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Monday, December 13, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, Dec. 13, 2021

One of the Kaʻū Coffee farms above Pahala that are on the market as farmers seek to buy them
to protect their farms. Photo from Hawai'i Life real estate company.

KA`U COFFEE FARMS IN THE PEAR TREE - MOA'ULA CLOUD REST AREA are going up for sale on the open real estate market. Resource Land Holdings, represented by Hawai'i Life real estate company, describes each of the lots in the same terms -  the difference being the size of each parcel and the length 
of the existing farmers' licenses that gives them the right to stay on the land, no matter the buyer.
    A 4.23 acre lot listed for $104,000 is described as: "Located in the heart of the Kaʻū coffee farming area, this gorgeous 4.23 (acre) property includes (approximately) 4 acres of planted coffee, currently licensed to a productive coffee farmer. Owner must take subject to existing license, however, the new owner can remove up to 1/2 acre from the licensed area for additional personal use. The new owner will receive

Kaʻū Coffee farms with a view are up for sale.
Photo from Hawai'i Life real estate company.
annual license income from the existing coffee tenant. The current license has a remaining term of (approximately)  9* years, after which time, the new owner can either negotiate an extension with the coffee tenant or end the license and take control of the planted coffee acreage (coffee trees are owned by the landlord not the licensee). The property will have access to access a paved road (paving is in process/scheduled). Ocean and mountain views are magical. The setting is peaceful well-tended."
    Another 8.72 acre Kaʻū  Coffee farm is listed for $210,000.
    Kaʻū Coffee lands for sale are those where coffee farmers have decided to forgo attempting to buy the properties they have been renting for as long as 25 years. A vast majority of Kaʻū Coffee farmers are applying for federal, state or private loans, or have saved cash to buy their farms. RHL has given them first option to buy them. 
     Most of those who don't buy will be able to stay, paying rent to new owners for about a decade, before new owners could ask them to leave. During that time the new owners will be allowed to remove 1.5 acre from each farm to build a house or conduct other operations. 
    The parcels were recently subdivided. They were licensed to coffee farmers by the former Kaʻū sugar company to help with economic development when the plantation was closing down in 1996. The farmers successfully diversified the local economy and made their own living.
Ranch lands without Ka`u Coffee are also offered.
Photo from Hawai'i Life real estate company.

     Non-coffee farmlands are also for sale. A 28.64 acre parcel at Moa'ula without coffee is listed for $358,000. The description says, "Magical ranchland and Ag Estate quality property is just outside historic Pahala, close to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, golf, world class fishing, hiking and more! With gorgeous ocean views, it's a property where ultimate privacy and the opportunity for green living are a given! Easily accessed from a paved road, you'll enjoy cool tropical breezes at an elevation that's ideal for most tropical agricultural pursuits. Adj properties are farmed and this one could be licensed to produce income while retaining a portion for your own private get-away. So, relax and take a look at the rare opportunity that is Mo'ula! (Mo'alula)."
    Two other parcels promoted as "Magical Ranchland" are 234.97 acres, listed for $1.765 million and
25.25 acres listed for $399,000. See a Hawai'i Life's Kaʻū Coffee farm listing at https://www.hawaiilife.com/listings/pahala-hi-96777-8

   To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com. 

