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| Damage from lava flowing from Fissure 8 and frequent earthquakes at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano -- destroying transportation infrastructure, homes, farms and parks -- will be quantified for federal aid through damage assessments, approved by the U.S. Senate this week and expected to pass the House soon. See story, below. Photo from USGS |
She said she opposes putting the proposed Nā`ālehu Wastewater Treatment Plant next to Nā`ālehu Elementary School and said it should be away from the town. She said she opposed the SpinLaunch proposal earlier this year, which aimed at using an area near Ranchos and Ocean View for a space launch station.
Ford said she expects people who hold office to "do their homework, understand what we are talking about, and be fair and honest." What troubles her most, she said, is "I can't stand to see my constituents being dumped on." She talked about the many projects she completed as a County Council member.
Concerning the current volcano activity, she said she opposes reopening the geothermal plant that is partially covered and would not advise opening up another one. As a member of the County Council, she cosponsored anti-fracking legislation to prohibit fracking -- injecting liquid into the ground for geothermal, water, or retrieving any minerals. It passed.
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| State Senate Candidate Brenda Ford. Photo from facebook.com/VoteBrendaFord |
Regarding health care, Ford said she is already working with state legislators to help bring a teaching hospital to Kona. She also would like to see a Physicians Assistants training program in Kona, where local students would study and stay here to serve health care needs, and those from afar would also become PA's and take their skills back to their own communities. She said a 27-month course can net a PA some $90,000 a year in income.
Ford also talked about lava zones and flood zones and said that everyone needs to become more educated about the risks of living in both.
Regarding the safety of the voting system, she said she thinks paper ballots are best, with extra accommodations for the handicapped.
Ford and her Democratic opponent Dru Kanuha are expected to join an agricultural forum at Konawaena High School on Thursday, Aug. 2, and are scheduled for a forum live on Hawai`i Public Television on Thursday, Aug. 9. The Primary Election is Saturday, Aug. 11.
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| Sen. Brian Schatz Photo from Brian Schatz Flickr |
Part of a bipartisan spending
package, the legislation "will help aid the response and recovery effort
by instructing the Department of the Interior to evaluate the damage the eruptions
have caused to federal facilities and infrastructure, including Volcanoes
National Park, Volcanoes Observatory, and the Pacific Island Ecosystems
Research Center, and how that has impacted tourism and the local economy. The
legislation also asks DOI to work with state and county officials on how to
rebuild to support local needs," reports schatz.senate.gov.
"It's crucial that we
understand how our communities and our local economy are being affected by the
Schatz posted to
Facebook, "In 2016, more than 1.8 million people visited Hawai`i
Volcanoes National Park Kīlauea , that national park is now
mostly closed.
"We need to
understand how the economy has been affected by the volcano and what can be
done. That's why I proposed that the Department of the Interior assess the
damage done to the park and what it means for the local economy, and then come
up with a plan for how to address these problems.
"I hope this step helps to bring quick relief to the
communities affected by the volcano."
The public
weighed in on his statement, some saying the effort is very appreciated, some
saying more immediate action is needed; that a study will take too long to help
an economy that is in desperate need of immediate action. Read comments at facebook.com/SenBrianSchatz/posts/1566605253444276.
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EXPERIENCE VOLCANO HAWAI`I LLC, a small group of business
owners and community leaders in the Volcano area, has formed a new organization
"to address the economic impact of the recent volcanic activity on the
Since first meeting in May, EVH has created an
"extensive outreach plan," says the release, "to highlight
activities and accurate information that will benefit the many residents and
visitors that visit the Volcano area.
"This new,
dynamic and rapidly growing platform created for residents and visitors alike,
is finally ready for everyone to enjoy!"
Some of the local
businesses involved are: The Volcano Art Center, Kīlauea Lodge, Lava Rock Café,
Volcano Rainforest Retreat, Akatsuka Orchid
Gardens
See The Ka`ū News
Briefs on Monday, July 30, for more. Questions? Contact Jesse Tunison P.O.
