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Tuesday, May 07, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Nine percent of Hawaiʻi Island's energy generation comes from Tawhiri's wind farm at South Point.
Photo by Peter Anderson
TAWHIRI'S PAKINI NUI WIND FARM at South Point contributes 20.5 megawatts of renewably sourced electricity to Hawaiʻi Island's electric generation, according to Hawaiian Electric's 2018-19 Sustainability Report, released today.
     About nine percent of the island's entire energy generation comes from the Kaʻū wind farm, two-thirds of the wind energy generated on island. Of all the islands, Hawaiʻi is doing best with renewable energy, at 44 percent. Oʻahu is at 22 percent, and Maui County – which includes Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lanaʻi – is at 38 percent.
"Hunnay" Rhyan Faith Anoʻi Demello, of 
Ocean View, winner of the solo title at 
E Mālama Mau I Ka Hula Festival 
in October, recently returned from
a world dance competition and performed
at Kaʻū Coffee Fest last Saturday with the
 hālau of Bula Akamu. Photo by Julia Neal
     The sustainability report focuses on the 2045 goal of statewide 100 percent renewable energy. The Smart Electric Power Alliance named Hawaiian Electric Light, Hawaiian Electric, and Maui Electric the 2018 Investor-Owner Utilities of the Year, citing "collaboration with customers and communities" on grid-modernization plans.
Palaka shirt, grass skirt for the paniolo
hula from Bula Akamu's hālau.
Photo by Kamalani Kaluahine Salmo
     The utilities' annual use of fossil fuel is down 88 million gallons, or about 19 percent, over the past 10 years. Nearly 4,000 new private rooftop solar installations came online in 2018, continuing Hawaiʻi's leadership in residential rooftop solar in the U.S. More than 4.4 million solar panels are expected to be online by 2022. More than 8,000 electric vehicles are registered in the state.
     According to the report, in 2018, the Hawaiian Electric Companies achieved a consolidated renewable portfolio of 27 percent, up from 9 percent just a decade ago. However, the same numbers were reported in 2017. Oil used for power generation has gone down 66 million gallons since 2011. But more than 350 million gallons are still used each year statewide. Greenhouse gas emissions are down to 18.9 percent below the 2010 baseline – and greenhouse gases raised back up .1 percent from 2017 to 2018.
Hula maiden from Kona captures the eyes of volunteers at the Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa.
Photo by Kamalani Kaluahine Salmo
     The report states that, by 2022, Hawaiʻi Island will have an additional 70MW from renewable energy and 240 megawatt hours of storage. Also by 2022, more than a dozen wind, solar, and battery storage projects statewide will come online; fossil fuel use in Hawaiʻi will have dropped by 60 percent since 2009, with carbon dioxide emissions down by 1.2 million tons. The utilities have an additional 800 MW from independent producers in the pipeline, plus more than 80,000 total private rooftop solar systems in planning.
     Alan Oshima, President and CEO of Hawaiian Electric, wrote in the report, "Achieving some of the most ambitious clean energy goals in the nation will pose new challenges, and collaboration will become increasingly important, which is why the theme of this report is Together, Building a Stronger Hawaiʻi. We will continue to work with our communities to make the best choices for Hawaiʻi's future, and we invite you to learn about our progress and the ways you can participate.
Keiki hula showcased the Bula Akamu
hālau last Saturday at Pāhala Community Center.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
     "We will continue to support the state's efforts to replace fossil-fueled combustion engine buses with cleaner, quieter, more efficient electric buses." Hawaiian Electric is also offering to install electric vehicle charging stations. There is one at Punaluʻu Bake Shop in Nāʻālehu and another at the Kaʻū District Gym.
     See the full report at hawaiianelectric.com/clean-energy-hawaii/sustainability-report.

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THE DECRIMINALIZATION OF MARIJUANA IS UNDER REVIEW by Gov. David Ige. During a press conference this week, Ige said he is "concerned, and as I've talked with governors from other states who have gone through recreational. You know, people assume that once it becomes recreational or decriminalized that it's legal. And it's not legal by federal law. And I think that that becomes the confusion, and that's always been my concern. I'll be looking at the bill and trying to make an assessment of what it means, and then deciding."
     If allowed by the governor, House Bill 383, which passed the 2019 Hawaiʻi Legislature, would make possession of up to three grams of marijuana only punishable by a $130 fine. It would also allow expungement of criminal records for possession of three grams or less, and would establish a taskforce to research marijuana use penalty outcomes, with an eye toward possible changes.
     Arguments against decriminalization made by some legislators focus on the fact that marijuana is still illegal, federally.

