Ka'u News Briefs Jan. 2, 2012

New Year's Day at Punalu`u with a Hawaiian green sea turtle appearing to watch over swimmers, beachgoers and an
outrigger canoe taking the ashes of Punalu`u son, Uncle Chris Bangay, out to sea. Photo by Julia Neal

  

 TOURISM racked up some $12 billion for the Hawai`i economy in 2011, even though businesses and families overall experienced a lot of economic stress. Growth in tourism is expected to continue, particularly from Asia, as Chinese and Korean trends are following the Japanese tradition of coming to Hawai`i. Japanese honeymoon traffic was up 23 percent last year. Also up was Japanese staying in vacation rentals, indicating more independent travel for longer stays. The overall number of people staying in bed and breakfasts increased last year, keeping more of the visitor money in the local economy.


AN ADDITIONAL $235,300 IN DESIGN FUNDS were relesed for the Ka`u FEMA-certified Civil Defense Shelter, to be built next to the Ka`u High campus. This is in addition to the $16.9 million previously released after the state Legislature approved $17.9 for the project. The governor announced the release of the money at the end of the year as portion of a total of more than $63.7 million for projects statewide.

     Mitsunaga & Associates was given the contract for the architecture and engineering for the project which is overseen by the county.

FEDERAL STIMULUS MONEY projects for the Big Island were reported this morning by Peter Sur in Hawai`i Tribune Herald in a story on whether the $2.2 billion in government stimulus money helped the state of Hawai`i. He writes that the Legislative Federal Economic Stimulus Program Oversight Commission has filed a draft report on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
     Projects affecting Ka`u include more than nearly $8 million in work in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, including the $6.6 million Emergency Operations Center, which is already completed. The federal money also funded $3.3 million in upgrades for U.S. Geological Survey equipment at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory; and $1 million in mass transit funding.

The Visitor Emergency Operations Center at Hawai`i Volcanoes National
Park was built with federal stimulus money. Photo by Stephen Geiger

     Other projects, according to the Tribune-Herald report, included $16 million for University of Hawai`i at Hilo College of Pharmacy electronic medical record pilot project; more than $3 million for job training and homeless prevention; $4 million for Fire Department equipment and station construction; $7.5 million for sewage systems; $2.69 million for habitat restoration; $4.74 million for drinking water projects; $5.3 million for upgrades to the Hilo federal building; $2.58 million to install photovoltaic systems at the Pohakuloa Training Area; $2.31 million for security improvements at Hilo and Lihu`e airports; $3.6 million for improvements to North Kona and Hamakua public housing projects; $2.64 million in small business loans; and $3.3 million for senior housing.
     According to the Tribune-Herald story, the committee, commenting on the stimulus spending statewide, did not come up with a strong opinion on the spending. “Whether and to what extent the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 accomplished its purpose will not be clear for quite some time and is a question best left to others better qualified and equipped to make that judgment," their report to the 2012 state Legislature said.

THE FOREST STEWARDSHIP AND KAULUNANI URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAMS are reaching out for volunteers to be committee members. Under the auspices of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Forest Stewardship Advisory Committee reviews project proposals and management plans for the Forest Stewardship and Forest Legacy Programs. Ideal candidates are those with significant forestry and/or conservation experience in Hawai`i. The committee meets four times a year in venues throughout the state, and appointments are for three years.
     For further information, contact Sheri Mann, at DLNR-Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 808- 587-4172, or email Sheri.S.Mann@hawaii.gov. Visit hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw.
     The Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program Council reviews proposals to DLNR for funding to encourage citizen involvement in creating and supporting long-term urban and community forestry projects and programs throughout Hawai`i.
     Issues of concern include mapping the urban tree canopy and maintaining a tree inventory; advancing the knowledge of tropical urban forestry, management plans, and best management practices; training for urban forestry industry professionals; and creating public awareness of the value and benefits of trees.
     The council meets four times per year and appointments are for three years. For more information contact Teresa Trueman-Madriaga at 808-672-3383 or by email at ttm@hawaii.rr.com.
     Ka`u and Volcano have the largest pristine native forests in all of Hawai`i.

Uncle Chris Bangay was honored on New Year's
Day at the Henry Opukaha`ia Chapel at Punalu`u.
Photo by Julia Neal

PUNALU`U AND HONU`APO BEACH PARKS were hubs of New Year’s Day activities yesterday. A special ceremony with chanting, prayer and the launching of an outrigger canoe celebrated the life of the late Chris Bangay, who grew up at Punalu`u and was known as a friend to all. Bangay, along with his sister Pele Hanoa, was instrumental in locating historic sites at Punalu`u during various discussions for proposed developments there. He assisted with a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program in Pahala and was known for his fishing skills and storytelling.

