Ka`u News Briefs June 10, 2011

L.A. to Hilo passengers receive greetings of hula and such songs as Aloha Punalu`u.  Photos by Julia Neal

THE FIRST NONSTOP FLIGHT from Los Angeles to Hilo since 1983 landed last night with hula, the singing of Aloha Punalu`u and gifts of lei and local products. The United-Continental Airlines daily flight is expected to bring more weekend visitors from the West Coast and more people coming to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Tomorrow, another United-Continental flight begins a weekly nonstop service on Saturdays from San Francisco to Hilo. 

United-Continental flight greeted by a water curtain in
Hilo -- the first direct Los Angeles to Hilo flight since 1983.
Photo courtesy of Big Island Visitors Bureau

     Last night, the 160 passengers were greeted by fire trucks spraying a “water curtain” over the taxiing aircraft. The Big Island Visitors Bureau and its supporters presented each passenger with a bag of goodies. Hilo Coffee Mill provided steaming hot cups of local coffee as passengers waited for their luggage. Sen. Gil Kahele, Mayor Billy Kenoi and Miss Aloha Hawai`i Tatiana Boteilho greeted arrivals.

U.S. Navy pilot Carlos Reyes hugs his family
after arriving on the flight from L.A.

     Hilo native Lance Lau piloted the 737-800, with revered Hawaiian hula and music maestro Robert Cazimero on the full plane of passengers. When military wife Chanda Reyes and young daughter Maya greeted Navy Lt. Carlos Reyes at the bottom of the escalator, many eyes teared up. The family has been apart for six months while helicopter pilot Reyes served in Kandahar. “The Navy gave me this chance to meet my family anywhere for a reunion, and we chose Hilo, a beautiful halfway spot between home and Afghanistan,” he said.   

     Big Island Visitor Bureau Executive Director George Applegate said that no one expected another nonstop after ATA quit its flight from Oakland to Hilo in 2008. He gave kudos to the mayor for being proactive to bring in the new direct flights. “These flights don’t materialize like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow,” said Applegate. 

Pilot Lance Lau with Sen. Gil Kahele

     The Hawai`i Tourism Authority estimates the new flights could generate 40,000 additional visitors and about $50.6 million in visitor spending annually.
     The new United-Continental flights depart Hilo daily at 8:55 p.m. to Los Angeles, and on Saturdays at 9:20 p.m. to San Francisco.

CANOE DISTRICTS in which legislators would represent sections of more than one county are off the table in the meetings of the state Reapportionment Commission. The commission voted down the idea eight to one yesterday. The practice was banned more than a decade ago in favor of senators and representatives serving only one county. The panel also voted to keep single-member districts. There had been discussion about possibly having larger, multimember districts to help balance their size with population changes following the recent census.

THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT is asking for tips, leads and any other information to help find the shooter who unloaded six shots from a passing vehicle, apparently aiming at a 44-year-old man outside his Ocean View Home on Aloha Blvd. The crime took place at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Police initially classified the case as reckless endangering, but detectives reclassified it as attempted murder.
     Anyone with information can call Detective Sharlotte Bird at 326-4646, extension 228, or the non-emergency police line at 935-3311. Anonymous tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

TODAY IS KAMEHAMEHA DAY, a state holiday to honor King Kamehameha the Great, who ruled over all the Hawaiian Islands and helped to develop Hawai`i’s trading and agricultural industries. The draping of the Kamehameha statue will be held in Hilo today and Kohala tomorrow, and the Kamehameha Day parade will be in Kona tomorrow.

Contestants perform at the Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant in April 2011.

THE MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT airs today at 1 p.m. on Na Leo O Hawai`i Community Television on channel 54. It will air again on Saturday, June 11 at 3 p.m.; Wednesday, June 15 at 6 p.m.; Friday, June 17 at 6 p.m.; Sunday, June 19 at 9:30 a.m.; and Wednesday, June 22 at 6 p.m.

