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Hawaiʻi County will submit a $155 million budget to the 2019 state legislature to help recover from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
The federal government also promises assistance. See story, below. Photo from Paradise Helicopters/Tropical Visions Video
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In 2009, Griffin became an Assistant Specialist at the Hawaiʻi Natural Energy Institute, working on research projects analyzing integration of renewable energy sources into electricity grids, energy policy, and energy-economic modeling.
In 2012, at the request of then-PUC Chair Mina Morita, Griffin took a leave of absence from HNEI to serve as the Chief of Policy and Research at the PUC. He returned to HNEI in July, 2016.
In May of 2017, Griffin was appointed to become one of three commissioners on the PUC, filling the seat left vacant by Tom Gorak. At that time, Morita testified, "I have known Dr. Griffin for over 17 years and have followed his career since he first worked for me as a legislative aide when he was a graduate student. Later, I hired him as the Chief of Policy and Research during my tenure as the Public Utilities Commission Chair."
Griffin earned a bachelor's degree in political economy from Williams College, joint master's degrees in public policy and environmental management from Duke University, a master's degree in economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a Ph.D. in policy analysis from Pardee RAND Graduate School in Santa Monica.
In 2012, at the request of then-PUC Chair Mina Morita, Griffin took a leave of absence from HNEI to serve as the Chief of Policy and Research at the PUC. He returned to HNEI in July, 2016.
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| New PUC Chair Jay Griffin |
Griffin earned a bachelor's degree in political economy from Williams College, joint master's degrees in public policy and environmental management from Duke University, a master's degree in economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a Ph.D. in policy analysis from Pardee RAND Graduate School in Santa Monica.
Said Griffin ,
"Serving on this commission has been the opportunity of a lifetime. I am
proud of the progress that we have made and am deeply committed to building on
this momentum."
Iwase retired from the PUC chairmanship with a history of coming to Kaʻū.
In February of 2016, Iwase chaired a public meeting in Ocean View to hear public opinions on the application for a high-voltage overhead transmission line by Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co., to connect the proposed industrial 6.76 megawatt Ocean View solar project to the grid. All testifiers, except for one, criticized the project; Iwase told about 80 attendees that their words had not fallen on deaf ears.
In September of 2016, when Ann and Peter Bosted, of Ranchos, filed a formal complaint with the PUC against HELCO for facilitating industrial solar in their neighborhood through a Feed In Tariff program, Iwase ordered suspension of the transmission line application.
"Nobody is going to move on the FIT project," Iwase said, according to a report in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. "We have suspended any action on the application pending a review or an investigation or resolution of the complaint filed by the Bosteds."
To date, the PUC has made no decision regarding the formal complaint.
Iwase served as a Honolulu City Council member, as a state senator, and was also the Democratic candidate for governor in 2006. He lost in the general election to Republican incumbent Linda Lingle, by 62.5 percent to 35.4 percent. He was appointed PUC chair in January 2015. In 2016, he voted against Florida-based NextEra Energy's proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co.
Iwase retired from the PUC chairmanship with a history of coming to Kaʻū.
In February of 2016, Iwase chaired a public meeting in Ocean View to hear public opinions on the application for a high-voltage overhead transmission line by Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co., to connect the proposed industrial 6.76 megawatt Ocean View solar project to the grid. All testifiers, except for one, criticized the project; Iwase told about 80 attendees that their words had not fallen on deaf ears.
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| Randy Iwase, at an Ocean View meeting, when he served as PUC chair. Photo from Big Island Video News |
"Nobody is going to move on the FIT project," Iwase said, according to a report in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. "We have suspended any action on the application pending a review or an investigation or resolution of the complaint filed by the Bosteds."
To date, the PUC has made no decision regarding the formal complaint.
Iwase served as a Honolulu City Council member, as a state senator, and was also the Democratic candidate for governor in 2006. He lost in the general election to Republican incumbent Linda Lingle, by 62.5 percent to 35.4 percent. He was appointed PUC chair in January 2015. In 2016, he voted against Florida-based NextEra Energy's proposed $4.3 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Electric Co.