TOMORROW IS THE 29TH ANNIVERSARY of Kilauea’s ongoing east rift zone eruption. Geologist Tim Orr reviews highlights and talks about recent developments on Kilauea’s east rift zone at Tuesday’s After Dark in the Park program at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donation supports park programs, and park entrance fees apply.

CAPTAIN CHARLES MOORE discusses his book Plastic Ocean: How a Sea Captain’s Chance Discovery Launched a Determined Quest to Save the Oceans on Friday, Jan. 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Moore identified and studied the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where plastic debris from around the North Pacific Rim is swirled together by ocean currents. His book will be available.

Ka'u News Briefs Jan. 1, 2012

Without aerial fireworks, Ka`u residents enjoy firecrackers at home to bring in the New Year. Photo by Julia Neal

COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATE for South Kona, Ka`u and Volcano, Brenda Ford, started off the New Year by releasing a list of accomplishments in her three terms in office serving Kona. Ford’s home was placed in this District 6 with the recent Council district map changes.
     Said Ford, “The rural and agricultural areas of Ka`u, North & South Kona, and Volcano lend themselves to having one representative who understands rural and agricultural areas. Since I have always held an islandwide view in getting projects completed and providing residents and businesses in the more remote areas with better access to government services, I know that I will be able to represent these areas well.”
     She said that being a Council member is not a part-time job. “I am a Council member who works more than full-time to serve the residents and businesses of my district and all other districts as well. I will continue to work in that manner during the next term if I am elected. This is not a part-time job, and the people need and expect a full-time advocate and Council member.”
     IN LISTING FORD’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS, Ford said she worked to accomplish the Two- Percent Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Fund and also for a Maintenance Fund for public safety of these lands. Ka`u has been the beneficiary of large tracts of coastal land put into public hands through these funds.
     Ford noted that she worked toward fair and equitable redistricting for elections. She helped set up a Budget Stabilization Fund and county Disaster and Emergency Fund with a minimum of $250,000 in each, as well as a DUI Towing fund to help drunken drivers get a tow home. The South Kona Council member worked on state legislation to use the liquor tax for DUI programs.
     BANNING AQUARIUM FISH COLLECTION from Hawai`i reefs is also one of her campaigns.

Ford promises to protect local ag. products from
unfair labeling. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     PROTECTING HAWAI`I PRODUCTS from unfair labeling where foreign coffee or macadamia or other inputs are presented as if they are from Hawai`i is another issue tackled by Ford. She said she has worked to establish agricultural product branding to protect each Hawaiian region’s identity and products and by establishing truth in labeling for product content by listing the percent of the ingredient in the total product. She also worked to establish country of origin labeling. 

     ALLOWING THE PUBLIC TO VOTE BY MAIL is another Ford initiative for both state and county elections.
     FORD SAID SHE WANTS EXEMPTION FROM PAYING SEWER fees for a decade when a gang cesspool converts to septic. Ford worked with Administration to develop and advocated for federal funds for 26 sewer projects, which she said were desperately needed in seven districts around the island.
     CONCERNING PUBLIC SAFETY, Ford said she has advocated for a police take-home radio policy and funding for radios to enhance officer and resident protection. She helped establish the South Kona Police 24/7 Station.
     Ford praised outgoing District 6 member Brittany Smart, who announced that she will not run again. “I commend Ms. Smart for her work in representing her district and working with the Council to advance legislation to help all of our residents. She is highly intelligent, easy to work with, and committed to serving her constituents. I will miss her on the Council next term,” Ford said.

Kilauea's ongoing east rift zone eruption is the topic at After Dark in the
Park Tuesday at 7 p.m.  Photo from USGS/HVO

THE 29TH ANNIVERSARY of Kilauea’s ongoing east rift zone eruption is on Tuesday, Jan. 3, Geologist Tim Orr reviews highlights and talks about recent developments on Kilauea’s east rift zone during After Dark in the Park at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donation supports park programs, and park entrance fees apply. 

JANUARY IS VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH. Along with After Dark in the Park programs each Tuesday evening, many guided hikes are scheduled in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park throughout the month. On Wednesdays at 1 p.m., hikers discover the hidden world of lava tubes on a 1.5-mile, one-hour hike to Thurston Lava Tube. Flashlights recommended. Meet at Kilauea Iki Overlook on Crater Rim Drive.
     The Pu`uloa Hike, on Thursdays at 1 p.m., visits one of Hawai`i’s most extensive petroglyph fields on a two-mile, 1.5-hour hike along one of Kilauea’s coastal trails. Meet at the parking lot on the Chain of Craters Road.
     Hiking along Devastation Trail on Fridays at 1 p.m., participants learn about the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption and how the devastated forest has recovered in the years since during this 1.5-hour hike. Meet at Pu`u Paui parking lot on Crater Rim Drive.
     A 2.7-mile, two- or three-hour hike into the Volcano on Saturdays at 1 p.m. goes down to the floor of Kilauea caldera and back up to explore Kilauea’s rain forest and volcanic landscape. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center.

