Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, February 21, 2018

The 16,355 acres above Pohuʻe Bay lands may be under consideration for a mini space launch facility. The real estate listing describes the property as the largest piece of land for sale across the state. 
Sales price is $18 million. Photo from LuxuryBigIsland.com 

LEGISLATION TO ISSUE $25 MILLION IN SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS to a company that wants to build a mini space port on Hawaiʻi Island goes to hearing Friday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m., at the State Capitol. Senate Bill 2703, submitted by Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu on Jan. 19, "Authorizes the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds to assist SpinLaunch Inc., with the financing of the planning, design, and construction of a satellite launch system" on Hawai‘i Island. Apparently, one possible location is in Ka‘ū. The 16,455 acre Pohuʻe Bay property, for sale for $18 million, could be on the SpinLaunch radar. Submit testimony online for SB2703.

     Harold Clarke, of Luxury Big Island, which represents the Pohuʻe Bay property owners, said Wednesday that he has heard for years of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's interest in the property. He said others have shown interest, but not anyone representing themselves as SpinLaunch, itself.
   

Pohuʻe Bay is known as an endangered hawksbill turtle site, 
and for its anchialine ponds. Photo by Peter Bosted

 Luxury Big Island by Harold Clarke real estate company promotes Pohu‘e Bay lands on its website as a "true sanctuary" and the largest piece of land for sale in the state. The "crowning jewel" is the bay itself. "People come to Hawai‘i for several reasons: the beauty of the environment, the slower pace of life, the ability to be in your own world, the rich history." With six miles of southwest-facing Pacific Ocean frontage and private white-sand beach, lush greenery, expansive lava fields, rich marine ecosystem, and ancient cave drawings/petroglyphs, it is listed as "a once-in-a-lifetime oasis found south of the Kaʻū Forest Reserve and the Mauna Loa volcano." The listing targets resort investors or conservationists, more than an aerospace launching installation. Pohuʻe Bay is known for nesting of the endangered hawksbill turtle and also for its anchialine ponds.

     In terms of its search for the right property, SpinLaunch states that it needs about eight acres, with thousands of acres around it as a buffer zone. The mechanics of the launch facilities are under wraps, as the company is still reportedly seeking patents, but the spaceport would use a launching mechanism only about 20 feet long, that would spin at more than 5,000 miles an hour, to sling small packages and satellites - about the size of a microwave oven - into low orbit.
     The companion bill, House Bill 2559, introduced Jan. 24 solely by state Rep. Cindy Evans, who represents the other side of the island, reads similarly to the Senate bill.

     The bills state the legislature finds that "support for the development of a small satellite launch system is in the public interest." It confirms that SpinLaunch proposes to construct an "electrical small satellite launch system on the Island of Hawaiʻi." And that the "issuance of special purpose revenue bonds to assist SpinLaunch Inc. in constructing a portion of its electrical small satellite launch system will make the development of such a system more economically feasible and provide numerous benefits." The bill names: the creation of "a market and a landmark for the first non-rocket based orbital launch technology in the world." The bill also states this would, "eliminate the need for chemical rocket fuel first stage propulsion and the resulting atmospheric pollution" and "reduce cost access to space and operating costs compared to conventional rocket launch programs."

     The bills state SpinLaunch would use, "abundant, infinite, renewable energy resources - solar energy and regenerative braking - to provide electrical loading," "generate millions of dollars in construction project spending and create long-term technical jobs relating to the operation of the launch facility," and contribute to growth in the space industry in general.

     While testimony for the state Senate can be submitted online for SB2703, the House of Representatives measure, HB2559 is yet to accept testimonies, as no hearing is scheduled.

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RECENT HEAVY RAINS DAMAGED THE SOLID WASTE TRANSFER STATION in Wai‘ōhinu. A portion of the retaining wall adjacent to the disposal chute was impacted. As a result, the county Solid Waste Division orders vehicles to keep away, and that users hand-carry refuse from vehicles to the disposal chute. Backing vehicles directly up to the disposal chute is prohibited until repairs are completed.
     The Division is asking that users of this site not overload their trash bags, so that they are easier to carry, and to bag all greenwaste, so that it can be carried to the disposal chute.

