Ka`u News Briefs April 13, 2012

Wood Valley Temple resident and Tibetan Buddhist monk Teva travels to O`ahu to meet the Dahlai Lama.
 Photo by Lobsang Wangyal

THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION is responsible for a decline in electric bills on the Big Island. The PUC recently ruled that Hawaiian Electric Light Company must reduce rates it was charging through its interim rate hikes. The rates went down from 41.3 cents per kilowatt hour to 40.4 cents. The Big Island rates still remain some of the highest in the country. The average Big Island household paid $252.91 for the electric bill issued in April.
      Statewide electric rates are three times more expensive than average rates on the mainland and almost five times more expensive than the cheapest rates of any other state. In paying the most for electricity, Hawai`i is followed by Alaska, Connecticut, New York and Vermont. The least expensive is North Dakota, followed by Idaho, Louisiana, Washington state and Arkansas, according the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s data collected for January.
      Recent reasons given by the electric company for raising rates again, include a demand in Japan for more fossil fuel after shutting down its nuclear plants, following the tsunami and nuclear plant meltdown last year. Hawai`i Electric Industries, which also owns American Savings Bank, announced in February that its earnings rose 39 percent in the fourth quarter last year, mainly due to its utilities business.

Sen. Jill Tokuda. Photo from wcfonline.org

REFORMS TO “PUT STUDENTS FIRST” failed at the state legislature this week, scuttled by the House of Representatives on Wednesday and the Senate on Thursday. State Sen. Jill Tokuda who heads the Education Committee said that fear helped dash the hopes of creating a performance based evaluation system for the teachers to improve the school system. Yesterday she addressed the full Senate with a passionate speech contending that reforms would not trample bargaining rights of the union, the Hawai`i State Teachers Association. She also noted that Hawai`i is the only place without a teacher performance program tied to student improvement, among all the states in the Race to the Top federal program that provides significant funding to the school system.
      Teachers union chief Will Okabe saw it differently. He posted a statement on the union website yesterday, saying: “This is a tremendous win for teachers, students and all the people of Hawai`i. This sends a clear message that collective bargaining is alive and well in Hawai`i, and fundamental issues that affect the livelihood of teachers should be addressed at the bargaining table.”
      The union leader said teachers “made it clear that you were not afraid of evaluation, but wanted a system that included your voice.” He urged the teachers to wear the color red on school campuses on April 18, the day the union goes back to the bargaining table with the state. Teachers have been working with pay cuts and other measures imposed on them by the administration, without a union contract.

Dalai Lama in 1994 at Wood Valley Temple.
Photo from www.nechung.org

WOOD VALLEY TIBETAN BUDDHIST TEMPLE will be represented in meeting with the Dalai Lama this weekend. Monk Lobsang Toldan, known as Teva Gelong to his friends in Ka`u, will travel to Honolulu to see the Dalai Lama who is also holding a public meeting at the Stan Sheriff Center at University of Hawai`i on Saturday. The Dalai Lama consecrated the Wood Valley Temple in 1980 and visited again in 1993. Teva has lived there for more than a quarter of a century. See more on activities at Wood Valley Temple & Retreat Center at www.nechung.org.

ATLAS RECYCLING will be at South Point U-Cart tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

DIETRICH VAREZ will sign his collection of over 250 Hawaiian prints and books he has written and/or illustrated, including the new release Pele and Hi`iaki. All are welcome to the free event on Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. For more call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

SUPPORT FOR KA`U BOYS & GIRLS can be raised by buying tickets through KTA to the Harlem Globetrotters basketball demonstration game on Sunday, May 13 at 2 p.m. at the Hilo Civic Auditorium. KTA has offered to give a percentage of income from the tickets to Big Island Boys & Girls Club, which manages the Ka`u Boys & Girls Clubs in Na`alehu and Pahala.

Karla Casco works with on many agricultural projects at
her university in Honduras. In Ka`u she has worked on the
coffee berry borer problem and gives a report on Monday.  
Photo from Karla Casco

RESULTS FROM COFFEE BERRY BORER EXPERIMENTS completed in Kona and Ka`u under the University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources will be presented at a Risk Management Workshop on Monday. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Pahala Community Center, Dr. Elsie Burbano will present highlights on a new preventative treatment against CBB, Kaolin powder, and the efficacy of different trapping methods available in Hawai`i. Visiting Agribuisness student Karla Casco, from Zamorano University in Honduras, will discuss the potential economic losses and the costs and benefits of Beauveria bassiana. Andrea Kawabata, UH-CTAHR coffee and orchard crops extension agent, will give updates on the next Hawai`i Local & Immigrant Farmer Education/Risk Management Hawai`i event on June 9. All are welcome to attend. For more contact Didi at (808) 887-6183 or mddiaz@hawaii.edu.

Patricia Kaula. Photo from nps.gov

`IKE HANA NO`EAU cultural programs take place today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The Makuakane `Ohana shares the arts and music of Hawaiian culture, and Patricia Kaula demonstrates the art of traditional and modern lei making. The programs are free, and park entrance fees apply.

