Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Hannah's Makana `Ohana, led by Ka`u Kumu Hula Hannah Uribes, surround Mark Yamanaka, who won
his tenth Na Hoku Hanohano Award last weekend. See more below. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I COUNTY DEPARTMENT of Water Supply is now delivering Water Quality Reports via the Internet. The change takes advantage of technology, reduces paper consumption and helps preserve the environment.

      See hawaiidws.org, click on the About the Water link, then Water Quality Reports, and select the appropriate system.
      Paper copies are available by calling 961-8670 or emailing dws@hawaiidws.org.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

MINA MORITA, FORMER HAWAI`I Public Utilities Chair, attempts to break down Hawai`i electric system’s complexity in a series of articles at minamoritaelergydynamics.com.

      Morita suggests that interested residents watch an online presentation by PUC Commissioner Mike Champley at March’s Maui Energy Conference where, as a panelist on “The Hawai`i Renewable Energy Experience – What Can Be Replicated Nationally and Internationally,” he asked, “What metric do we look at?”

Champley compared islands' renewable capacity vs energy penetration.
Graph from Mina Morita

      According to Morita, “Champley said it was important to understand two competing metrics, renewable capacity versus energy penetration, or capacity factor, and walked the audience through each of his slides depicting our renewable progress, current challenges, future challenges and new considerations that come into play regarding key technical and economic tradeoffs. …

      “For example, if we make further investments in increasing wind and solar capacity, corresponding investments will need to be made in grid modernization, renewable integration and bulk storage. Therefore, will new investments be made in nascent storage technology or pump storage to store and dispatch solar at evening peak? Or will it be made in smaller and flexible fossil generators with the ability to ramp up and down with the variability of wind and solar during the day and be available to address system peak? Which solution will be less risky? Or do we do both? What solution can we afford and have the greatest system and customer benefits? Can we move forward with a no-regret solution/strategy?

      “The logical, economic solutions are there, but it will take the goring of some sacred cows to lay a solid foundation and cost-effective strategy to get to 100 percent.

      See Champley’s presentation at vimeo.com/163314542.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Yamanaka performed at Pahala Plantation House last fall for Uhane
Na Moku O Hawai`i, drawing a spontaneous outbreak of hula.
Photo by Julia Neal

MARK YAMANAKA TOOK HOME his tenth Na Hoku Hanohano award last weekend. Yamanaka, known for his falsetto voice and guitar skills, frequently shares his music at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and has accompanied halau at Pahala Plantation Cottages, fundraising for the Uhane Na Moku O Hawai`i nonprofit group.

      During the Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts Na Hoku awards in Honolulu on Saturday, he won Best Christian Album of the Year for A Gift of Heart, recorded by Yamanaka and the group Kupaoa.
      Jimmy Borges, 80, a famous Hawaiian jazz singer, took home five Hoku awards.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Sen. Brian Schatz joined Gov. and Mrs. Ige at a Memorial Day
ceremony. Photo from Office of Sen. Schatz

MEMBERS OF HAWAI`I’S CONGRESSIONAL delegation representing Ka`u honored members of the military over Memorial Day weekend.

      On Sunday, Sen. Brian Schatz spoke at the Pacific American Foundation Annual Roll Call of Honor Ceremony to honor the sacrifice of Pacific American soldiers.
      “Together, we remember with deep appreciation our Pacific Veterans and all of America’s men and women who answered the call to protect liberty,” Schatz said.
      Yesterday, Schatz joined Gov. and Mrs. Ige at a Memorial Day ceremony on O`ahu.
      Sen. Mazie Hirono paid tribute to service members, veterans and their families on Memorial Day.

Sen. Mazie Hirono attended a ceremony at West Hawai`i
Veterans Ceremony. Photo from Office of Sen. Hirono

      “Hawai`i is the home to generations of service members, from the Civil War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Hirono said. “Memorial Day is an opportunity to celebrate these service members, remember those who gave their life in service to our country, and reflect on legacy they left behind. On this solemn day, we not only honor the sacrifices made by our service members and veterans, but also reaffirm our lifelong commitment to support them and their families.”

      Hirono spent Memorial Day on Hawai`i Island, attending a remembrance ceremony hosted by the West Hawai`i Veterans of Foreign Wars post at West Hawai`i Veterans Cemetery. Hirono paid tribute to Waimea native Lance Corporal Christopher Camero, who was killed in Afghanistan, and other Hawai`i service members.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met veterans on Maui.
Photo from Office of Rep. Gabbard

      Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, at Makawao Veterans Cemetery, delivered remarks to honor America’s fallen heroes at an observance hosted by Maui Veterans Council. She joined fellow veterans, their friends, families and the community in honoring heroes from Hawai`i and across the nation who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. In her remarks, Gabbard documented the lives lost in recent conflicts. She implored they be honored by ensuring our troops are not sent into harm’s way unnecessarily and that missions be worthy of their great sacrifice.