     A statement from Solid Waste says, "Please pardon this temporary inconvenience," and the public is asked to take precautions when entering the Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station. "The Solid Waste Division would like to thank the public for their patience and kōkua during the construction and improvements taking place at the Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station."

     The Division is in the process of bidding out for the construction of a new facility in Wai‘ōhinu. Construction is not expected to be completed for at least nine or ten months.

     For additional information, call 961-8270 or email SWD@hawaiicounty.gov.

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OFF FOSSIL FUELS FOR A BETTER FUTURE ACT continues to gain momentum, as it has added 28 Congressional cosponsors and over 400 endorsements from clean energy, climate change, and environmental organizations, says co-sponsor Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
     In a statement Wednesday, she said the OFF Act, H.R. 3671, is designed to develop a national 100 percent clean energy economy by 2035.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, for OFF Act, H.R. 3671.

     "For too long, our nation has failed to take action on climate change, putting the future of our people and our planet in danger. This inaction has led to record-breaking sea levels that are eroding our infrastructure, rising ocean temperatures that are dramatically altering marine life and destroying our coral reefs, and exacerbating natural disasters. All people deserve to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and believe in the promise of a bright future. We must build upon the momentum growing at the federal, state, and local levels, and pass the OFF Act to end our addiction to fossil fuels and transition the country to a 100% clean energy economy by 2035. This bill lays the foundation for a just and economic pathway toward a cleaner, more secure future for all."
     May Boeve, executive director of 350.ORG, notes that "'Keep it in the ground' has become a rallying cry for climate activists around the world. The OFF Act does exactly that: it keeps fossil fuels in the ground. In the fight to stop the greedy fossil fuel industry from wrecking our climate, seeing members of congress standing firmly on the side of 100% renewable energy gives our movement hope."
     Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY) states, "It is imperative that the United States breaks its addiction to fossil fuels. Clean energy is a better economic investment in our future and will ensure families are healthy, safe, and secure for generations to come. I'm proud to join Rep. Gabbard's effort to keep fossil fuels in the ground and invest in renewable energy."
     Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) contends that, "Climate change is real. We can already see its effects on communities across the United States, and the Earth is rapidly approaching a tipping point that threatens global health and security. To protect our planet for today and for tomorrow, we must reduce carbon emissions and embrace a sustainable energy future. That's why I'm proud to co-sponsor the OFF Act, which puts our country on a pathway to replace fossil fuels with clean energy."

Photo from foodandwaterwatch.org

     People's Action Institute deputy policy director Jessica Juarez Scruggs says, "Low income communities, communities of color and indigenous communities have paid the biggest price for pollution, for the climate crisis and for decades of disinvestment. The Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act is an important step forward because it takes bold action that will help the hardest hit communities: creating good jobs, ending fossil fuel extraction, cleaning up our communities and setting us on the path to a clean energy future we can all share."
     Jean Ross, RN, co-president of National Nurses United, says her organization applauds members of Congress who have cosponsored the Off Fossil Fuels for a Healthy Future Act, HR 3671. "As registered nurses, we see the negative health consequences of pollution and climate injustice when we care for patients at the bedside. We must act immediately to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels and slow the warming climate and environmental pollution that is threatening our patients. We urge every member of Congress to stand with us to protect patients, our communities, and our planet."
     Donna Smith of Progressive Democrats of America says, "The science is clear. There is no time to spare. We must move decisively to protect the planet through healthy energy policy. The Off Fossil Fuels For a Healthy Future Act, HR3671, sets the course forward by assuring that by 2035 we will rely on renewable energy sources. Progressive Democrats of America strongly urges Congressional members to stand on the side of science, health, and the well-being of future generations."
     Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch, states, "The OFF Act is the only legislation that prioritizes both environmental justice and a swift transition away from fossil fuels on a timeline that will give us a fighting chance to avoid runaway climate chaos. We applaud these members of Congress who share Rep. Gabbard's vision for tackling the greatest threat we face, even if it is a poke in the eye to the powerful fossil fuel industry."
     Those who want to be involved, can look here. Read the whole bill here.

