Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, March 31, 2016

Today is the final day for Ka`u young ladies to enter May's Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant. See more below. Photo by Pamela Taylor

HAWAI`I COUNTY MAYOR BILLY KENOI entered a plea of not guilty yesterday. Kenoi was indicted on eight charges related use of county-issued purchasing card. Kenoi used the card to purchase personal items and drinks at a Honolulu hostess bar. 

      Two of the eight charges are for second-degree theft, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Mayor Billy Kenoi

      “It’s an overreach to call him a thief, and it’s fighting words,” Kenoi’s attorney Todd Eddins told John Burnett, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. “And Mayor Kenoi is going to fight these flimsy allegations all the way.”

      Hilo Circuit Court Judge Greg Nakamura ordered Kenoi to appear for trial on July 18. However, Eddins told Burnett the trial may be delayed due to the amount of material that needs to be reviewed. It’s “hard to say at this point” if the trial would begin before Kenoi completes his final term and a new mayor replaces him in December, Eddins said. Kenoi is ineligible to run for mayor again due to term limits.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ARE ASKING for the public’s help in identifying the driver and vehicle involved in a hit-and-run accident that seriously injured a pedestrian in Ocean View a week ago Saturday.

      About 11 p.m. on March 19, Ka`u patrol officers responded to a report of a traffic accident involving a pedestrian on Hawai`i Boulevard. Police determined that a 24-year-old man, who had been lying on the road, was run over by a vehicle traveling north on Hawai`i Boulevard. The man sustained multiple injuries and was taken to Kona Community Hospital and later transferred to Queen’s Medical Center on O`ahu in critical condition.
      The suspected vehicle is described as a newer-model, white, four-door Nissan pickup truck driven by a Caucasian man wearing a white-brimmed hat.
      Police ask that anyone with information about the driver or vehicle call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Officer Melissa D’Angelo at 939-2520.
      Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. 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. Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hawai`i county Civil Defense Chief Darryl Oliveira is retiring.

HAWAI`I COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE Chief Darryl Oliveira is retiring. Oliveira retired as county fire chief in 2011 and in 2013 replaced Ben Fuata at Civil Defense. He has seen the county through threatening lava flows, hurricanes, tsunamis and the ongoing dengue fever outbreak.

      Oliveira’s replacement is up to Mayor Billy Kenoi. Oliveira told Nancy Cook Lauer, of West Hawai`i Today, that the timing of his retirement coincides with a quiet time in emergencies and that he is willing to volunteer his time to help the new administrator become familiar with the job.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A magnitude-2.9 earthquake struck yesterday.
Map from USGS HVO

A MAGNITUDE-2.9 EARTHQUAKE struck on the slopes of Mauna Loa this morning, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported. Located 8.6 miles east-southeast of the summit, the quake was 6.2 miles beneath the surface. USGS originally reported the magnitude as 3.0 but later revised it.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A HIGH SURF WARNING is in effect until 6 p.m. for west-facing shores of Hawai`i Island, including Ka`u and Miloli`i. National Weather Service reported that a large northwest swell bringing 10- to 12-foot waves will gradually diminish today. Beaches in Kona Kahalu`u to Mauna Kea Hotel are closed. NWS warns that large breaking surf, significant shorebreak and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ YESTERDAY met with Boys & Girls Club of Hawai`i members and honored this year’s Youth of the Year. In his keynote address, Schatz recognized the critical work the Boys & Girls Club does and challenged its young members to pursue a life of public service.

      “Public service takes many forms, and you can find a way to serve that makes sense to you. But it is up to you to seek out those opportunities,” Schatz said.

Sen. Brian Schatz honored Boys & Girls Club yesterday.
Photo from Office of Sen. Schatz

      The Boys & Girls Club of Hawai`i serves more than 30,000 youth, providing a safe, structured and positive environment for young people after school, during holidays and on summer vacation. BGCH currently operates 30 club sites across the state, including one at Pahala Community Center headed by Dolly Kailiawa.

