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| Young Brothers has carried and tugged cargo between the island for more than a century and is asking for a rate increase. It is the only inter-island cargo service in Hawaiʻi. Photo from Young Brothers |
While Young Brothers has increased its rates by 4.9 percent since 2014, Matson rates increased by 20.9 percent and Pasha rates increased by 16.9 percent.
Young Brothers has reported running at a loss over the last three years, losing some $11.4 million in 2018, $8.9 million in 2019 and a projected loss of $12.3 million in 2020. Without Young Brothers interisland shipping, cost of foods, household goods, construction materials and more could increase substantially.
Paul Stevens, interim-president of Young Brothers wrote, "Our priority is to ensure that customers on all islands can depend on Young Brothers for the consistent, on-time delivery and high-quality service that are hallmarks of our 100-year legacy in the Islands." He said operating costs are steadily increasing and Young Brothers running eight "with no significant boost in revenue makes it necessary for us to reset our rates."
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| Young Brother employs some 360 workers in Hawaiʻi. Photo from Young Brothers |
If approved over the next year, as the PUC reviews the case and the state Consumer Advocate issued an opinion the rates could go up late next year.
According to Young Brothers' representatives, current rates have not generated enough revenue to sustain its expenses and earn "a fair return" on investment. Since 2016, the company's profits have been steadily declining year-over-year – from $2.5 million in 2016 to $0.6 million in 2017, to losses of $11.4 million in 2018, $8.9 million in 2019, and projected losses of $12.3 million in 2020.
Pacific Business News reported this morning that since 2017, Young Brothers "has invested more than $88 million — $80 million of which went to purchasing new Kapena class tugs, $2.7 million on shoreside fleet equipment, $3 million on lifts, ramps and other key facility equipment and $2.8 million in vessel and harbor infrastructure improvements. These modernization and maintenance upgrades were investments made to optimize fuel efficiency and service reliability for customers, while reducing carbon emissions."
Keith Kiyotoki, manager of sales, told PBN earlier this year, "That $80 million investment will carry us for the next 20 years."
According to Young Brothers' representatives, current rates have not generated enough revenue to sustain its expenses and earn "a fair return" on investment. Since 2016, the company's profits have been steadily declining year-over-year – from $2.5 million in 2016 to $0.6 million in 2017, to losses of $11.4 million in 2018, $8.9 million in 2019, and projected losses of $12.3 million in 2020.
Pacific Business News reported this morning that since 2017, Young Brothers "has invested more than $88 million — $80 million of which went to purchasing new Kapena class tugs, $2.7 million on shoreside fleet equipment, $3 million on lifts, ramps and other key facility equipment and $2.8 million in vessel and harbor infrastructure improvements. These modernization and maintenance upgrades were investments made to optimize fuel efficiency and service reliability for customers, while reducing carbon emissions."
Keith Kiyotoki, manager of sales, told PBN earlier this year, "That $80 million investment will carry us for the next 20 years."
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A LIAISON TO THE U.S. CLIMATE ALLIANCE is Gov. David Ige's appointee to become Chief Executive
of the newly formed Hawaiʻi state Energy Office. Scott Glenn has served as director of the state Office of Environmental
Quality Control since 2015, where he led the modernization of the state
environmental review process by developing new administrative rules and
updating best practices.
Scott was co-chair of the Sustainable Hawai‘i Initiative, and liaison to
the U.S. Climate Alliance – a coalition of U.S.
governors committed to the Paris Agreement. In these roles, he worked with
state, county, and federal agencies, as well as communities across the state,
and stakeholders nationally and internationally to coordinate state policy
development on energy, climate change, and key sustainability initiatives.
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| Scott Glenn, appointed Chief Executive of the state Energy Office. Photo from the governor's office |
Said Ige, "The
newly created Hawai‘i State Energy Office will lead Hawai‘i in implementing our
goals on clean energy, clean transportation, and a clean, resilient economy. I
am confident that Scott will bring the same balanced, innovative, collaborative
perspective to move us forward as we strive to reach our goal of 100 percent renewable
energy by 2045.
Said Glenn, "Hawai‘i
has shown tremendous leadership through the years on energy and climate change.
I am deeply honored and humbled for Gov. Ige to entrust me with these critical
initiatives for Hawai‘i's future. I look forward to working with everyone to
implement our ambitious clean energy and decarbonization goals."
Glenn's
appointment is effective Oct. 16, and is subject to Senate confirmation.
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EUGENE SCALIA WILL BE THE NEXT SECRETARY OF LABOR for the U.S. He was confirmed by the U.S Senate today, though Hawaiʻi Sen. Mazie K. Hirono voted against him. She issued the following statement:
"Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump has consistently nominated individuals to serve in his cabinet who have major conflicts of interest and who are hostile to the Departments they are chosen to lead. The nomination of Eugene Scalia to be Secretary of Labor fits squarely within this pattern, and his confirmation will result in serious harm to working people in Hawaiʻi and across the country.
