Sunday, January 31, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016

Volcano cavers gather in Ocean View next week for the 17th International Symposium on Vulcanspeleology.
NPS Photo from Peter and Ann Bosted
NEARLY 80 VULCANSPELEOLOGISTS from 13 countries will gather in Ocean View next week for the 17th International Symposium on Vulcanspeleology. It will be 25 years since the first symposium in the series was held in Hawai`i, at that time in Hilo. Since then, symposia have been held in other volcanic areas like Italy, Japan, the Canary Islands, Kenya, Iceland, the Azores, Mexico, Korea, Australia and Jordan. Two years ago, it was held in the Galapagos in Ecuador. At that meeting, attended by about 70 vulcanspeleologists, it was decided to hold the next one in Ocean View.
      Hawai`i is a mecca for vulcanspeleologists – it has an active volcano and some of the longest lava tubes in the world. Dr. Don Swanson, a geologist from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, will be leading the group on a specialized tour of remarkable volcanic features in the park.
      Attendees will stay at various vacation rentals in Ocean View and gather at Ocean View Community Center for talks. Field trips will be all over the island – including Kazumura Cave, the longest and deepest known lava tube, which has about 41 miles of passage and a depth of 3,614 feet.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Team Kahele and other friends can help organize the late
Sen. Gil Kahele's celebration of life.
Photo from Kai Kahele
SEN. GIL KAHELE’S SON KAI is calling for help in organizing a gathering for his late father. The senator passed away last Tuesday after coronary complications at Queens Hospital.
      Kai Kahele said his father was very specific about what he wanted the event to be. “No mortuary. No somber experience. He wanted a Celebration of Life of food, fellowship, friends, music, lots of parking and an event to bring everyone together.” 
      Gil Kaheleʻs Celebration of Life is set for Monday, Feb. 8 at Hilo Civic Auditorium from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and the official program will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Food and entertainment will continue until 8 p.m.
      “I am humbly asking for help to pull this off in a very short period of time,” Kai Kahele said. “One last collective effort of the Team Kahele machine that supported my Dad and propelled him to solid victories in 2012 and 2014 here in Hilo.”  
      A planning meeting is set for 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3 at ILWU Hall, 100 West Lanikaula Street. “I am asking for as many volunteers as we can to help execute this event and send our senator off with the celebration he requested.
      Donations requested include decorations, tables, chairs, food, flowers, balloons, fish, kalua pig, `opihi, poi, etc.
      Contact Kai Kahele at 783-4069 or kahelek@gmail.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Brian Schatz
THE U.S. SENATE LAST WEEK VOTED 55-37 to include an amendment offered by Sen. Brian Schatz to the Energy Policy Modernization Act that will authorize increased funding for energy science and technology research. The amendment will boost funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy, an agency within the Department of Energy tasked with funding energy technology projects that help the United States compete, prosper and remain a world leader. 
      “Innovation in advanced energy technologies can be a significant part of the solution to any number of challenges – climate change, increasing the reliability of our grid, lowering electricity rates, hardening our energy infrastructure against cyber attacks and many others,” Schatz said. “ARPA-E is helping fund projects at the cutting edge of all of these challenges and more.”
      Senator Schatz’s amendment will increase the authorization for ARPA-E above what is in the Energy Policy Modernization Act.
      Since 2009, ARPA-E has funded over 400 potentially transformational energy technology projects. Many of these projects have already demonstrated early indicators of technical success. This early funding has spurred millions of dollars in follow-on private-sector funding to a number of ARPA-E projects. In addition, many ARPA-E awardees have formed start-up or spin-off companies or partnered with other parts of the government and industry to advance their technologies.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AS VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH comes to an end, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists return to Hawai`i Island to conclude their geologic tour of the state in Volcano Watch.
      “As you likely already know, the Island of Hawai`i is made up of five volcanoes,” the article states. “From oldest to youngest, they are Kohala, Hualalai, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Kilauea.