Box 129 Volcano , Hawai`i ,
96785
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THE MANHUNT FOR AN ALLEGED MURDERER who was mistakenly let out of custody on Tuesday is over. According to Hawai`i County Poilce, shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, July 26, Brian Lee Smith called police dispatch from a business in the Captain Cook area and requested to turn himself into police. Kona Patrol officers located Smith, who was taken into custody without incident.
HOTEL REVENUES ARE DOWN on Hawai`i Island -- the only island to report a drop in revenue in June. The numbers show a drop
in RevPAR -- the Average Daily Room Rate, divided by occupancy rate -- which declined
by 8.3 percent, to $163.91. The Average Daily Room Rate also declined, down
0.3 percent, to $239. Occupancy dropped 6 percent, to 68.6 percent.
Hawai`i Tourism Authority blamed the decline
in Big Island Kīlauea eruption.
Meanwhile, the hotel industry statewide
showed increased revenue and occupancy. RevPAR increased 4.7 percent to
$227. Statewide, the occupancy rate was 82 percent.
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| Gov. David Ige Photo from Governor David Y. Ige Flickr |
GOV. DAVID IGE RECEIVED A HOUSING RENTAL REPORT and Ten-Year
Plan from the Special Action Team on Affordable Rental Housing today, at the State
Capitol in the Governor's Ceremonial Room.
Act 127, approved in 2016, established a goal of developing 22,500
affordable rental housing units statewide by the end of 2026, and formed a
Special Action Team on Affordable Rental Housing to recommend actions to
achieve the goal.
The report recommends
actions to complete the 22,500 affordable rental units. It also identifies
state, county, and private lands suitable for affordable rental housing, and
establishes performance measures and timelines for developing rental housing
for various AMI groups; those who earn from zero to 140 percent of area median
income.
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| Brian Lee Smith Photo from HPD |
An outstanding bench warrant was issued for Smith after he failed to appear in court for a hearing yesterday. He is being held on $2,000,000 bail, and was scheduled to appear in court today.
Smith was mistakenly released on July 24 from Hawai`i Community Correctional Center. He had been in custody since June, after being charged with the fatal shooting of Thomas Ballesteros Jr.
Police would like to thank the public for their assistance. Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to call the Police Department's non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or Detective Carrie Akina at (808) 326-4646 or carrie.akina@hawaiicounty.gov.
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| This weekend is the last chance to see KDEN's Oliver! Photo from KDEN |
LAST WEEKEND TO SEE KDEN'S OLIVER! Fagin (Joel Kelley) and his pickpockets have a secret in Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's production of Lionel Bart's Oliver! The show plays through July 29th at UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center. Remaining shows are Saturday at
Tickets are $20 general, $15 Senior 60+/Students, and $12 for Children 12 and under, available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, Basically Books, and The Most Irresistible Shop in
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| Attendees gather under tents to enjoy wine and tea from Volcano Winery at the annual Harvest Festival Fundraiser for the school. Photo from Volcano Winery |
NEW and UPCOMING
FIFTH ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences happens at Volcano Winery Sunday, September 9. Tickets go on sale August 1 at volcanowinery.com or 967-7772. "This event always sells out early!" says Aubrey Hawk, Volcano School of Arts & Sciences volunteer event coordinator.
The event offers an evening of music, food and wine under the stars at Volcano Winery, as well as "an irresistible raffle" says Hawk.
Entertainment will be provided by The Young Brothers - Kiliona & Kalei Young with Orlando Smith. Food and drink will be provided by local restaurants: Café Ono, Eagle's Lighthouse Café, Hilo Burger Joint, Kīlauea Lodge, Liko Lehua Café, Mehana Brewing Company, `Ohelo Café, Papa`a Palaoa Bakery, Park Café & Delicatessen, Tuk-Tuk Thai Food, Volcano's Lava Rock Café, Wiki Wiki Fresh, Annie Yamanoha's Catering, and others. Award-wining wine and tea from Volcano Winery will also be available, in addition to tours of the vineyards. See volcanowinery.com.
