Ka`u News Briefs April 8, 2011

Floating debris from the Japan tsunami is headed toward Hawai`i.  Photos courtesy of the U.S. Navy

VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP CLEAN THE KA`U COAST may have an even bigger job in a couple of years or sooner as a giant flotilla comprised of the remains of buildings, vehicles and other debris from the great 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in Japan on March 10 is headed this way. Scientists predict that the northern Hawaiian islands could receive the garbage within a year, and the southern end of the Hawaiian chain within two years. It could reach California in three years. 

     The debris field is expected to combine with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which floats northeast of Hawai`i. As it breaks up, it will come this way, and scientists say that Hawai`i’s coastline will stand as the recipient of the most trash from Japan in about five years. These predictions were presented at the recent International Marine Debris Conference in Honolulu by the UH-Manoa International Pacific Research Center. Photos taken by the U.S. Navy showed the vast flotilla of debris that came from entire villages swept into the ocean following the quake and tsunami. 

     Ka`alu`alu and other beaches near South Point are major collectors of flotsam from around the world. 

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, one of the largest employers in Ka`u, has been planning all week for tonight’s possible shutdown of the federal government as the result of Congress failing to approve a budget. When the U.S. government closes down all national parks shut their gates and employees go home without pay. The last time the government shut down was in 1995 under Pres. Bill Clinton. Guests were directed to check out of Volcano House and leave Volcano House restaurant and the rest of the park. 

Volcano House is already closed, and the rest of
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will turn away
visitors and workers at midnight if the
U.S. government shuts down.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     This time Volcano House is already closed for renovations and selecting a new hotelier. Kilauea Military Camp guests would be given notice to be gone by Monday morning. Volcano Art Center, KMC store and the bowling alley would also be closed.
     At full staffing, more than 1,000 people work within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. It is the largest employment campus in Ka`u, with workers at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, KMC, Volcano Art Center, concessions and the National Park Service.
     If the U.S. government does shut down, signs would go up at the closed gates, which would be staffed only for security and emergency operations, said park superintendent Cindy Orlando. No one, not even workers who want to volunteer, would be allowed in the park except for a skeleton crew at KMC and the emergency operations center. Those on duty would only be the caretakers to protect government property and oversee fire safety.
     The staff at the park has been working on this possibility for a couple of months. Congress started the conversation about a possible shutdown more than a month ago. “This time it has a lot more legs on it, and there are daily meetings with the staff,” said Orlando. She noted that Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park has experience in managing park closures and partial park closures, as this happens during volcanic, vog and fire events. “Our staff has a handle on what to do. We love our park and we know the public loves our park,” the park superintendent said.

These mac nuts go from the Olson husking plant on Wood Valley Road
to Hamakua Mac Nut, where the kernels are extracted and the shells
are used for activated carbon.  Photo by Julia Neal

MACADAMIA NUT SHELLS from nuts grown on the Edmund C. Olson Trust property around Pahala will be used to produce activated carbon, as a manufacturing plant is set to start production by mid-month in Kawaihae. Nuts from the Olson lands are husked here and shipped to Kawaihae to Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co. After the kernels are removed, the shells are sent next door to Big Island Carbon, LLC, which is managed by Rick Vidgen, former president of ML Macadamia. The carbon factory is expected to have 25 to 30 fulltime employees and purchase about 10,000 tons of macadamia shells a year, creating up to 1,500 tons of granular, activated carbon used for air and water filters and by the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Big Island Carbon also plans to produce some biofuel and have an electric plant for its own power. 

ENDING TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR SELECT BUSINESSES passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee over at the state Legislature yesterday, but the proposed hike in the General Excise Tax failed. Raising the excise tax to five percent had been seen by some senators as a way to balance the state budget. Many business leaders testified against the measure, while social service and union leaders testified for it, noting the recent cuts in pay and the ending of many health and social benefits programs.

Sen. Daniel Akaka
Photo by Julia Neal

THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN Government Reorganization bill passed out of the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee yesterday and is headed for a vote by the full Senate. Sen. Daniel Akaka introduced the bill in 1999 and hopes it passes before his announced retirement. It would be the first time it faces a vote by the entire Senate. Called the Akaka Bill, it would give many of the rights to Hawaiians in self-governance as those enjoyed by Native Alaskans and American Indians. "Over the years, we have had extensive hearings on this issue - all stakeholders have had an opportunity to present their views, and we have strengthened our bill with their input," said the senator. The bill would allow Hawaiians to form a government to negotiate with the federal and state government on such matters as land and cultural issues. Akaka noted that it does not include seceding from the U.S., taking over private land or allowing gambling. 

HUNTING WILL BE ALLOWED during the next two weekends within sections of Pohakuloa Training Area in order to eliminate wild goats and sheep in conservation areas. The effort seeks to protect 15 species of federally protected plants, four mammals and 17 bird species. Dr. Peter Peshut said the protected species, “as well as native plants and animals in general, require an intact native habitat to survive." Licensed hunters are allowed access at 5 a.m. tomorrow. Hunter check-in stations are at the Huluhulu station on the east side of Pohakuloa, and Kilohana station west of Pohakuloa. Hunters can call the Hunter's Hotline at 969-3474 for specific information. 