Ka'u News Briefs Dec. 31, 2011

Green jobs for the New Year are available on the state Department of Labor website. Photos from DLIR

BRITTANY SMART will not run in the 2012 election for the District 6 County Council seat that serves Ka`u. In the middle of her first term in office, she made the announcement yesterday, saying it was for personal reasons, but she would not rule out running for public office in the future. 

Brittany Smart

     Smart defeated Council member Guy Enriques to take her first elected position last year. This followed graduating from University of Hawai`i – Hilo with a degree in political science. Smart is 28, married this past June and lives in Discovery Harbour. Her husband works in the composting and recycling business. 

     BRENDA FORD issued her own statement saying she will run for County Council District 6. She said, “New Council District 6 is a very large area and needs a person who understands agriculture, business, infrastructure and the need for jobs and services. I have always worked diligently to provide for rural areas throughout the island.” Her home became part of District 6 with the recent redistricting, which added Napo`opo`o and Captain Cook. Should she win in Ka`u – South Kona, she would serve for the fourth and last time, given term limits. Ford said has been working more than full-time on the part-time Council position after a career in business management.
     Ford said she would champion completion of projects supported by Smart, including the Ka`u High School shelter and gym, the Ocean View Well, Ocean View Transfer Station and the Ka`u satellite County Council office where constituents could testify and attend Council meetings remotely. Ford said she plans a series of “listening” meetings for District 6. She said she lives in a rural area in South Kona and appreciates the issues of Ka`u. 

Brenda Ford

     During her three terms as a Council member, Ford has championed the Two Percent Land Fund that has contributed to the preservation of Honu`apo and Kawa and the pending purchase of 3,000 acres at Road to the Sea near Manuka.
     Smart endorsed Ford, saying Ford is “completely dedicated to this job and has my utmost confidence in accurately representing the district. Ford is very knowledgeable in issues that face rural areas, such as lack of government access and infrastructure, agricultural issues, and sufficient police presence.” Smart said Ford “has promised to follow through on any projects that may remain at the end of my term.”
     THE OTHER ANNOUNCED CANDIDATE for the County Council race is Lee McIntosh, 30, of Discovery Harbour.
     Candidates can pull nomination papers beginning Feb. 1. The primary election is Aug. 11 and decides the winner, unless a runoff is required in the general election. The Council members take their seats in December. 

THE GREEN JOBS INITIATIVE has a boost from the state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations, which has launched a web-based directory of Green Employers. Green employers in renewable energy, natural resource conservation and other green enterprises post profiles to describe operations, core occupations, and skills and education they want in employees. 

     The Hawai`i Directory of Green Employers includes results from a 2010 survey. The online directory allows employers to update their information and new employers to add themselves to the directory.
     “Hawai`i has hundreds of Green Employers operating thousands of work sites — and through our Hawai`i Green Jobs Initiative we are investing in the state’s workforce by providing training needed to work with green companies,” state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations director Dwight Takamine said. “Now we have developed a comprehensive, centralized tool for matching existing employers with potential employees. This is an important step forward as we continue to build a sustainable economy.” To access the directory, visit lmi.ehawaii.gov/green.

    

DRINKING AND DRIVING is a major target of the Hawai`i Police Department through the weekend. New Year’s revelers are warned to take along a sober designated driver. AAA has also offered free tows and rides home for up to five miles. For longer distances the partier can pay the difference to the tow service. 

PROTECTION OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES is the New Year’s Eve aim of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Consumption of alcohol and fireworks are prohibited in all state parks, forests, and small boat harbors, said William J. Aila, Jr., the DLNR chairman.

FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE IN NA`ALEHU, Hana Hou will offer special New Year’s Furikaki Ahi, crab cakes, pork roast and prime rib dinners during normal hours. Shaka’s will be open until midnight with specials. 

Gingerbread House Hawaiian Style is one of the KMC cottages
decorated for the holiday. Photo by Leyna Rego/KMC

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP is offering up New Year’s Eve and New Year's Day activities. Vote for the best decorated KMC cottage and receive a Holiday Dollar to redeem at KMC venues. Tonight’s New Year’s Eve party features music by the Edge starting at 9:30 p.m. inside the Lava Lounge, with no cover charge. Tomorrow, KMC’S Crater Rim Café will serve up a New Year’s Day brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Park entrance fees may apply.

TUESDAY, JAN. 3 MARKS the 29th anniversary of Kilauea’s ongoing east rift zone eruption. Geologist Tim Orr reviews highlights and talks about recent developments on Kilauea’s east rift zone during After Dark in the Park at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donation supports park programs, and park entrance fees apply.