THE BIG WEEKEND EVENT here in Ka`u will be the Ka`u Family Fun Fest tomorrow. A half marathon, 10K and 5K races begin at 7 a.m. at Na`alehu Park. Other events beginning at 9 a.m. at the park are a hunters’ obstacle course and tournaments in archery, Jan Ken Po, Portuguese horseshoes and basketball. Registration and fee schedules for the races and tournaments are available online at race360.com/15811. Race packets and late registration are available today from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and tomorrow from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. at the park.
     Throughout the day at the park there will be information and food booths; a live auction; a jumping castle; bungee jumping; rock wall climbing and a dunking booth. Entertainers include the Hawai`i County Band, Keoki Kahumoku, Dennis and David Kamakahi, the Lava Boys and One Journey. For more information, call 265-8251 or email kaufamilyfunfest@gmail.com.

A HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE by Ka Pa Hula Na Wai Iwi Ola, under the direction of Keala Ching, takes place tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, along with Hawaiian cultural demonstrations at Volcano Art Center Gallery from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

VOLCANO ART CENTER hosts the third annual Volcano Pottery Sale at its Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village tomorrow and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eight Big Island potters showcase a large assortment of pottery and ceramic sculpture at the sale.

BEACH AND OCEAN IS THE THEME at Kilauea Military Camp’s Summer Jam Disco tomorrow from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The cover charge is $3 for dressed-up contestants and $5 for everyone else. Park entrance fees apply.

Ka`u News Briefs June 9, 2011

Learning to throw net is one of the activities wrapping up today at Miloli`i for the Pa`a Pono Miloli`i Camp.
Photo by Kaiali`i Kahele

AT NA`ALEHU COMMUNITY CENTER tonight at 7 p.m., Council member Brittany Smart discusses her proposed resolution to delay Council action on any rezoning or general plan amendments in Ka`u until the Ka`u Community Development Plan is completed and in place, or until December 31, 2012, whichever comes first. For more information, call 961-8536.

KA`U COFFEE FARMS brought in over $2,200 for the Grounds for Health during the international coffee auction held over the last two days. Ka`u Coffee green beans went for high prices, with Kailiawa Coffee selling at $45 a pound and Rusty’s Hawaiian selling for $30.20 a pound. Other Ka`u Coffees selling for good green bean prices were JN Coffee; Paradise Meadows; Rising Sun; R&G Farms; Pumehana Fernendez; Kehau Coffee; Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative and Ka`u Forest. The money all goes to health care in medically underserved coffee growing regions around the world.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND has released statistics from cleaning up the shore at Manuka Natural Area Reserve and Kamilo Point. “Many hands indeed make light work!” said organizer Megan Lamson. The volunteers collected and removed over 5,404 pounds of marine debris. At Manuka, 35 participants combed a half mile of coastline and picked up 700 pounds of non-net marine debris. Of the 15,225 pieces, 75 percent was comprised of plastics, 17 percent metal, seven percent cloth, three percent glass, two percent rubber and one percent wood. Finds included a night heron carcass, dead eel, loads of Department of Land and Natural Resources metal tags, a wetsuit, swimsuit and sarong. Most of the plastic collected was super brittle. Also found were piles of degrading aluminum cans, used batteries and busted glass left by campers.
     At Kamilo, 45 participants combed a half mile of coastline, picking up 3,705 pounds of non-net marine debris and 1,000 pounds of derelict fishing nets. About 95 percent of the debris was plastic, and there was much microplastic – like confetti – sorted from the beach sand. Among the finds were a five-gallon bucket lid with barnacles, old Japanese liquor bottles, a three-legged rhino toy, various army men toys, and several fishing vessel tags. Dr. Drew Kapp brought students from the university and college in Hilo, and Lindsay Englund brought students from Waiakea High School to one of the cleanups.

     During the past few years, Hawai`i Wildlife Fund has found a number of boat tags, including two that said 503, which indicates Portland, Oregon; the number 360 from Seattle, Washington; 650 from the San Francisco Bay area; and 707 from Northern California. The next Ka`u beach cleanup will be on Saturday, Sept. 17. Stay tuned for more locations.

VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND this Sunday to load more than seven tons of derelict fishing nets into a Matson container. The nets came from Ka`u Coast Cleanups and are stored at Wai`ohinu Transfer Station until shipment to O`ahu for processing in a nets-to-energy program. Call 769-7629 or email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com to register. 