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Learn about Kainani Kahuanaele, five time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award 
winner, in Volcano during a "talk story" moderated by Desiree Moana Cruz 
during Hula Voices on Mar. 1. Photo from Volcano Art Center

VOLCANO ART CENTER'S HULA VOICES FEATURES KAINANI KAHAUNAELE, five time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner, on Thursday, Mar. 1, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., held at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

     Kahaunaele is passionate about all things Hawaiian, working primarily through Hawaiian language revitalization and music. Her solo CD recordings, Naʻu ʻOe (2003) and ʻŌhai ʻUla (2010), feature mostly original compositions of Hawaiian poetry that have made their way into the repertoire of many fellow musicians, hālau hula, and music enthusiasts around the world. She is a teacher of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, music, and haku mele (composing) at Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language and Literature at UH Hilo. She is a wife, and mother of three budding musicians.

Desiree Moana Cruz moderates Hula Voices Mar. 1. Photo from gohawaii.com

     Hula Voices, moderated by Desiree Moana Cruz, features engaging, intimate “talk story” sessions with Hawai‘i's hula practitioners. Hear from kumu hula, musicians, long time haumana (students) and artisans, whose lives are centered around the practice of hula and its associated arts. Join Volcano Art Center for an engaging, informative, and fun hour as they share their hula genealogy, including the traditions, protocols, experiences, inspirations for songs, chants, and Hawaiian choreography based in antiquity.
     Hula Voices is supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i, Dept. of Research and Development and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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‘IMILOA ASTRONOMY CENTER CELEBRATES TWELFTH ANNIVERSARY with a free birthday pā‘ina open to the public on Sunday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ‘Imiloa is "a world-class center for informal science education," located on the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo campus. Its centerpiece is a 12,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall, showcasing astronomy and Hawaiian culture as parallel journeys of human exploration, guided by the light of the stars. The visitor experience is amplified with programming using ‘Imiloa's full-dome planetarium, and 9 acres of native landscape gardens. The center welcomes approximately 100,000 visitors each year, including 10,000+ schoolchildren on guided field trips and other educational programs.
     A statement from ‘Imola says the theme of the pā‘ina, Celebrating ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, will feature "exciting outdoor and indoor activities for the entire ‘ohana, centered around the theme of Hawaiian Language. ‘Imiloa is thrilled to team up with organizations from across the island to share Hawaiian language and practices of Hawaiian culture that thrive in our community. ‘Imiloa is very grateful to KTA Super Stores for sponsoring this event and allowing the center to be open free of charge for this fun filled day!"
     Birthday offerings will include free birthday cake to the first 1,000 visitors, scavenger hunts, hula lessons, games, native garden activities, engaging activities in ‘Imiloa's exhibit hall, special shows for family and kids in the planetarium, science explorations, various displays and activities hosted by community partners, such as UH Hilo College of Hawaiian Language, Maunakea Observatories and much more. KTA Super Stores will offer a food tent with "‘ono food and beverage options" available for purchase throughout the day.
     "It is ‘Imiloa's hope that everyone who visits the Center during this special Birthday Pā‘ina will leave having learned new Hawaiian words, the names of native plants and more about Hawai‘i's rich culture. As a bilingual center, ‘Imiloa strives to share our ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian Language) with both visitors and locals alike through our exhibits, interactions and programming. We're thrilled to observe our 12th year of exploration at ‘Imiloa with the theme of ‘Celebrating ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i’ - which is dedicated to recognizing and honoring Hawaiian Language," says Ka‘iu Kimura, Executive Director of ‘Imiloa. "'We send our warmest mahalo to KTA Super Stores for sponsoring ‘Imiloa's 12th Birthday Celebration. KTA Super Stores continues to play a significant role in supporting ‘Imiloa's cultural and educational outreach, and has been a huge supporter from the very beginning."

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, at UH Hilo Science and Technology Park.

     "Happy 12th Birthday ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center! Twelve years of ground-breaking, cutting-edge discoveries have enriched our Hawai‘i island community and inspired generations of explorers and innovators," says Toby Taniguchi, President and Chief Operating Officer of KTA Super Stores. "KTA Super Stores is delighted to support such an advanced and state-of-the-art center focused on life-long learning."
     As a special birthday gift to the community and for one day only, ‘Imiloa will be offering $10 off all levels of membership, both for new and renewing members. This will be reserved for memberships purchased on-site on Sunday, February 25. Current members are welcome to take advantage of this discount and renew their memberships early. ‘Imiloa is located at 600 ‘Imiloa, at the UH Hilo Science and Technology Park. For more information, visit ImiloaHawaii.org, follow ‘Imiloa's Facebook, or call 932-8901.

