Ka`u News Briefs May 2, 2013

Sensors on Mauna Loa have been tracking climate change since the 1950s, and scientists say that CO2 in the
atmosphere will soom reach a record daily high. Photo from NOAA

SENSORS ON MAUNA LOA MEASURE the growing CO2 in the atmosphere, and levels are about to reach a daily average of 400 parts per million, which have not been experienced on the planet since the Pliocine era, according to scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

      This will be the first time in human history that C02 levels have been so high, according to the scientists. The daily average level, recorded Monday by Scripps on Mauna Loa, was 399.5 ppm. The CO2 level changes during the day, and hourly levels in excess of 400 ppm were recorded. The level also goes up and down throughout the year, with May being the month when CO2 reaches its highest concentrations.
      Ralph Keeling, a geologist with Scripps, told The Guardian, a British newspaper: “I wish it weren’t true, but it looks like the world is going to blow through the 400 ppm level without losing a beat. At this pace, we’ll hit 450 ppm within a few decades.” The higher the CO2, the more global warming, scientists predict.

Monthly daily average of CO2 has been measured on Mauna Loa for more
than 50 years and is expected to reach a level unexperienced since warmer
days on the planet during pre-human times. Graph from NOAA

      Scripps released a statement last week saying: “Scientists estimate that the last time CO2 was as high as 400 ppm was probably the Pliocene epoch, between 3.2 million and 5 million years ago, when Earth’s climate was much warmer than today. CO2 was around 280 ppm before the Industrial Revolution, when humans first began releasing large amounts of CO2 to the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels. By the time [Charles] Keeling began measurements in 1958, CO2 had already risen from 280 to 316 ppm. The rate of rise of CO2 over the past century is unprecedented; there is no known period in geologic history when such high rates have been found. The continuous rise is a direct consequence of society’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels for energy.”
      The result is global warming that could raise the water level in the oceans, covering islands and inundating coastal lands everywhere, these scientists predict.
      The Scripps scientists are the leaders in climate change research that was founded by Charles Keeling.
      The United Nation’s climate chief Christiana Figueres weighed in on the new measurements at a climate meeting on Monday with “a heightened sense of urgency.” Countries from around the world are meeting to negotiate a climate treaty by 2015 that would take effect by 2020.
     Mauna Loa Observatory is a premier atmospheric research facility that has been continuously monitoring and collecting data related to atmospheric change since the 1950s. According to its website at www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/obop/mlo, “The undisturbed air, remote location, and minimal influences of vegetation and human activity at MLO are ideal for monitoring constituents in the atmosphere that can cause climate change. The observatory is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-Earth System Research Laboratory-Global Monitoring Division.”
      According to the scientists, the measurements of CO2 on Mauna Loa are unaffected by current emissions from Kilauea Volcano.

Olson Trust land manager John Cross discussed plans for a hydroelectric
plant using water from plantation water sources during yesterday's Ka`u
Moutain Water Systems Hike. Photos by Andrew Richard Hara

FUNDING TO CONTINUE TO BATTLE the coffee berry borer has passed the state Legislature. HB353 appropriates $250,000 in matching funds for each of the next two fiscal years for the Department of Agriculture to research and develop methods for the prevention and treatment of coffee berry borer infestations. It also appropriates $300,000 in matching funds for the upcoming fiscal year for the Department of Agriculture to fund efforts to control and mitigate damage from coffee berry borer infestation. In order for the funds to be available, they must be matched dollar-for-dollar by private or other government sources.

The Nature Conservancy Hawai`i Island director Shalan Crysdale talked
about rainforest preservation.

THE KA`U MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEMS HIKE yesterday led walkers from 25 to 75 years of age onto old plantation trails, into the rainforest above Wood Valley Road and to old tunnels and water systems once used to carry sugar cane to the Pahala sugar mill. The event, one of many during the ten days of the Ka`u Coffee Festival, sold out, and Ka`u Coffee Mill representatives said they plan to offer the hike on a regular basis. 

      During the trek, Olson Trust land manager John Cross explained plans to use the plantation water sources for a new hydroelectric plant that will run Ka`u Coffee Mill and other farm enterprises as well as provide irrigation water for crops like taro and watercress. Shalan Crysdale, Hawai`i Island director for The Nature Conservancy, talked about the rainforest and the preservation of the watershed and endangered species, as well as a partnership with landowner Edmund C. Olson Trust to rid the forest of invasive species such as kahili ginger.