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HAWAIʻI COUNTY WILL ASK THE 2019 HAWAIʻI LEGISLATURE FOR $155 MILLION to help repair damage and rebuild communities and the economy following the disastrous 2018 Kīlauea eruption. A significant disaster of this scope was last seen in Hawaiʻi after Hurricane Iniki hit Kauaʻi in 1992, said Ashley Kierkiewicz, who assisted the county administration in presenting the proposal to the County Council on Tuesday. The County administration and Council are expected to lobby the legislature for the funding.The proposed budget includes $23 million to sustain emergency operations, since the eruption is not necessarily over. It includes $61 million for infrastructure, like roads and waterlines destroyed by lava and earthquakes, and $55 million for housing to respond to the loss of more than 750 structures to the lava. It includes $10 million for implementation, using half to establish and maintain a State Disaster Recovery Coordinator office for 3 years, the other half to establish and maintain a County Disaster Recovery Coordinator office for 3 years. It includes $4 million to increase the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund to "help revitalize the impacted agricultural industry."
Another $2 million would go toward health, with $1.53 million for air quality monitoring site development and maintenance, $300,000 for air conditioning and air filters in Department of Education classrooms, and $167,000 for mental health staff.
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| Lava crossing roads during last year's eruption will cost the county millions of dollars. It is asking the 2019 Hawaiʻi Legislature for help. Photo from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense |
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| Hawaiʻi County will ask for money from state legislators to repair and replace lava-destroyed infrastructure. Photo from HELCO |
Council Chair Aaron Chung expressed thanks to those who worked on the proposal. He indicated that legislators will be happy with "specific proposals, not general amounts." He said they want "something tangible, that they can affix a specific price tag to."
The proposed $155 million in funding would be channeled, with $11 million through state programs and operations, and $144 million through the governor's office via a State Disaster Recovery Coordinator.
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.
Jacob Fansler of Kona won the men's competition in
Here are the results:
Ultra Open Female: Sharla-Ann Fujimoto, 6.07.49; Emma Erwin, 7.12.30; Stacey Meighen, Early Start, No official time. Ultra Masters Female: Esther Domian, ES, No official time - Unofficial time, 8.29.00; Morgen Bahurinsky, ES, No official time - Unofficial time, 8:10:38.
Ultra Open Male: Clinton Fowler, 5.41.03; Quinn Wallace, 5.43.50; Michael Ablan, 5.52.51; Kenyon Smith, 5.55.24; Michael P. Monaghan, 6.17.20; Elijah Kolb, 6.40.52; Christopher Bord, 6.40.55. Ultra Masters Male: Jacob Fansler, 4.43.36; Adam Bonus, 4.50.43; Daniel Hill, 5.09.36; James Tuscany, 5.22.08; Dan Berman, 6.17.03.
Open Female Relay: The Dream Team, 5.12.54; Wicked Wahine, 6.54.27. Open Male Relay:
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| Some of the Big Island Road Runners, the group that helped organize the 50K Ultra and Team Relay Race this past Saturday. Photo from Big Island Road Runners |
Open Mixed Relay: Team Dandy Horse, 4.03.35; HI Five-O (K), 4.17.14; We Thought They Said Rum, 4.19.12; Humboldt Bureaucrats, 4.23.00; Tutu Warriors, 4.32.36; Tres Pollos Locos, 4.46.43; #ranSAKed, 5.02.37; Worst Pace Scenario, 5.26.14; Try Ack Leets 2, 5.48.03; Try Acks Leets 1, 5.48.05; Try Ack Leets 3, 5.48.11. Mixed Masters Relay: Team Nowicz, 4.13.46; Three's Company, 4.30.51; Team Pueo, 4.45.46; Team California , 5.38.09; Been There, Done That, Now Doing This. 6.21.55.
Superteams: Waiakea Supers, 4.19.52; Better at Running Up a Tab, 4.29.19; Team Young, 4.36.18; It's "T" Time, 4.43.02; So Rich, So Abundant, 4.53.43; Sunrise Supers, 4.59.23; Team Swanson, 5.40.35; Keep Running Fat Boy!, ES, No official time.