"Eugene Scalia has spent his entire career advocating for powerful corporations at the expense of America's workers. As a corporate lawyer, he fought to weaken protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. He worked to undermine regulations that protect the health and safety of workers. He opposed increases in the minimum wage and helped his clients deny tips and overtime pay for their workers.
"The American people deserve a secretary of labor who will advocate for workers, protect their health and safety, and stand up to wealthy corporate interests. Eugene Scalia, with his history of corporate advocacy, is the wrong person for this job and it's why I opposed his nomination today."
For those without gold stars on their drivers licenses: To obtain the gold star driver's licenses, which indicates
the license is Real ID compliant, motorists must present the following
documents to the Vehicle Registration & Licensing Division: A U.S. State, Local Government - issued
Certificate of Birth; or a valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card; for married women who changed their names, a
certified government-issued marriage certificate (showing name on birth
certificate); Social Security card (unlaminated) showing
current name; two documents showing driver's physical address
(such as a HELCO bill). Those with a post office box number can submit one document with the post office box number
and one document with the physical address.
Motorists may obtain a limited-purpose
driver's license, without a gold star, and only used
to drive. For more information on Acceptable Documents visit: hawaiicounty.gov/departments/finance/vehicle-registration-licensing/list-of-acceptable-documents.
No change is required at this time to currently-valid
licenses.
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.
AN UPDATE ON MAUNA LOA ACTIVITY today shows no significant changes to the volcano. Alert Level remains ADVISORY, Aviation Color Code remains YELLOW. The number of small earthquakes remains consistent with recent weeks, with about 40 small-magnitude earthquakes (all smaller than M2.5) detected beneath the upper elevations, most at shallow to intermediate depths of less than 10 km (~6 miles) below ground level.
Global Positioning System and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) measurements show continued summit inflation, consistent with magma supply to the volcano's shallow storage system.
Readings of fumarole temperature and gas concentrations at the Sulphur Cone monitoring site on the Southwest Rift Zone remain stable, but are slightly elevated from measurements from two weeks ago due to repositioning and servicing of instrument sensors during maintenance last week by HVO field crews.
For more information on current monitoring of Mauna Loa Volcano, see volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/monitoring_summary.html.
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 CHURCHES ARE SELLING THEIR PARISH TRUCK to raise funds. The Holy Rosary Church of Pāhala and the Sacred Heart Church of Nāʻālehu are selling the truck, with funds raised from the sale to benefit both churches. The truck is a great 2016 Nissan Frontier King Cab, 6 cylinder, 2WD automobile. The churches are asking for $21K or best offer. Only cash or cashier's check will be accepted. Anyone interested should contact the parish secretary Tuesday through Friday from8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at 928-8208.
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.
See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 28
National Public Lands Day Volunteering, Saturday, Sept. 28, 8:45a.m.-noon, meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. No advance registration required. Volunteers receive pass to return and enjoy park fee-free another day. No entrance fees. nps.gov/havo
SUNDAY, SEPT. 29
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Oct. 1 (Committees), Wednesday, Oct. 2 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
THURSDAY, OCT. 3
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Oct. 3, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21 .
Tutoring for Kaʻū Hugh & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. , Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.
Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.
EUGENE SCALIA WILL BE THE NEXT SECRETARY OF LABOR for the U.S. He was confirmed by the U.S Senate today, though Hawaiʻi Sen. Mazie K. Hirono voted against him. She issued the following statement:
"Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump has consistently nominated individuals to serve in his cabinet who have major conflicts of interest and who are hostile to the Departments they are chosen to lead. The nomination of Eugene Scalia to be Secretary of Labor fits squarely within this pattern, and his confirmation will result in serious harm to working people in Hawaiʻi and across the country.
 |
| Eugene Scalia confirmed as Labor Secretary. Photo from PBS |
"The American people deserve a secretary of labor who will advocate for workers, protect their health and safety, and stand up to wealthy corporate interests. Eugene Scalia, with his history of corporate advocacy, is the wrong person for this job and it's why I opposed his nomination today."
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.
TWO VETERANS PROGRAMS, SET TO EXPIRE SEPT. 30 ARE SAVED, if Pres. Donald Trump signs them. This week, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 4285, to extend Supportive Services for Veteran Families, and funding for the VA Regional Office and Outpatient Clinic in Manila. Both were sponsored by Sen. Mazie Hirono.
TWO VETERANS PROGRAMS, SET TO EXPIRE SEPT. 30 ARE SAVED, if Pres. Donald Trump signs them. This week, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 4285, to extend Supportive Services for Veteran Families, and funding for the VA Regional Office and Outpatient Clinic in Manila. Both were sponsored by Sen. Mazie Hirono.
Said Hirono, "I
thank my Senate colleagues for quickly passing this comprehensive bill to
ensure that veterans do not lose access to the services they depend on." The Department of
Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2019 includes two pieces of legislation
authored by Hirono.