      “We have lost too many of our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters in these counterproductive interventionist wars,” said Gabbard, a twice-deployed Major in the Hawai`i Army National Guard. We owe it to those we’ve lost, and those who have followed in their footsteps, to learn from the mistakes of the past and not repeat them in the future. Let us remember our friends, our family, our nation’s heroes, by being grateful for all that we have, honoring their memory, and by taking action. Forging ahead, making them proud, making sure that their sacrifice was not in vain. Let us be inspired by their example and show through our actions, every day, that they will never be forgotten.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

TROPIC CARE 2016 BEGINS today and continues through Saturday at Ka`u High School and Ocean View Community Center with free medical screenings, school sports physicals, dental services, eye exams, hearing screenings, nutritional services, veteran services, prescription eyeglasses and more.

      Bring water, snacks and current glasses and medications.

      Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily except Saturday, when closing is at 12 p.m.

      Bus transportation is available daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to and from Ocean View Community Center at Princess Kailulani at Lotus Blossom, Kahuku Park and Hele-on Park & Ride.
      For more information about Tropic Care, call 808-874-6035.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in Hawai`i County Council meetings this week. The council holds a special meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m. for the second and final readings of operating and capital improvement budgets.
      Committees meet Thursday. Governmental Relations & Economic Development’s meeting is at 9 a.m.; Human Services & Social Services, 10 a.m.; Planning, 11 a.m.; and Finance, 1:30 p.m.
      The full council meets Friday at 9 a.m.

Megan Tardif-Woolgar

      All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo. Videoconferencing is available at Na`alehu State Office Building. Meetings are streamed live, and agendas are available, at hawaiicounty.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A FREE CLASS ON FREEDOM Release Technique takes place at Margo’s Corner on Wakea Street in Discovery Harbour on Sunday, June 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.​

      Megan Tardif-Woolgar is a certified Freedom Release Technique Practitioner and a registered Medical Herbalist from Nova Scotia, Canada. She helps facilitate healing by connecting to an individual’s higher self and releasing past traumas and negative experiences stored within the cellular memory. She also helps facilitate the connection between the human and plant world, allowing plant allies to come forward and offer their healing and support.
      For more information, see sacredspiralherbals.com.
      RSVP to 929-9614 or 1-902-824-0547 or sacred.spiral.herbals@gmail.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_June_2016.pdf

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Monday, May 30, 2016

Marian Berger's exhibit Up Close continues through Sunday, June 5. See more below. Image from Volcano Art Center

A NEW CHAIR LEADS the Hawai`i Democratic Party, and Na`alehu School teacher Raina Whiting was the nominator at yesterday’s convention on O`ahu. Tim Vandeveer won narrowly. He is an environmental law student at University of Hawai`i Richardson School of Law, known for his Keep Country Country activities. He is a former union shop steward and unexploded ordnance technician. Vandeveer bested Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, a labor union lobbyist and executive of Hawai`i Construction Alliance; Jacce Mikulanec, a lobbyist for HMSA; and Florence Kong Kee, of United Public Workers union.

      Vandeveer will attend the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, July 25-28, as a super delegate and is committed to vote for Bernie Sanders.

      Whiting, 28, also a Sanders supporter, attended the state convention as a delegate from Ocean View and will also travel to the Democratic National Convention. In the state Democratic Party, she is District V Council Vice Chair, Precinct 5-02 President (Ocean View), Congressional District II (Rural O`ahu/Neighbor Islands) National Convention Delegate and an Environmental Caucus At-Large Officer.

Tim Vandeveer is the new Chair of Hawai`i Democratic Party, being
elected after Raina Whiting, of Ocean View, at right, nominated him
at the state convention. Jana Vandeveer and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono
also attended. Photo from Bob Martin 

      State Rep. Richard Creagan, who attended the state convention as a delegate, said, “People are really feeling the Bern, and that is why Vandeveer won.” He described Whiting: “Raina is clearly a rising star in our Democratic firmament.”