Superteams: Waiakea Supers, 4.19.52; Better at Running Up a Tab, 4.29.19; Team Young, 4.36.18; It's "T" Time, 4.43.02; So Rich, So Abundant, 4.53.43; Sunrise Supers, 4.59.23; Team Swanson, 5.40.35; Keep Running Fat Boy!, ES, No official time.
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.
KAʻŪ TROJANS BOYS BASKETBALL hosted Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi yesterday, for both Varsity and JV games.
JV earned 38 points. Kamehameha won with 42.
Trojan Keenan Toriano scored 14 points, while Kealiʻikoa Reyes Nalu scored 10.
Varsity also played a close game, fighting hard for 48 points to their opponents' 58. Trojan Shesley Martinez scored 17 points, while Izaiah Pilanca Emmsley scored 15.
See upcoming home and away games, below, and come root for the home team.
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
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Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Jan. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm
Jan. 17, Thu., host Keaʻau
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Div. II Finals
Boys Basketball:
Jan. 11, Fri., host Konawaena, 6pm
Jan. 16, Wed., host Waiakea, 6pm
Jan. 18, Fri., @Kohala, 6pm
Jan. 21, Mon., @Hilo 6pm
Jan. 23, Wed., @Laupāhoehoe, 6pm , Varsity
Wrestling:
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kealakeha
Jan. 19, Sat., @Keaʻau
Soccer:
Jan. 12, Sat., host Honokaʻa
Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani
Jan. 16, Wed., Boys host Kona
Jan. 18, Fri., Boys host Pāhoa
Jan. 21, Mon., Girls BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 22, Tue., Boys @Kohala
Jan. 22, Tue., Boys @Kohala
Jan. 23, Wed., Girls BIIF Div. II Finals
Swimming:
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
Jan. 19, Sat., @KCAC, 10am
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Trials @KCAC, 3:30pm
NEW and UPCOMING
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| Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo. Photo by Kenji Kuroshima |
HULA KAHIKO, FEATURING NĀ KUMU HULA PELEHONUAMEA HARMAN AND KEKOA HARMON, with Hālau Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo, takes place on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting on the kahua hula (hula platform) in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park near the Volcano Art Center Gallery. The free event kicks of the monthly Hula Kahiko performances sponsored by Volcano Art Center. Park entrance fees may apply.
The students of Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo come from the Hawaiian language immersion K through 12 school – Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu. For the past seven years, their mission has been to perpetuate the Hawaiian language and culture through mele and hula. All classes are conducted through the medium of Hawaiian.
The students of Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo come from the Hawaiian language immersion K through 12 school – Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu. For the past seven years, their mission has been to perpetuate the Hawaiian language and culture through mele and hula. All classes are conducted through the medium of Hawaiian.
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| Loke Kamanu. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
These free performances are supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and individual funding from members of the Volcano Art Center’s ʻohana. See volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222 or email volcanohula@gmail.com for more.
NĀ MEA HULA WITH CULTURAL SPECIALIST LOKE KAMANU AND HER ‘OHANA is held, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lānai of the Volcano Art Center Gallery, in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performance. Presenting a display of Nā Mea Hula (all things hula), they will share a variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner. This memorable demonstration is hands-on and family friendly. See volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222 for more.
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.
NĀ MEA HULA WITH CULTURAL SPECIALIST LOKE KAMANU AND HER ‘OHANA is held, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lānai of the Volcano Art Center Gallery, in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performance. Presenting a display of Nā Mea Hula (all things hula), they will share a variety of instruments, implements and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner. This memorable demonstration is hands-on and family friendly. See volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222 for more.
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, JANUARY 10
Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Thu., Jan. 10, 17, & 31, 9:30-10:30am, Pāhala Senior Center. All ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign up. Free; donations accepted.
Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Beginning Hawaiian Language Classes w/ Kaliko Trapp, Thu., Jan. 10, Part V, 5-6:30pm, Part VIII, 6:30-8pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. 8 week sessions focusing on expanding simple vocabulary, conversation, grammar, and sentence structure. Some (basic for Part V) Hawaiian language experience preferred. $80/VAC member, $90/non-member. Required workbook for both sessions: Nā Kai ‘Ewalu, available at UH Hilo Bookstore. Hawaiian language dictionary suggested. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Jan. 10, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197
STOKE Screening, Thu., Jan. 10, 7-9pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Film follows Jane, a struggling tourist, who hires two wannabe tour guides to take her to an active volcano. 90 min. narrative feature shot on Hawai‘i Island in 2017. Rated R for language and brief nudity. Directors in attendance for brief Q&A. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
PATCH Class #701, Creating Supportive Environments I, Fri., Jan. 11, 8-11am, back pavilion, Punalu‘u Bakery, Nā‘ālehu. Making connection between the environment, social-emotional development, and challenging behaviors - specifically relating to pre-school, home day care, etc. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org
PATCH Class #219, Building Relationships, Fri., Jan. 11, noon-3pm, back pavilion, Punalu‘u Bakery, Nā‘ālehu. Making connection between social and emotional development and challenging behaviors - specifically relating to pre-school, home day care, etc. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org
Free Artist in Residence Lecture and Concert w/Celebrated Composer Glenn McClure, Fri., Jan. 11, 6pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center. McClure is a composer, educator, and data scientist. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12
Pancake Breakfast & Raffle, Sat., Jan. 12, 8-11am, Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Stained Glass Basics II: Fan Lamp Project, Sat. & Sun., Jan. 12, 13, 19 and 20, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Claudia McCall provides patterns to create a finished lamp or light catcher at end of 4-session workshop. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $30 supply fee/person. Additional $20 supply fee for lamp base and bulb. Limited space, pre-registration required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Sat., Jan. 12, meet 9:30am, Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. nmok.org, facebook.com/namamo.kawa
Introduction to Zentangle w/Ellen O'Dunn, Sat., Jan. 12, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Supplies included, no experience necessary. Bring light refreshment to share. $30, plus $10 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Hawai‘i Health Systems Corp.'s East Hawai‘i Region Annual Public Mtg. and Forum, Sat., Jan. 12, 1:30-2:30pm, Ka‘ū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic, 1 Kamani Street, Pāhala. Terry Larson, Regional Board Executive Assistant, 315-7558
SUNDAY, JANUARY 13
MONDAY, JANUARY 14
Free STD Testing, Mon., Jan. 14, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 2nd Monday, monthly. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tue., Jan. 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
After Dark in the Park: Volcano Awareness Month - New Insights from Kīlauea's 2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption, Tue., Jan. 15, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS HVO geologist Matt Patrick presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
The Public is Invited to Speak Up on Kaʻū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic, health needs, and health care planning for Kaʻū. Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp.'s East Hawaiʻi Region annual public meeting and forum will take place Saturday, Jan. 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kaʻū Hospital, 1 Kamani Street , in Pāhala.
An overview of the operations and financial condition of all facilities, including Kaʻū and Hilo hospitals, as well as a view toward the future, will be presented. Ample time will be available for community members to share their perspectives and concerns regarding access to health care services, said a statement from Hawaiʻi Health Systems.
Dr. Daniel Belcher, Chair of the East Hawaiʻi Regional Board of HHSC, said, "I would like to encourage everyone who has an interest in our hospitals and regional health system to bring your questions and concerns to this meeting."
Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
The event features five guest speakers: Pastor Mat Torres of Zion's House of Praise, Pastor Mark Parra of The House Hilo, Pastor Troy Gacayan of River of Life Assembly of God in Pāhala, and Rev. Ken Gaub of Ken Gaub Ministries.
Ola Shaw of Kona and special guest musician Ricky "RNB" Brown of San Jose, CA, provide music for the event.
For more, call 929-7278 or see naalehuag.org.
Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and
Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.
Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi classes in January include Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) in Ka‘ū on Wednesdays, from Jan. 16 through Feb. 19. See more at hmono.org.
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