Hula at the Hoʻolauleʻa last Saturday in Pāhala.
Photo by Kamalani Kaluahine Salmo
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NEW STATE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT RULES will soon go into effect. Gov. David Ige announced today that on July 30 he will sign updated rules for the state EIS process. They will take effect Aug. 9 with a repeal and replace of the old rules.
     The new EIS rules allow for exemptions for building urban affordable housing in certain circumstances, make considering sea level rise and greenhouse gas emissions explicit, and require a public scoping meeting at the beginning of an EIS. They incorporate changes in the EIS statute made by the Hawaiʻi Legislature and rulings by the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. They clarify roles and responsibilities in the process, require agencies to publicly list their exemptions on a monthly basis, among other changes.
     The Office of Environmental Quality Control and State Environmental Council submitted its final rules to the governor at the beginning of April after completing a nearly two-year effort to modernize the existing rules. To develop new rules, the Council prepared four working drafts and held about 30 public meetings, including nine public hearings with at least one on each island. "These rules strike the right balance to ensure public involvement in government decision making and the disclosure of activities that might affect our environment," said Ige.
Kaʻū Productions Sound & Lighting crew grew up with the music of
 the Akamu family and provided their services for the Hoʻolauleʻa.
Photo by Kamalani Kaluahine Salmo
     Scott Glenn, director, Office of Environmental Quality Control, said, "The work that the volunteers on the Environmental Council and the OEQC staff have done to build consensus has been impressive. Setting the date for the end of July will give our state and county agencies time to prepare for the new requirements and to make sure projects have time to comply with the new rules."
     For more information go to the OEQC webpage, which includes links to all of the rules documents and a timeline of the effort: health.hawaii.gov/oeqc/rules-update.

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Gene Akamu and his son Bula came home to Pāhala for Kaʻū Coffee Fest, with their music and hula.
Photo by Julia Neal
ENTERTAINMENT AT KAʻŪ COFFEE FESTIVAL HOʻOLAULEʻA included a welcome home for Gene and Bula Akamu, who brought their hālau with them from Kona. The Akamu family was one of the leading musical families of Ka`ʻū for generations. After the sugar plantation shut down, where Gene Akamu worked until 1996, the family moved to Kona for work opportunities.
     Son Bula Akamu continued with the music tradition he learned in Kaʻū. He attended Berkeley College of Music in Boston, where he studied music education and earned a masters degree in guitar. He became a Hawaiian music teacher in the public schools on this island. His teaching developed into his own hālau as he grew to become Kumu. The Akamu family also became known for Hawaiian weddings and performances in Kona, and for original songs and recordings. See bulamusic.com for more and for their schedule of performances.
     See more photos of the Kaʻū Coffee Festival on this and upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.

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A CONCERT TO RAISE MONEY FOR STEWARDSHIP OF THE KAʻŪ COAST will be held on Saturday, May 25 at 6 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The concert is one in a series of performances during the Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, in its third season in the islands. The series is called Of Water.
Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy
Shoremount-Obra. HIMF photo
2018 International Bach Competition
Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenbaum.
HIMF photo
     The recital features internationally acclaimed artists Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra and 2018 International Bach Competition Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum. They will perform works by Turina, Mahler, Fauré, Rachmaninoff, Duke, and more. Donations accepted at the event go to Kaʻū Coast non-profit stewardship organizations, including Nā Mamo O Kāwā, nmok.org; Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo, honuapopark.org; Ala Kahakai Trail Association, alakahakaitrail.org; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, wildhawaii.org; and Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, hoomalukau@gmail.com.
     In addition to the opportunity to donate to coastal stewardships, an opportunity to support Hawaiʻi Internaional Music Festival is available by reserving best seats for $25 each. They are available at recitalpahala.bpt.me and at the door – cash and check only. See the concert schedule for other islands at himusicfestival.com. For overnight accommodations, contact Pāhala Plantation Cottages at 928-9811.

