Ka‘ū News Brief Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Sen. Brian Schatz grilled Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg during Senate hearings. See story below.  See CNBC

THE $25 MILLION BILL TO FUND SPINLAUNCH passed third reading in the state Senate Tuesday, with all three Senators who represent Ka‘ū and places closest to Ka‘ū voting, "No." Senators Russell Ruderman, serving east Ka‘ū and Puna, Josh Green, representing west Ka‘ū and Kona, and Lorraine Inouye, representing Hilo, were the sole votes against the measure to set up $25 million in Special Revenue Bonds that would give tax breaks to investors in the proposed space launch facility. The vote was 21-3.
      Initial reports were that Pohu‘e Bay and its 16,455 acres for sale for $18 million were under consideration. However, language in the bill was changed to make the location nonspecific in the state of Hawai‘i.
      Before casting his "No" vote, Ruderman said, "I rise in opposition.... Everybody who's come to Hawai‘i to look at a rocket launch facility ends up looking at Ka‘ū. It's got many geographical advantages that nowhere else in the state has - particularly water on three sides, a lot of empty land, and pointing towards the equator. In the past, Ka‘ū has rejected several rocket launch facilities and they rejected them very vehemently. That's because the nature of the community is agricultural based and it cherishes its clean environment."

Rusell Ruderman explained his "No" vote on SpinLaunch
funding Tuesday. Photo from Big Island Video News

     Referring to the SpinLaunch concept of using electricity to power the spinning of satellites thousands of miles an hour, at the end of a mechanical arm, to catapult them into space, Ruderman said, "An electric launching facility- I wonder if they realize that Hawai‘i Island has one of the most expensive electricity costs in our nation; and I wonder how that's going to work out.
     "I also hope that one day, those who propose and advocate for controversial lifestyle changing major projects, with environmental and cultural impacts, will talk to the people impacted, and or their representatives, before they proceed with the proposal. As the Senator from the district that this always seems to happen to, I will oppose any such projects."
    Sen. Glenn Wakai, of Waikiki, who proposed the measure in the Hawai‘i Senate, testified, "I rise in support of this measure. The opportunities for our aerospace growth are limitless and this measure in front of us simply allows for us to say, 'Go ahead SpinLaunch. Test your new and innovative way of launching small satellites some place in Hawai‘i.' So, in the Ways and Means Committee, there (were) changes to the language of this measure, which doesn't say that it's going to be on the Big island, doesn't say it's going to be in Ka‘ū, doesn't say it's going to be anywhere specifically in Hawai‘i, but just simply that we embrace this idea, this innovative approach, and would like to see it hopefully tested some place in the state. So there's misconception that somehow that this particular project will end up in Pohu‘e Bay.
      The Senator from O‘ahu said, "It's certainly been made clear to myself and to the proponents of SpinLaunch that this (Pohu‘e Bay) is a highly inappropriate area. But I would hope that my colleagues would see the huge opportunities that stand in front of us with the number of small satellites that will need to be launched into space in the very near future and see that Hawai‘i could play a significant role in this for economic benefits as well as scientific discoveries. So rather than be closed minded to saying not in one place, let's be open minded to say somewhere in the state of Hawai‘i."
     More can be read on the progression of this bill and the testimonies of Ka‘ū residents objecting to the proposed facility being placed in Ka‘ū, in past Ka‘ū News Briefs and Ka‘ū Calendar print and online newspaper issues. Saturday, Apr 14, at 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center will host SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman, along with Wakai, at a talk with Ka‘ū community members about the proposed facility.

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SENATORS MAZIE HIRONO AND BRIAN SCHATZ QUESTIONED FACEBOOK CEO MARK ZUCKERBERG in a joint Commerce and Judiciary committee hearing yesterday in the U.S. Capitol. Hawaiʻi senators expressed concerns about Facebook's policies on privacy, and use and abuse of data collected from those using Facebook.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, under fire for possible
misuse of personal information posted on the social
media platform. Photos from Big Island Video News

     Schatz pointed out that each Facebook user is asked to ok an agreement with more than 5000 words and more than 50 links in order to set up an account. "People really have no earthly idea what they're signing up for," said Schatz, who asked whether Zuckerberg "could explain, to the billions of users, in plain language, what are they signing up for?"

     Zuckerberg hesitated before responding that it was a "good and important question," and described Facebook as, "You get the ability to share the information you want with people - that's what the service is."

     "What about the part that people are worried about - not the fun part?" asked Schatz.

     "What's that?" asked the CEO, which sparked a bemsued response from Schatz: "The part that people are worried about," responded the Senator, "is that the data is going to be improperly used."

     Asked Schatz, "What exactly are you doing with the data, and do you draw a distinction between data collected in the process of using the platform, and that which we clearly volunteer to the public, to present ourselves to other Facebook users?" 

