Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, May 31, 2014

Kahuku Unit of Hawa`i Volcanoes National Park invites everyone to programs in June, including the Palm Trail Hike, which crosses this 1868 lava flow. Photo from NPS

THE COST OF SOLAR PLUS STORAGE for residential consumers of electricity in Hawai`i is already competitive with the price of utility grid power, according to Barclays, the seventh largest bank in the world. Barclays has downgraded the entire U.S. electric sector corporate bond market over concerns that declining cost trends in distributed solar photovoltaic power generation and residential-scale power storage is likely to disrupt the status quo. While utilities account for almost 7.5 percent of Barclays’ U.S. Corporate Index by market value, according to Michael Aneiro of Barron’s Magazine, the bank is recommending that investors consider alternatives to utilities in areas where solar plus storage is competitive.

      According to a report from Barclays, “in the 100-plus year history of the electric utility industry, there has never before been a truly cost-competitive substitute available for grid power. We believe that solar plus storage could reconfigure the organization and regulation of the electric power business over the coming decade. We see near-term risks to credit from regulators and utilities falling behind the solar plus storage adoption curve and long-term risks from a comprehensive re-imagining of the role utilities play in providing electric power.”

Rob Wile, of Business Insider

      Reporting on Barclays’ downgrade, Rob Wile, of Business Insider, said times are changing for the “regulated monopolies” which “face almost no competition and enjoy access to cheap credit.
      “Cheap solar panels combined with cheap storage will spark a grid ‘defection spiral’ that will pry away utilities’ grip on the power monopoly.”
      Wile noted that Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates that the annual output of PV modules increased almost 30 times in the past decade, making them much cheaper, and battery storage system costs have declined from as much as $17,000 in 2009 to about $3,700 in 2013.
      “It’s been a good run (for the utilities),” Wile concluded.
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“IT COMES AS NO SURPRISE TO THOSE of us in Hawai`i who know Gen. Eric Shinseki that he would assume responsibility for the reprehensible conduct of those in the VA, whose misconduct has led to unacceptable delays in serving the veterans for whom he has been and is a champion,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie regarding the resignation of the Kauai-born U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
      “Twice wounded himself, he has had as his chief ambition since becoming secretary, the welfare of veterans and their families,” Abercrombie said. “That accounts for his resignation today. A man of Gen. Shinseki’s integrity could not allow focus on him to obscure taking the necessary steps to address the pressing issues involved. 

      “It is a measure of his values, Hawai`i’s values and his lifelong commitment to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces that he wants his resignation to lead to a systematic review of, and the taking of action on, the challenges facing the VA in terms of personnel and program support.
      “Eric Shinseki was and is a true son of Hawai`i.”

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HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS TOMORROW and continues through Nov. 30. Are you ready? A Hurricane Preparedness Guide is available on the Civil Defense page of hawaiicounty.gov.
      The guide tells what Ka`u residents should do to get ready for a disaster in advance:

• Determine safe evacuation routes; 
• Learn locations of official shelters; 
• Make emergency plans for pets; 
• Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards and cell phones; 
• Buy food that will keep, and store drinking water; 
• Buy plywood or other material to protect your home; 
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts; 
• Trim trees and shrubbery; 
• Determine where to move boats in an emergency; and
• Review insurance policies. 

      See more on hurricane preparedness in future Ka`u News Briefs.

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IMPROVING LAVA-FLOW RISK ASSESSMENT for populated areas is the topic of the current issue of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Volcano Watch. HVO is testing a new technique that can help identify structures, thereby enabling civil authorities to know how many are in a geographic region threatened by lava flows.
      Hawaiian Ocean View Estates was one area where HVO ran tests involving image classification. They used satellite images in combination with geographic information systems software to locate and classify structures. They then checked their accuracy by going into the area and manually counting the number of structures.
      “Our study shows that classifying satellite images can be useful in estimating the number of structures potentially in harm’s way,” HVO concluded. “Ultimately, it will enhance our ability to assess our island’s vulnerability to future lava flows.”