HAWAI'I ISLAND COALITION, WHICH FOCUSES ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD SECURITY,  will receive $500,000 as a finalist in the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. As a finalist, the Coalition, led by County of Hawai'i, could receive between $25 million and $100 million in more funding. The Coalition promises to use the funds to create jobs, train workers, and expand the market reach of farmers on this island.
     The announcement was made Monday by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. He said that becoming one of the 60 finalists in the competition among 529 applicants around the country "is great news for the Big Island and the state. Investing in agriculture will create jobs, support families, and grow our local economy. I’ll do everything I can to get this application over the finish line and make sure Hawai'i secures this federal funding.”
    A statement from the senator's office says, "The Hawai'i Island Coalition seeks to create a robust agricultural economy that corrects past systemic barriers to growth that are unique to islands, while also helping respond to economic downturns due to the pandemic and natural disasters.
    “The coalition aims to divert 20 percent of Hawai'i’s food import market to local producers, creating thousands of new jobs and stimulating the specialty export market. If successful in securing the larger grant, the coalition would build an industrial park, train workers, and increase food processing and production capacity.”
    The federal Economic Development Administration launched the Build Back Better Regional Challenge with funds provided by the American Rescue Plan. The challenge leverages $1 billion to boost economic recovery from the pandemic and rebuild American communities, with 30 winners receiving grants worth between $25 million to $100 million to develop local initiatives.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A DISTANT EARTHQUAKE CREATED NO TSUNAMI THREAT. Hawai'i County Civil Defense issued a statement Monday at 7:30 p.m., saying, "The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 has occurred at approximately 5:20 PM HST in the vicinity of Flores Sea, near Maumere, Indonesia. PTWC confirms there is NO TSUNAMI THREAT to the Island and State of Hawai'i." Indonesia reported one injury and no deaths and cancelled its own tsunami warning within an hour after the quake.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

THE STATE LEGISLATURE HAS RELEASED ITS SCHEDULE. Opening Day is Wednesday, Jan. 19.

The State of the State Address is on Monday, Jan. 24, the same day as the deadline for the Administration's proposed bills. All bills must be introduced by Jan. 26. The sate House and Senate do their work until adjournment on May 5. See the complete calendar at https://lrb.hawaii.gov/par/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/12/2022-Session-Calendar.pdf. Learn how to follow elected officials in their proposals and handling of bills and search for subjects of interest in bills being proposed at the Public Access Room website: lrb.hawaii.gov/par
    Also see the Public Access Room facebook page.
    For Grants in Aid to community groups, agencies and other entities, see https://capitol.hawaii.gov/GIA/GIA.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2UtqqEvlI4TtZiBD0p0rTGfAJ1P0sgruNFFBGGqhPvziw8XV7URKJhjH4. Deadline to appl is Jan. 21 at 5 p.m.  Public Access Room is an arm of the Hawai'i Legislature.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

NINETEEN WERE ARRESTED ON THIS ISLAND FOR DUI during the week of Dec. 6, through 12. Hawai'i Island police arrested 19 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Three of the 
drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two of the drivers were under the age of 21.    So far this year, there have been 1,011 DUI arrests compared with 951 during the same period last year, an increase of 6.3 percent. There have been 763 major accidents so far this year compared with 734 during the same period last year, an increase of 4.0 percent.
    To date, there were 25 fatal crashes, resulting in 25 fatalities, compared with 15 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 66.7 percent for fatal crashes, and 66.7 percent for fatalities.
    DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
















































KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.


PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in x.


ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.


AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252


MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com..


KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.


DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.


LEARN SELF-CARE THROUGH Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group at facebook.com/bhhsurg



WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.


YOGA WITH EMILY Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222.


CHOOSE ALOHA FOR HOME is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.


EDUCATION


Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org or info@bgcbi.org.


ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.


Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.gov.


Public Libraries are open for WiFi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.


Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.


Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.


Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.


Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.


Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.
COMMUNITY

Food Assistance: Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net


ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It started Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net.


WALK THROUGH A GUIDED NATURE TRAIL & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222.


KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.


GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramiocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.


ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of The Old Shirakawa Estate in Waiʻohinu. It features: Made in Hawai'i Products, Organic Produce, Creative Crafts, ARt, Flower and Plants, Food, Ka`u Coffee, Gluen Free Low Carb Goodies, Wellness Services and Products, Clothing, Hand Crafted Treats, Music and more. Vendor and customer inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.


VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Hawai‘i Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.


OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Managed by Mark Council. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.


O KAʻŪ KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing required, social distancing enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.


OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.


BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON


VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime. Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222
.