      “Less well known is a sixth volcano – Mahukona – located just off the island’s northwest coastline. This submarine volcano is the oldest of the volcanoes that form the mass of Hawai`i. Mahukona last erupted about 300,000 years ago, but its geology is not as well-studied as its taller neighbors because it is not easily accessible.
      “Kohala began erupting just over one million years ago. The southeast rift zone of this volcano gives it substantial length, extending beneath Mauna Kea and continuing as the offshore Hilo Ridge.
      “Kohala is capped by postshield lava as young as about 120,000 years. While its postshield volcanism is probably over, rejuvenated eruptions might occur in the future – perhaps even millions of years from now, as has occurred on the islands of O`ahu and Kaua`i. In the meantime, Kohala will continue to erode, from both rain and catastrophic collapse, causing the volcano to become more rugged as time passes.
Hawai`i Island's geology is the topic of Volcano Watch.
Map from USGS/HVO
      “Hualalai and Mauna Kea, the next oldest volcanoes, share many characteristics. Both formed less than one million years ago and are now in the postshield stage. Their surfaces are dotted with cinder cones – the remnants of mildly explosive postshield eruptions. Mauna Kea is slightly younger, with its most recent eruption around 4,500 years ago, but Hualalai erupts more frequently. Although Mauna Kea will probably erupt again in the future, Hualalai is of more concern, because it erupted just 215 years ago (in 1801) and looms above numerous towns along the island’s Kona coast. Both volcanoes are in the waning stages of their lives, and their ages are beginning to show in the valleys that are carved into their flanks – especially along the Hamakua coast on Mauna Kea.
      “In contrast, Mauna Loa and Kilauea are in the primes of their lives.
      “Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano on Earth. Its most recent eruption was in March 1984, but the volcano’s almost-32-year-long slumber is deceptive, as Mauna Loa’s long-term history reveals that it typically erupts every five to six years. Mauna Loa will certainly erupt again, and the odds are that many of us will live to see it. Even now, the volcano is inflating as magma accumulates beneath it.
      “What Kilauea lacks in size (compared to Mauna Loa), it makes up for with persistence of eruptive activity. The volcano has erupted more often than not for the past several hundred years and has produced a nearly steady stream of lava since 1983.
      “Geologic investigations of Kilauea’s past reveal that the volcano alternates between periods dominated by explosive activity and periods dominated by effusive eruptions (lava flows). In some ways, Kilauea might be analogous to a volatile teenager – prone to occasional fits of temper and overall unsettled behavior, all while growing rapidly. This maturation process takes time, and Kilauea’s shield-building stage likely has hundreds of thousands of years to go before it ends.
      “Although not yet part of the island, another submarine volcano – Lo`ihi – bears mentioning. If Kilauea is a teenager, Lo`ihi is a mere toddler. The volcano is currently 30 kilometers (20 miles) off the south coast of the Island of Hawai`i and about 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) below sea level. Seaward growth of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, coupled with the growth of Lo`ihi as the volcano matures, may eventually connect the volcanoes above sea level.
      “We hope you’ve enjoyed our geological tour of the Hawaiian Islands over the past four weeks and that you were able to attend one or more of the Volcano Awareness Month talks offered by the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in January. Although the month is ending, volcano awareness can (and should) continue all year long. We invite you to check out HVO’s website (hvo.wr.usgs.gov) throughout 2016 for updates and more information on Hawai`i’s active volcanoes.”
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Dick Hershberger as Thomas Jaggar.
Photo from NPS
KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER guides A Walk into the Past this and every other Tuesday. Hershberger portrays Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar in programs at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center and Whitney Vault in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL HOLDS meetings this week.
      Committees meet Tuesday. Finance Committee meets at 9 a.m.; Governmental Relations & Economic Development, 9:30 a.m.; Environmental Management, 10 a.m.; Public Works and Parks & Recreation, 10:15 a.m.; Planning, 10:30 a.m.; and Public Safety & Mass Transit, 1:30 p.m.
      The full council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m.
      All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo.
      Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Na`alehu State Office Building.

