Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

Community members are invited to set up apprenticeships, internships, shadowing and other educational career path
opportunities for students in Kaʻū through the high school's new Career Academies. Photo by Julia Neal

CREATION OF CAREER ACADEMIES AT KAʻŪ HIGH & PAHALA ELEMENTARY were explained at last week's onboarding reception on the school campus. A slogan for the program is "Design. Innovate. Kokua. Malama."
    Leaders, including Academy Director 'Aina Akamu, explained that teams of teachers work across several academic and technical subjects, grouping students in cohorts for these classes that follow a program of study. In addition, businesses and other community entities are invited to offer internships and other work and learning opportunities through the academies.
    The academy leaders invited representatives of Ka'u businesses, non-profits and agencies to become involved, to offer opportunities for students to work, through cooperation with the school. Possibilities include programs that pay the students to work in the community.
   Members of the public are invited to sign up to serve on the advisory board. The advisory board helps to identify a sequential set of experiential components that show students the applications of academic subjects to the career and college field and deliver work-based learning experiences, like shadowing, community service, mentoring, internships and apprenticeships.

Agri-preneurship is one of the career academy paths
at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Photo by Julia Neal

    Why is Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary transitioning to the Career Academies? According to the presentation, student voice is important. "We want to hear and reflect the values, opinions, beliefs, perspectives, languages and cultural backgrounds of students in the school. Teachers will utilize instructional approaches and techniques that are based on student choices, interests, passions and ambitions." The transition is to a career academy school design that "provides an effective, research-based k-12 articulated model that is planful in how they use time, curriculum, pedagogy, pathways, community partners, supports, decision-making collaboratives and student products based on a specific college and career approach."

    The plan is for the school to transition through teacher collaboration. "Quality school designs that meet the needs of all students is possible through powerful teacher collaboratives that are data-informed and allow for deep discussions about curriculum quality that leads to timely curriculum and support adjustments based on student performance data."
    The plan also offers students participation in community engagement opportunities, including, field trips, hiking, community service such as beach clean-ups, fishing, cultural activities such as makahiki, and work-based learning opportunities with local farms, food establishments, stores, hospitals, clinics, design labs, businesses and community partners. "These partnerships will be a resource to support student learning, engagement and success," says the plan.
    In addition, numerous college courses are offered and students can earn many higher education credits before graduating from high school, giving them a head start at colleges and universities.
To find out more and to help out with the advisory board, apprenticeships and other student career opportunities, see www.khpes.org, bit.ly/KHPESGLL and bit.ly/KGLLIRD21.

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IKAIKA ANDERSON WITHDREW HIS NOMINATION FOR CHAIR OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS on Wednesday. It follows Tuesday's vote by the state Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, which recommended to reject the Anderson nomination by Gov. Josh Green, who said Anderson will continue at the post until he identifies another nominee.
    In Anderson's nomination paper, Green wrote: “Ikaika has an extensive history as a public servant in

Ikaika Anderson during grueling hearing Tuesday on his nomination to head
 Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands. On Wednesday, he withdrew his nomination.
 Photo from Hawai'i Public Radio

our State, including serving on the Honolulu City Council from May 2009 through September 2020, and serving as its Chair from May 2019 through September 2020. While on the Council, he helped to establish Hui Mahiʻai ʻAina, a tiny-home communal village that offered shelter and wrap-around services to our homeless population in Waimānalo, Oʻahu. Since the announcement of his nomination as chairperson, Ikaika has been traveling across the State, speaking and engaging directly with beneficiaries and stakeholders to pursue solutions as the department continues to address the ongoing issues facing our Native Hawaiian communities.”
    Among others who supported Anderson were former Gov. Neil Abercrombie, former Gov. John Waihe'e and former state Sen. Malama Solomon. Former Hawaiian Home Lands Chair William Aila opposed Anderson's nomination, focusing on the issue of how to best use $600 million funding to implement the DHHL Strategic plan, including putting more housing on Hawaiian Home Lands.
    The governor held the press conference where Anderson withdrew his nomination. Green objected to the negative outcome of Tuesday's vote in the committee where support for Anderson was two to one, but the process was described as grueling and the vote was to reject the nomination. The governor said, "People deserve to be treated well. There should be no bullying. There should be no stones thrown in glass houses." Green also said, "We were all sent here to do a job. To help people. In this case, it was to help build houses for the Hawaiian community, and I can't think of anybody who was better poised to do that. We need to change the culture of state government. We need to be more considerate of people.” 