Diagram of geothermal power
generation.

NATIVE HAWAIIAN community organizers and representatives are taking another look at the pros and cons of geothermal energy on the Big Island. A community forum is taking place this morning in Puna, with a presentation by a firm that has developed geothermal energy on Maori trust lands in New Zealand. Innovations Development Group said there will be presentations by six native Hawaiian leaders who will offer their views on how development of geothermal energy can be done in a way that protects cultural and natural resources. Organizers say they hope to encourage development of geothermal projects in addition to the existing Ormat Technologies geothermal plant. Representatives of the Native Hawaiian community attending the forum include Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Bob Lindsey, Laulima Title Search and Claims chief officer Kale Gumpack, advocate Mililani Trask, Kealoa Estate’s Kealoa Cooper, and cultural advisor Cy Bridges. 

A BENEFIT FOR THE OCEAN VIEW Children’s Garden takes place this Sunday, April 10 from noon to 5 p.m. Ken Love, president of Tropical Fruit Growers, will discuss the future of farming in Hawai`i. Luncheon, music, and a farm tour are included in the price of $25 for adults and $15 for children. All proceeds go to the children’s garden. The event is sponsored by Earth Matters Farm. RSVP at 939-7510 or gailandgreg@mac.com.

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY for the Ken Wicks Scholarships offered by the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce is this Monday, April 11. Applications available at Ka`u and Konawaena High School counseling offices or www.kauchamber.org. For more information contact Stephen Sampson at 929-9136 or scholarship@kauchamber.org.

Ka`u News Briefs April 7, 2011

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK has issued a request for public comments on its Air Tour Management Plan being crafted by the National Park Service and the Federal Aviation Administration. The purpose of the plan is to "develop acceptable and effective measures to mitigate or prevent the significant adverse impacts, if any, of commercial air tour operations upon the natural and cultural resources, visitor experiences, and tribal lands." The public can read updates on the national park website and attend a meeting on Monday, April 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center and Wednesday, April 20 at Na`alehu Community Center from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

HAWAI`I COUNTY WORKERS may face a five percent pay decrease for the next two years if their Hawai`i Government Employees Association union members vote to approve the agreement between their leadership, the state and county. Governor Neil Abercrombie said the pay cut could save the state $88 million a year if it is accepted by all the state worker unions. The deal includes HGEA state and county workers throughout the islands. 

Hawai`i Government Employees Association
agrees to end of furloughs and
 a five percent pay decrease.

The agreement would end Furlough Fridays and would require members of the union to pay 50 percent of the cost of their health insurance. Right now government is paying 60 percent. The agreement does not cover United Public Workers, the State of Hawai`i Organization of Police Officers, the Hawai`i Firefighters Association and the Hawai`i State Teachers Association, for which negotiations are ongoing. The county of Hawai`i has also been involved in the negotiations. The county council is not necessarily going along with the deal. Councilwoman Brittany Smart voted yesterday to continue the furloughs, along with Council Chair Dominic Yagong. 

A ONE PERCENT HIKE IN THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX would generate $500 to $600 million a year to help balance a state budget with a two-year deficit of $1.3 billion. The proposal in the state Senate also calls for giving back $100 million to lower-income taxpayers. Some legislators are also calling for eliminating tax exemptions for subcontractors for such businesses as Hawaiian Airlines and high tech, shipbuilding and repair enterprises. Having them pay four percent would bring in about $200 million a year. A&B Electric Co., which works on ship repairs, testified that the exemption from the excise tax has helped create a healthy shipbuilding industry here in Hawai`i. The American Piping and Boiler Co., the Hawai`i Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Realtors testified against the GET hike. The Hawai`i Government Employees Association testified for the tax hike. The Democratic Party testified for the tax hike as did a number of social service agencies. The Republican Party testified against the tax hike yesterday. 

THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD INNOVATIVE READINESS TRAINING PROGRAM is looking to provide free labor for Ka`u nonprofit organizations, according to County Council member Brittany Smart. Call Deann Canuteson, Project Coordinator of the Ka`u Opportunities and Abilities Project at 936-4925 or 929-9611. 

ROAD TO THE SEA will have public access, according to councilmember Brittany Smart, who said yesterday that she will amend the bill to acquire 3,000 acres of coastline there for preservation to make sure that the access road is included. The bill to acquire the land goes to the full County Council on April 20th.

Road to the Sea.  From www.iFishHawaii.com

MAYOR BILLY KENOI will join councilwoman Brittany Smart tonight at Yano Hall in South Kona for a District 6 Matters meeting at 6:30 p.m. All the public is invited. 

