Ka`u News Briefs May 22, 2011

A monk seal sunning at Honu`apo.  Photo by Julia Neal

MORE MONK SEALS could be seen in Ka`u if a federal program to relocate pups to the main Hawaiian islands is approved to help save them from extinction. Only one in five monk seals are making it to adulthood in the northern, uninhabited Hawaiian atolls, and scientists believe it may be from competition for food from sharks. Such places as the Ka`u Coast do not have such high concentrations of sharks and may be a better nursery for the seal pups. Wildlife scientists say that there were 15,000 monk seals in Hawai`i in the past and that the population is crashing, with only about 1,500 remaining, according to a story by the Associated Press. Monk seals have hauled out in recent years near South Point and at Honu`apo and its estuary. 

Old Bay Clinic building to be preserved.

A CHALLENGE TO RAISE $15,000 to support the construction of the new Bay Clinic just off Hwy 11 in Na`alehu has been issued by an anonymous donor. The donations are due by June 11, the day of the Ka`u Family Fun Fest, which is also raising money for the project. The donor will match every dollar given for improvements of the Bay Clinic up to the $15,000. Bay Clinic is raising more than $3 million to build the new facility and restore the old plantation home that now serves as its Ka`u home.

Half-marathon will go along the old sugar cane haul road.

     In addition to the fundraising challenge, the Ka`u Family Fun Fest, based at Na`alehu Park, will include a half marathon on the old plantation road above Na`alehu, headed toward Pahala. It will put on a fishing tournament, archery, basketball, Jan Ken Po, Portuguese horseshoe tournaments and a hunter’s obstacle course. Mayor Billy Kenoi will conduct an auction. The event is sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou. Anyone wanting to donate money to the Bay Clinic restoration and new building fund can drop off checks at the Pahala, Na`alehu or Ocean View offices of the Ka`u Federal Credit Union, with the checks made payable to `O Ka`u Kakou. Please note that the funds are for Bay Clinic. Donations can also be made through an online form at okaukakou.com. 

CROWN CASTLE, which owns communications towers in Ka`u, has given permission for KAHU Radio to place a transmitter on one of its towers above Na`alehu on the mauka road to Pahala, according to Wendell Ka`ehu`ae`a, of KAHU Radio. The tower would help boost the signal to reach South Point and Ocean View and even toward Mountain View to complete the radio station’s coverage of the district. 

Del Mar's winning Ka`u Coffee BBQ
Chicken Summer Roll Wrap.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

Deanna Del Mar with her
father. Photo by Julia Neal

DEANNA DEL MAR, of Wai`ohinu, won three Professional Division awards at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Recipe Contest last weekend. She took first in the Pupu category for her Ka`u Coffee BBQ Chicken Summer Roll Wrap with a Coffee BBQ Sauce; first in the Dessert II category (Candies, Drinks and other Desserts) for her Ka`u Cherry Spiced Coffee; and second in the Entrée category for her Ka`u Coffee Braised Kahuku Beef Tenderloin. Del Mar also won in 2009. Del Mar said she expected to win something but was shocked to win two firsts and a second. She works as a professional chef at Okolemaluna Tiki Lounge in Kailua-Kona and said she grew up around cooking and learned most of her skills from her father, a retired professional chef who specialized in ice carving and garnishing. Anyone interested in asking Del Mar for advice on cooking or about her recipes can call 929-7293. 

KUMU MAILE YAMANAKA shares the Arts and Traditions of Hula at Kilauea on Tuesday at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. One-hour long sessions include Hula at 10:30 a.m., Lei Making at noon and `Ukulele and Hawaiian Music at 1:30 p.m.

Danny Akaka, Jr. plays for the life of
Buddy Fo.  Photos by Julia Neal

Bruddah Walter said
he grew up wanting
to be like Buddy Fo.

MUSICIANS FROM NEAR AND FAR celebrated the 60-year career of Buddy Fo yesterday at Ocean View Community Center. Veteran Hawaiian singer Bruddah Walter, famous for selling more 45-rpm Hawaiian records than any other musician, said he wanted to be just like Buddy Fo and his band, the Invitations, when he was growing up. Danny Akaka, Jr. said he always appreciated how Buddy Fo took Hawaiian music on the road and helped make it more famous. Bolo, Tony Salvage, Moon Brown, Chris Yeaton and many others performed. 

Sammi Fo (center) will continue to
teach hula in Ocean View.

     At the end, Sammi Fo offered a feisty dance to celebrate the partying spirit of Buddy Fo. 

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP hosts Sacrifice for Freedom’s Sake in a special Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the KMC front lawn. Lt. Col. Rolland Niles, Commander of Pohakuloa Training Area, will deliver the keynote address. Representative Clift Tsuji, of House District 3, will be a guest speaker. Other participants include Pastor Bob Bruzelius, Erin Gallagher, Josh Timmons, Brianne Schlegelmilch, and the Waiakea High School Naval Junior ROTC. A buffet following the ceremony features pot roast, mahi mahi, clam chowder and salads in the Crater Rim Café from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The buffet is $13.75 for adults and $7.75 for children 6 – 11 years old.