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

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016

Ka`u residents can hike to the top of Pu`u o Lokuana tomorrow. See more below. NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane
MICRONESIANS IN HAWAI`I were hospitalized at significantly younger ages and were often sicker than comparison populations, according to a report in American Journal of Public Health.
      Hospitalized Micronesians were significantly younger at admission than were racial/ethnic groups across all patient refined-diagnosis related group categories. The severity of illness for Micronesians was significantly higher than was that for all comparison racial/ethnic groups for cardiac and infectious diseases, higher than was that of Caucasians and Japanese for cancer and endocrine hospitalizations, and higher than was that of Native Hawaiians for substance abuse hospitalizations.
      Researchers expect their results to be useful to researchers, state governments, hospitals, health care providers and health systems.    
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD CALLED for a state of emergency regarding Hawai`i Island’s dengue fever outbreak. She wants Gov. David Ige to deploy state resources, including the National Guard, to assist with mosquito abatement, public information, clearing and providing completely free testing for those with suspected symptoms of this incurable disease.
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard discussed dengue fever
with Hawai`i County officials last week.
      “The dengue fever outbreak on the Big Island continues to worsen,” Gabbard said. “We cannot afford to wait any longer for the aggressive action necessary to combat the spread of this serious disease. An emergency proclamation from the governor is long overdue. There have already been 242 confirmed cases of dengue fever on Hawai`i Island, creating a public health emergency affecting our residents and visitors, and Hawaii Island’s economy. They deserve our state’s full attention and resources to do what it takes to put an end to this outbreak and prevent it from becoming endemic and spreading to other parts of the island and state.”
      Gabbard is calling for completely free and accessible testing for those who suspect they have dengue fever symptoms. While the cost of the test may be free, residents and visitors are still charged for visits to a physician, nurse or clinic in order for their blood to be drawn. Gabbard said this could easily be solved by ensuring there are free access points islandwide and by deploying state or National Guard medical personnel as a mobile testing unit that can travel to both populated and remote locations across the island, draw blood and get samples to the lab for expedited results.
      Gabbard also wants resources allocated to the state Department of Health for development and execution of a comprehensive public information and public engagement campaign with quality review measures. DOH’s current ‘Fight the Bite’ campaign efforts “fall far short of providing residents and visitors with the information they need,” she said.
      Other action items Gabbard listed include:
  • Providing a full-time entomologist on Hawai`i Island dedicated to eradication, reduction and prevention of further spread of the dengue virus.
  • Allocating resources to hire vector control personnel, purchase more sprayers and other necessary equipment and supplies.
  • Providing free supply and distribution of Ovitraps throughout the community to empower local residents to help prevent the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. According to Gabbard, World Health Organization report studies have shown that population densities can be reduced below disease-transmission thresholds with sufficiently large numbers of frequently serviced traps.
  • Appointing a dengue czar who can act as the coordinator of efforts with all parties within the state, county, federal, private sector and community to ensure the objectives are being met.
      Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman said he applauds and supports U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s “efforts to bring the immediacy of this situation to the forefront.”
      “With the widespread outbreak of dengue fever and other serious health issues looming, such as rat lungworm disease, it is imperative that the state of Hawai`i and its related agencies are mobilized in a timely, and proactive manner to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of our people,” Ruderman said.
      “It is my hope that with the call coming from all levels of government, such action will be taken directly and decisively by our state officials to address this serious health issue.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Grammy Museum honors Dennis Kamakahi and other
Slack Key artists. Photo by Julia Neal
LEADING UP TO THE 58TH Grammy Awards on Feb. 15, the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles will launch its new exhibit on Feb. 10 called Ki Ho`alu: Honoring the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Tradition. Several musicians who have spent years teaching and performing in Ka`u are noted with displays of their famous attire, including the late Dennis Kamakahi’s black hat, shirt and pants and Ledward Ka`apana’s red boots. A Cyril Pahinui guitar will also be featured. The show opens with a Mele Mei in L.A. It closes April 30 and will travel with Hawai`i as one of its stops for the Mele Mei here.
      The Grammy Museum calls slack key “one of the world’s greatest acoustic guitar traditions.”
      “With a history that dates back to the 1800s, the unique sound of slack key comes from the resonance of the tunings and techniques that mimic the yodels and falsettos rooted in ancient chants that are common in Hawaiian singing. Through artifacts and historical instruments that trace the history of this Hawaiian music tradition, the Museum’s tribute to the slack key guitar serves as the official kickoff of the Mele Mei 2016 celebration in Hawai`i.”
      Hawai`i Tourism Authority and Hawai`i Academy of Recording Artists partnered in producing the exhibit. 
      See more at grammymuseum.org.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH TROJANS CELEBRATED homecoming in style yesterday, with the boys basketball team winning 74-34 over Laupahoehoe. Evan Manoha and Jacob Flores each scored 14 points. Joven Padrigo added 13; Janslae Badua, 11; and Richard Souza, 10.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PU`U O LOKUANA, A MODERATELY difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, takes place tomorrow at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u.
      Enter Kahuku on the mauka side of Hwy 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area at 9:30 a.m. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.