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HAWAI'I HAS ONE OF THE HIGHEST HEPATITIS B DEATH RATES IN THE NATION, according to a report from the state Department of Health. Also high are deaths from liver cancer. The Hawaiʻi Hepatitis B Mortality and Liver Cancer report analyzed mortality data from 2000 to 2020 in order to guide local efforts to improve liver health and reduce preventable deaths.
    The report was the first comprehensive analysis of hepatitis B and liver cancer death data for Hawaiʻi. The most important findings from the report include:
    Hawaiʻi has one of the highest hepatitis B death rates nationwide. In 2019, the rate for Hawaiʻi (1.17 per 100,000) was almost three times the national rate (0.42 per 100,000).Hepatitis B death rates were higher among Asian and Pacific Islander (API) residents in Hawaiʻi. Rates for API residents were 1.2 to 1.4 times the rate of the state average.

  Liver cancer death rates in Hawaiʻi were consistently higher than the national average, with Hawaiʻi rates 1.1 to 1.8 times national rates. This overall trend was driven by higher rates among male and API residents, compared to the rest of the state.
    The report makes recommendations to reduce the burden of hepatitis B and liver cancer mortality, including additional research and reporting; improved data collection and sharing; and increased screening and immunizations, especially for API communities in Hawaiʻi.
    "The findings of this report reiterate the importance of eliminating hepatitis B infection in Hawaiʻi through increased screening and immunizations," said state Health Director Dr. Kenneth Fink. "Deaths from hepatitis B are preventable, and we can reduce deaths statewide and improve health equity by ongoing commitment to culturally appropriate partnerships with the local Asian and Pacific Islander communities that are most affected."
    The development of this report was the result of a multi-sector collaboration between DOH and external partners, including Hep Free Hawaiʻi, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Hepatitis B Foundation. To read the report and related materials, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/new-hep-b-mortality-article/.
    For local hepatitis B screening and immunization resources, visit www.hepfreehawaii.org.
    This report aligns with Hep Free 2030, the statewide strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis in Hawaiʻi by 2030, which was developed by DOH in collaboration with Hep Free Hawaiʻi and over 160 community stakeholders. For more information on hepatitis elimination efforts in Hawaiʻi, visit www.hepfreehawaii.org/hep-free-2030. 

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FIFTEEN MOTORISTS WERE ARRESTED FOR DUI, during the week of Feb. 6  through Feb. 12.

Hawai‘i Island police made the arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Six of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. One of the drivers was under the age of 21. So far this year, there have been 130 DUI arrests compared with 127 during the same period last year, an increase of 2.4 percent
    After a review of all updated crashes, Traffic Services found 114 major collisions so far this year compared with 89 during the same period last year, an increase of 28.1 percent.
    To date, there have been 4 fatal crashes, resulting in 5 fatalities, compared with 5 fatal crashes, resulting in 7 fatalities for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 20 percent for fatal crashes, and 28.6 percent for fatalities.
   Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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A REMINDER TO TAKE HAWAI'I POLICE DEPARTMENT'S COMMUNITY SATISFACTION SURVEY has been sent out by Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz. It is open through 4 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28. HPD conducts the survey every two years as part of its national accreditation process.

Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz asks the public
to take the survey to give feedback. 

       “At the most basic level, our job in the police department is to help the public feel safe,” said Moszkowicz. “The only way we can gauge our success and identify areas for improvement, is to solicit feedback from the community. It is only through honest communication that we have any hope of continuing to improve the department and the community.” 

    The anonymous survey is available on the department’s website www.hawaiipolice.com and can be accessed directly at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPD2023.
    The HPD statement says, "Knowing that our department’s effectiveness is ultimately determined by the confidence and cooperation of the community we serve, the survey includes both multiple-choice questions and an opportunity to make individual comments that will aid us in determining the police department’s strengths and weaknesses. By comparing the results of this year’s survey with the results of past surveys, the department can gauge where it has improved and where it needs further improvement."