      For more, see hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE in Hawai`i County government meetings this week. County Council holds a special meeting Monday at 9 a.m. for its second reading of the County Operating & Capital Improvement Project budgets.
      Committees meet Tuesday, with Government Relations & Economic Development at 9 a.m.; Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability, 9:15 a.m.; Finance, 9:30 a.m.; and Planning, 10:30 a.m.
      Hawai`i County Council hold its regular meeting Wednesday at 9 a.m.
      All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo. Videoconferencing is available at Ocean View Community Center.
      Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

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NA`ALEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS a Hardware Science Program Tuesday at 3 p.m. HouseMart, Ben Franklin Crafts and Ace Hardware are partnering with Hawai`i State Publi Library System to present this inspiring program that uses simple equipment and tools available at hardware and craft stores to teach Science, Technology, Math, Art and Engineering concepts by providing hands-on experiences that can be replicated at home. Program is recommended for ages 8 years old and up.
      Call 939-2442 for more information.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK INVITES KA`U residents to participate in free Kahuku programs in June.
      During the `Ohi`a Lehua program, participants learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a tree, and the lehua flower. Visitors traveling through the park will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent tree in the Kahuku Unit. The program is offered Sunday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Yellow `ohia lehua is one of many forms of the `ohi`a tree found at Hawai`i
Volcanoes National Park's Kahuku Unit. Photo by Dave Boyle

      People and Land of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped and restored this land. The guided hike is offered Sunday, June 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
      Palm Trail is a moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered Sunday, June 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
      For all programs, enter the Kahuku unit on the mauka side of Hwy 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.

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

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Ka`u News Briefs Friday, May 30, 2014

Today is the last day of school for students attending Ka`u's public schools. The 2014-2015 session begins Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Photo by Julia Neal

MEMBERS OF KA`U’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL delegation have issued statements regarding the resignation of Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. Shinseki, from Kaua`i, resigned following an investigation that found falsification of appointment records at VA hospitals and suggestions that many veterans did not receive needed treatment.

Eric Shinseki, former Veterans Affairs Secretary.

      Sen. Mazie Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services and the Veterans’ Affairs committees, said 

“Gen. Eric Shinseki’s patriotism and dedication to this nation is without parallel. I’ve had a number of opportunities to talk directly with Gen. Shinseki about the challenges facing the VA. I agree with the President’s statement that his ‘commitment to our veterans is unquestioned.’


      “I respect the Secretary’s decision to step aside in order to avoid being a distraction. The focus should be on delivering care to our veterans and ensuring the VA has the necessary resources to accomplish that. As I’ve done all year long, I met with veterans groups in Hawai`i this week to discuss their firsthand experiences with the VA. I will take their comments, insights and concerns back to D.C. to inform my work to address the unacceptable situation that has been uncovered.”


      Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, 
“Gen. Eric Shinseki is an American hero; he is a man of character and integrity, with a deep love and commitment for serving our country. Veterans everywhere, and the people of Gen. Shinseki’s home state of Hawai`i, continue to have great love and respect for him and his service.
 

      “But this day is not about Gen. Shinseki. This day is about all of our service members and veterans, and the tragedy that has been occurring within the VA, an organization which has lost sight of its mission. Our loyalty, anger, and hurt must be focused on taking action to ensure that not another day passes where a veteran in need remains waiting in the dark. We are facing a crisis, with veterans waiting months and sometimes years on official or secret waiting lists, while others are lost in the bureaucracy. This is unacceptable and dishonors these great Americans who sacrificed so much.
      “I am currently drafting legislation that will ensure that veterans are immediately able to access care from a doctor, whether in the VA system or not. This is an urgent action that must be taken to begin to deal with the immediate crisis and ensure all veterans are getting the care they need. Until the VA undergoes a systemic overhaul and is once again able to deliver the highest standard of care to our veterans, we need to take creative steps that will yield immediate results.”