VOLCANO ART CENTER PRESENTS its 12th annual fundraiser gala, Love the Arts, two weeks from today on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at its Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. This year, the theme is m’ARTi Gras.
Love the Arts is two weeks from today. Image from VAC
      Each year, the event’s silent and live Auctions grow in size and reputation because of the generosity of people in the community. The Love the Arts gala invites guests to add to their art collection, enjoy gourmet catered food and wines, and partake in auctions that include art, experiences, hotel stays, restaurants, local products and gift certificates to local businesses. Support of this event allows VAC to fund classes, exhibits and workshops, and to offer creative arts experiences in Volcano’s uniquely nurturing and inspiring environment. Participants enjoy a fabulous night of New Orleans-inspired cuisine, fine wines and chocolate truffles, as well as silent and live auctions.
      From the out-of-the-ordinary to the extraordinary, the silent and live auctions offer glittering arrays of fine art, jewelry and wonderful gift certificates for restaurants, hotels, adventure tours and more. Participants are able to bid on pieces of art by Meg Barnaby, Liz Miller, Gregg Smith and many others.
      Volcano Art Center’s master chef will cater a tantalizing menu consisting of a wide array of New Orleans’ delicacies such as Jambalaya, shrimp and grits, succulent beef basted with praline butter, Antoine’s classic Caesar salad and the ever popular, mouth-watering truffles.
      Tickets are $55 for VAC members and $65 for non-members, with tickets available at the door for $65. Purchase at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village, Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Basically Books and Banyan Gallery in Hilo, and volcanoartcenter.org.

Friday, January 29, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Friday, Jan. 29, 2016