      When nominating Vandeveer before about 1,000 delegates attending the state convention, Whiting said:
      “When I look around the room, I am so incredibly proud to be a part of this movement and to be surrounded by so many people who are inspired to be part of making change and growth a reality. I am especially proud that so many neighbor island folks made a 'yuge' financial commitment to travel to the convention.
      “This year, we are seeing many new, first-time candidates run for office. This is a perfect opportunity to bring Sen. Bernie Sanders’ political revolution to life and for the people to take back the power in our county, state and federal offices. I encourage you to seek out these newcomers and support them in any way you can.
      “Right now, we are making the decisions that will help shape the impact we have in our state and across the nation. We must elect a Party Chair that will be just, honest and a strong supporter of the issues that matter most to us, including who becomes our next president. We need a Chair that can help raise funds and help us hold our Democratic politicians to our Democratic Party platform. We need a chair who will take the resolutions we tirelessly work on and see that they go beyond our conventions.
      “Tim Vandeveer is the honest, kind and compassionate leader we need. He has the skill set necessary to lead our party into the future that we have all been working so hard to create.
      “When I met Tim, he was leading a group of community organizers on a North Shore outreach campaign to stop further development on the last pristine section of coastline on O`ahu. I was impressed with his tireless advocacy then and have known him to be dedicated to public service to this day. He focuses on the critical issues in our state and is an inspiring environmental activist. I know that when he is elected we can count on Tim to be out in front leading the movement for a better future.
      “We are hungry for change. We need to be less concerned with corporate sponsorship and more concerned with strengthening the safety net for our kupuna, giving students a debt-free education and making sure that all of our brothers and sisters are paid a living wage. Grassroots support is the way we must do this.
      “Vote for Tim, our only Chair candidate who supports Bernie Sanders, because he knows Bernie is the right man for the job. Vote for Tim to unify our party and keep our progressive democratic revolution alive.”
      Whiting is running for Hawai`i County Council against incumbent Maile David.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Students can look forward to healthy, free meals at school
this fall. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Education

FREE BREAKFASTS AND LUNCHES will be served this summer at some of the larger schools on Hawai`i Island. Ka`u public schools are not included in the Department of Education program.

      Free meals next school year for all students will be offered at Pahala Elementary, Intermediate and High School and Na`alehu School. The two Ka`u campuses are among 30 statewide where meal money will be no longer collected from students.
      The program is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state Department of Education. It is called the Community Eligibility Program and is offered to schools where 40 percent or more of students are eligible for free or reduced priced meals through the National School Lunch Program. The USDA reimburses the state $3.85 for each meal.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SUPPORT FOR THE $4.3 billion NEXTERA/Hawaiian Electric Light Co. merger is falling, Life of the Land Executive Director Henry Curtis reported. Curtis reviewed poll numbers from Ward Research, Inc. and Merriman River Group.
      “Numbers can be manipulated, and polling is inherently dangerous, especially when done with an effort to steer the results,” Curtis said. “The margin of sampling error needs to be explicitly stated. …
      “HECO and NextEra proposed merging on Dec. 3, 2014. The following month, Ward Research, Inc. conducted a poll (asking): 'NextEra Energy, a Florida-based company, proposes to buy Hawaiian Electric. Do you think this acquisition would be good for Hawai`i?'
      “Almost one-third (32 percent) of respondents were in support. The margin of sampling error was plus or minus 5.5 points.

      “One year after the merger was announced, and just after the first of three rounds of the Evidentiary Hearing, Ward Research, Inc. conducted a poll (asking): 'NextEra Energy, a Florida-based company, proposes to buy Hawaiian Electric. Do you think this acquisition would be good for Hawai`i?'
      “The percent supporting the sale had dropped to 26 percent.
      “One could rightfully claim that the numbers had not fallen. That is to say, the first poll indicated that the percentage of people supporting the merger was 32 percent plus or minus 5.5 percent (26.5 percent to 37.5 percent), while the second poll showed 26 percent plus or minus 4.7 percent (21.3 percent to 30.7 percent), and thus the two polls could have reflected the same support for the merger, although the odds were against that.
      “But the third poll (by Merriman River Group) clearly showed that support for the merger was dropping. Support for the merger was 16 percent plus or minus 3.2 percent, or 12.8 to 19.2 percent.
      “Thus, the most likely explanation was that one in six supported the merger, but with the margin of error, the actual number of supporters could range from one in eight to one in five.
      “This latest poll could also simply reflect that a minority of the population is pro-business and supports anything proposed by businesses. That is to say, no matter what is proposed by business, a certain percentage will always say yes.
      “Similarly, a certain percentage will always oppose what big business is supporting.
      “But in between, for the vast majority of those with an opinion that may be swayed, the numbers in opposition are growing.”
      See www.ililani.media.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

TROPIC CARE 2016 BEGINS tomorrow and continues through Saturday, June 4 at Ka`u High School and Ocean View Community Center. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily except Saturday, when it closes at 12 p.m.