IMAGES FROM THE EDGE, a photo contest sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, is accepting entries through this Monday, April 16. The contest is open to anyone with an original photograph taken in the park within the last three years. Photos may be color or black and white and can cover any subject matter. All images will be considered for inclusion in a slideshow on Saturday, April 28 at Kilauea Visitor Center, and all finalists’ photographs will be exhibited from June 9 to 17 at Volcano Art Center Gallery.
       For full contest rules and to enter, visit fhvnp.org. The entry fee for up to three photos is $25, payable online by credit card.

Ka`u News Briefs April 12, 2012

Ka`u's trash could be trucked to West Hawai`i Landfill if county consultant's study is put into action. Photo from keepinghawaiiclean.com

NA`ALEHU GARBAGE IS trucked all the way to the West Hawai`i Landfill at Pu`uanahulu, and the rest of Ka`u’s trash could be added in if a county consultant’s study is put into action. Consultant R.W. Beck reported in a 226-page study that it would be less expensive to haul Ka`u and all the eastside trash to the westside than continue operating the Hilo Landfill.
      The study said proximity to Hilo Airport, along with the heavy rain and porous soil in Hilo, create poor conditions for a landfill and recommend against expanding it. It also contends that the county would save $1.5 million a year by trucking the garbage west. The County Council is weighing in on the issue, with its chair Dominic Yagong planning to draft a bill that would oppose the trucking. Both he and Council member Pete Hoffmann have said that the public is concerned about traffic and gas prices and would prefer to avoid long hauls of trash around the island. A story by Nancy Cook Lauer in this morning’s West Hawai`i Today quotes Mayor Billy Kenoi saying that the county administration will study the issue and has no plans so far to carry more garbage from one side to the other. The story also reports the study showing the westside landfill having 27 more years of service with eastside garbage added and 38 years without it.

Allegiant offers non-stop flights from Honolulu to mainland, starting late June.
Photo from sjgov.org

ALLEGIANT AIR FLIES NON-STOP TO HONOLULU from the mainland starting late June, according to a press release issued by the travel company on Tuesday. Founded in 1997, Allegiant offers air, hotel and car rental packages. Flights from Fresno, California, start on June 30, and flights from Las Vegas start on June 29. The press release emphasizes introductory low rates for the new flights starting at $174, one-way, available if booked before April 30. At press time, flights from Honolulu to Fresno depart on Saturdays and return on Sundays, while flights from Honolulu to Las Vegas depart on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays and return on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 

Linda Chiem,
photo from 
linkedin.com

     Linda Chiem, of Pacific Business News, also reported on the announcement, stating that with Allegiant “joining the mix and upping the competition for travelers, Hawai`i reaps the benefits of getting up to 900 new travelers a week.” Chiem quoted Hawai`i Tourism Authority president and CEO Mike McCartney saying that “Allegient’s entry to the Hawaiian Islands is good news for the state. The U.S. west is our leading market, and these flights will help to provide additional direct service for visitors and is estimated to provide up to $29.8 million in visitor expenditures and $3.25 million in tax revenue.”
      Allegiant president Andrew Levy said the travel company plans to expand service to other mainland cities in the future. For more, see allegiantair.com.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS and those interested in becoming volunteers are asked to meet tonight at 7 p.m. at H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. in Ocean View. For more call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

`IKE HANA NO`EAU cultural programs take place today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The Makuakane `Ohana shares the arts and music of Hawaiian culture, and Patricia Kaula demonstrates the art of traditional and modern lei making. The programs are free, and park entrance fees apply.

Photo from fhvnp.org

IMAGES FROM THE EDGE, a photo contest sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, is accepting entries through this Monday, April 16. The contest is open to anyone with an original photograph taken in the park within the last three years. Photos may be color or black and white and can cover any subject matter. All images will be considered for inclusion in a slideshow on Saturday, April 28 at Kilauea Visitor Center, and all finalists’ photographs will be exhibited from June 9 to 17 at Volcano Art Center Gallery.
      For full contest rules and to enter, visit fhvnp.org. The entry fee for up to three photos is $25, payable online by credit card.

A KEAUHOU BIRD CONSERVATION CENTER TOUR, offered by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, still has openings for this Monday, April 16, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The program cost is $20 for Friends members and $30 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are half-price. Email institute@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373. Visit fhvnp.org.

Image from rnh.com

AUDITIONS FOR CINDERELLA, written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, will be held on Monday, May 21 and Tuesday, May 22 by Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network for their annual summer musical. Auditions start at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Kilauea Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The show, directed by Suzi Bond, will have music directed by Pedro Ka`awaloa and choreography by Carmen Richardson. The play offers lead roles for six women and two men, featured roles for three men and a large singing and dancing ensemble of townspeople and children. All ages are encouraged to audition and are asked to come dressed comfortably and ready to move freely on the stage. Participants will be taught a song from the show and some dance steps. For more, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

Ka`u News Briefs April 11, 2012

Ka`u could soon have the first green powered coffee mill according to Olson land manager John Cross. Photos by Julia Neal

HYDROELECTRIC plans for Ka`u are reviewed in a new story by Big Island Video News. David Corrigan reports, “the infrastructure is being laid for a sustainable future.” Corrigan, hydroplant developer Edmund C. Olson and Olson land manager John Cross, traveled up the mountain above Wood Valley Road to Keaiwa Reservoir recently to examine the site where the hydro project is under construction involving the 13 million gallon Keaiwa Reservoir built in 1920. It has the potential to power the nearby Ka`u Coffee Mill, macadamia nut husking operation and about 400 homes in Pahala, said Olson and Cross. Cross said that the Ka`u Coffee Mill could be “the first coffee mill that is totally green powered, no fossil fuels used to process and dry and roast the coffee.”