Rapid `Ohi`a Death has come to Ka`u, spreading faster than expected. Map from Hawai`i DLNR
RAPID `OHI`A DEATH HAS INVADED Ka`u, Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources confirmed today. The fungal infestation of `ohi`a trees is much greater than earlier thought, as shown by recent aerial surveys of 810,000 acres of Hawai`i Island forests. Crews from a collaboration of state, county and federal agencies took the survey from Jan. 11 through Jan. 15. Satellite imagery of `ohi`a forests in 2014 resulted in an estimate of 15,000 acres infected by this newly identified disease. The latest survey, pending ground verification, estimates the infection has now spread to some 34,000 acres of the Big Island’s `ohi`a forest.
Symptoms of Rapid `Ohi`a Death include rapid browning
of affected tree crowns. Photo from UH-CTAHR
      “It’s sad but not unexpected that we have a confirmed case of Rapid `Ohi`a Death in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park,” Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said. “We are very concerned about the impacts to our cherished `ohi`a that thrives throughout the park, and we will continue to implement the stringent measures developed by our interagency partners to prevent the spread of this devastating disease. We will also continue to sample trees throughout the park.”
      Dr. Flint Hughes, with USDA Forest Service, said, “Unfortunately, Rapid `Ohi`a Death is spreading much quicker than we had hoped. The aerial surveyors noted `ohi`a trees with no leaves or brown leaves, likely impacted by the disease, as well as `ohi`a trees which have been dead for a longer time and those that have been affected by either drought or vog. It’s important that we differentiate the causes of tree deaths and continue to carefully and closely monitor the spread of Rapid `Ohi`a Death to aid in reducing its spread on Hawai`i Island and around the state.”
      `Ohi`a forests cover approximately 865,000 acres of land across the state and are considered the primary species providing habitat for countless plants, animals and invertebrates. These forests protect watersheds that provide significant agriculture and drinking water across the state.
      Research into treatments for the particular fungus that causes Rapid `Ohi`a Death continues at the USDA Agricultural Research Service lab in Hilo. Investigation into how it spreads is also being conducted with potential culprits being insects, underground via roots, on small wood or dust particles, on clothing and shoes, and possibly on animals. Ultimately, scientists hope that by identifying what is spreading the fungus, they will be able to mitigate its devastating impacts.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Gil Kahele Photo by Julia Neal
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE for the late Sen. Gil Kahele has been set for Monday, Feb. 8 at Hilo Civic Auditorium, Democratic Party of Hawai`i announced. After a series of heart attacks, Kahele, who represented Ka`u in 2011 and 2012, died on Tuesday at the age of 73.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY MANAGING DIRECTOR Wally Lau is running for mayor. Lau resigned from his position yesterday.
      Lau has helped manage daily operations of Hawai`i County administration for the past seven years, as deputy managing director and managing director.
      “I did not want any perception of a conflict of interest, or that 100 percent of my energies are not being invested in my job,” Lau said. “By resigning, I am able to focus on my campaign by meeting with people and sharing with them my values and my vision.”
      Lau said, “I listen and respond. “I always seek for what is fair and pono. When presented with challenging decisions, I always ask: ‘Will it be in the best interest of the public? Is it good for the community?’” Lau said that principle will guide the county under his administration if elected, as he leads the island with aloha and a spirit of cooperation and collaboration with the community.
Wally Lau
      Lau said his vision is to meet the needs of the people, support and sustain a healthy economy, care for the environment and create a safer and better island community, where government is responsible, accountable and open.
      Lau said he would continue the current administration’s efforts of being accessible and responsive to the community. He said he will uphold a balanced administration that represents East and West Hawai`i with a “how can” attitude and treating people with aloha.
      He said he is prepared to address issues of public safety and disaster preparedness, homelessness, affordable housing, the need to improve our business climate, ensure efficiency of the county permitting process, improving maintenance of county facilities and properties, improving solid waste operations, exploring renewable energy projects that would provide lower rates for consumers without environmental tradeoffs, and diversified agriculture, all while preserving and protecting our environment.
      For additional information, see wallylau.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Russell Ruderman
GE TAX COULD GO UP in Hawai`i County. Last year, the state Legislature passed and Gov. Ige signed a bill permitting counties to raise the tax by 0.5 percent to fund transportation projects. Counties that want to institute the tax must pass it by July 1, and it would go into effect in January 2018.
      Ka`u’s Sen. Russell Ruderman told Nancy Cook Lauer, of West Hawai`i Today, that he supports the tax, “but I have concerns that it could go all wrong.”
      “It’s an important tool; it’s an additional tool to pay for important infrastructure,” Cook Lauer reported Mayor Billy Kenoi saying when the state law passed. “It’s something we’ll take a look at. It’s not something we’re asking the council to do at this time.”
      A public meeting would be required before the county institutes the tax.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT APPLICATIONS are available through Saturday, April 2.
Appications are available to enter Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant.
      Miss Ka`u Coffee candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 24 as of the day of the pageant. It will be held at 6 p.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill on Saturday, May 14. Pageant Chair is Trinidad Marques. Candidates must be residents of Ka`u, even if attending school or working outside the district. Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee candidates must be 11-15 years of age on day of pageant. Miss Peaberry must be 6-10.
      For Miss Ka`u Coffee, categories to be judged include talent, career plan and dress, swim suit with pareo, evening gown, and interview on the subject of Ka`u Coffee and its contribution to the community.
      Candidates of all ages and their supporters will sell $10 pageant admission tickets (for those 12 and older) to support the event and to raise funds for each candidate's expenses through commissions. Keiki admission tickets for those 5-11 are $5. Toddlers sitting with parents will be admitted at no costs.
Ka`u's dengue risk level has been lowered. Map from DOH
      Also supporting the event will be Friends of Ka`u Coffee donation tickets for $1 each with drawings for prizes at the pageant. For more information call Trini Marques at 936-0015.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U’S RISK FOR DENGUE FEVER has been lowered. On Wednesday, Hawai`i Department of Health issued an updated map showing most of Ka`u in the clear, with only Ocean View rated with “some risk.” In November, areas from Na`alehu to South Point were listed as “high risk,” downgraded to “moderate risk” later that month and then became “some risk” in December.
      Of 241 confirmed cases as of Wednesday, 217 are Hawai`i Island residents, and 24 are visitors. Onset of illness occurred as late as Jan. 21.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST 2016 SERIES begins tomorrow at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Vocalist Jeannine Guillory’s background in jazz, reggae, pop and rhythm & blues lends a strong, versatile sound and energy.
Jeannine Guillory
      Guillory is currently a popular mainstream vocalist with Pacific Fusion and Island Express throughout Kailua-Kona and along the Kohala Coast. She also appears with Volcano Choy, Jr. at selected venues around the island and was featured as one of the Divas of Jazz at Volcano Art Center.      Tickets are $20 for VAC members and $30 for non-members for the 4:30 p.m. matinee; $25 for members and $35 for non-members for the 7:30 p.m. show. Call 967-8222, or see volcanoartcenter.org.