Ka`u News Briefs May 21, 2011

Senior Class President Daryn Galigo.  Photos by Julia Neal

SIXTY-TWO STUDENTS make up the 2011 graduating class of Ka`u High School, and most of them made the walk to receive their diplomas last night at Ka`u High School Gym. Principal Sharon Beck bragged that graduates received $250,000 in scholarships, and 47 of them are going on to higher education, a growing percentage over years past. She noted that girls volleyball and wrestling went to state finals, and the musical group One Journey won the statewide Brown Bags to Stardom competition, a David over Goliath achievement from one of the smallest schools in the state.
     Beck said the class of 2011 has brought “leadership, energy, a great deal of laughter and yes - some stress, to the school. Parents, you have much to be proud of,” she proclaimed. 

     Senior Class President Daryn Galigo said, “We have learned to endure and overcome whatever tribulations come our way. It is time to show the world what we are capable of and give back to those who sacrificed to get us here.” 

Valedictorian Dakota Walker
and his grandmother.

Salutatorian Jaeneise Cuison.

     Salutatorian Jaeneise Cuison thanked teachers, coaches and family members for helping her overcome the fear of being a freshman and to become an adult. She said all the seniors contributed “blood, sweat and energy.”
     Sen. Daniel Akaka sent a letter saying “graduation is a milestone that allows us to reflect on past achievement and contemplate the future.” He urged students to “take an active part to make this a better Hawai`i.” 

     Valedictorian Dakota Walker won a full scholarship to Johns Hopkins University. He gave credit to his family and to teachers and coaches who, despite pay cuts and poor access to resources, “managed to make four years at Ka`u High School anything but a waste of time.” He said that no expensive private school provides the kind of love, understanding “and sheer effectiveness that you find at our school.”

Keynote speaker Kurt Dela Cruz.

     Keynote speaker Kurt Dela Cruz talked about his kid days in Ka`u when he was known as “Swingy,” living behind Matsumoto store in Na`alehu. He now works as a freshman counselor at University of Hawai`i in Hilo but still thinks of Ka`u as home. He urged the graduates not to “be shame” of their accomplishments. “Shame is when you steal,” he said, “not when you achieve. Shame is when you get your name in the paper – abuse of household member,” he joked. He urged students to always be proud of being from Ka`u and said that there is a glow, something special about everyone from this place. It can be seen in everyone from Navy commanders to attorneys and others who graduate from Ka`u High. He encouraged everyone to always remember where they come from.

THE SOUTHSIDE VOLLEYBALL CLUB is having a car wash today until noon at Ka`u Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu to raise funds to go the Nationals in Minnesota this summer. Baked good and desktop plants such as anthuriums rooted on lava rocks are also available for purchase.

Bo Lozoff performs
tonight in Volcano.

BO LOZOFF CELEBRATES the 70th birthday of Bob Dylan tonight at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Long hair and peace signs are encouraged. Tickets are $15 for this evening of great music and fun. 

FREE ART DEMONSTRATIONS and hands-on activities are featured at the annual Artists in Action event at Volcano Garden Arts in Volcano Village today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include book making, jewelry making, relief printmaking, glass blowing, pottery making and metal tooling.

A GATHERING HONORING THE LIFE of legendary Hawaiian composer, musician and entertainer Buddy Fo will be held today at 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. He lived in Ocean View with his wife, Sammi. They were very active in the Hawaiian music scene in Ka`u, and Sammi plans to continue to teach hula.

Ka`u News Briefs May 20, 2011

`Aina Koa Pono's depiction of its project to produce biofuel in Ka`u.

`AINA KOA PONO’S PROPOSAL to install giant microwave ovens to vaporize Christmas Berry, eucalyptus and crops to feed a proposed biodiesel refinery between Pahala and Wood Valley is being questioned by the Public Utilities Commission. PUC attorney Michael Azama wrote to Hawaiian Electric Company noting that the electric company characterizes the microwave depolymerizaton process “as an emerging, next generation technology that has not yet been proven on a commercial scale.” The PUC asks that the electric company “provide in detail all of the evidence and reasons to support the position” that the microwave technology “is technically feasible on a commercial scale for the proposed biofuels project, which promises sixteen million net United States gallons annually of locally produced biodiesel.” 