Keiawa, 13 million gallon, reservoir above Wood Valley Road.

      The alternative energy with a 400 kw power plant will be used to help husk a million and a half pounds of macadamia nuts grown nearby.
      The water to create the energy and electricity comes from tunnels, many of them installed in the time of the sugar plantations. “Now everything is being upgraded. Its a massive project, requiring work on steep cliffs and muddy hillsides,” Corrigan reports. He noted that “Local farmers are helping Pahala and Wood Valley transition from the defunct plantation era economy to a new model – rooted mostly in gourmet coffee – giving new life, and hope, to Ka`u's agricultural way of life.”
      “As a brand, Ka`u coffee has been blazing a path towards global recognition, with continued victories at world renown cupping competitions. As a name, Ka`u is even giving the celebrated Kona-brand a run for its money,” the Big Island Video News story reports. “The region has reinvented itself with its new found coffee industry, making local agricultural celebrities out of hard working farmers like Bull and Jamie Ka`ili`awa. The success is punctuated every year with the popular Ka`u Coffee Festival.” For more see bigislandvideonews.com.

Mayor Billy Kenoi says geothermal could power the island. 
Photo by Teresa Tico

GEOTHERMAL’S FUTURE was touted by Mayor Billy Kenoi last night at a talk story meeting. According to West Hawai`i Today this morning, the mayor and other county officials visited Ormoc City in the Philippines where he said three workers run a geothermal plant that is clean and provides 220 megawatts of power. “To put that in perspective, if everybody gets home, 6 p.m. turns on the lights, peak power – 180 megawatts, is what it takes for this entire island,” the Big Island, said the mayor. The story by Erin Miller reports that the mayor said he would like to see additional geothermal in West Hawai`i. During the same talk-story, held in Kona, County Council Chair Dominic Yagong said he supports geothermal but is concerned about plans to depend on geothermal to power up the other Hawaiian islands through sending the electricity along a cable between the islands, the West Hawai`i Today story reports.

KA`U HIGH & PAHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS invite the public to do a walk-through tomorrow. To reserve, call 928-2088.

THE DEADLINE FOR KEN WICKS SCHOLARSHIP has been moved to May 1. Anyone entering or re-entering the work force or the higher education system may apply. For more visit kauchamber.org.

Photo of banded spiny lobster from reefguide.org

LOBSTER & CRAB SEASON ENDS MAY 1 and applies to all forms of harvesting, by hand, by net or trap. The taking of female spiny lobsters and female Kona crabs has been illegal in any season since 2006. In order to take spiny lobsters their heads must be 3-1/4 inches in length. Spearing of spiny lobsters is prohibited. Slipper lobsters must be 2-3/4 inches in tail width and spearing of slipper lobsters is prohibited. See more on the regulations at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS and those interested in becoming volunteers are asked to meet tomorrow at 7 p.m. at H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. in Ocean Views. For more call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

`IKE HANA NO`EAU cultural programs are scheduled this week from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center. Today, Sam and Edna Baldado discuss the cultural uses of kalo, the taro plant. Ka`ohu Monfort teaches how plants and Hawaiian culture are used to heal and nourish. Ranger Adrian Boone and volunteer Ed Shiinoki demonstrate and make traditional three-holed bamboo nose flutes, and praise and worship leader Rupert Tripp, Jr. shares his love for music.
      Tomorrow, Boone and Shiinoki again demonstrate nose flutes. Master lei artist Patricia Kaula shares na lei, the art of traditional and modern lei making, and the Makuakane `Ohana celebrate Merrie Monarch, sharing the arts and music of Hawaiian culture tomorrow and Friday.
     The programs are free, and park entrance fees apply.

LINDA ROWELL STEVENS’ signs copies of Uncle Kawaiola’s Dream, the latest book she illustrated, tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The event is free and park entrance fees apply. Call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org for more.

Photo of puaiohi by Michelle Smith, KBCC

A KEAUHOU BIRD CONSERVATION CENTER tour still has openings for next Monday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The center, located in Volcano, is one of two operated by San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Captive propagation and release techniques aim to reestablish self-sustaining populations of critically endangered birds in the wild. Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is offering the tour. `Alala, Hawaiian crow; palila, a finch-billed honeycreeper; Maui parrotbill, an insectivorous Hawaiian honeycreeper; and puaiohi, small Kaua`i thrush, are among birds cared for at the center.
      “Since the tour is during breeding season, we may even have the unique chance to see chicks being fed,” said Julie Mitchell, manager of Friends. Program cost is $20 for Friends members and $30 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are half-price. Email institute@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373. Visit fhvnp.org.