PALM TRAIL HIKE tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is a moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop trail providing one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
      Enter the Kahuku unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka side of Hwy 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.
      See nps.gov/havo.

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




See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_January2016.pdf.

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




Thursday, January 28, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016

The first Ocean Sanctuary Count of 2016 takes place Saturday. See more below.
Photo from Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
HAWAI`I COUNTY PLANNING DIRECTOR Duane Kanuha is reviewing the Ka`u Community Development Plan. Project Manager Ron Whitmore said he expects the process to be complete in March.
Hawai`i County Planning Director
Duane Kanuha
      Near the end of last year, the Steering Committee made some final revisions to the CDP based on community feedback. It then recommended the CDP for adoption by the county. The project website at kaucdp.info includes minutes and meeting materials from that final set of Steering Committee meetings as well as the revised CDP being considered for adoption.
      Following Planning Department review, the Windward Planning Commission will hold public hearings and make recommendations. Then, County Council will hold more public hearings and act on the CDP.
      After the mayor signs the document, an Action Committee will be appointed to guide CDP implementation.
      Supporting documents are also available on the website. Strategy Rationale explains each of the CDP strategies. Land Use Policy Guide is re-organized as a quick-reference guide for land-use planners. Guidance to Agencies is a quick-reference guide to CDP strategies that require cooperation with county, state and federal agencies as well as private organizations. Community-Based, Collaborative Action Guide provides detailed implementation steps for CDP strategies that require community-led initiative.
    To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hawai`i astronaut Ellison Onizuka died 30 years ago today.
TODAY IS THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY of the Challenger disaster, which took the life of Hawai`i Island astronaut Ellison Onizuka. His wife is Lorna Leiko Yoshida, originally from Na`alehu, where her father Susumu worked for Hutchinson Sugar Co. Her mother Anna grew up in Na`alehu and later moved to Houston where she lives with Lorna, who has worked for NASA and as a liaison with Japan’s space agency. El and Lorna had two daughters, Janelle Onizuka-Gillilan and Darien Lei Shizue Onizuka-Morgan.
      Onizuka graduated from Konawaena High School in 1964. He received a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering in June 1969, and a master's degree in that field in December of the same year, from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He participated in Air Force ROTC during his time there.
      This morning, the state Legislature held a session in Capitol Auditorium honoring Ellison Onizuka, and Gov. David Ige proclaimed Ellison Onizuka Day in Hawai`i.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.