      Free medical screenings, school sports physicals, dental services, eye exams, hearing screenings, nutritional services, veteran services and prescription eyeglasses are among services offered.

      Bring water, snacks and current glasses and medications.
      Bus transportation is available daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to and from Ocean View Community Center at Princess Kailulani at Lotus Blossom, Kahuku Park and Hele-on Park & Ride.
      For more information about Tropic Care, call 808-874-6035.

UP CLOSE, MARION BERGER’S exhibit of her paintings featuring portraits of Hawai`i’s native birds, closes on Sunday, June 5. 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/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar/May2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Sunday, May 29, 2016

Raina Whiting, a candidate for Hawai`i County Council District VI, met U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
at the Hawai`i Democratic Convention yesterday. Photo from Bob Martin

KA`U DELEGATES AT THE STATE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION are making a big splash in Honolulu this weekend. State Rep. Richard Creagan, one of the representatives of the Na`alehu precinct, said there is “tremendous energy compared to two years ago. It’s the Bernie buzz. Bernie Sanders supporters want to elect a new Hawai`i Democratic Party chair who would support Sanders and go to Philadelphia as a delegate. This is an important post,” said Creagan, noting that Sanders won the Democratic primary in Hawai`i. Creagan said that those running for the chairmanship include a lobbyist for the construction industry, a lobbyist for the HMSA medical insurance organization, a liaison for the United Public Workers Union and a community organizer for responsible development.

State Rep. Richard Creagan

      Ocean View Democratic Party precinct president Raina Whiting, 28, a Na`alehu School teacher and candidate for County Council, was chosen to nominate the community organizer Ken Venderveer for the state Democratic Party chairmanship. Vanderveer is associated with such slogans on O`ahu as “Keep the Country Country.” 

      Creagan said that Whiting “brings new energy to the Democratic Party. I am really proud of how Raina stepped up to the plate.” Along with Creagan, she has been selected to the central committee, which elects the statewide officers for the Hawai`i Democratic Party.

      Both Creagan and Whiting are Bernie Sanders supporters.Yesterday, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard met Whiting and held a rally on the grass under the palm trees outside the convention hall at Sheraton Waikiki. “It ended up being a rally for Bernie,” Creagan said. He said that Whiting is an at-large member of the Hawai`i Democratic Party's environmental caucus. She is working on her master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in educational leadership. She also worked at the Legislature on the staff of Sen. Russell Ruderman.
      At the convention, Na`alehu is represented by precinct Vice President Bob Martin and Creagan, who is also a delegate for District V, which runs from Honu`apo to Lako Street in Kona. Raina Dale represents Volcano. Rollie Litteral, who is president of the Na`alehu precinct, could not attend.
      Richard Abbett, who was living in Ocean View and talked about running for an office this year, has moved to Maui, where he is running against House Speaker Joe Souki for his seat in the Hawai`i Legislature.
      Bob Martin said this morning that he is very proud of District V’s participation in the convention, with all 22 slots filled. He said that Democratic Party members helped each other with fundraising for air travel, rental cars and arranging home stays on O`ahu. Some money was raised through Go Fund Me campaigns. He credited District V Chair Steve Sakala with helping to make South Hawai`i well represented.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

BY ORDER OF GOV. DAVID IGE, the United States flag and the Hawai`i state flag will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to noon on tomorrow. This action is in honor of Memorial Day and in memory of the brave Americans who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and security of our nation.

      “This Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their lives for us, and we reflect on the high cost of our freedoms. We especially remember the 12 Marines who were lost over the waters of the North Shore during a training exercise in January. They were our friends and neighbors – part of our community – and we grieve with their families,” Ige said.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY’S current issue of Volcano Watch is courtesy of its U.S. Geological Survey colleagues at the Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, which focuses on Hawai`i’s biodiversity.
      “Mosquitoes have been on the minds of Hawai`i Island residents and visitors due to the recent outbreak of dengue fever,” the article states. “On Feb, 12, 2016, Hawai`i Gov. David Ige declared a state of emergency for all mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue fever and Zika virus.
      “To help understand our collective risk, it’s useful to review the ecology and natural history of mosquitoes in Hawai`i and their impacts on the health of humans and native wildlife.
      “Although six species of biting mosquitoes have been introduced to the state of Hawai`i, only three are likely to occur in natural areas like forests and parks – the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), Asian rock pool mosquito (Aedes japonicus japonicus) and southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus). All three use water-filled containers and pools in the forest and along the coast as larval habitat.
      “Larvae of the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and bromeliad mosquito (Wyeomyia mitchellii) also use small containers but are more closely associated with homes and gardens than forests. The sixth species, the inland floodwater mosquito (Aedes vexans nocturnus), can also be found in more developed areas where larvae are found in irrigation and roadside ditches.
      “All of these mosquitoes can cause annoying bites and allergic reactions, but only two are currently recognized as vectors of human disease in the Hawaiian Islands – the yellow fever and Asian tiger mosquitoes.
      “The yellow fever mosquito is recognized throughout the tropics as the primary vector of the yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Fortunately, these mosquitoes appear to be restricted to small coastal populations and have rarely been seen inland on Hawai`i Island.
      “Unfortunately, Asian tiger mosquitoes are abundant, widespread and capable vectors of dengue fever in Hawai`i. They have also been implicated as vectors of the chikungunya and Zika viruses, but transmission of these diseases has not yet been reported from Hawai`i.