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FREE FOOD
St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS
Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023

Creative Media is one of the educational and career paths of the new academies at Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School. 
 Photo by Julia Neal

A 4.8 MAGNITUDE QUAKE ROCKED PĀHALA, was felt across the island at 9:27 p.m. Tuesday and was ranked by USGS as

The 4.8 quake near Pāhala was felt all the way
to O'ahu on Tuesday at 9:27 p.m. USGS map
shows reports from people feeling the quake.

moderate shaking. It was centered 7.7 miles southeast of Pāhala in the ocean, at a depth of about 20 miles. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center predicted no tsunami. 

    Hawai'i County Civil Defense issued a statement recommending precautionary checks for any damages in places where shaking was strongly felt. Civil Defense urged a close look at structural and utility connections of gas, water, and electricity.

    USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the earthquake is one of the events in the constant seismic swarm under the Pāhala area since 2019. The quake had no apparent impact on Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes, according to USGS.

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DEFINING THE KAʻŪ COMMUNITY WAS PART OF THE ONBOARDING OF THE NEW ACADEMY AT KAʻŪ HIGH & PĀHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. A community reception held last week featured students talking with much positivity about their future and academy leaders explaining the plan. They provided an overview of Kaʻū, based on 2020 statistics, showing a resident population of 9,773, with 49.14 percent residing in the Ocean View and Ranchos area. The median household income in Kaʻū is $43,697, compared to the state's median household income of $84,857. Up to 37.2 percent of Kaʻū residents live below the poverty line. In 2010 that poverty line number was lower - 32 percent.

Health Services with Dr. Angie Miyashiro is one of the educational and career
paths of the academies at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Photo by Julia Neal

    Educational and job training opportunities are limited. The nearest community college and the four-year university on the ease side of the district are located 52 miles from Pāhala, 65 miles from Nā'ālehu and 86 miles from Ocean View. On the west side of the district, the nearest community college is 50 miles from Ocean View and 80 miles from Pāhala. Among the people living in Kaʻū, 12.7 percent have a bachelors degree or higher. In 2010, that number was higher - 18.7 percent.

    To serve the community's educational needs, the leaders described the new Career Academies at the school, saying they are designed to prepare students for both college and careers. "They are schools within schools that link students with peers, teachers and community partners in a structured environment that fosters academic success. Often the strongest career academies have a Career & Technical program as their core."

Agri-preneurship is one of the educational and career paths in the new
academies at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Photo by Julia Neal

     Four key elements were named as central to development and implementation of the Career Academies at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary: A small learning community; a college-prep sequential curriculum with a career theme; an advisory board that forges partnerships with employers, higher education institutions, and the broader community; and a sequenced, comprehensive work-based learning component.

     Community advisors and others who attended the onboarding event last week visited students and teachers with such career paths as health, agriculture and creative media. 

    See more on the new academies in Wednesday's Ka'u News Briefs.

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ADDITIONAL BUDGET REQUESTS FROM GOV. JOSH GREEN WENT TO THE HAWAI'I LEGISLATURE ON MONDAY. A statement from his office says, "These requests support the Governor’s priorities for affordable housing and infrastructure, reducing homelessness, protecting natural resources and climate, education, improving access to healthcare including mental health services, government efficiency, and reducing the cost of living."

    Green said, “The state is in a strong financial position, and we need to act now to provide the relief that many people in Hawai‘i need. These budget requests in combination with my legislative proposals will

immediately and directly help families, reduce the cost of living, provide essential healthcare services, and protect our climate and future of Hawai‘i.”

    He listed the following as key highlights:
    Infrastructure and Housing: $900 million for Hawai‘i Housing Finance Development Corp. programs to support affordable housing and infrastructure across the state; $40 million in each fiscal year for lump sum repairs and maintenance for Department of Hawaiian Home Lands existing infrastructure statewide; $12.5 million for the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority State Rent Supplement Program; and $20 million for Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority statewide public housing development, improvements, and renovations statewide.
    Healthcare: $12.3 million to provide additional funding to Department of Health to provide

additional resources for mental health services throughout the state; $5 million for plans for a new facility at Hawai‘i State Hospital for secure and semi-secure stabilization beds for individuals with behavioral health issues; $7.5 million to support the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital New Psychiatric Unit, Phase 1 on Kaua‘i; $5 million in fiscal year 2024 for plans to consolidate Health Care Unit operations at Hālawa Correctional Facility to provide services including counseling, mental and medical evaluation; $25 million in fiscal year 2024 and $20 million in fiscal year 2025 to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates up to 100% of Medicare. 