     Zuckerberg said he did not understand the question, which caused Schatz to ask whether emails (messages) are farmed for details about people. Is the personal information used for marketing purposes?  Zuckerberg said private messages sent by What'sApp "would not inform any ads" - meaning the applications on Facebook used for messaging do not give info to the applications that shuttle ads to users - and were not viewed by Facebook staff.

Sen. Brian Schatz, inquiring about the usage
 of personal information posted on Facebook.

     Schatz also questioned the ownership of personal info on Facebook. Since Facebook earns money from the info provided by users, and users do not "get a cut" of the income, who actually owns the information? Zuckerberg responded that any info placed on Facebook licenses Facebook to "show it to other people," but all info posted can be taken down by the user at any time.

     Hirono spoke about the new Trump administration Immigration and Custom Enforcement plan, using a "new extreme vetting initiative," Visa Lifecycle Vetting. She asked whether Facebook plans to cooperate with the initiative, which seeks to use various methods - including social media like Facebook - to help assess people possibly entering the country.

     Zuckerberg responded, "We would not proactively do that; we cooperate with law enforcement in two cases," saying Facebook reaches out to law enforcement in cases of "imminent threat of harm," and responds when law enforcement submits "a valid legal subpoena or request for data," but that Facebook would "push back aggressively" if concluding the request is "overly broad or we believe it's not a legal request."

Sen. Mazie Hirono, inquiring about Facebook's intentions
regarding government collection of personal info
and action on discriminatory ads on Facebook.

     Hirono also asked about discriminatory advertising, which Facebook promised to bar in February 2017. Hirono stated, "It was discovered that you could, in fact, place those kinds of ads... Have you followed through on your... promise to address this problem, and is there a way for the public to verify that you have - or are we just expected to trust that you've done this?"

     Zuckerberg responded, "Those are all important questions. In general, it is against our policies to have any ads that are discriminatory."

     Hirono responded that the public was still able to post discriminatory ads even after Facebook promised to disallow them, to which Zuckerberg responded that Facebook "removed the ability to exclude ethnic groups and other sensitive categories from ad targeting... We review ads; we screen them up front... most of the enforcement today is still that our community flags issues for us," which leads to the taking down of such ads, he said.
     In looking toward solutions, Schatz asked whether Zuckerberg would consider Yale professor Jack Balkin's idea of information companies like Facebook adopting the responsibility of becoming an "information fiduciary" with users of its platform. In other words, Facebook and other platforms would adopt the duties of loyalty and care when it comes to using a person's information. Zuckerberg acknowledged Balkin's thinking about the subject and said he would consider it.
     See Information Fiduciaries in the Digital Age.

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KA‘Ū LEARNING ACADEMY has a new Acting Executive Director. According to a letter to the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission, the school's founder Kathryn Tydlacka submitted her resignation in early April. She is on leave and Assistant Director Josh Deward was voted by a newly reorganized KLA Governing Board.

Kathryn Tydlacka and Joe
Iacuzzo, founders of
Ka`u Learning Academy.

     The letter from the KLA Board to the Commission states, "Our Board of Directors understands the importance of resolving any concerns that the Charter School Commission has regarding Ka‘ū Learning Academy. As a plan of action we have implemented the suggestions that were outlined in the 2016-2017 audit report. It is our intent as the Governing Board to have direct contact and work closely with the Charter School Commission, be available to help the school staff in any way possible and most importantly be diligent in making sure KLA is being held to the highest standards possible to ensure our students education.
     "We are looking forward to a terrific new school year and are excited to continue our goals for a better education for the children of Ka‘ū."
     The KLA Board is comprised of Pres. Doug Flaherty, Treasurer Jack Richard, Secretary Kailani Toriano, Harry McIntosh, Duane Kerr, Nick Sokash, and Becky Valverde.
     The school remains on notice of its charter possibly being revoked by the Commission, as the new board and staff aim to keep the school open. The commission cited irregularities in accounting, which Tydlacka and the board said they have repaired.

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MEETINGS ON THE NĀ‘ĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT proposal continue on Thursday, April 12, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Find out the proposed location, the scope of the plan, and the homes and other buildings it would serve. The County asks those planning to attend to contact Berna Cabacungan of Earthplan, eplan1@aol.com; Mary Fujio at Department of Environmental Management, 961-8083; or Iris Cober at Brown and Caldwell, Maui office, (808) 442-3300.