Mosquitoes infect native birds with avian pox.
Photo from USGS

      “These two species share similar larval habitats, but Asian tiger mosquitoes have largely displaced yellow fever mosquitoes from much of their former geographical range. Yellow fever mosquito populations still occur in isolated and dry coastal communities of Hawai`i Island, where this domestic (living almost entirely in and around homes) mosquito may have a competitive edge over the Asian tiger mosquito. 

      “As one might expect, Asian tiger mosquito populations increase after heavy rains that create more habitat for breeding. When rains coincide with warm summer temperatures, populations explode, providing ideal conditions for virus transmission. But even during drought, persistent populations of yellow fever mosquitoes could still drive local transmission.

      “In Hawai`i, mosquito-borne disease is not limited to people. Native Hawaiian forest birds have been losing a long battle with introduced bird malaria and pox virus since the arrival of the southern house mosquito in the early 1800s. “This mosquito can be found from the coast to high montane forests. Year-round transmission of bird malaria and avian pox in the lowlands has restricted most native forest birds to higher, cooler elevations, where mosquito numbers are limited. 

      “Southern house mosquito larvae are found in habitats similar to the Asian tiger mosquito – lowland forests and developed areas, as well as in feral pig-created tree fern cavities and wallows in remote montane forests.
      “Like mosquito-borne human diseases, climate change is expected to increase the geographical range of bird malaria in the Hawaiian Islands, threatening the last populations of our native forest birds. Elsewhere in the world, the southern house mosquito is responsible for the transmission of parasites that cause viruses, such as the West Nile virus.
       “U.S. Geological Survey ecologists in Hawai`i are studying the ecology of mosquito-borne disease in native birds, trying to understand how climate change might alter that disease system, and how we can reduce disease transmission. They’re also assisting the National Park Service to monitor mosquito vectors in Hawai`i Island’s coastal parks with a goal of improved mosquito control to protect public health.
       “While the development of vaccines and more efficient mosquito control continues, it’s likely that people and wildlife in Hawai`i will be dealing with mosquitoes and the pathogens they transmit into the future.
      “More information on mosquito-borne illness and how to protect yourself and your family is available online at USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center (http://www.usgs.gov/ecosystems/pierc/) and Hawai`i State Department of Health (http://www.fightthebitehawaii.com/).”
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

KMC's front lawn is the setting for tomorrow's Memorial Day
Ceremony. Photo from wikipedia

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Memorial Day Ceremony tomorrow at 3 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s front lawn in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

      A Memorial Day Buffet follows the ceremony from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at KMC’s Crater Rim Café. $18 adults; $9 children 6-11.

      Call 967-8356 for more information.
      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/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Saturday, May 28, 2016

A seldom seen view from a closed area of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park shows spattering along the edge
of Halema`uma`u Crater's lave lake. Photo from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

THE HAWAI`I DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION is the destination this weekend for Ka`u Democrats elected by their precincts earlier this year.  Among those attending from Ka`u and Volcano are Pahala Precinct President Malian Lahey, District Three Chair Raina Dale, Rep. Richard Creagan and Hawai`i Farmers Union United Ka`u Chapter President Greg Smith. They join about 1,000 delegates from around the state. The convention involves supporters of  Bernie Sanders, who won the state Democratic caucus, and Hillary Clinton supporters. The delegates are expected to negotiate the state platform for the Democratic Party.

Gov. David Ige speaking at the Hawai`i Democratic Convention
today. Photo by Malian Lahey

      Gov. David Ige spoke as the convention opened. Lahey reported that he said Hawai`i prepaid healthcare is better than that provided by the federal Affordable Care Act. He urged Democrats to focus on homelessness, separation of religion and state, and protecting the middle class. “The rich can and should pay more to provide services that we all use,” he said.