      Youth of the Year is a year-round character and leadership program that recognizes Boys & Girls Club members who are shining stars at their Club. Aged 14 - 18, these teens demonstrate academic achievement, leadership skills and service to their community.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES Director Rachael Wong urges all individuals and families who received health insurance through the Connector in 2015 to file their taxes by the April 18 deadline.

Rachael Wong

      This year, those who got their 2015 healthcare coverage through the Connector should have received a Form 1095-A. This form allows filers to calculate any advanced premium tax credits they received to help pay for insurance. It is important to include information from the 1095-A form in tax returns so that individuals and families can remain eligible for help with health insurance costs in 2017.

      Individuals and families who had insurance through the Connector who have not received a Form 1095-A should contact 1-877-628-5076 or email support@hawaiihealthconnector.com.
      Additional information about advanced premium tax credits, tax filings and healthcare coverage is available online through federal agencies like the IRS and Healthcare.gov and DHS. Low-income individuals and families may also get in-person assistance filing their taxes. More information about these resources can be found at humanservices.hawaii.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TODAY IS THE DEADLINE to enter the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant that takes place at Ka`u Coffee Mill on Saturday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. Categories are Miss Ka`u Coffee, Miss Peaberry and Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee.
      Those who sign up for the pageant are eligible to ride in Merrie Monarch Parade this Saturday.
Contact Trinidad Marques at 936-0015 or aliihhhcoffee@yahoo.com to enter the pageant. Donate to the pageant scholarship fund with Julia Neal at 928-6471 or mahalo@aloha.net.

Ka`u Natural Farming is the topic at Earth Matters Farm
on Saturday. Photo from Earth Matters

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED’s Ka`u chapter and Earth Matters Farm sponsor a sustainability workshop Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The farm is two miles down South Point Road at the corner of Kama`oa Road.

      Richard Perea, a certified Korean Natural Farming instructor, has developed a technique called Ka`u Natural Farming that is unique to our local area.
      Workshop participants learn how to cultivate their own local microorganisms for sustainable gardening and farming, about the interface between soil and plants, and how to strengthen plants’ ability to receive available nutrients.
      Cost is $25 and free to all HFUU members. A garden-fresh lunch is included.
      For more information and to sign up, call Greg Smith at 443-3300, or email earthmatterskau@aol.com.

ZACH MERMEL, OF OLA DESIGN GROUP, shares Secrets of the Soil Part I & II on Saturday at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Part I covers soil basics. How is soil formed? What organisms reside within it? What are the different soil types on Hawai`i Island? In this interactive session, participants explore dynamics of the soil food web, various properties of soil and fundamentals of soil testing at the homestead and farm scale.

      The workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. costs $40, or $30 for VAC members.
      Composting is the topic of Part II from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Ever wondered how to make compost that plants will devour like dessert? This hands-on session explores strategies for dramatically enhancing the life-giving properties of soil. Participants gain experience constructing a biologically active compost pile and a home-scale worm bin and applying compost tea sprays to plants and soil. Fee is $30, or $25 for VAC members.
      Discounted fees of $60, or $50 for VAC members, apply when signing up for both parts.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u's Prince Kuhio Day celebration included displays of artifacts and arts &crafts. See story and more photos below. Photos by Nancy Stafford

KA`U’S HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL member Maile David met with Ka`u constituents Monday evening at Ocean View Community Center. About 22 residents attended to hear her thoughts on local issues.

Maile David

      Paula Donovan asked how much county money goes to other Ka`u towns compared with Ocean View. “We have the largest population and get the least money,” she said. She asked David for three things that county money went to locally. David listed $2,000 that the County Council recently approved for each of the three Summer Fun programs in Ocean View, Na`alehu and Pahala. Funding will go toward fees for about 20 keiki at each location.
      County Council also approved $5,500 for Tropic Care medical services sponsored by the U.S. Army Reserve coming to Ocean View Community Center May 31 – June 4. Funds will be used for transportation of people to get medical check-ups and for maintenance throughout the week. Tropic Care will also provide services at Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School.
      An additional $2,500 is for Project Vision transportation expenses to bring a second Vision Project van to use during Tropic Care.
      Another $5,000 appropriated by County Council will help Ocean View fire station repair its 30,000-water tank on site, a generator and its roll-up doors.
      A transfer station for Ocean View was another topic at the meeting. David said that plans needed to be drawn up, but Mike duBois said plans were already done. David’s announcement that the transfer station would be permanently located where the temporary one sparked outrage. “What? Next to the park? Next to houses?” residents asked. She explained that the original location prompted the state Department of Transportation to ask the county to pay over $1 million for a turning lane off Hwy 11.

