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The estuaries and fresh and anchialine ponds of Kāwā will receive restoration assistance from Hawai`i
Wildlife Fund, local families and community groups in Ka`u with funding from the county.
Photo by Julia Neal
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ESTUARY AND FISHPOND RESTORATION at Kāwā is the aim of the Hawai`i Wildlife Fund, which received approval for funding last week from the County Council Finance Committee. The $13,200 in matching funds is supported by Ka`u's County Council member Maile David, who also serves as chair of the Finance Committee. The money comes from The Two Percent Fund - officially known as the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resource Preservation Fund. Final approval will be needed from the full County Council for the funds to be released.
The property is owned by Hawai`i County and was purchased with state and federal funds after a long wait. Edmund C. Olson Trust II purchased most of the coastal lands from Kawa to Punalu`u and held them for years to protect this portion of the Ka`u Coast from development. The land at Kāwā had been listed on the real estate market and advertised as the last bay to buy for development, with easy access from Hwy 11.
The county, Trust for Public Land, Olson Trust and other community organizations worked toward its preservation. It is a popular surfing, fishing and camping spot for local residents, with a huge inventory of archaeological sites and native plants and animals including rare shrimp, nesting hawsksbill turtles and birdlife.
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| Kawa is popular for surfing, fishing and camping but is also an important native species and archaeological site. Photo by Julia Neal |
Hawai`i Wildlife Fund is led in Ka`u by Megan Lamson, who grew up here and received her graduate degree from University of Hawai`i - Hilo, studying the marine life of nearby Honu`apo. The organization helps restore anchialine ponds and organizes regular expeditions along the Ka`u Coast to clean up trash, some of it shipped to Honolulu to burn for electricity.
In its proposal, Hawai`i Wildlife Fund says it will help "restore the estuary and fishpond located at the southern end of Kāwā, remove harmful invasive species from various bodies of water located on the property, in collaboration with Kuleana `ohana and community groups from the Kaʻū and Puna districts to achieve these goals, which enhances and solidifies the community component of this project.”
The Ka`u Council member called for community collaboration to steward Kāwā, saying that several community groups have offered assistance.
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| Ab Valenci and his Halau Hula Kalehuakiekaiu will begin the annual Ho`olaulea at the Ka`u Coffee Festival. Photo by Dinno Morrow |
ALL DAY ENTERTAINMENT AT THIS SATURDAY'S KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL has been finalized for the Pahala Community Center grounds, beginning at 9 a.m. Emcee is Makana Kamahele and, the event opens with Ab Valencia and Halau Hula Kalehuakiekaiu.
At 10 a.m., enjoy Harry Evangelista and Tui Masania. At 10:30 a.m., watch the Coffee Cherry Picking Competition and listen to Calvin Ponce and Hands of time. At 11 a.m., Hannah's Makana `Ohana Halau performs, followed by Cuppa Joe. At noon, meet the Miss Ka`u Coffee Court, with Queen Jami Beck.
At 12:30 p.m., see Halau Hula O Leonalani with Kumu Debbie Ryer, followed by Demetrius Oliveira and the band Keaiwa. At 1:45 p.m., it's Back Yahd Braddahs, with Bolo at 2:15 p.m., Larry Dupio Band at 2:45 p.m., Sammi Fo and Halau Kahokukauahiahionalani at 3:30 p.m. At 4:15 p.m., listen to Jean Pierre Thoma and the Jazztones, followed by Foggy.
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THE HIGH COST OF HOUSING has put Hawai`i at the top of the list of states with the highest mortgage debt per capita, according to a report released today by the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. An Analysis of Consumer Debt: How does Hawai`i Compare with the Nation? examines various consumer debt categories.
Chief State Economist Dr. Eugene Tian noted that the high mortgage debt may also have negative impacts, including fewer consumers spending on other goods and services by homeowners, increasing rental payment for renters and the leakage of mortgage payment to out-of-state financial institutions. The following are some of the highlights of the report:
Hawai`i’s total consumer debt per capita increased from $51,810 in 2005 to $67,010 in 2015, ranking it second highest in the nation.
For mortgage debt per capita, Hawai`i has been steadily increasing in the state rankings, from the sixth highest state in 2005 to the highest state in 2015.
Hawai`i ranks low among states for auto loans per capita, while defaults for those with auto loans are close to U.S. average.
Hawai`i residents have relatively high credit card debt. Hawai`i ranked fourth in the nation in 2010 and 2015 for credit card debt per capita.
Hawai`i ranks the lowest in the nation for per capita student debt.
For the other debt category (home equity lines of credit, consumer cards and consumer-financed debt), Hawai`i leads the nation for the average amount per capita at $5,300. This partially reflects the state’s high residential real estate values and the home equity loan balances supported by these high values.
The report is available at dbedt.hawaii.gov/economic/reports_studies (Income/Consumption)
PLAY KONANE, Wednesday, May 24, 10 a.m. to noon, Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes Natinoal park.
COFFE TALK, Friday, May 26, 9:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National park. Informal conversation on a wide variety of topics. Ka`u Coffee, tea and pastries available for purchase.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. meeting, Friday, May 26, 5 p.m. Hawaiian Ranchos office.
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