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A FREE KA‘Ū MEET-AND-GREET CANCER SUPPORT EVENT, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, will be this Saturday, Feb. 24, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala. The organization invites the public to come talk story with other cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, and meet members of Mālama Ka Pili Paʻa - the Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi cancer support group established in 2011. For more details call 969-9220.

HUI MĀLAMA OLA NĀ ‘ŌIWI ANNOUNCES A GROW YOUR OWN LA‘AU CLASS, presented by Matthew Kaho‘ohanohano, to take place, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala. The free two hour class focuses on teaching participants how to grow plants beneficial to ones health, such as olena, lemongrass, mamaki, and others. To sign-up, visit HMONO.org/classes or call 808-969-9220.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com

/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 

weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.

February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, runs through Fri., Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at PāhalaCommunity Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

THURSDAY, FEB. 22

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL meets at Punalu‘u Bake Shop Thurs., Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. The council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month - ccco.k12.hi.us.

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

JOIN PARK RANGERS FOR COFFEE TALK, an informal monthly conversation on a variety of topics. This month: Did you know Ka‘ū Forest Reserve is part of the largest and most intact expanse of native forest in the state? Long-time Ka‘ū resident and conservationist John Replogle will talk about its unique ecosystems and species, value as a watershed, impact of Hawaiian culture, and benefit as a public use area. Fri., Feb 23, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free; occurs every last Friday of the month - nps.gov/HAVO.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Fri., Feb. 23, 9 p.m., at Pāhoa Lava Shack; Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

SATURDAY, FEB. 24

SANCTUARY OCEAN HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT, Sat., Feb 24, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; arrive 30 min. prior for orientation. Four locations near/in Ka‘ū: Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, and Ka‘ena Point - hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov for directions; park entrance fees apply. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Pre-registration required: sanctuaryoceancount.org.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat., Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This free, moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING is held Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a free luncheon while learning about what's coming up for the organization, and be involved with the election of new board members. Luncheon is complimentary, registration is required; register and get more info at fhvnp.org/events/annual-membership-meeting-luncheon-2018/.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $36 per person per class, space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

14TH ANNUAL LOVE THE ARTS fundraiser gala at the Ni‘aulani Campus, Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets, and sponsorship and artist donation forms, online at volcanoartcenter.org, or in person at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Art Center Gallery, and Basically Books in Hilo - $55 per VAC member, $65 for non-members.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

 SUNDAY, FEB. 25

TRAVERSE SCENIC PASTURES ALONG AN ANCIENT CINDER CONE, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer, Sunday, Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Moderately difficult, guided, 2.6-mile hike along the Palm Trail in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Free - nps.gov/HAVO.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST is Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

TUESDAY, FEB. 27

TALES OF EARLY RANCHING IN HUMU‘ULA,
event details to the left. Photo from nps.org/Peter Mills

HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue., Feb 27, 10 a.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, Tue., Feb 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

TALES OF EARLY RANCHING IN HUMU‘ULA, Tue., Feb 27, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Free, suggested donation of $2; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28

KUPU, HAWAIʻI YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS SUMMER PROGRAM open to young adults 17 and up; deadline to apply Wed., Feb. 28. Kupu program lasts seven weeks, during June and July, is 40 hours per week. For info and to apply: http://www.kupuhawaii.org/hycc-summer/.

HFS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM open to Big Island seniors planning for a two or four-year degree at a College, University, or Vocational-Technical school in the 2018-19 academic. Applications due Wed., Feb. 28, available at hfsfcu.org/news/2018Scholarship or at any branch location: Kea‘au, Hilo, and Kona.

LEI HAKU, a method of lei making that involves braiding materials into a base of leaves, has been announced by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as part of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. The free demonstration takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY through the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, due Wednesday, Feb. 28, no later than 4:30 p.m. Download application here, then email to the Commission Secretary, Maxine Cutler, at maxine.cutler@hawaiicounty.gov.

UPCOMING

SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. For 66 years, its outreach to the Island has provided a safe and educational place for children after school.

     To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.

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.

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.