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SATURDAY, JULY 28
Discovery Harbour 4-10pm , Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
MONDAY, JULY 30
Register to Vote in the Primary Election at an Early Walk-In Voting site from Monday, July 30, to Thursday, August 9.
TUESDAY, JULY 31
Family Yoga Class, Wed, Aug 1, 9-10am , PARENTS, Inc., Nā`ālehu. 3-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat, if can, as supplies are limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu, Aug 2, 6-7pm , Ocean View Community Center
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3
2nd Annual Bi-Annual Quilt Show, Quilts In The Forest - Where the Path May Lead, Tue-Sat, through Aug 3, 10-4pm, Volcano Art Center, Volcano Village. Free. Fia Mattice, 967-8222, quiltshow2018@volcanoartcenter.org. volcanoartcenter.org
Exhibit, Birds of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park: The Hawai`i Nei Invitational Daily, through Aug 4, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Free. Artists: John Dawson, Reyn Ojiri, Sarah Koh, Wendy Barske, Maria Macias, Cody Yamaguchi, Ann Guth, and John Mydoock. Art represents endemic bird species. volcanoartcenter.org
Temporary changes to Tūtū and Me traveling preschool's Nā`ālehu site location. The new location, until further notice, is Kauaha`ao Church in Wai`ōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Currently on summer break, both Nā`ālehu and Pāhala site programs will resume August 7 and 8. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided.
Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open, online at volcanorainforestruns.com. Fees, 5K - $35, 10K - $55, 1/2 Marathon - $95. Race Day Sat, Aug 18, Volcano Village. No race day registration for 1/2 Marathon. Race Director Sharron Faff, 967-8240.
Disaster Recovery Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Kea`au High School Gym. Buses run to and from Kea`au Armory every 20 minutes and Pāhoa Community Center Shelter every hour; see full bus schedule on the Civil Defense Website at HawaiiCounty.gov/Active-Alerts. For a list of the information applicants need to bring to the DRC, or to register online, go to DisasterAssistance.gov. The Salvation Army continues to operate a distribution center at the Pāhoa Community Center on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. To donate, please coordinate with the Salvation Army at (808) 756-0306.
St. Jude's Episcopal Church Calls for More Volunteers for the Saturday community outreach. Especially needed are cooks for the soup served to those in need, and organizers for the hot showers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's April newsletter. Volunteer by contacting Dave Breskin at 319-8333.
Kona Vet Center visits to Ocean View Community Center are Suspended until further notice. Veterans may call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org
Find Your Park, invites Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kama`aina and tourist alike are encouraged to experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka`ū to Volcano to Hilo. "While Kīlauea continues to shake the ground and blast ash from its ever-changing summit crater – causing the partial closure of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on May 11 – park rangers continue to enlighten and engage visitors from other locations," says a release from HVNP staff.
Kahuku Unit
Coffee Talk, in the Visitor Contact Station is held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m.
Prince Kūhio Plaza
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The event offers an evening of music, food and wine under the stars at Volcano Winery, as well as "an irresistible raffle" says Hawk.
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| Attendees relax under trees near vineyards at the annual Volcano School of Arts and Sciences benefit. Photo from Volcano Winery |
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See public Ka`ū events, meetings, entertainment.