The governor proposes $4 million
for trail restoration, maintenance

    The statement says, "These state funds will bring in an additional $42 million in federal funds in each fiscal year and ensure access to high-quality healthcare for our Medicaid population."

    Environment & Agriculture: $3 million for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Control; $22.5 million in fiscal year 2024 for Wahiawā Irrigation System, Wahiawā Dam and Lake Wilson Reservoir to provide agricultural water for farmers; 13 positions and $434,668 in fiscal year 2024 and $793,980 in fiscal year 2025 to support capacity for climate justice and climate change mitigation and adaptation activities statewide to build a more resilient Hawai‘i that protects communities, economy, way of life, and future; $4 million for statewide trail restoration and maintenance to protect natural resources and preserve the islands; $6.2 million for watershed protection across the state; $25 million for  Clean Energy and Energy  Efficiency Revolving Fund to provide

Three Mountain Alliance watershed partnerships
shown here could receive financial support.

 technology and infrastructure projects statewide; $4 million to construct and repair deep monitor wells statewide, including monitoring the health of drinking water aquifers; $7 million for Maunawili Acquisition to protect and restore important cultural, agricultural, recreational and forest resources.
    Education: $15 million in fiscal year 2024 and $10 million in fiscal year 2025 for Department of Education to support applied behavior analysis services for students with significant behavioral or social-communication deficits across schools statewide; $6 million in each fiscal year for Department of Education for skilled nursing services for the Department; $1.7 million in each fiscal year for Department of Education for physical and mental health direct service referral management system of care, to ensure all students across the state receive on-demand and scheduled care, treatment planning, care management and crisis consultation; 25 positions in FY 24 and 50 positions in FY 25 and $1.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively, to expand Bilingual/Bicultural School Home Assistants across DOE schools and $38.8 million in each fiscal year for the Preschool Open Doors Expansion to support preschool access for keiki.
    Government Efficiency: $5 million for the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program to support digital equity and access to broadband in rural and unserved communities; $9 million in fiscal year 2024 for Kahului Civic Center on Maui to consolidate government offices to a one-stop location for public services; $36 million to modernize unemployment insurance system. Full details can be found in the Governor’s Budget Message at https://governor.hawaii.gov/.../2302040-1_Senate...

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BEN KA'ILI IN CONCERT AT VOLCANO happens Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The concert with Ka'ili and friends is free, though donations are appreciated. The concert is one in a series entitled Nā Leo Manu - Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian Music. 

Ben Ka'ili in concert Wednesday at 7 p.m. in 
Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium.

   Kai'li is Hiloʻs own Hawaiian slack key guitarist and three-time Nā Hoku Hanohano award winner. Nā Leo Manu features cultural programs co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Park entrance fees apply.

    Kai'li is Hiloʻs own Hawaiian slack key guitarist and three-time Nā Hoku Hanohano award winner. Nā Leo Manu features cultural programs co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Park entrance fees apply.

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POLYNESIAN CURIOSITIES EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park closes this Saturday, Feb. 19th. The show, free to the public, presents new hand carved woodwork by Jeff Roth. He uses driftwood and salvaged wood to construct what he calls his “functional furnishings.” While he works with traditional hand powered tools and designs, he said he tries his best to inject some element of humor or surprise into his pieces. Roth has a degree from Washington University School of Fine Arts, with courses in art history.   
     He said It was his study of Asian art history with Dr. Nelson Wu that inspired him to travel throughout Southeast Asia to see temples and shrines. While there, he was attracted to the handhewn folk and craft furnishings of everyday life and said he has tried to bring that approach to his own work. He still makes frequent trips to the library to see what is being done in the Pan-Pacific region.