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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
Kaʻū Trojans Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
Wed.-Sat., May 8-11, HHSAA

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UPCOMING
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8
Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit VisitDental, Wednesday, May 8, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Medical, Thursday, May 30, 1 – 5 p.m. Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appt. thecoopercenter.org

Kākou, Wednesday, May 8, 10 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Author and ethnographer, P.F. "Ski" Kwiatkowski, speaks about Hawaiian kākau – tattoos – their origins and counterparts in other aspects of Hawaiian crafts. Displaying collection of tattoo needles and the materials that are used in creating the needles, the ink and the tattoos themselves. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Arts and Crafts Activity: Mother's Day Keepsake, Wednesday, May 8, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 2-7. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, MAY 9
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, May 9, 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

After Dark in the Park – The Road to Recovery: A Year Later, Thursday, May 9, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Park managers will present a community update about the challenges and successes of 2018, and how staff is working hard to open more areas. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

FRIDAY, MAY 10
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, May 10, 9 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

Arts and Crafts Activity: Mother's Day Card, Friday, May 10, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, May 1-8. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

ReadySetGo! Wildfire Preparedness Workshop, Friday, May 10, 5:30 p.m., Pāhala Plantation House. Educational, free and family-friendly. Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization. Pablo Akira Meimler at pablo@hawaiiwildfire.org. hawaiiwildfire.org, or 808-885-0900

Light, Sound & Spirit by Ken Goodrich of Hawai‘i Photo Retreat, Friday, May 10, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Talk and presentation of seven videos synthesizing music and projected imagery. Free, $5 donation suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Community Dance, Friday, May 10, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, MAY 11
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, May 11, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, Saturday, May 11-June 16, daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Opening reception Saturday, May 11, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day – Wildfire Preparedness, Saturday, May 11, meet 9:30 a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.orgfacebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Zentangle Inspired Labyrinth Art with Lois and Earl Stokes, Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. All welcome, no prior experience necessary. Supplies provided. Students invited to bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

SUNDAY, MAY 12
Kauwela Tour, The Mo‘olelo of Mana Wāhine – Nā Wai Chamber Choir Concert, Sunday, May 12, 11:30 a.m., Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church. Free admission. Donations welcome. nawaichamberchoir.com

3rd Annual Mother's Day Chamber Music Concert, Sunday, May 12, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Music by Volcano Chamber Players Susan McGovern, viola, Glenda Johnson, violin, Meg Saunders, cello, Rumi Reeves, violin, guest Gerdine Markus on recorder and operatic vocals of D'Andrea Pelletier. Complimentary pupu. Beverages and flowers for purchase. $20/VAC ember, $25/non-member, free to children 12 and under. Funds raised support Niaulani Sculpture Garden and ongoing programs. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, May 12 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

Mother's Day Buffet, Sunday, May 12, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish w/Tropical Salsa and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/Adults, $14.95/Child (ages 6-11). Reservations required, 967-8356. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Free STD Testing, Monday, May 13 – 2nd Monday, monthly – 9 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

MONDAY, MAY 13
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, May 13, and 27, 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

TUESDAY, MAY 14
Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Tuesday, May 14, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, hihs.org, 796-0107

Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor, Tuesday, May 14, 4 p.m. – 7pm, Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC members, $35/non-member, plus $17 supply fee.Learn to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper while sampling several wines from Grapes in Hilo. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park – Kauwela Tour, The Mo‘olelo of Mana Wāhine – Nā Wai Chamber Choir Concert, Tuesday, May 14, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Musical journey that honors the music of both historic and modern-day mana wāhine. Honolulu-based Nā Wai Chamber Choir is a professional vocal ensemble that preserves, propagates, and innovates the legacy of Hawaiian choral music. Hilo native Dr. Jace Kaholokula Saplan leads ensemble on annual kauwela tour. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING
Summer Fun Registration runs through Thursday, May 9, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., at Nā‘ālehu Community Center and at Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. The Summer Fun Program, for keiki completing grade K-6, runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., June 12-July 19. $40 fee; $50 portion of registration fee funded by Councilwoman Maile David. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.
     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

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