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I’S ENERGY EXCELERATOR IS SEEKING 14 energy startup companies to participate in its upcoming cohort. As part of the mentoring program, the excelerator will provide $5 million in funding and mentorship to help the startups bring their ideas to market. Of the 14 companies selected for the program, Excelerator directors are looking for eight in the seed stage and six in the growth stage. Seed-stage startups will be matched with mentors and awarded $75,000 to strengthen their business models and go-to-market strategies. Growth-stage companies will receive up to $1 million, which must be matched by private funding, to demonstrate their solutions in an early market. 

      Startups with solutions that help solve Hawai`i’s two main energy challenges, integration and resilience, are strongly encouraged to apply. In particular, Excelerator leaders are seeking technologies and business models that advance clean energy across the whole system in the areas of grid, transportation, agriculture and water. Technologies and business models that build security and flexibility into Hawai`i’s energy systems are also encouraged to apply for the cohort. This includes both near-term physical security and long-term economic security technologies.
      Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Office of Naval Research, the energy excelerator is part of the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research, a Hawai`i-based nonprofit that helps spur technology development in the Pacific Rim.
      Founded in 1983, PICHTR has been working to reduce Hawai`i’s dependence on oil. Eight years ago, after the state adopted a goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030, PICHTR launched the Hawai`i Renewable Energy Development Venture to help fund energy innovation with $9 million of support from the U.S. Department of Energy.
      To facilitate startup energy companies’ access to needed mentoring and strategic connections in addition to funding, PICHTR launched the Energy Excelerator in January 2013 with an additional $30 million in funding from Navy’s Office of Naval Research.
      The deadline to apply is June 30. Applying companies then go through a three-round selection process, with the final 14 companies selected Sept. 15.
      For more information, see energyexcelerator.com.

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Kamana`opono Crabbe

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS MAY NOT BE THE BEST agency to facilitate the nation-building process, CEO Kamana`opono Crabbe said after a meeting yesterday where OHA trustees discussed how to move the process forward. While Crabbe wants to continue public outreach and education about the process, Anita Hofschneider, of Civil Beat, reports Crabbe saying, “It’s imperative for us to establish some political protection as soon as possible.” He also said there is “political will amongst our people to establish or restore our government that is an extension of the legacy of Queen Liliokalani.”     

      Hofschneider described the differing perspectives on the nation-building process. Some want it “to move forward as planned and believe federal or state recognition is the best option for the indigenous community. … Many others want greater independence, citing the current occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom by the U.S. government.
      “A popular refrain during public testimony Thursday morning was that Hawaiian sovereignty endures and that federal recognition similar to that of many Native American tribes wouldn’t be adequate.”
      OHA recently held 18 meetings throughout the state urging Hawaiians to sign up for the Official Roll, with the first one held April 5 in Pahala. The Kana`iolowalu Roll currently has about 130,000 names. OHA trustee Dan Ahuna pointed out during the meeting that 350,000 Native Hawaiians chose not to sign the roll.
      See civilbeat.com.

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TODAY IS THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL for Ka`u’s public school students. First day of the next session is Tuesday, Aug. 5.

STARTING IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, a child must be five years old on or before July 31 to enter kindergarten. The change is a result of Act 183 of 2010 and Act 178 of 2012 (Session Laws of Hawai`i), which noted that younger children may be more appropriately placed in a prekindergarten program.
      For more information, see earlylearninghawaii.gov.

Today is the last day to register for wimming lessons at Pahala pool this summer.
Photo by Tanya Ibarra

THE FIRST SELECTION FOR PREKINDERGARTEN CLASSES in Ka`u takes place today. Beginning the 2014-2015 school year, Na`alehu and Pahala elementary schools will each offer a prekindergarten classroom to prepare as many four-year-olds as possible for kindergarten. 