Tropic Care returns to Ka`u this year.

      Donovan also questioned the value of the Ka`u Community Development Plan, saying that after eight years and three quarters of a million dollars, “all we have is a pile of paper.” David said after the meeting that community members from other places where plan is done find it helpful, looking at it as a framework for future plans. It is a guide, along with general plan, so there are two documents to go by for future planning.
      “It gives you a heads up on what the community desires,” David said. She also said it can help prevent legal actions down the road. “The community desires should be up front,” she said. The CDP tells everyone, “This is our vision of how we want our community to be.”
      Donovan also talked about a grant she wrote to get the National Guard to come and work on infrastructure as training. However, the county has to supply matching funds, and this has not happened, she said. David said she would check on it, and that the proposal occurred before she took office.
      Conditions at Kahuku Park were more concerns discussed. David said, “I was saddened to see its condition.” She said she plans to meet with Department of Parks & Recreation about possible improvements. Rod Ducosin said there is no potable water at the park. After the meeting, David said she would check on running a line between the water tank and park.
      Residents also expressed concern about Kahuku Park’s alcohol policies. The park allows drinking after 6 p.m., but residents said it occurs throughout the day, to the detriment of children there. David said she would speak to the police captain and see what can be done. She advocated allowing parties and drinking on a permit basis.
      Regarding lowering the speed limit on Hwy 11 in commercial areas, David said after the meeting that “it makes sense” and that she would check with the state Department of Transportation.
      Ranchos resident Ann Bosted brought up proposed solar farms and substation there, and David said she would send a letter to the state Public Utilities Commission supporting residents’ desires to have the project stopped.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Anna Cariaga displayed historic photos.

FOLLOWING KA`U’S FIRST PRINCE KUHIO DAY celebration in 40 years, Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u President Blossom DeSilva said she looks forward to future ones. Prince Kuhio founded the Hawaiian Civic Club movement.

      The Civic Club opened the event with pule and chant. Booths displayed information about Prince Kuhio, weapons, lei and other artifacts and lauhala weaving. Attendees played the Hawaiian game konane and other outdoor games. Ka`u Multicultural Society had a large photo display. Hawai`i Wildlife Fund also had a display.
      The club sold hot dog plates, and Ka`u Ohana Band entertained attendees. Organizers were Darlyne Vierra and Liz Kuluwaimaka.

Grace Smith won the essay contest.

      Grace N. Smith, 12-year-old Ka`u Learning Academy Charter School sixth-grade student, won the first annual Kuhio Day essay contest sponsored by Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u. She won a Mini iPad donated by Pat Sanford, of Tech Ed Services, through the efforts of Diana Prentiss, Education Committee chair of Hawaiian Civic Club.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

VOLCANO ART CENTER INVITES all Hawai`i Island quilters to enter its inaugural quilt show July 15 to Aug. 7 at the center’s Niaulani campus.
      This year’s show, Quilts in the Forest, Quilts in the Park, is dedicated to the centennial celebration of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park as well as that of the National Park Service. HVNP celebrates its 100th birthday Aug. 1 and is sharing the park through a series of special programs for the public all through the year.

Several Ka`u keiki submitted Prince
Kuhio Day essays.

      The show, with categories such as Hawaiian Quilt, Find Your Park, Art to Wear, Bed Runner and Miniature Quilt, is open to all residents of Hawai`i Island.
      Quilters need to register online by May 27. Prospectus and entry forms are available at volcanoartcenter.org/gallery/artist-opportunities.
      “Our vision for this year’s show is exciting for me as an artist who loves colors and textures in our rain forest environment,” said jewelry artist and amateur quilter Tad Sewell, committee chair for the quilt exhibit.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Keiki enjoyed konane during
Prince Kuhio Day in Ka`u.

