapple lilies (bromeliads), hollow bamboo stumps, hollow tree stumps, uncapped hollow tile walls, uncapped fence pipes and overflow trays under house plants.
      Aedes albopictus adults usually rest outdoors in places such as bushes, but they can be found indoors in houses and other dwellings. Aedes aegypti are most commonly found indoors and only occasionally outdoors in garden vegetation. These mosquitoes travel less than 200 yards.
      See health.hawaii.gov.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

VOLCANO ART CENTER PRESENTS RECENT artwork by Daniel Moe in an exhibit titled Carved By Sand beginning Jan. 9. The solo show features a new collection of blown, sculpted and carved glass work exploring patterns, symbols and images which highlight the environment, spirit and culture of life on Hawai`i Island.

Daniel Moe's exhibit opens Jan. 9.

      Moe makes glass during three or four six week-long studio sessions each year. He works with an apprentice as well as several assistants. He continues to create his Kilauea collection, which includes the Kilauea crackled vase, a shiny, black vessel with orange veins and hot lava flowing from it. Moe’s Kalapana Kai collection features the Kalapana Kai wave, a loose, cresting, clear blue wave.
      “I fell in love with glass as a medium to express my love and connection to nature,” Moe said. “When I approach glass in its fluid state, I feel as if this connection is enhanced. Tuning into this sacred space allows me to understand the link between the earth elements and my own.
      “Glass is not only a material, it is matter, living its own life, a powerful medium of communication. It is both beautiful and treacherous. It lends itself to metaphor because it can imitate some things, such as water, magma, stone and suggest other things like air and light. It is poetry. The ephemeral changing colors and movement of magma and moving water are properties of the glass itself. It can be liquid, viscous, transparent, opaque, shiny, solid, adaptable, flowing and versatile. This makes it the perfect material to express the dynamic raw and liberating energy revealed in the `aina of Hawai`i.”
      Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_December2015.pdf.

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