      Children born on or between Aug. 1, 2009, and July 31, 2010, and eligible for free- and reduced-price meals, may be eligible for the program. Also this year, priority will be given to children born on or between Aug. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009.
      The intent of the new program is to ensure that children will be ready to succeed in kindergarten, said GG Weisenfeld, director of the state Executive Office on Early Learning. The program will have a developmentally appropriate curriculum for four-year-olds, focus on child outcomes and
 include ongoing professional development for teachers.
      Student application packets are available at school offices. For more information, see earlylearninghawaii.gov and click on the DOE-EOEL Prekindergarten Program tab, or call 808-586-0794.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER for Keiki Summer Fun Learn to Swim programs at Pahala Pool. Held mornings Monday through Friday, four two-week sessions are scheduled beginning June 2, 16, 30 and July 14. Fee is $15 per child.
      For more information, call 928-8177.

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

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Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, May 29, 2014

The topic at this month's Sunday in the Park at Honu`apo was la`au lapa`au, with Momi Subiano. On June 8, the topic is the history of Honu`apo.
Photo from Megan Lamson

A CHARTER AMENDMENT TO REQUIRE the county administration and county council to be more responsible for impacts of their decisions on health and welfare of people, agriculture and the environment is a goal of Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford. She said she would like "precautionary language" to be included the county charter. The topic is currently under debate by the council. The effort is to require the council and departments of the County of Hawai`i, when making decisions, to consider all the possible risks and outcomes. She said that the Supreme Court and lower courts have been telling the county and council that they have “the affirmative duty to protect public health, safety and welfare.”

Ka`u's Council Member Brenda Ford

      Ford said yesterday that she is apparently the lone ranger with her proposed charter amendment before the County Council. Some council members have said the amendment is in the wrong chapter of the charter. She said she will change the chapter but expects an 8-1 vote against the measure with some council members saying that such language is unneeded because it is already in the state constitution.

       In other news, she said the location for new sewage treatment plants for Na`alehu and Pahala are still undecided.

REGARDING THE KA`U GYM & SHELTER, which is under construction, Ford said she is still pressing for the county and state to name it after beloved former Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School principal Laurence Capellas, who started many sports and educational programs in Ka`u.
     
REGARDING SOLAR ENERGY, Ford said she supports solar for the new Pahala gym and shelter. She said that throughout Ka`u and beyond, she wants to cut the county cost of electricity by installing solar in every reasonable facility operated by the county. “We have got to install solar and drop the electric bill for the county to as low as we can, and get the solar systems paid off, so they will be almost zero cost to the county,” Ford said. “We might only be able to save a half million dollars, (a year) but would be worth it.”
       She also suggested encouraging the state to provide low interest loans to put solar on owner-occupied houses, rental units and businesses. “Renters won’t put the solar up, but the landowners could do it, but currently get nothing back for it. They are not incentivized in any way,” Ford said.

   
COQUI FROG BATTLES are being assisted by Ka`u - which is part of council  District 6  - through a fund created by County Council member Brenda Ford. She said she contributed several thousand dollars from her contingency to fight the spread of coqui, which are coming back in Ka`u with the recent rains. Anyone who leads an eradication team can call her office and sign up to get free citric acid.
      Several other council members contributed, and the fund covers Districts 6, 7 and 8. She said she hopes the incoming council will also contribute to the fund to fight coffee berry borers. Ford can be contacted at 323-4277.