Looking for opelu via glass bottom box at the Miloli`i camp sponsored by Conservation International.
Photo by Kaiali`i Kahele

KAPUA BAY was the destination of a hike and canoe ride for students at Pa`a Pono Miloli`i’s annual Lawai`a `Ohana Camp yesterday at Miloli`i. The hike was led by Sen. Gil Kahele, who told the history of the fishing settlements along the coast. Students saw the aftermath of the Japan tsunami that hit the coast south of Miloli`i in March, destroying one house and throwing others off their foundations at Honomalino, Kapua and Okoe. Students also saw the remains of thousands of fish along the trail which were thrown onshore by the tsunami. The day was completed by paddling canoe back to Miloli`i and a lu`au. Students presented music videos on their camp experience and enjoyed a live performance by Miloli`i native and renowned Hawaiian singer Diana Aki. The camp wraps up today. It is sponsored by Conservation International and its Hawai`i Fish Trust program.

Sen. Gil Kahele leads youth along the coast between Miloli`i and Kapua Bay, sharing the history of the Hawaiian fishing settlements. 

RAY BROWN, JR., SON OF ELLA FITZGERALD, PERFORMS tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani campus in Volcano Village. His vocals range from jazz and pop to rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues. Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 at the door. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org to purchase tickets.

FAMILY FUN FEST IS this Saturday. `O Ka`u Kakou sponsors a fundraiser for Bay Clinic’s building fund. All donations up to $15,000 will be matched by the Edmund C. Olson Trust II. A half marathon, 10K and 5K races begin at 7 a.m. in Na`alehu Park. Other events beginning at 9 a.m. are a hunters’ obstacle course and tournaments in archery, Jan Ken Po, Portuguese horseshoes and basketball. Registration and fee schedules are at race360.com/15811. Throughout the day enjoy information and food booths, a live auction, a jumping castle, bungee jumping, rock wall climbing and a dunking booth. Entertainers include the Hawai`i County Band, Keoki Kahumoku, Dennis and David Kamakahi, the Lava Boys and One Journey. For more information, call 265-8251 or email kaufamilyfunfest@gmail.com.

THE MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT begins airing today at 3 p.m. on Na Leo O Hawai`i Community Television on channel 54. It will air again on Saturday, June 11 at 3 p.m.; Wednesday, June 15 at 6 p.m.; Friday, June 17 at 6 p.m.; Sunday, June 19 at 9:30 a.m.; and Wednesday, June 22 at 6 p.m.

A HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE by Ka Pa Hula Na Wai Iwi Ola, under the direction of Keala Ching, takes place Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, along with Hawaiian cultural demonstrations at Volcano Art Center Gallery from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

VOLCANO ART CENTER hosts the third annual Volcano Pottery Sale at its Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eight Big Island potters showcase a large assortment of pottery and ceramic sculpture at the sale.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP hosts a Summer Jam Disco Saturday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. DJ Erik Strom requests fancy dress with the theme of Beach and Ocean. The cover charge is $3 for dressed-up contestants and $5 for everyone else. Park entrance fees apply.

Ka`u News Briefs June 8, 2011

The new edition of Eruptions of Hawaiian Volcanoes: Past, Present and Future focuses on eruptions
of Kilauea and Mauna Loa.

KA`U COFFEE CONTINUES to do well at the Grounds for Health Auction being held to fund health services for medically underserved coffee origins around the world. Donated Ka`u coffee, which can be bought through the auction, are grown by Bull and Jamie Kailiawa, whose coffee was bringing in the third highest bids internationally this morning; the Obra family’s Rusty’s Hawaiian; Willie and Grace Tabios’ Rising Sun; Leo Javar’s family JN Coffee Farms; Paradise Farms; Maile and Efren Abellera’s Kehau Coffee Farm; Fernandez Coffee Farm; Dacalio’s Pumehana Coffee; Gloria Camba and Bong Aquino’s R&G Farms; Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative; and Manuel Marques’ Ka`u Forest Coffee. 

     Anyone can bid on these coffees for this good cause. Go to GroundsForHealth.org and click on the auction site. The auction ends this afternoon at 4 p.m., Hawaiian time.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY is celebrating its one-hundredth birthday, which comes up in January, with the updated publication of Eruptions of Hawaiian Volcanoes: Past, Present and Future, by Robert Tilling, Christina Heliker and Donald Swanson. It is available as a free pdf online at pubs.usgs.gov/gip/117. It is also available for sale for $5 at the observatory. 