Print edition of The Ka`ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Ka`ū, from Miloli`i through Volcano, and free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
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Second Annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival, Sat, July 28, 9-1pm , Nā`ālehu Park
Paths and Trails, Sat, July 28, 9:30-12:30pm , Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
MONDAY, JULY 30
TUESDAY, JULY 31
Ka`ū Food Pantry, Tue, July 31, 11:30-1pm , St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2
Hula Voices w/Kumu Manaiakalani Kalua, Thu, Aug 2, 5-6pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
Ka`ū and Kona House and Senate Candidate Agricultural Forum, Thu, Aug 2, 6-8pm, Konawaena High School Cafeteria, Kealakekua. Forum subject area is to help meet the needs of farmers; participants encouraged to bring questions. Co-sponsored by Kona Coffee Farmer Association, konacoffeefarmers.org, and Kona Farmers Union, hfuuhi.org.
Talk Story about Agriculture in Ka`ū at Pāhala Plantation House on Fri, Aug 3, at 6pm . All farmers and community members interested are invited. Bring a dish, pupu, or dessert to share if can. Contact HFUU Ka`ū Chapter president Raina Whiting at 808-464-0799 or rainawhiting@gmail.com.
ONGOING
Oliver!, a KDEN Production, through July 29; Friday and Saturday, 7:30pm, Sunday 2:30pm. Shows at UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $20 general, $15 seniors 60+ and students, $12 keiki 12 and under. Tickets available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, Basically Books, and The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo. Info and reservations: 982-7344, kden73@aol.com
Exhibit, Birds of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park: The Hawai`i Nei Invitational Daily, through Aug 4, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Free. Artists: John Dawson, Reyn Ojiri, Sarah Koh, Wendy Barske, Maria Macias, Cody Yamaguchi, Ann Guth, and John Mydoock. Art represents endemic bird species. volcanoartcenter.org
Orientation takes place August 1 and 2. To enroll in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 464-9634. Questions: Clark at 929-8571 or eclark@pidfountation.org.
Harmony Educational Services, Home Based Educational Programs - Open Enrollment through Oct 15; harmonyed.com/hawaii. Partnered with four local public charter schools, Harmony offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can also contact Rayna Williams, rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798.
5th Annual Ka`ū Coffee Trail Run Registration Open, online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=128145, Fees, before Aug 13: 5K, $30/person; 10K, $40/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $50/person. After Aug 13: 5K, $35/person; 10K, $45/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $55/person. Race Day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka`ū Coffee Mill, kaucoffeemill.com. Event organizers: `O Ka`ū Kākou, okaukakou.org.
Disaster Recovery Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Kea`au High School Gym. Buses run to and from Kea`au Armory every 20 minutes and Pāhoa Community Center Shelter every hour; see full bus schedule on the Civil Defense Website at HawaiiCounty.gov/Active-Alerts. For a list of the information applicants need to bring to the DRC, or to register online, go to DisasterAssistance.gov. The Salvation Army continues to operate a distribution center at the Pāhoa Community Center on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. To donate, please coordinate with the Salvation Army at (808) 756-0306.
Kona Vet Center visits to Ocean View Community Center are Suspended until further notice. Veterans may call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org
Rangers offer new and familiar programs – free of charge, with no entry fees – for visitors at the park's Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.
In addition to regularly scheduled Guided Hikes and the monthly Coffee Talk, Kahuku Unit has added daily Ranger Talks, and cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.
Visitor Contact Station hosts `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
Visitor Contact Station hosts Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Guided Hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday in June and July. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.
Coffee Talk, in the Visitor Contact Station is held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m.
Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus
Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus
Find Park Rangers in Volcano at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., in Volcano Village. Rangers are there most days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.
The return of After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter.
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates, and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., give a talk about all five of Hawai`i Island's volcanoes -- including Kīlauea. Get NPS Passport Books stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.
Prince Kūhio Plaza
Find Park Rangers alongside the park's non-profit partners, Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.
Grand Naniloa Hotel
Find Park Rangers stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., every Sunday and Monday, in the Willie K Crown Room -- as long as nothing else is scheduled in the space. The rangers will be doing daily talks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. about the eruption. They will show the park film that is normally available to visitors to see at the Kilauea Visitor’s Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at `Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