     The PUC also asks the electric company to explain the contractual risks to HELCO and its ratepayers, as well as Maui Electric and Hawaiian Electric Co on O`ahu and their respective ratepayers “in the event that the MWDP technology is proven not to be technically feasible on a commercial scale for the proposed project.” The PUC also asks whether the proposed price that the electric company would pay `Aina Koa Pono would include any risk to the utility and its customers. The PUC is giving Hawaiian Electric until May 31 to answer the questions.
     The refinery would be on Meyer Camp Road on the edge of the macadamia orchard between Pahala and Wood Valley. `Aina Koa Pono plans more than 300 jobs to build the $350 million refinery and more than 100 permanent jobs once it is up and running.

U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN MAZIE HIRONO has announced her bid for U.S. Senate to replace Sen. Dan Akaka, who plans to retire. She made the announcement on a two-minute You Tube presentation yesterday. She said she wants to “continue our fight for more and better Hawai`i jobs in tourism, construction, transportation; our fight for energy independence and the farmers and scientists who are building Hawai`i’s renewable economy; our fight for stronger public schools and early childhood education. I am running for the Senate because now, more that ever, we have to protect commitments like Medicare and Social Security from any attempt to dismantle them.” See MazieforHawaii.com. 

Charlene Cowan won in the Amateur Entree
category.  Photos by Geneveve Fyvie

Charlene Cowan's winning
entry in the Amateur
Entree category. 

THE KA`U COFFEE RECIPE & Taste of Ka`u Contest last weekend saw Charlene Cowan of Macadamia Meadows Farm Bed & Breakfast on Kamaoa Road winning first place in the Amateur Entrée Category. She offered up a Ka’u Coffee Portuguese Sausage Biscuit Topper. Cowan also won at the contest last year. She compared coming up with the topper to being an artist: “You have to think ahead about what you want to do and just work it through in your head.” Cowan used guava, mango and macadamia nuts from her own backyard and used tangerines and grapefruits from a neighborhood friend. Her garnishes – nasturtiums – were also picked on her farm. Cowan professed her passion for Ka`u and the local movement and said, “We also offer orchard tours on our farm, especially to those who stay with us. I’m all about ag and mac nuts, and education is a key part.” Anyone interested in contacting Charlene Cowan about her recipe, farm or bed & breakfast can email her through her website www.macadamiameadows.com or at innkeeper@macadamiameadows.com. 

A COUNTY COUNCIL TIP LINE has been set up to provide county employees and the general public the opportunity to report concerns or suggestions on how to improve county operations. The phone number is 932-2999. Callers can be anonymous or leave their name and number if they want a return call. 

Ka`u Rodeo Queen contender
Lorilee Lorenzo is selling
tickets.  Photo by Julia Neal

THE JULY 2ND AND 3RD KA`U RODEO is looking for a queen, and contenders are selling tickets to the event throughout the community. This annual rodeo to celebrate the Fourth of July follows the Fourth of July Parade in Na`alehu. Lorilee Lorenzo, of Pahala, daughter of Mahina and Frank Lorenzo is one of the contestants selling tickets throughout Ka`u. 

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY for public comments on the Wetlands Habitat Restoration Plan for Honu`apo Estuary. The goal is to improve local and migratory bird habitat. The effort would be to restore more open mudflats for foraging birds and deepwater pools for birds, fish and turtles. Call Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo executive director Lehua Lopez-Mau to see the complete plan and with questions at 929-9891. 

GRADUATION CEREMONIES will be held this evening at 5 p.m. at the Ka`u High School Gym. Keynote speaker is Kurt Dela Cruz, of the University of Hawai`i. Valedictorian Dakota Walker and salutatorian Jaeneise Cuison will also give speeches.

THE SOUTHSIDE VOLLEYBALL CLUB is having a car wash tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Ka`u Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu. The club is raising funds to go the Nationals in Minnesota this summer. Baked good and desktop plants such as anthuriums rooted on lava rocks will also be available for purchase. 

Zachary Street emcees at tonight's
Poetry Slam in Volcano.

ZACHARY STREET EMCEES tonight’s Poetry Slam at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Beginning at 7 p.m., poets of all ages compete as they read their original works, combining spoken word with dramatic presentation. Tickets are $8 and are available at volcanoartcenter.org and at the door. 

ALSO AT THE NIAULANI CAMPUS, Bo Lozoff celebrates the 70th birthday of Bob Dylan on Saturday at 7 p.m. Long hair and peace signs are encouraged. Tickets are $15 for this evening of great music and fun.

HALAU NA KIPU`UPU`U performs hula and chant tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on the hula platform overlooking Kilauea Crater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.

FREE ART DEMONSTRATIONS and hands-on activities are featured at the annual Artists in Action event happening tomorrow at Volcano Garden Arts in Volcano Village from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include book making, jewelry making, relief printmaking, glass blowing, pottery making and metal tooling.

A GATHERING HONORING THE LIFE of legendary Hawaiian composer, musician and entertainer Buddy Fo will be held tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. He lived in Ocean View with his wife, Sammi. They were very active in the Hawaiian music scene in Ka`u, and Sammi plans to continue to teach hula.