Participants lined up to cross a gulch on their trek to the source of water
from the Ka`u mountains.

      The next Ka`u Coffee Festival event is Coffee & Cattle Day tomorrow, Friday, May 3 at Aikane Plantation Farm with lunch and a tour of coffee, protea, cattle, horse and other farm enterprises on the cane haul road between Pahala and Na`alehu. The cost is $25. Call 808- 927-2252 for reservations.
      Also on Friday is Stargazing at Makanau Mountain at 5:30 p.m., meeting at Ka`u Coffee Mill. The $35 event includes a talk from an `Imiloa astronomer, as well as Ka`u Coffee and snacks. Call 928-0550 for reservations.

THE LINEUP FOR FREE MUSIC & HULA at the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a this Saturday at Pahala Community Center begins at 9 a.m. with Emcee Skylark offering an opening pule.

Cyril Pahinui

      Keoki Kahumoku & `Ukulele Kids follow at 9:20 p.m. At 10 a.m., Cyril Pahinui takes the stage, followed by Lori Lei Shirakawa’s Hula Halau at 10:45 a.m. At 11:45 a.m. Loeka and Pomai Longakit sing for the festival, followed by a 12:30 p.m. series of presentations, proclamations and announcements and the introduction of Miss Ka`u Coffee Tiare-Lee Shibuya and her court.
      At 1 p.m., Halau Hula O Leionalani with Kumu Debbie Ryder performs with dancers from Pahala, Lana`i and Japan.
      At 2 p.m., Demetrius Olivera performs with D, Gene and Curtis.
      Bolo follows at 3 p.m, followed by Hands of Time at 4 p.m.

BUY LOCAL at sponsoring area businesses during Ka`u Coffee Festival season and earn chances to win $1,000. Visit any or all of the participating Buy Local sponsors from now until May 4 to enter the Buy Local, It Matters drawing. To enter, bring business cards, product labels or receipts from participating Buy Local sponsors to the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center by 3 p.m. on Saturday. The more Buy Local sponsors visited, the more chances to win. Winner must be present at the time of the drawing at 4 p.m.
      See kaucoffeefest.com for details and a list of participating Buy Local sponsors.

Masako Sakata, shown here with Keoki Kahumoku,
gives back her winnings in the Triple C Recipe
Contest to create a scholarship for next year's
Miss Ka`u Coffee winner in the education division.
It will be in the name of Sakata and her cooking
mentor, Alice Yonemitsu. Photo by Julia Neal

DONATING HER PRIZES to the Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholarship Fund is Masako Sakata, who took first and second place in the Triple C Recipe Contests during the ongoing ten days of Ka`u Coffee Festival events. Sakata and her mentor Alice Yonemitsu will be named for a $250 scholarship for the Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholarship Pageant in 2014. Sakata, with the help of Yonemitsu, created Ka`u Coffee Cookie Delights to take first place in the Amateur Cookie category and win $150. She also took second place and $100 in the Amateur Cracker category with her Coffee Icing on Cracker. Sakata said she wants her donation to go toward the Education Scholarship for Miss Ka`u Coffee. 

ST. JUDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH in Ocean View holds its second annual fundraising Cinco de Mayo Festival tomorrow. Doors open at 6 p.m., and dinner with live music is served at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 or two for $20. 939-7555

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER hosts a Spring Fair Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring local arts, crafts, baked and canned goods and a silent auction, with items donated from local businesses. The event benefits the community center’s Thanksgiving Dinner and Keiki Christmas Party.

AN EXHIBIT ENTITLED The Garden Within opens Saturday at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Phan Barker exhibits abstract fiber sculptures and paintings made of silk, thread and wood capturing the beauty of the island while tending to the soul. Opening reception is Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Barker leads an informative exhibit tour during the reception beginning at 5 p.m., offering insights into her technique, process and inspiration. The artist also shares insight behind the works every Tuesday throughout May from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u News Briefs May 1, 2013

View from Volcano House, where management asks the public to name the restaurant which is scheduled to reopen
in June. Photos from Volcano House

VOLCANO HOUSE, NOW A MEMBER OF THE MONOGRAM HOTEL COLLECTION, asks the public to help name its new restaurant. A press release sent out today from Aqua Hospitality, which manages Monogram and Volcano House, reaches out to the kama`aina community to help “name the new restaurant that opens in June at historic Volcano House on Hawai`i Island.”
       Elizabeth Churchill, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Aqua Hospitality, said that “opening the new restaurant and lounge is one of the highlights of this exciting multi-million dollar renovation, and providing an opportunity for people to help name the restaurant will be great fun.