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FREE FOOD
St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS
Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

Public Invited on Tuesday to Pāhala Hongwanji

The bell will ring on Tuesday for an indoor service at Pāhala Hongwanji at 4 p.m. Members and community supporters of the Buddhist temple, its schoolhouse and grounds, are invited to attend. Pāhala Hongwanji hosts bon dances (photo above) during summer, hula, taiko drumming and aikido classes throughout the year, and much more. Photo by Ron Johnson

Drilling of the HOVE potable water well
many years ago. 

HOVE WATER WELL IS OFFLINE. The County Department of Water Supply "is contracting emergency work to troubleshoot and repair the well as quickly as possible," says a statement from the Mayor's Office issued Monday afternoon. 

    The drinking water spigot station remains open in Hawai'i Ocean View Estates for "potable uses only, but DWS asks residents to take only what they need. The standpipe facility is closed to water haulers.

     Call 808-961-8790 or email dws@hawaiidws.org for more information

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PROTECTING AND STRENGTHENING HAWAI'I'S COFFEE PLANT INDUSTRY is the inaugural bi-partisan bill from new Congresswoman Jill Tokuda, who represents rural Hawai'i, and served as Chair of Agriculture during her term in the state Senate.  The bill, cosponsored by Congressman Ed Case, with senate version cosponsored by Sen. Mazie Hirono and Sen. Brian Schatz, is called the Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act.

       The bill would broaden current language included in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s high priority initiatives in support of the coffee plant industry by improving the tools available for domestic coffee growers to fight pests, diseases, and expand critical research.

     “Coffee is an everyday staple for millions across the country, and an iconic product of Hawaiʻi’s agricultural industry. A significant contribution to our economy, the 2021-2022 season produced an estimated $61.9 million in production value from Hawaiʻi farms, and the coffee industry employs thousands of residents,” said Tokuda. “Our farmers are facing an uphill battle in fighting invasive pests, diseases, drought, and changing weather patterns. They urgently need and deserve our full support and access to resources to make sure that the coffee industry thrives well into the future.”

Kaʻū Coffee farms would be beneficiaries of the Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act.
Photo from www.kaucoffeefestival.com

     Congresswoman Jennifer Gonzales-Colon from Puerto Rico also supports the bill, saying, “Coffee is one of the most treasured agriculture commodities in Puerto Rico. This bill seeks to protect this crop from emerging threats, including coffee leaf rust, coffee berry borer, among others, and promote greater collaboration with USDA through expanded research and development of science-based tools and treatments. I am proud to be co-leading this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, alongside Representatives Tokuda, Case and Garret Graves, and I look forward to working together to get it across the finish line,”
    Case said, “Coffee, an iconic crop cultivated in Hawai’i for two centuries, faces a myriad of challenges, including the rising cost of production, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, drought, and the COVID-19 pandemic, but foremost now is coffee leaf rust. This alignment of threats has caused an estimated 50 percent coffee crop reduction throughout the state. I continue to work with my Congressional colleagues to maximize federal research and assistance funding for Hawai'i’s specialty crops like coffee and macadamia nut, and this legislation is one more needed tool to ensure the survival and prosperity of our agricultural industry.”
   Hirono said, “Hawai'i is known around the world for our coffee. Investing in coffee-specific research and combatting current and emerging threats to coffee plant health—including things like Coffee Leaf Rust—is critical to Hawai'i’s ability to continue providing high-quality coffee products. This legislation will help producers keep their coffee plants healthy and build our understanding of how best to protect this important industry. I will continue to advocate for Hawaii’s unique agricultural and nutrition needs as we begin the process of forming a new Farm Bill,” said Senator Hirono.

Kaʻū and other coffee regions in Hawai'i are in need of research on
emerging threats to coffee plant health. Photo from www.kaucoffeefestival.com

    Schatz said, “Hawai‘i coffee is like none other on the planet. It’s a distinct local crop that supports local jobs and is a big part of Hawai‘i’s agriculture economy. We must support our local farmers and help them stay competitive, and that begins with science-based management.”
    The Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act would expand USDA research and extension grants for the following:

    Developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds that impact coffee plants;
    Establishing an areawide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or areas at risk of being affected by, plant pest or noxious weeds that impact coffee plants;
    Surveying and collecting data on coffee plant production and health;
    Investigating coffee plant biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics.