      He also asked his party to “embrace young people and encourage them to be part of the solution.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U HIGH AND NA`ALEHU SCHOOLS are among state campuses receiving upgrades funded by the Legislature in Capital Improvement Projects, awaiting Gov. David Ige’s signature. Work will include electrical upgrades and walkway lighting in the historic school buildings, some of them included on the state list of historic sites.
      The high school campus is also the site for ongoing construction of one of the largest school gyms in the state, for one of the smallest school populations – the graduating class last week was 48 strong. The gym is nearing its opening, with installation of windows being completed and final work on the wood flooring coming up. It is seen as a potential economic engine for the town, with possibilities of hosting volleyball and other sports tournaments, camps and workshops, cultural events and other activities in addition to school activities. It will seat more than 1,000 people and be managed by the county Department of Parks & Recreation.

Riki May Amano

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CONCERNS ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY of a court appeal are driving Thirty Meter Telescope supporters to call for removal of the recently appointed contested case hearing officer, Timothy Hurley reported this morning in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
      The actions follow opponent Mauna Kea Hui calling for Judge Riki May Amano to be replaced because of a perceived bias based on her membership at University of Hawai`i-Hilo’s `Imiloa Astronomy Center.
      TMT’s board filed a request as a “pre-emptive action,” saying that “it is the only option to ensure that this contentious issue and any alleged appearance of impropriety is resolved. ... This will also minimize any further delay caused by Judge Amano’s selection as hearings officer.”
      Hurley reported that UH Hilo expressed concern that Amano did not disclose a mediation she in conducting there. When she filed a disclosure this week, she said the mediation would not affect her impartiality it the TMT case.
      According to the university’s filing, it fears that the state Supreme Court would side with Mauna Kea Hui’s “appearance of justice” arguments if the case is appealed, Hurley reported.

      See staradvertiser.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A wide view shows spattering in two locations along
the lava lake's edge. Photo from USGS HVO

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY shared spectacular views of the lava lake in Halema`uma`u Crater. Taken from an area along the crater rim that is closed to the public due to hazardous conditions, the images show spattering along the lake margins.

      The lake was at a high level earlier this week and partially visible from Jaggar Museum Overlook at times. It has since dropped slightly, but HVO reported this morning that the level has begun to rise again.

      Two lava flows that began recently at Pu`u O`o vent remain in that vicinity and presently pose no threat to communities, HVO reported.
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov for more photos, videos and updates.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

THE BAN ON `OHI`A WOOD TRANSPORT interisland will likely become permanent during Tuesday’s Board of Land & Natural Resources meeting in Honolulu. The proposal, as reported by Ivy Ashe in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, describes Hawai`i Island as a “Rapid `Ohi`a Death Infested area,” and the BLNR fears that it could jump to other islands through transport of `ohi`a posts, boards and foliage.

J.B. Friday

      An emergency rule prohibiting interisland `ohi`a transport went into effect last summer. “I’ve been delighted with the Department of Ag being proactive on this and not waiting until all the science was settled,” J.B. Friday, extension forester at University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, told Ashe. “If they had waited to settle this until everything was answered, it would be too late. It would be on all the islands already.”

      Researchers have identified the fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata as the cause of rapid `ohi`a death, and researchers continue to try to understand more about the disease. Ashe reported that a tree may have the disease for a long time but not show any symptoms. “I liken it to a heart attack,” Friday told her. “Someone might have been building up plaque in his arteries for years (before).”

      Tens of thousands of acres have been infected by the disease on the Big Island, and the quick death of `ohi`a forests has been documented on aerial flights over the island. Rapid `Ohi`a Death in Ka`u has been observed in areas including Wood Valley, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Ocean View.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Southside Volleyball team returns for another round at Boys
Junior National Champiohships. Photo from Julie Enriques

SOUTHSIDE VOLLEYBALL TEAM is raising money to fly again to the mainland for the Boys Junior National Championships, this year in Dallas. The team is comprised of young men who have been playing volleyball together since age ten. The training and competition has led to superior high school play and college scholarships.

      This year, Southside competes as a 17’s team, after rolling through different age groups over the years. Recently, team members received college volleyball offers, including Kekaulike Alameda for Barton College, Emmett Enriques for California Baptist and Kai Enriques for Briar Cliff.