      REGARDING POHUE BAY, County Council member Brenda Ford said she is concerned about access to Pohue Bay and said that she is receiving calls that members of the public trying to go there are being charged to go through a locked gate. To reach Pohue Bay, travelers must cross private property, or hike miles along the shore.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NINOLE BRIDGE ON HWY 11 NEAR PUNALU`U is in preliminary stages of being replaced. The state Legislature provided $1.3 million for design and acquisition of property associated with the project. Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reports that the project along the state highwy will be part of an upcoming agreement stating project management and cost-sharing responsibilities with the Federal Highway Administration. Caroline Sluyter, department spokeswoman, told Callis the agreement is expected to be finalized in next month.
      Callis also said it is too early to offer a timeline or cost estimate for the project.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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HAWAI`I IS COMMITTING $4.5 MILLION to Startup Capital Ventures II, a Hawai`i- and California-based fund that will provide investment capital to help Hawai`i technology companies grow. The investment marks a significant milestone for the HI Growth Initiative, the state’s core initiative to drive economic growth by investing in Hawai`i’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

      “The goal of the HI Growth Initiative is to build a continuum of financing for all phases of business development, from startup, to expansion, to growth,” said Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, who spearheads the initiative. “The successful closing of the Startup Capital Ventures II fund establishes this continuum.”
      In his 2013 State of the State Address, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the HI Growth Initiative as a state investment program focused on building an innovation ecosystem that supports entrepreneurial high growth businesses and creates high wage jobs for our people. On July 9, 2013, Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui, as acting governor, signed Act 274 (House Bill 858), appropriating funds to Hawai`i Strategic Development Corporation for the HI Growth Initiative.

      The HI Growth Initiative, administered by HSDC, has already invested in Honolulu-based venture accelerator Blue Startups, which provides pre-seed capital to startups, and Maui-based investment fund mbloom Fund I, which provides expansion capital. These funds, together with the University of Hawai`i research commercialization fund, UPSIDE Fund II, create a pipeline of companies for prospective investments by Startup Capital Ventures.
       “Startup Capital Ventures’ presence in Hawai`i opens the door for other mainland investors to consider investments here, as they have an on-the-ground partner to help watch over their investments,” said state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism Director Richard Lim. “Whereas Hawai`i companies were once at a geographic disadvantage, Startup Capital Ventures is closing this gap and making investments here attractive for other investors.”
      HSDC President Karl Fooks said the investment in the Startup Capital Ventures comprises both state and federal funds through the HI Growth Initiative and U.S. Department of the Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative, respectively.

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KA `OHANA O HONU`APO CONTINUES ITS Sunday in the Park events at Honu`apo Park. 

      Earlier this month, ethnobotanist Momi Subiano, from Honomalino, shared her mana`o about Hawaiian healing plants (la`au lapa`au). About 27 people joined Subiano to learn about medicinal uses of common Polynesian introductions and weed species that grow here in Ka`u. She encouraged participants to incorporate Hawaiian healing plants into their lifestyle and landscapes, and mentioned that growing plants is the best way to learn more about this practice. “Momi is very passionate about protecting indigenous knowledge, and she was happy to share some of her wisdom with the group,” said Board President Momi Subiano.

      Plants discussed included rosemary, lavender, `olena (turmeric), awapuhi (ginger), awa (kava), kukui, mamaki, milo, noni, luakahi (plantain), tobacco, mullein, hono hono grass (wandering jew), uhaloa, pua kala (Hawaiian poppy), ko`oko`olau, a`ali`i, `ilima, coconut, popolo, pili, `uala (sweet potato) and many more. At the end of the event, Subiano passed out seeds of huewai (water gourd) and sprouts of various herbs and stressed the importance of saving and sharing seeds.
      The next Sunday in the Park event is on June 8 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This free family event includes a presentation and talk story session with Darlene Vierra at 1 p.m. and an interpretive hike around the coastal property with John Replogle at 2 p.m. These kupuna share their knowledge on the history of the Honu`apo area and the times of old in Ka`u. Participants in the hike should bring hiking shoes and re-usable water bottles. Free Ka`u coffee goes to the first 50 people.
      For more info about this event or joining the nonprofit, see Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo’s facebook page or contact Lamson at kaohanaohonuapo@gmail.com.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT offers an opportunity for Ka`u residents to help Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park by cutting invasive Himalayan ginger tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Loppers and gloves are provided. Participants are encouraged to wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and close-toed shoes. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
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