DAILY FANTASY SPORTS CONTESTS, such as those run by FanDuel and DraftKings, constitute illegal gambling under existing state laws, Hawai`i Attorney General Doug Chin said in a formal advisory opinion issued yesterday.
      “Gambling generally occurs under Hawai`i law when a person stakes or risks something of value upon a game of chance or upon any future contingent event not under the person’s control,” Chin said. “The technology may have changed, but the vice has not.”
Hawai`i Attorney General Doug Chin
      Nearly sixty million Americans participate in fantasy sports, with the vast majority playing in a league with friends or colleagues that might be considered “social gambling,” which is legal in Hawai`i. In contrast, daily fantasy sports contests typically involve competitions between hundreds or thousands of people, are played daily, involve wagers of up to $1,000 and allow each individual multiple entries leading to top prizes of up to $1 million.
      “Hawai`i is generally recognized to have some of the strictest anti-gambling laws in the country,” Chin said.
      By statute, the Attorney General provides opinions upon questions of law submitted by the governor, the state Legislature or its members, or a state agency head. The Department of the Attorney General is weighing next steps, including civil or criminal enforcement, consistent with its opinion.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO WELCOMED Clare Connors, nominee for the U.S. District Court Judgeship for the District of Hawai`i, to the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. Hirono affirmed Connors’ vast experience and called for the Committee to approve her confirmation quickly.
      “Clare is a first-rate intellect and is described by her peers as an attorney of great integrity who works extremely hard and treats everyone with respect,” Hirono said. “It is because of Clare’s respected standing that the Hawai`i Judicial Selection Commission recommended her out of a record number of interested applicants. I expect that this committee will agree as well. I look forward to seeing her nomination be confirmed.”
      Connors was nominated in September 2015 by President Obama to fill the vacant U.S. District Court judge position created when Chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway retired from active service. The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing is the first step in the Senate’s confirmation process.
Clare Connors presents a lei to Sen. Mazie Hirono.
Photo from Sen. Hirono
      Connors is a trial attorney who began her legal career in 2001 with the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2002, she served as a clerk for the Honorable Judge David Ezra, in his capacity as a federal district court judge. She returned to Hawai`i to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney. She continues to practice law as an associate at Davis Levin Livingston in Hawai`i.
      A graduate of Punahou School, Connors has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Yale College and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. She has served on the faculty of the William S. Richardson School of Law as a Lecturer in Law for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Clinic. In 2014, she was appointed to be a Lawyer Representative for the District of Hawai`i to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference and previously served as a Lawyer Delegate to the Hawaii District Conference.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ and 20 other senators are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to expand its regulation of methane emissions. As a part of the president’s Climate Action Plan, the EPA has begun to address industrial sources of methane, but not all sources of the gas are currently included in the final rule.
      In a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, the senators wrote, “Your agency has been clear that in order to achieve its methane goals, additional action will be necessary. This is backed by studies that have shown that almost 90 percent of projected emissions in 2018 will come from oil production and existing natural gas production. In order to achieve our international commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025, we simply must address existing sources of methane emissions.”
Mike Tamayo and Kalei Namohala accept
winnings from OKK's June Domondon.
      Methane’s effect on climate change is up to 34 times greater than that of CO2, Schatz said. To address these emissions and reduce the climate footprint of these industries, the president committed to cut methane emissions by 40-45 percent from 2012 levels by 2025 through both voluntary measures and agency rulemakings.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

IN KA`U HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS, Trojans teams hosted Kea`au yesterday. Boys basketball Junior Varsity lost 28-48, and Varsity lost 36-66.
      Mike Tamayo earned $500 from `O Ka`u Kakou for Ka`u Athletics by making a Half-Court Shot. He received a $20 gift card for his efforts.
      Trojan soccer player Kun Monkeya made two goals, and Trevor Taylor made one, but Kea`au brought the final score to 3-7.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

VOLCANO RESIDENT RUSSELL ATKINSON discusses Burning Man this evening at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Atkinson has been a "burner" since 1999.

Charlene Asato offers a workshop
Saturday. Photo from VAC
THE FIRST OF THREE HUMPBACK WHALE counts through March takes place Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Hawai`i Island south shore sites include Ka`ena Point in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Punalu`u and South Point.
      Registration is required at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

EXPLORING FLAG BOOKS is the topic of a workshop Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Charlene Asato presents the fun and captivating nature of this form of expression. The flagbook is based on an accordion book where papers are glued to sides of the accordion. Register at volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST 2016 SERIES begins Saturday at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Vocalist Jeannine Guillory’s background in jazz, reggae, pop and rhythm & blues lends a strong, versatile sound and energy. Tickets are $20 for VAC members and $30 for non-members for the 4:30 p.m. matinee; $25 for members and $35 for non-members for the 7:30 p.m. show. Call 967-8222, or see volcanoartcenter.org.

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/Directory2105.pdf.
See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_January2016.pdf.