      After a weeklong volleyball camp in Pahala, Southside flies out on June 30 and begins play on July 3. This will be Southside’s eighth trip to the competition. In the last five years, they have once become National Champs and finished twice at fourth, once as a Silver Division champ and once tied for thirteenth.
      Ka`u players are Kameron Moses, of Pahala; Nai`a Makuakane, of Na`alehu; and Addie and Avery Enriques, of Punalu`u. All attend Kamehameha Schools on this island.
      To donate toward plane tickets and accommodations for Ka`u players to attend the national championships, call Brenda Iokepa Moses at 896-3932.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Start preparing, and register now to finish at Volcano Rain
Forest Runs. Photo from Sharron Faff

IT’S TIME TO GET OUT YOUR running shoes, tie up those laces and begin training for the seventh annual Volcano Rain Forest Runs Half Marathon, 10K and 5K on Saturday, Aug. 20. 

      Cooper Center will be the happening place for the Start/Finish for all three races and where the very popular, free Volcano Keiki Runs for ages one to seven are held. Sponsored by Kilauea Lodge – where every keiki is a winner.
      Volcano Rain Forest Runs’ Half Marathon is the third leg of the Big Island Triple Crown Series. Participants who ran the Hilo Half and plan on running the Kona and Volcano races can sign up for the Triple Crown Series. Final ceremony will be at the Volcano event.
      Register online for all events at volcanorainforestruns.com.
      Local Artist Awards will be given for male and female runners who place first, second and third in each race and first and second in 10-year age divisions for all three.

The public is invited to KMC's
Memorial Day Ceremony

      Rotary Club of Volcano will serve a BBQ lunch on race day. There will also be health and fitness booths, entertainment and much more.

      “Make it a family affair, and bring everyone for a fun-filled day,” Race Director Sharron Faff said. “We would like to thank the community for last year’s overwhelming support of this event, and we sincerely hope that you will join us again for this year’s festivities as a runner, walker, volunteer or spectator. 

      For more information, call Faff at 967-8240.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Memorial Day Ceremony Monday at 3 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s front lawn in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      A Memorial Day Buffet follows the ceremony from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at KMC’s Crater Rim Café. Menu includes Hawaiian kalua pork sandwich, local-style fried chicken, chili con carne and more. $18 adults; $9 children 6-11. Call 967-8356 for more information.

      Park entrance fees apply. 

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Friday, May 27, 2016

A new program at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National park explores its Realms and Divisions.
See more below. Photo from NPS

KA`U HOSPITAL AND OTHER EAST HAWAI`I Region facilities operated by Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. will receive sufficient funding from the state for the next fiscal year, according to a story by Ivy Ashe, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. Ashe attended a forum at Hilo Medical Center where CEO Dan Brinkman updated the community on HHSC East Hawai`i Region’s status.

Dan Brinkman

      “The first part of the year, it was tough,” Brinkman said, referring to previous layoffs. “That loss was certainly hard for people,” but the action “did improve our stability.”

      He said no further layoffs are expected.
      He also said privatization, such as is happening with HHSC’s Maui facilities, may be an option in the future to alleviate a gap in services.
      “This is basic stuff that most communities have: If you have diabetes, you need to see an endocrinologist,” Ashe reported Brinkman saying. “What our board believes, what I believe, honestly, is (we) really should have the choice, that option to decide what our future is.”

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

NEXTERA ENERGY MAY pull the plug on its effort to buy Hawaiian Electric Industries, Bloomberg’s Jim Polson reported.
      According to Polson, the Florida-based utility may try to buy Oncor Electric, of Texas, instead of HECO. Texas’ largest transmission and distribution company became available for purchase after Hunt Consolidated ended it interest.
      According to Polson, NextEra can stop the proposed $4.3 billion deal by paying HECO $95 million. The deal, which has received criticism from some state agencies, expires on June 3.

      Intelligence analyst Stacy Nemeroff told Polson that “sustainability and governance concerns may trump any potential concessions NextEra is willing to offer to sweeten the deal. NextEra may decide to take the loss so that it can move forward with other potential acquisitions.”

      See bloomberg.com.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

DOZENS OF SCIENTISTS, FORESTERS, surveyors, researchers and educators are actively involved in the fight to try and stop the spread of Rapid `Ohi`a Death. The fungal disease has decimated tens of thousands of acres of native `ohi`a on Hawai`i Island. A virtual army of specialists from a wide array of federal, state, county and nonprofit organizations are engaged in the fight to find a treatment and simultaneously to stop it in its tracks. That’s where education and outreach come in.

Rapid `Ohi`a Death is devastating Hawai`i Island forests.
Photo from DLNR

      Anya Tagawa, of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Natural Area Reserve program, is one of the soldiers on the frontline of spreading awareness about Rapid `Ohi`a Death. She created signs that hunters, hikers, mountain bikers and other people recreating on state public lands will soon see.
      DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “It is critical that every person who goes into the woods or forest anywhere in Hawai`i takes steps to prevent this disease from spreading. Anya’s work, along with a team of other outreach experts, is vitally important in getting kama`aina and visitors alike to be certain they don’t inadvertently track the fungus from place to place.”