Newly refurbished Crater View rooms at Volcano House are now available
for nightly rental.

       “Guests are already enjoying their stays in the newly renovated Crater View rooms, so the restaurant and lounge opening will be a wonderful amenity that everyone visiting Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will definitely enjoy.”
      The statement says that “offering diners maximum panoramic views of steaming Halema`uma`u Crater is a priority, and guests will not be disappointed. The new traditional Hawaiian menu will utilize Hawai`i Island farmers for 95 percent of its protein, fruit and vegetable needs.”
       The restaurant-naming contest launched today, May 1. Deadline to submit entries is May 15. Entries must be submitted online at http://www.hawaiivolcanohouse.com/contest/. There is no limit to the number of names submitted. Those entering must be 18 years and older with a valid Hawai`i I.D. One winner will be selected by a team from Volcano House, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and the park’s cultural advisory group. If a name is chosen that has been submitted by more than one individual, the first person to submit the name is the winner.
      The winner receives a two-night stay in a Crater View room with breakfast for two daily and one dinner for two with a glass of wine.
      For more information on the company, individual hotels and its three divisions of hotels – Monogram Hotel Collection, Aqua Hotels and Resorts and Lite Hotels – visit www.aquahospitality.com or call 1-808-943-9291.

Brenda Iokepa-Moses
Photo by Julia Neal

BRENDA IOKEPA-MOSES WAS SWORN IN as a member of the Hawai`i County Board of Water Supply today. An appointee of Mayor Billy Kenoi, she was confirmed with a unanimous vote. She is an employee of Ka`u Farm Management, LCC, a subsidiary of the Edmund C. Olson Trust. She previously worked with Chris Manfredi at Ka`u Farm & Ranch and previously for C. Brewer in the land management division in Ka`u, from the time that Ka`u Sugar Co. was shutting down to the selling off of its lands.
      Iokepa-Moses served 21 years in the U.S. Army Reserves. She has also served for 20 years on the Ka`u Soil & Water Conservation Board and is currently its chair. She is secretary for the Ka`u Farm Bureau and co-chair of Ka`u Coffee Festival. She is a member of `O Ka`u Kakou community group.
      When asked by County Council member Brenda Ford why she wanted to serve on the water board and whether she saw any conflict of interest in being on the other community boards at the same time, Iokepa-Moses said she volunteers on all of them without compensation and that the main goal is to assist the farming community. She said the goal of the Soil and Water Conservation District is taking care of the land with soil conservation plans so that erosion doesn’t happen. She said she is committed to providing water for both agriculture and people.
      Ford said in an interview today that she asks questions about conflict of interest because, "Sometimes people are working for a company that has plans for the area. I always ask about potential conflicts because the question is ‘Are they volunteering to advance the interest of the employer rather than the interest of the community? If they are serving on one or more boards, will any of those boards be advancing their agenda versus the interests of, for example, the water board, which represents the overall community?"
      Ford said that everyone in District 6, from South Kona through Ka`u, “has the same water issues, insufficient or inadequate water systems. Many residents don’t have potable wells, reservoirs and water mains.” Ford said she also questions nominees in particular when they will represent the district where she serves as Council member. “I want to see if they have knowledge of the district.” Ford said that “Iokepa-Moses does. She seems to have a good working knowledge of the old sugar company water distribution system. She explained that she wants to serve on the water board because she has been working with farmers and on water issues for 20 years and wants to see if she can provide further assistance in this area.” Ford joined the other council members in voting to confirm Iokepa-Moses’ appointment.

Tomorrow is the last day of the 2013 Hawai`i State Legislature which
began on Jan. 16 at the State Capitol.