    The bill also supports conducting research on: Factors that may contribute to or be associated with coffee plant immune; other serious threats to coffee plants, including the sublethal effects of insecticides,

https://tokuda.house.gov/contact/newsletter-subscribe
?fbclid=IwAR1QmjdWalVjtGDvYWWhOuroCsGrty
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herbicides, and fungicides on insects and plants beneficial to coffee plant growth; and
development of mitigating and preventative measures to improve habitat conservation and best management practices in coffee-growing regions.
     The statement from Tokuda says that coffee is the most consumed beverage in our country. Studies conducted by the National Coffee Association show that the total economic impact of this industry was close to $225.5 million in 2015, with consumers spending $74.2 billion in coffee. Additionally, coffee generates over 1.6 million jobs and nearly $28 billion in tax revenue.
    "As the U.S. coffee industry faces emerging threats from coffee tree pests, such as the coffee leaf rust, coffee berry borer, coffee leaf miner, and coffee wilt, it is critical that Congress improve the tools available for domestic coffee growers and support this critical industry."

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VACATION RENTALS IN ALL ZONINGS COULD BE SHUT DOWN under new legislation proposed at the 2023 Hawai'i Legislature. Bill HB84 in the House of Representatives, would give all counties the ability to phase out vacation rentals whether or not they are permitted, in all land use classifications and zonings. On Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 8:30 a.m., The Hawaii House Committee on Water & Land will host a public hearing on HB 84.

    Another bill would raise the Transient Accommodations Tax to 25 percent, but keep hotels, time shares and county licensed B&Bs at a lower rate.The bill goes to the House Finance committee for a hearing to be scheduled.
    Hawaii Rental

 by Owner Awareness Association sent out a statement with the following talking points:
    Disallowing anything under 180 days or lesser days as the counties deems appropriate could eliminate month to month rentals for those in need of temporary housing, such as traveling nurses and relocating families for short term needs.
    Short term rentals employ a large number of small businesses from housekeepers, laundry services, handypersons, plumbers, electricians, property managers. Short term rentals generate large tax revenues from GET/TAT and Property Taxes that benefit the State and Counties.

     To testify and follow any bill at the Hawai'i Legislature, go to https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/account/login.aspx?return=/account/submittestimony.aspx.

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PRESIDENT OF THE HAWAI'I LODING & TOURISM ASSOCIATION, MUFI HANNEMANN, WHOSE CONNECTIONS TO KA'U go back to starting Punalu'u Bake Shop, when he lived there, working for

Mufi Hannemann

 C. Brewer's old sugar plantation company and later running for governor, has a new post. He has been named to U.S. Tourism & Travel Advisory Board by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimonday. 

    U.S. Travel & Tourism Advisory Board has 32 members, including Hawaiian Airlines President Peter Ingram, and representatives of such organizations as Discover Puerto Rico, San Diego Tourism Authority, LA Tourism & Convention Board; CEOs of Air B&B, Trip Advisor, Booking Holdings (booking.com, kayak, priceline.....) and MGM Resorts; VP of Marriott, and Presidents of Carnival Cruise Line and Hertz.

    Non profits represented on the board include Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance; Sustainable Tourism & Partnerships, Leave No Trace; Locally Grown Restaurants; and Unite Here, the union that advocates for livable wages and safe conditions in the tourism industry. Also represented is the Port of Seattle and Atlanta International Airport.

     See more on U.S. Travel & Tourism Board at https://www.trade.gov/us-travel-and-tourism-advisory-board.

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THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN REPLACING THE OLD PLANTATION SEWER SYSTEMS IN PĀHALA AND NĀ'ĀLEHU are online and the the subject of a mailing in both communities. The notice reminds folks of a community informational meeting to be held on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center, 96-1140 Kamani St. It will cover proposed options for closing the large capacity cesspools in Pāhala and Nā'ālehu and replacing them with other legal wastewater treatment options.
The website is https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/environmental-management/pahala-naalehu.
The letter to community members comes from Brenda Iokepa-Moses, Deputy Director, Dept. Environmental Management, County of Hawai'i.

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FREE FOOD
St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS
Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.