      Rapid `Ohi`a Death kills one of the most important native trees quickly and in wide swaths. Failing to follow the simple recommendations outlined on both signs could make you responsible for spreading this disease interisland and intra-island.
      Tagawa’s passion is borne of a life spent in the forest. “My life has always been intertwined with `Ohi`a, with our native forests,” she said. “I grew up hiking, exploring and being captivated by our forests. I continue to learn about their unparalleled uniqueness and feel an intimate connection with these special places. Rapid `Ohi`a Death threatens this way of life. It is imperative that we do all what we can to ensure `Ohi`a is present for our future generations to experience, engage and form a relationship with. It is critical for the continued persistence of the countless unique plants and animals that rely on `ohi`a.”
      Tagawa’s signs will eventually be at every DOFAW trailhead on the Big Island: more than 50 in all.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Morrison transformed a Volcano Village shack
into an art studio, gallery and guest house.
Photo by Boone Morrison

A SPECIAL TOUR LED BY ARCHITECT Boone Morrison will offer a rare look inside some private homes in Volcano Village. The tour, sponsored by the Volcano Community Foundation, takes place on Saturday, June 4. 

      Designing a new home with modern amenities while reflecting both a historical architectural style and carefully considering the environment in which it is placed has long been the hallmark of the Volcano architect.
      A 1963 graduate of Stanford University, Morrison has lived in Volcano Village since 1971. A strong advocate for the arts, he is a founder of Volcano Art Center and a noted photographer. He formally established his architectural practice in 1986 and has completed 45 projects in the Volcano region, plus two dozen more elsewhere on the island. He is a Federally Certified Historic Preservation Architect and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Hawai`i County Cultural Resources Commission.
      The four homes and the art studio that will be included on the tour range in size from 880 square feet to 3,200 square feet. All exhibit a keen sensitivity to their rainforest setting and contain the finely detailed use of woods in the interior that are characteristic of the architect’s style.
      The tour begins with a 9:15 a.m. check-in and concludes after a light lunch. Participants carpool from Kilauea Lodge to properties on the tour. Participants will be required to remove their shoes before entering each of the homes. Fee for the event is $40, with advance registration required. Funds raised support a scholarship fund that is awarded each year to an outstanding high school senior from Volcano as well as other community projects. This program is limited to 16 people.
      To reserve space, email volcanocommunity@gmail.com or call Kilauea Lodge at 967-7366. Reservations will be confirmed when payment is received.
      Volcano Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization.

Hike to a Hawksbill turtle nesting site tomorrow.
Photo from NPS

A CENTENNIAL HIKE ABOUT HONU `EA takes place tomorrow at 9 a.m. Lauren Kurpita, coordinator of Hawai`i Island Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project, and Supervisory Park Ranger Andre Kaawaloa-Okita lead a three-mile, 2.5-hour roundtrip hike to Ka`ena Point to learn more about nesting and monitoring activities of hawksbill sea turtles, the human and cultural history of the area and how eruptions have impacted both.

      Sturdy footwear, water, light rain gear, sun protection and snacks are recommended. Be prepared for hot, windy weather.
      Meet at Pu`u Loa Petroglyph parking lot. Free; park entrance fees apply.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER raises funds for a new roof tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Dollarama. All items, including food and drinks, are $1 or less.

REALMS & DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU is a free, moderately difficult, two-hour guided hike on Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s newest trail, Pu`u Kahuku. Participants experience the sense of place that evolves through the inter-relationship of nature and culture while exploring the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku.
      Meet near the parking area tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.

Jazz in the Forest presents two performances tomorrow.
Photo from VAC

JAZZ IN THE FOREST 2016 SERIES continues with two performances tomorrow featuring Jr. Volcano Choy and the Volcano Art Center’s Jazz Ensemble. The series offers an opportunity to hear the highest caliber jazz – anywhere – up close and personal.

      The Wine and Beer Room will be open for attendees to enjoy before and after the concert. Ticket holders will be able to purchase Volcano Red Ale and Mauna Kea Pale Ale from Mehana Brewing Company, as well as wine. As usual, an area has been set aside for dancing.

      Two shows are offered, with a matinee at 4:30 p.m. and an evening performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for VAC members ($25 non-members) for both shows!
      Tickets are available at volcanoartcenter.org, at VAC’s Administration Office in Volcano Village and VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Today is the last day to purchase tickets online to be held at Will Call. Tickets will be sold at the door if they are not sold out.
      Call 939-7033 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.