The Keeping Our
Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2019 (S. 2489), introduced
with Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas), extends the Supportive Services for
Veteran Families program through September 30, 2021. This program provides
grants for supportive services to assist very low-income veterans and their
families who are either residing in permanent housing or transitioning from
homelessness.
The Keeping Our
Commitment to Overseas Veterans Act of 2019 (S. 2484) keeps the VA Regional
Office and Outpatient Clinic in Manila, Philippines open for business through
September 30, 2020. The Manila VA U.S.
veterans living in the Philippines .
The Department of
Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act will now go to the President for his
signature.
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.
A GOLD STAR WILL BE REQUIRED ON DRIVERS LICENSES to board flights and enter federal buildings, starting Oct. 1, 2020, as required by the federal Department of Homeland Security. Issuing licenses with the gold star began on Jan. 16, 2018, as motorists obtained and renewed Hawaiʻi
driver's licenses.
Those without drivers licenses will be able to use alternate identification to board flights.
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.
AN UPDATE ON MAUNA LOA ACTIVITY today shows no significant changes to the volcano. Alert Level remains ADVISORY, Aviation Color Code remains YELLOW. The number of small earthquakes remains consistent with recent weeks, with about 40 small-magnitude earthquakes (all smaller than M2.5) detected beneath the upper elevations, most at shallow to intermediate depths of less than 10 km (~6 miles) below ground level.
 |
HVO scientists deploy high-precision GPS receivers to
collect data
that will help refine models of
|
Readings of fumarole temperature and gas concentrations at the Sulphur Cone monitoring site on the Southwest Rift Zone remain stable, but are slightly elevated from measurements from two weeks ago due to repositioning and servicing of instrument sensors during maintenance last week by HVO field crews.
For more information on current monitoring of Mauna Loa Volcano, see volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/monitoring_summary.html.
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 CHURCHES ARE SELLING THEIR PARISH TRUCK to raise funds. The Holy Rosary Church of Pāhala and the Sacred Heart Church of Nāʻālehu are selling the truck, with funds raised from the sale to benefit both churches. The truck is a great 2016 Nissan Frontier King Cab, 6 cylinder, 2WD automobile. The churches are asking for $21K or best offer. Only cash or cashier's check will be accepted. Anyone interested should contact the parish secretary Tuesday through Friday from
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.
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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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2019 Kaʻū High School Fall Athletics Schedule
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates
Football, Division II:
Thu., Oct. 3, 7 p.m. Kamehameha hosts Kaʻū
Sat., Oct. 12, 1 p.m. , Kaʻū hosts HPA
Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m. , Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa
Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m. , Kohala hosts Kaʻū
Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship
Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals
Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship
Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Fri., Sept. 27, 6 p.m. , Kaʻū hosts HPA
Wed., Oct. 2, 6 p.m. , Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa
Fri., Oct. 4, 6 p.m. , Parker hosts Kaʻū
Tue., Oct. 8, 6 p.m. , Kaʻū hosts Ehunui
Thu., Oct. 10, 6 p.m. , Konawaena hosts Kaʻū
Mon., Oct. 14, 6 p.m. , BIIF Div II First Round at
Tue., Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m. , BIIF Div II Semifinals at
Wed., Oct. 16, 4 p.m. , BIIF Div II Finals at
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu
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.
UPCOMING
FRIDAY, SEPT. 27
Coffee Talk at Kahuku, Friday, Sept. 27, 9:30-11a.m. , Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Free. nps.gov/havo
National Public Lands Day Volunteering, Saturday, Sept. 28, 8:45a.m.-noon, meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. No advance registration required. Volunteers receive pass to return and enjoy park fee-free another day. No entrance fees. nps.gov/havo
Nature & Culture, Saturday, Sept. 28, 9:30-11:30a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate hike, approx. 2 miles. nps.gov/havo
Realms and Divisions, Sunday, Sept. 29, 9:30-11:30a.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo
TUESDAY, OCT. 1
E māka‘ika‘i iā Ka‘auea: Explore the Summit, daily (beginning Oct. 1), 11-11:45a.m., in front of Kīlauea Visitor Center. New ranger guided walk exploring geologic features of Kīlauea and their deep connections to Hawaiian history and culture. All ages. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Oct. 1, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2
Hula Voices with Practitioner Randy Lee, Wednesday, Oct. 2 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Oct. 3 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
ONGOING
Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.
Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org
Girls Exploring Math and Science Registration is open to Kaʻū students The annual event for fifth graders will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. The mission of the American Association of University Women is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research.
"First Come, First Served" registration forms were mailed to allWest Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū schools on Sept. 9. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need. Once the 336 available spots are filled, no registrations will be accepted.
"First Come, First Served" registration forms were mailed to all
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawaiʻi School complex and Kaʻū who attend public, private, or home schools are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to volunteer or sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Applications are also available at Kona-hi.aauw.net.
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.