HAWAII VISITOR SPENDING GREW 1.2 percent in February, according to preliminary statistics released by Hawai`i Tourism Authority. Total spending by all visitors was $43.3 million per day, a gain of 1.2 percent from February 2015. There were 218,150 total visitors in Hawai`i on any given day, representing no growth from a year ago.
      For the first two months of 2016, the average daily census of total visitors increased 1.3 percent to 229,358 visitors per day from year-to-date 2015. Total visitor spending also increased, two percent, representing an average of $45.3 million per day versus $44.4 million per day last year.
      “February was a strong month for Hawai`i’s visitor industry, with the bonus of leap year adding an extra day for businesses statewide to generate revenue,” HTA President and CEO George Szigeti said. “February’s average daily visitor spending of $43.3 million was led by the U.S. West ($14.3 million) and U.S. East ($11.2 million) markets, which comprised nearly 60 percent of the total.
      “We are maximizing the use of our marketing resources to promote the Hawai`i visitor experience and connect with travelers planning their next vacation. Global competition for travel consumers is intense, and we appreciate all the support of Hawai`i’s industry partners as they market the islands in selling their accommodations, products and services.”

Families explore Palm Trail on the next Kahuku `Ohana Day.
Photo from NPS

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY to sign up for Kahuku `Ohana Day and be included in the free lunch count. Kids up to age 17 and their families will explore the historic Lower Palm Trail and learn special traditional Hawaiian string figures called hei.

      The day of fun and discovery takes place on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants must bring their own vehicles for access to the trail. Instructions and directions are given upon registration. Call 985-6019.

TOMORROW IS ALSO THE DEADLINE to enter the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant. On Saturday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m., Miss Ka`u Coffee, Miss Peaberry and Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee contestants vie for 2016 titles at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

      Those who sign up for the pageant are eligible to ride in Merrie Monarch Parade this Saturday.
Contact Trinidad Marques at 936-0015 or aliihhhcoffee@yahoo.com to enter the pageant. Donate to the pageant scholarship fund with Julia Neal at 928-6471 or mahalo@aloha.net.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Community members gathered at Na`alehu Park to bless Ka`u Scenic Byway's new informational kiosk. Photos by Ron Johnson

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE held a blessing of the new informational kiosk at Na`alehu Park yesterday.

      Committee member Wendy Vance began the program with an oli. Chair Rich Morrow offered a history of the byway program and thanked everyone who helped with the committee’s projects, including signage at Ocean View Lookout, the Na`alehu Park kiosk and future signs dating lava flows.

Project participants gather in front of the kiosk.

      The committee was originally formed by Dennis and Marge Elwell, of Na`alehu, under the auspices of Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. It is a joint venture of local businesses and property owners, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai`i State Department of Transportation, Hawai’i County Government, Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u and other local organizations. The Scenic Byway, known as The Slopes of Mauna Loa, received designation as a Hawai`i Scenic Byway on Oct. 18, 2011 and runs the length of Hwy 11 through Ka`u from Manuka to Volcano.

Morrow said plans are to place similar kiosks in Ocean View and Pahala.
      Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u President Blossom DeSilva offered a blessing, after which participants enjoyed snacks, coffee and iced mamaki tea and viewed some of Iwao Yonemitsu’s historic photos.
      Former Hawai`i County Council member Brenda Ford and current member Maile David praised the kiosk as a worthwhile project. David pointed out that information provided will be valuable to residents as well as visitors. She pointed out that historical photos provided by Na`alehu resident Iwao Yonemitsu for the project will help bring the community together. She said photos of Na`alehu Rodeo reminded her of her past, when her family traveled here and to other rodeos around the island.
      Of some 36 byway informational kiosks throughout the state, this is the first three-sided one. Funds for fabrication of the kiosk were provided by former County Council member Brenda Ford. Hawai`i County Parks and Recreation Department, with help by volunteers from `O Ka`u Kakou, installed it. The three panels display maps and photos of the byway and the Na`alehu area, and historical photos and stories of Na`alehu, Wai`ohinu and Honu`apo. The 1868 earthquake, the history of sugar and coffee in Ka`u, and the historic Fourth of July celebration in Na`alehu Park are also included.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hawai`i Endangered Bird Conservation Program staff feed
an `alala hatchling. Photo from San Diego Zoo Global