THE HAWAI`I STATE LEGISLATURE has voted unanimously in both the House and Senate to approve the state budget for the upcoming Fiscal 2013-2015 biennium.
      HB200 CD1 appropriates funds for operating and capital improvement costs of the Executive Branch for the biennium fiscal years FY2013-2014 and FY2014-2015.
      For FY2013-2014, the bill offers $6 billion in general funds and $11.8 billion in all other means of financing. For FY2014-2015, it appropriates $6.1 billion in general funds and $12 billion in all additional financing means. It also provides over $3 billion in funding for capital improvement projects and $30 million Grants-In-Aid for nonprofit organizations.

A BILL AUTHORIZING PHASED REVIEW of certain projects by the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ State Historic Preservation Division passed the Senate in a floor vote yesterday. The bill would allow projects to be approved before complete archaeological surveys are done for the entire project area. Numerous historians and most professional and academic archaeologists working in Hawai`i have opposed it. Ka`u’s state senators Russell Ruderman and Josh Green voted against it.

FRIDAY, MAY 3 IS CINCO DE MAYO at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. There will be live music, and the menu includes enchiladas, rice, beans, salad, dessert and beverage. Tickets are $12 or two for $20. Call 939-7555.

Merle and Phil Becker host Coffee & Cattle Day Friday.
Photo from Aikane Plantation

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE for Coffee & Cattle Day Friday from 10 a.m. at Aikane Plantation. At this Ka`u Coffee Festival event, descendants of the first coffee farmer in Ka`u explain how coffee is integrated into cattle production and other agriculture. $25 in advance includes lunch and beverages. Call 927-2252. 

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL’S Fifth Annual Ho`olaule`a is coming up Saturday at Pahala Community Center. Music, hula, food, Ka`u Coffee, games, arts and crafts are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
      Ka`u Coffee Experience has two sessions: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For $5 Participants sample Ka`u Coffees prepared using a wide variety techniques and served by expert baristas.
      Farm & Mill Tours take place at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and at 12 p.m. Sunday. Participants learn how coffee is grown and picked, then proceed to Ka`u Coffee Mill to learn how beans are processed and roasted while enjoying coffee tastings and demonstrations. $20 includes entry to Ka`u Coffee Experience.
      Ka`u Coffee College on Sunday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. is an educational series featuring researchers and industry professionals. It is free for farmers. Sign up with Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.
      Keep up with Ka`u Coffee Festival news at kaucoffeefest.com.

BUY LOCAL at sponsoring area businesses during Ka`u Coffee Festival season and earn chances to win $1,000. Visit any or all of the participating Buy Local sponsors from now until May 4 to enter the Buy Local, It Matters drawing. To enter, bring business cards, product labels or receipts from participating Buy Local sponsors to the Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center by 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. The more Buy Local sponsors visited, the more chances to win. Winner must be present at the time of the drawing at 4 p.m.
      See kaucoffeefest.com for details and a list of participating Buy Local sponsors.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VOLLEYBALL won last night in a Big Island Interscholastic Federation playoff match against Christian Liberty Academy. Playing at home, the Trojans won 25-22, 25-16, 20-25, 25-17. Trojans play their second-round match at Kamehameha School gymnasium at 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 3 against Hawai`i Preparatory Academy. 

       On Monday, the Ka`u High School Boys Volleyball team beat Kea`au Cougars 25-18, 25-21, 25-6 at their last season game. Ka`u Athletic Department and coaching staff congratulates seniors Dimetri Castaneda, Greg Javar, and Donald Garo, Jr.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u News Briefs April 30, 2013

Miss Ka`u Coffee Tiare-Lee Shibuya will entertain with Keoki Kahumoku and reign over Ka`u Coffee Festival events this week.
 See www.kaucoffeefest.com Photo by Julia Neal

THE 5,700 ACRES OF KA`U LAND to be auctioned off at an O`ahu courthouse on May 21 will be bundled, according commissioner Geroge Van Buren. That means that two houses, as well as small residential and farm lots included in the properties, will be unavailable for individual farmers and local residents to acquire through the auction to be held at the First Circuit Court building in Honolulu.
      The 5,700 acres include a parcel of approximately 2,000 acres where Ka`u Coffee farmers at Moa`ula grow their famous crop on under 400 acres. It also includes Waikapuna, a large stretch of coastal land south of Honu`apo that is now in pasture and open space and is the site of much archeology and pristine coastal conditions. Additional land being auctioned rises above Honu`apo above Hwy 11 and is largely in pasture. 