     The earlier edition, published in 1987, is popular with Hawai`i residents, teachers, and students, as well as thousands of visitors to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The new edition focuses on eruptions of Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. It highlights activity of Kilauea’s east rift zone eruption, which began in January 1983 and shows no signs of stopping.
     The new edition describes Kilauea’s summit activity within Halemaumau Crater, which started in mid-March 2008 and continues. It explains how HVO and other scientists monitor volcanic activity, using space-age techniques.

Sanjeev Bhagowalia

SANJEEV “SONNY” BHAGOWALIA is the new state Chief Information Officer who was appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie yesterday to transform the state’s information technology system. Abercrombie also signed into law House Bill 1060, which appropriates funding for the CIO and the recently created Office of Information Management and Technology. “Outdated and ineffective technology is perhaps the largest impediment to making our government work,” said the governor. “Sonny brings a background in technology and management coupled with more than 25 years of experience in senior government and private sector positions. I’m confident he will lead us into a new era of efficiency and service-oriented government.” 

     Bhagowalia said he looks “forward to collaborating with the many people who are already working hard to improve public services and create a more efficient government.” He currently serves as the Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Citizen Services and Innovative Technologies, U.S. General Services Administration in Washington, D.C.

COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER Brittany Smart met with seniors yesterday at Pahala Senior Center. A major issue brought up was the need for better access to dialysis. Getting dialysis can take six hours three days a week, and getting transportation to coincide with appointments in Hilo or Kona is a challenge, said Julie Pasquale, who is with the center’s nutrition program.
     Other concerns brought up by the seniors were the need for more public restrooms, more streetlights near the senior center, and working tsunami sirens.
     Smart also said that the county is still waiting for Gov. Abercrombie to release $18 million budgeted to build a gym and shelter at Ka`u High School.

Ray Brown, Jr.'s latest album features
an all-star lineup of duets.

RAY BROWN, JR. BEGINS Volcano Art Center’s Summer Jazz season this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at VAC’s Niaulani campus in Volcano Village. Brown is the son of Ella Fitzgerald and jazz bass player Ray Brown. His vocals range from jazz and pop to rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues. Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 at the door. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org to purchase tickets. 

TWO DISTRICT 6 MATTERS MEETINGS take place in Ka`u this week. Today at 7 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center, Laura Dierenfield, executive director of People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawai`i, discusses pedestrian and bicyclist issues. 

     At Na`alehu Community Center tomorrow at 7 p.m., Council member Brittany Smart discusses her proposed resolution to delay Council action on any rezoning or general plan amendments in Ka`u until a Community Development Plan is completed and in place or December 31, 2012, whichever comes first. For more information, call 961-8536.

KA`U STUDENTS ARE INVITED to apply to attend Kona Community Hospital’s fifth annual MASH Camp which takes place July 18 and 19. During the camp, students learn directly from the hospital staff while exploring 10 different health care careers. The free program includes lunch, snacks, a set of scrubs and a certificate of completion.
     The camp is open to students in grades eight, nine and ten. Applicants must write essays giving reasons why they want to attend the camp and what they want to do as a career. Applications are due this Monday. For more information, call 322-6960 or email ebryant@hhsc.org.

THERE ARE ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT to register for events at the Ka`u Family Fun Fest this Saturday. `O Ka`u Kakou is sponsoring this fundraiser for Bay Clinic’s building fund, and all donations up to $15,000 are being matched by an anonymous donor. A half marathon, 10K and 5K races begin at 7 a.m. at Na`alehu Park. Other events beginning at 9 a.m. at the park are a hunters’ obstacle course and tournaments in archery, Jan Ken Po, Portuguese horseshoes and basketball. Registration and fee schedules for the races and tournaments are available online at race360.com/15811. 

     Throughout the day at the park there will be information and food booths; a live auction; a jumping castle; bungee jumping; rock wall climbing and a dunking booth. Entertainers include the Hawai‘i County Band, Keoki Kahumoku, Dennis and David Kamakahi, the Lava Boys and One Journey. For more information, call 265-8251 or email kaufamilyfunfest@gmail.com.