THE OCEAN VIEW TRANSFER STATION has a $3 million appropriation in a $56 million bond float proposed by Mayor Billy Kenoi to the County Council. The $8.8 million Wai`ohinu transfer station has been put on the back burner, since it is Ocean View that has no permanent transfer station, and the Wai`ohinu proposal was an upgrade to be planned for the future.

DISNEY WILL SEND its first cruise ship to Hawai`i, stopping in Hilo on April 12, 2012. The 2,700-passenger ship will also call at Kahului, Honolulu, Nawiliwili and Ensenada, Mexico before heading back to Los Angeles. Shore excursions from cruise ships often include travel as far south as Punalu`u Black Sand Beach here in Ka`u. The name of the ship is the Disney Wonder. 

THE MONGOLIAN BARBECUE is on for this Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cooper Center in Volcano Village. Wok masters will cook up stir-fried vegetables, tofu, chicken, beef and pork and charge 60 cents an ounce for each personalized creation. Funds raised go to the Cooper Center. Entertainment includes Komakakino from the Paul Neves Halau. See thecoopercenter.org or call 985-9508.

Ka`u News Briefs April 6, 2011

Kawa during a surf meet.  Photo by Julia Neal

THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I is starting to make its plan for the stewardship of its Kawa shoreline park. County representatives visited the beach yesterday. Surfers went to court in the 1970s to open up right of ways to the shoreline and won their case. Over the last decade, the community appealed to the state, county and federal government for funding to purchase and preserve the area, which was threatened by development. 

Camping at Kawa, a popular place for surfers and fishermen
from around the island.  Photo by Julia Neal

     With money in place, the county agreed to purchase the land to keep the area open for everyone in perpetuity and to protect its estuaries, springs, wildlife and access to surfers, fishermen and the public. Abel Simiona Lui claims the land belongs to him and was handed down through his family. However, the county says it has clear title and that ownership now rests with the public. The county has gone to court to settle the matter. 

     The preservation of Kawa is part of an effort to save the Ka`u coast, including nearby Honu`apo, which has already been preserved and is being managed by a community group and Hawai`i County.

Black Sand Beach at the end of Road to the Sea may be
preserved through acquisition by the county.

PURCHASE OF 3,000 ACRES in Kahuku was approved by the Hawai`i County Finance Committee yesterday. The parcel, reached by the Road to the Sea, includes one mile of coastline along with many cultural and historical sites. The measure now goes to the full County Council. 

RAISING THE EXCISE TAX FROM FOUR TO FIVE PERCENT is alive at the Senate Ways and Means Committee over at the Legislature. Also on the table is the possibility of ending holidays for Hawaiian Airlines and some other businesses that receive this tax benefit. The proposal is up for a hearing today in Honolulu.

FRIENDS OF VOLCANO SCHOOL OF THE ARTS & SCIENCES has launched a $97,000 ‘Phase One’ Building Fund drive to refurbish, update and bring the almost century-old historic school building at the old Keakealani site up to present day standards. This will allow three grades of the school to relocate to the facility and will lay the foundation for the school to end its commitment to the almost $32,000 per year present lease rent and tax costs at the present temporary tent-centered site. The ‘Phase One’ drive will last throughout the spring and summer, involving pleas for cash donations, bake sales, a ‘Food for Thought’ business owner discount program to encourage healthy eating for students and contributors alike, a golf tournament, farm fair, a wine and food event, and a walkathon.

ACE HARDWARE IN NA`ALEHU is supporting relief to Japan tsunami victims this Saturday at its Kokua Sale-abration. ACE is offering 20 percent off many items, and a portion of that day's sales will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society. You can also donate with a check to the Japanese Red Cross Society. The fundraiser and sale will also take place in Hilo and Kona Ace and Ben Franklin Craft stores. These Ace Hardware Hawai`i and Ben Franklin Craft stores are locally owned and nationally recognized since 1951.

BREADFRUIT WAS COMMON IN YARDS, on farms and in the wild from Ka`u to Kona many years ago, and a new program called Ho`oulu ka Ulu is bent on restoring the breadfuit belt. The effort encourages people to grow, cook and eat ulu, which is a traditional food brought here by early Polynesian voyagers. See more at hawaiihomegrown.net.

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY to sign up for the free Kahuku Junior Ranger Day this Saturday, April 9. The program is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and lunch will be provided. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and the Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center invite keiki to bring their families to explore Kahuku and learn about ancient traditions of navigation and modern-day global positioning systems. To register, call 985-6019.
     The Kahuku Unit is now open to the public on most weekends.

Brandy Eder

Jaeneise Cuison

Alina Jerilong

Brandy Shibuya

Kayla Nishimura

Kathline Pataray

TICKETS ARE NEARLY SOLD OUT for the third annual Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant which is scheduled for Saturday, April 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Ka`u High School gym. Miss Ka`u Coffee, Ulu Makuakane, will hand over her crown to the winner. Will the new Miss Ka`u Coffee be Jaeneise Cuison, Brandy Eder, Alina Jerilong, Kayla Nishimura, Kathline Pataray or Brandy Shibuya? Tickets are available from contestants and their families.