KEAUHOU BIRD CONSERVATION CENTER in Volcano is celebrating the first `alala to be hatched in the 2016 breeding season. Later this year, hatched `alala chicks will go back to their native forests on Hawai`i Island. The `alala, or Hawaiian crow, has been extinct in the wild since 2002, preserved only in the program run by San Diego Zoo Global at its Hawaiian bird centers.

      “This first hatching of the season is the earliest we have on record,” said Bryce Masuda, conservation program manager of the Hawai`i Endangered Bird Conservation Program. “Although there is a possibility that this chick may be part of the group to be released into the wild this fall, we won’t identify the release group until all of the candidate chicks have hatched.”

      This first chick hatched from an egg laid on March 4 that was incubated by staff at the center. After it opens its eyes, the chick will be reared by staff using puppets to ensure that it does not imprint on humans. Animal care staff hope to create two groups of young `alala to be released into their native forests later in 2016. The collaborative effort to prepare for an `alala reintroduction has included significant work by many partners to prepare a large protected area of forest on Hawai`i Island. Additional eggs are expected to begin hatching early next month.

      The `alala is a member of the crow family that was brought to the brink of extinction by loss of habitat as well as introduced predators and diseases.
      “Returning the `alala to the forest is a significant step in recovery of this species and native forest ecosystem in Hawai`i,” said Jay Nelson, wildlife biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u kupuna joined keiki from Lori Lei Shirakawa's hula halau at Saturday's opening of Merrie Monarch.
Photos from Lori Lei Shirakawa

Ka`u musicians Gene Akamu, Demetrius Oliveira and Sadie
Pi`imauna join Lori Lei Shirakawa. Missing is Dane Sesson.

KUPUNA AND MUSICIANS FROM KA`U participated in the opening of Merrie Monarch Festival this past Saturday. Lori Lei Shirakawa, who previously had a hula studio in Wai`ohinu and is now in Hilo, invited them to join performances by her halau.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ZIKA IS NOT CURRENTLY CIRCULATING in Hawai`i, the state Department of Health Director reported. There have been no locally acquired cases of Zika. All of the cases identified in Hawai`i have been travel-related and infected while outside of Hawai`i. However, the mosquitoes that can transmit Zika (the same species of mosquitoes that transmit dengue and chikungunya) are found in Hawai`i, so the virus could be brought into the state by an infected traveler. This is why infected individuals must avoid mosquito exposure during their first week of illness. DOH said it aggressively investigates all reported cases of Zika to reduce the possibility of the disease spreading in Hawai`i.

Dr. Virginia Pressler

      The best way to prevent any mosquito-borne infections is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Use screens on windows and doorways to keep mosquitoes out. Use insect repellents to keep mosquitoes away and reduce the risk of being bitten. Repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and para-menthane-diol products will provide long lasting protection against mosquitoes. Repellents containing a higher concentration of the active ingredients will generally provide longer-lasting protection up to a point. Always use the repellent according to the instructions on the product label.

      Wear appropriate clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce the likelihood of mosquito bites, especially if you are going to be in an area with lots of mosquito activity.
      Reduce the number of mosquitoes outside homes and businesses by removing any standing water from containers, such as flowerpots or buckets.
      If you are going to be traveling, check before leaving if there is a risk of Zika virus at your destination, and if so, be sure to take precautions against mosquito bites. One good source of travel health information is http://www. nc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information.
      If you have questions about Zika virus, in Hawai`i call 211. To report a possible case, contact Disease Investigation Branch at 808-586-4586. If you have questions or concerns about mosquitoes, contact Vector Control on the Big Island, East Hawai`i: 974-6001 or West Hawai`i: 322-4880.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U YOUNG LADIES HAVE THREE more days to enter the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant. On Saturday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m., Miss Ka`u Coffee, Miss Peaberry and Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee contestants vie for 2016 titles at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

      Those who sign up for the pageant are eligible to ride in Merrie Monarch Parade this Saturday.
Contact Trinidad Marques at 936-0015 or aliihhhcoffee@yahoo.com to enter the pageant. Donate to the pageant scholarship fund with Julia Neal at 928-6471 or mahalo@aloha.net.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED’s Ka`u chapter and Earth Matters Farm sponsor a sustainable workshop Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The farm is two miles down South Point Road at the corner of Kama`oa Road.