Moa`ula coffee farms are on the land to be auctioned off on May 21. Photo by Julia Neal

      The acreage is caught up in the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy of 2008. Entities that bought the property include Windwalker, Hawai`i and WWW Hawai`i Holdings, which borrowed $44.7 million from Lehman for a high end development on agriculturally zoned land. Before additional money could be loaned, Lehman fell into bankruptcy and loans were halted. Developers said stopping the additional loans made it impossible to finish their project, sell off the development and pay back the money. 

Waikapuna lands, south of Honu`apo, are in the bundle of properties up for auction.

      Since 2008, Lehman Brothers has been allowed to reorganize its real estate business and is foreclosing on Windwalker and auctioning off the property. With an all-or-nothing auction for such large acreage, however, it is unclear as to whether anyone will bid. In fact Lehman could end up with the property and then sell it off in sections or raise money and continue the development.
      The value of the real estate for county property taxes is $13.6 million. The money owed with interest is $59.7 million, according to foreclosure documents. However, there is no upset price listed for the property. The commissioner for the property is George Van Buren, who can be reached at 808—522-0420 or email gvb@vcshawaii.com.

THE `AINA KOA PONO ISSUE is reaching O`ahu, with an op-ed piece submitted to The Ka`u Calendar and also for this morning’s Honolulu Star Advertiser. The opinion comes from the Big Island Community Coalition, which opposes the electric companies signing  a 20-year contract to purchase biofuel that would be produced at a refinery in Ka`u.

      Members of the Coalition include:
      Richard Ha, a member of the state Board of Agriculture and founder of Hamakua Springs Country Farms; Big Island Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee and Ka`u sugar mill site co-owner Robert Lindsey; geothermal proponent Ku`ulei Kealoha Cooper, of Kealoha Estate; John E.K. Dill, member of the state Contractors License Board; Rockne Freitas, vice president for student affairs at University of Hawai`i; Wallace Ishibashi, of the ILWU; D. Noelani Kalipi, a former military attorney and advocate of economic and energy development; Ka`iu Kimura, executive director of `Imiloa Astronomy Center; H. “Monty” Richards, of Kahua Ranch; Marcia Sakai, Dean of University of Hawai`i – Hilo School of Business and Economics; Kumu Lehua Veincent, principal of Big Island Kamehameha School; and Bill Walter, president of W.H. Shipman, Ltd.
       The Coalition submitted the following to The Ka`u Calendar. It was penned by Richard Ha:

`Aina Koa Pono is an O`ahu issue in the Honolulu newspaper this morning, following last fall's hearings in Hilo, held by the PUC.
Photo from Big Island Video News

      “The Public Utilities Commission is considering approving a contract between Hawai`i island's HECO-owned utility (HELCO) and a partnership known as `Aina Koa Pono (AKP). Its decision is expected soon.
      “Why should rate payers on O`ahu care about this proposed contract?
      “Because if approved, O`ahu residents would pay about 90 percent of the cost — even though the very expensive biofuel would be used only on the Big Island.

     “The contract between HELCO and AKP calls for HELCO — and you — to purchase fuel from AKP at about $200 per barrel. Today, a barrel of oil costs about half that: $107. If this contract is approved, there will be a surcharge, to cover the difference, on your monthly electricity bill.
     "Furthermore, note that whenever oil has reached about $120 per barrel, world economies have slowed precipitously. Many have gone into recession. This tells us that there is a natural economic ‘stop’ in place that keeps oil from getting anywhere near $200 per barrel.
      “And yet, HELCO/HECO is trying to guarantee AKP a fixed price of $200 per barrel.
      "While a discussion of using renewable energy, rather than primarily buying foreign oil, is warranted, when the cost of those renewables is so unrealistically high that any buyer would look for other alternatives, then that discussion has reached the point of absurdity.
       "What lower-cost alternatives exist for the island of Hawai`i`?