KEIKI, GRADES K - 8, INVITED TO MAKE PAPER FLOWER WREATHS during a free Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Arts & Crafts program at Pāhala Community Center. The class takes place Wednesday, April 25, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., with registration from Monday, April 16, to Tuesday, April 24. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

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Learn about recent conservation efforts to save ‘Ōhi‘a 

Lehua from Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death during an After Dark in 

the Park presentation at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 

Photo by J.B. Friday

GETTING A HANDLE ON RAPID ‘ŌHI’A DEATH WITH J.B. FRIDAY, extension forester with the University of Hawai‘i, takes place on Tuesday, April 24, announces Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

     Rapid ‘Ōhia Death is a threat to ‘ōhi‘a forests island wide, including many heavily visited areas in the park. Scientists working on the disease have now learned a lot about the fungus, how it spreads to new areas, and how it might be treated. On Tuesday, Apr. 24, Friday shares the current understanding of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, how affected forests are being managed, and what people can do to avoid spreading the disease.
     The After Dark in the Park program starts at 7 p.m. and is freely offered at the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Suggested $2 donation helps support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

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.

KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE

Girls Softball: Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

Boys Volleyball: Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū

   Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo

   Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

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.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12
DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Apr 12, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

NĀ‘ĀLEHU WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT public meeting Thursday, April 12, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13
KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM BASKETBALL CLINIC Sat, April 14; register through Friday, April 13. 9 to 11 a.m. Registered keiki in ages groups 11-12 years old, 13-14 years old, and those in high school are welcome. Three on three basketball will be taught to keiki in age groups 5-6 years old, 7-8 years old, and 9-10 years old, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY 55th Anniversary Celebration, Fri, Apr 13, 2 - 4 p.m. The event offers music, food, games and prizes. librarieshawaii.org/events

SATURDAY, APRIL 14
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Apr 14, 8 - 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

MINI-BAZAAR FUNDRAISER, Sat, Apr 14, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Ka’ū. Vendor "flea market" - $10 for 10' X 10'. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods/plate lunches. For info or to reserve vendor space, call Walter or Debbie at 928-8039, in the evening.

GARDEN SUCCESS IN HAWAI‘I, Sat, Apr 14, 9 a.m. - noon, County Extension Office, across from Aloha Theater, Kainaliu. Event features plant sale, demo garden, how to grow from containers, plant questions answered, info on rat lungworm and fire ants, keiki activities, and more. Every family that attends will receive a free tomato plant. Master Gardener Helpline, 322-4895

PAINT YOUR OWN SILK SCARF with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat, Apr 14, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow. nps.gov/HAVO

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Apr 14, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

SPINLAUNCH PROPOSAL PUBLIC MEETING, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. SpinLaunch representatives Ryan Hampton and Raphael Feldman come to talk with Ka‘ū Community, along with Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu.

ZENTANGLE: DINGBATZ, Sat, Apr 14, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee per person. Basic knowledge of Zentangle recommended but not required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HULA KAHILO WITH KINI KA‘AWA & Kua O Ka La Public Charter School, Sat, Apr 14, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., kahua hula (hula platform) at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

NĀ MEA HULA w/ Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe & Hālauolaokalani, Sat, Apr 14, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Cultural demonstration. Free. volcanoartcenter.org

JAZZ IN THE FOREST Concert, Sat, Apr 14, 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Retrospective tribute to Miles Davis - revisiting his compositions and styles of the six distinct periods of his creative output. Tickets available online, volcanoartcenter.org, $18/VAC member or $20/non-member. 967-8222

MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Apr 14, 5 - 8 p.m. Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 15
PEOPLE AND LAND OF KAHUKU, Sun, Apr 15, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area’s human history. nps.gov/HAVO

KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS compete on It's Academic - Hawai‘i, Sun, Apr 15, 7 p.m., re-air Sat, Apr 21, 6:30 p.m., Channel 5 (KFVE). Watch live stream on KFVE.com. More info.

MONDAY, APRIL 16
DISCOVERY HARBOUR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Mon, Apr 16, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, APRIL 17
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETINGS, Tue, Wed, & Thu, Apr 17, 18, & 19, Hilo. Departmental Budget & Program Reviews. Ka’ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

PĀHALA COMMUNITY CENTER OFFERS CLOTHESPIN PLANE AND CAR, an Arts & Crafts activity for keiki, grades K through 8, on Wed, April 18, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Register until Tue, April 17. For more, contact Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Board Meeting, Wed, Apr 18, noon - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

300 METER RACES FOR KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 take place at Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, on Fri, April 20, from 2 to 3 p.m., hosted by Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation. Registration open through Wed, April 18. Athletic shoes required. For more, contact Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for more county park programs.

ONGOING

ONE COMMUNITY AND ONE PARENT REPRESENTATIVE are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.

     The campaign for the positions starts April 16. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.

TŪTŪ AND ME 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. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222

KAʻŪ COFFEE RECIPE CONTEST registration open through Friday, April 20, limit one entry per category, per contestant. Recipes will be judged Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Youth and adult submissions judged separately. Categories are pūpū, entrée, and dessert; all recipes must be made with (any) Ka‘ū Coffee. Entry info at kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call 808-928-0550. Entry forms can also be found at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill or Mizuno Market; forms below. Email for info/questions sales@kaucoffeemill.com

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