      Richard Perea is a certified Korean Natural Farming instructor. He has developed a technique called Ka`u Natural Farming that is unique to our local area.

      Workshop participants learn how to cultivate their own local microorganisms for sustainable gardening and farming, about the interface between soil and plants, and how to strengthen plants’ ability to receive available nutrients.
      Cost is $25 and free to all HFUU members. A garden-fresh lunch is included.
      For more information and to sign up, call Greg Smith at 443-3300, or email earthmatterskau@aol.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Monday, March 28, 2016

Those who sign up to participate in May's Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant are eligible to ride in Merrie Monarch Parade this Saturday. See more below. Photo by Lorie Obra

SHOULD RURAL HAWAI`I POWER urban Hawai`i? Life of the Land Executive Director Henry Curtis considers the question on his blog at ililani.media as Ocean View Ranchos residents face the possibility of having an industrial solar project built in neighborhoods there.

      “The myth is that there is no wind or sun in populated areas. There is,” Curtis says. 

      “The first windmill in Hawai`i was built on Alakea Street in downtown Honolulu in the 1820s.

      “The best urban wind site on O`ahu hugs the `Aina Haina coastline, coming onshore at the exclusive gated Black Point community at Diamond Head and at Hanauma Bay.

      “Other great spots are mountaintops where high voltage transmission lines and towers are already constructed.

Transmission lines carry electricity generated in rural Hawai`i
to more populated areas. Photo from Henry Curtis

      “But developers, utilities and politicians always seem to focus on large-scale centralized generation facilities in rural areas which have less apparent political muscle to fight back: Puna, Ka`u, Kahuku.
      “The Kohala-Kona area of West Hawai`i is growing in population and has enormous solar energy potential. Using just five percent of the available resources, Kohala from Waikoloa to Hawi has enough wind resources to power the Big Island.
      “Instead, developers are seeking to ram new geothermal in Puna.
      “Placing generation is areas where the existing generation far exceeds local demand requires reinforcing existing transmission lines and building new transmission lines.
      “The rooftop solar industry threatens that centralized path toward the future. Suddenly, communities can generate their own power,” Curtis concludes
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

POLICE REMIND THE PUBLIC about scams involving phone calls from people claiming to be Internal Revenue Service employees demanding payment and stating that if payment is not made, fines of over $1,000 will be issued. These scammers usually demand payment in the form of a money order. 

      According to instructions from the official IRS website at www.irs.gov, if you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, you should record the employee’s name, badge number, call back number and caller ID if available. Call 1-800-366-4484 to determine if the caller is an IRS employee with a legitimate need to contact you. If the person calling you is an IRS employee, call them back. If not, report the incident to TIGTA and to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov (Subject: ‘IRS Phone Scam’).
      For more information visit, see www.irs.gov/uac/Report-Phishing.
      Police are advising anyone receiving similar calls to avoid giving any personal information or money without verifying that the call is legitimate.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Chief Harry Kubojiri

CHIEF HARRY KUBOJIRI ENCOURAGES Ka`u residents to participate in an anonymous Community Satisfaction Survey for the Hawai`i Police Department before the end of this month.
      Kubojiri said previous surveys have helped him identify actions the Police Department could take to increase community satisfaction. “This survey is one of the tools we use to improve our crucial partnership with the community by incorporating community feedback into our daily operations,” Kubojiri said. “By comparing the results of this year’s survey with the results of past surveys, we can gauge where we have improved and where we need further improvement.”
      In addition to multiple-choice questions, the survey allows participants to make individual comments. “I read every comment,” Kubojiri said. “The more specific the feedback is, the better this department can respond to the needs of our community.”
      The online survey is open until 4 p.m. Thursday at www.hawaiipolice.com. It takes about five minutes to complete and is limited to one survey per computer. Respondents’ IP addresses will not be stored in the survey results, and responses will be collected and compiled by an outside source. After the survey period, results will be posted on the department’s website.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hula sisters in Pahala will join hula sisters from Japan at Prince
Kuhio Plaza on Friday at 1 p.m. for a performance during
Merrie Monarch week. Photo by Demetrius Oliveira