The site off Wood Valley Road where `Aina Koa Pono planned to put its refinery.
Photo by Julia Neal

* “The island has significant geothermal resources at the equivalent price of $57 per barrel. Right now, HELCO purchases only about 70 percent of the geothermal power available, meaning there is more geothermal available at well below the equivalent of $200 per barrel.
* “HELCO currently purchases power from biofuel and hydroelectric sources that make a reasonable profit at today's prices, and don't ask for $200 per barrel. Additional power plants are asking to come on line at today's prices.
* “HECO and HELCO currently buy solar power at prices well below the equivalent of $200 per barrel (in fact, from what we can tell, at less than half that price).
* “HECO and HELCO buy wind-generated power for far less than $200 per barrel, with more potential sellers lining up to sell to them.
     "AKP's plan has technical issues as well. The process AKP plans to use has never been proven at the scale it is proposing; the proposed yield of source material is many times more than ever grown anywhere. There are also cultural and environmental issues.
      “Finally, you might ask why O`ahu rate payers should pay for power consumed by rate payers on another island. Good question.
     "The simple answer is that if rate payers on Hawai`i island had to bear the burden, there is no way this could be approved. That kind of tells the whole story right there, doesn't it?
     "We suggest writing to the Public Utilities Commission if you oppose this contract — hawaii.puc@hawaii.gov — or contacting your state or county lawmakers,” the Big Island Coalition concludes.

Paniolo came from all over Ka`u and beyond to raise money for the Junior Class of Ka`u High School. Photos by Richard Taylor

THE RODEO AT NA`ALEHU held over the weekend to raise money for Ka`u High School’s Junior Class has submitted the results.
In Open Dally, first place went to Chris Awa and Bronson Branco, second place to Danny Joseph and Mike Smith, third place to Alex Gomes and Gilbert Smith, fourth place to Sam Auld and Kalai Nobriga, fifth place to Nahe Nobriga and Edwin Nobriga.

Wahine roping drew many women riders to the rodeo in Na`alehu.

     In Kane Wahine Dally, first place went to Arthur Lindsey and Kacy Boteilho, second to Frank Boteilho and Tatiana Boteilho, third to Kalai Nobriga and Chelsea Branco, fourth to Keola Loando and Tatiana Boteilho, and fifth to Macey Loando and Jr. Henriques.

      In Team 90's, first place went to Keith Gomes and Allen Gomes and second to Frank Boteilho and Billy Benevides.
     In the Po`owai`u, first place went to Ken Meranda, second to Bronson Branco, and third to Kalai Nobriga. 

     In Wahine Mugging, first place went to Chelsea Branco and Nahe Nobriga, second to Raisha Karratti and Cheyenne Fuerte, third to Macy Loando and Naomi Kamakau, and fourth to Laurel Yanagi and Raisha Karratti.

      In Double Mugging, first place went to Keola Loando and Devin Boteiho, second to Kalai Nobriga and Bronson Branco, third to Bronson Branco and Billy Benevides, fourth to Billy Benevides and Ken Moranda and fifth to Dave Borges and Aki Smith.         

     In Ribbon Mugging, first place went to Bronson Branco and Sam Auld, second to Kalai Nobriga and Bronson Branco, third to Shavonne Panglao and Jerry Benevides and fourth to Poch Nobriga and Troy Mandaloniz. 

       In Tie Down Roping, first place went to Ken Moranda and second place Aurthur Lindsey.
       In Youth Barrels, first place went to Daniel Moranda, second to Weston Joseph and third to Kilihea Mackchew.
       In Wahine Barrels, first place went to Nahe Nobriga, second to Hailey Onaka and thrid to Cheyenne Fuerte.
       In Keiki Dummy Roping, four years old and under, first place went to Kohl Pascual. In the five to eight year old Dummy Roping, first place went to Kalia Andrade, second to Blayke Hanoa, third to Stetson Branco, fifth to Khezain Nobriga.
     In Goat Undecorating, four and under, first went to Kohl Pascual, second to Teani Souza. In five-to-eight year old Goat Undecorating, first went to Dedrick Souza, second to Stetson Branco, third to Payton Hanoa

Team roping competition stretched the steer at the rodeo to raise funds for high school student activities. Photo by Richard Taylor

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL CONTINUES tomorrow with a hike to old plantation water systems and the rainforest. Call 928-0550. On Friday is Coffee & Cattle Day at Aikane Plantation Coffee farm on the old cane road between Pahala and N`alehu. Call 808-927-2252 and Friday is Ka`u Star Gazin at Makanau. Call 928-0550. The full day of music, hula, food, crafts and coffee tasting is Saturday at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. An education day is set for Sunday. See www.kaucoffeefest.com

CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL will be held Friday at St. Judes Episcopal Church in Ocean View at 6 p.m. Includes dinner at $12 a person or two for $20. Call 939-7555.