HALAU HULA O LEIONALANI, of Pahala, will participate in Merrie Monarch festivities in Hilo this week, performing with Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder at Prince Kuhio Plaza on Friday at 1 p.m. The performance will include hula sisters from Japan who often visit Ka`u and the halau. Ka`u musicians Demetrius, Gene Boy and Matthew will join them.

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KE KINOLAU O LAKA: The Embodiment Of Laka, Goddess Of Hula opened Saturday and is on display daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, April 24 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The multimedia exhibit features botanical sketches, pyrography-carved gourds and dyed kapa pieces of Hawai`i Island artists John Dawson, Jelena Clay, Bernice Akamine and Micah Kamohoali`i. The exhibit is open to the public and free of charge; park entrance fees apply.

      Kinolau literally translates to “many bodies.” It is a reference to the belief in the myriad forms of the deities that make up the Hawaiian pantheon and that every plant, animal and force of nature, such as wind, rain and snow, is an embodiment of a god.

Volcano Art Center's new exhibit continues into April.
Image from VAC

      “This concept encompasses more than ritual and religious belief; it is a way of being in the natural world,” a VAC statement explains. “In Hawaiian culture, Laka is known for creating hula. With hula, a form of storytelling, Laka gave the Hawaiian people a way to record their history and pass it on to future generations. A hula dancer looks to Laka for inspiration before a performance. The dancer is the body – that which is moved; Laka, the inspiration – that which causes movement. The dancer and Laka become one in the dance. The dancer will adorn themselves in the kinolau of Laka, which include `ohi`a lehua,`ie `ie, hala pepe, maile, palapalai and other native ferns.”

      Each artist in the exhibition has explored the plant form of Laka by representing it in the art they have created. Both Dawson and Akamine have depicted the plants as botanical portraits. Clay has burned the image of the forms into gourds, and Kamohoali`i has dyed his kapa fabric using these plants.
      The plants will also be highlighted in a kuahu (altar) paying homage to Laka. The native lama wood base, adorned by various kinolau of Laka, will be dedicated each Friday of the exhibit by a different kumu hula. Just as each story told through hula can differ and styles of teaching may vary, each kumu hula has their own way of honoring Laka. VAC invites Ka`u residents and visitors weekly to see each kuahu arrangement.

      Due to the threat of the `ohi`a wilt, `ohi`a lehua will be intentionally left out of the kuahu in an effort to protect Hawai`i’s natural resources.

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KA`U’S HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL member Maile David meets with the public today at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. For more information, call 939-7033.

Ka`u young ladies can still sign up to participate
in May's Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant.
Photo by Trinidad Marques

THURSDAY IS THE DEADLINE for Ka`u young ladies to enter the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant. Contestants will have six weeks to prepare for the pageant. On Saturday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m., Miss Ka`u Coffee, Miss Peaberry and Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee contestants vie for 2016 titles at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

      Those who sign up for the pageant this week are eligible to ride in Merrie Monarch Parade this Saturday.
      Contact Trinidad Marques at 936-0015 or aliihhhcoffee@yahoo.com to enter the pageant. Donate to the pageant scholarship fund with Julia Neal at 928-6471 or mahalo@aloha.net.

THURSDAY IS ALSO THE LAST DAY to sign up for Kahuku `Ohana Day and be included in the free lunch count. Kids up to age 17 and their families will explore the historic Lower Palm Trail and learn special traditional Hawaiian string figures called hei.
      The day of fun and discovery takes place on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants must bring their own vehicles for access to the trail. Instructions and directions are given upon registration. Call 985-6019.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.