Ka`u News Briefs Feb. 15, 2012

The state Reapportionment Commission's new map splits the district now represented by Sen. Gil Kahele while
adding a fourth Senate seat to the Big Island. Senate districts are outlined in orange, and House districts
are in different colors.

A NEW SENATE SEAT would be created for the Big Island, splitting the district now represented by Sen. Gil Kahele, if new maps from the state Reapportionment Commission are approved. Like the new House of Representative District, the boundary would split Ka`u near Punalu`u. Punalu`u and Pahala residents would vote for state senator with residents in Volcano and Puna in Senate District 2, while Na`alehu, Kalae and Ocean View residents would vote with residents all the way through Kona to the Kohala Coast.
      The House District would put incumbent Rep. Bob Herkes in a district that includes Punalu`u, Pahala, Volcano, Mountain View and the communities along Hwy 11 to Hilo. The maps will be unveiled today by the state Reapportionment Commission in Honolulu. One public hearing is planned for the Big Island to go over the redistricting. It will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Hawai`i County Council Chambers. The Reapportionment Commission created the new maps after the Hawai`i Supreme Court ordered it to deduct the non-resident military, student and incarcerated population from the census which had led to less representation per resident on the Big Island.

Farmers like Gloria Camba and Bong Aquino, of the Ka`u Coffee Growers
Cooperative, are urged to help their organization join in the national
ag census. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U FARMERS can illustrate the importance of the farm economy in the district by filling out and returning the agricultural census forms being distributed in the mail by the federal government. The National Agricultural Classification Survey asks landowners whether they are farming and for basic farm information. It is one of the steps to determine who receives the Census of Agriculture report form. 

      The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. 

      “We are asking everyone who receives the NACS to respond even if they are not farming so that we build the most accurate and comprehensive mailing list to account for all of U.S. agriculture in the Census,” said survey director Renee Picanso. “The Census is the leading source of facts about American agriculture and the only source of agricultural statistics that is comparable for each county in the nation. Farm organizations, businesses, government decision-makers, commodity market analysts, news media, researchers and others use Census data to inform their work,” she said.
      All information reported by individuals is kept confidential. The 2012 Census of Agriculture will be conducted later this year, and data will be collected into early 2013. For more information about NACS, the Census of Agriculture, or to add your name to the Census mail list, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.

THE PHYSICIAN RESIDENCY PROGRAM for this island was passed unanimously out of the state House of Representatives Committees on Health and Education yesterday. University of Hawai`i – Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney testified that he supports funding for the Rural Medical Residency Program. He said it “has an established and operating program to alleviate the severe physician shortage on Hawai`i Island. Funding will greatly increase and improve the quality of health care for people on the Island of Hawai`i. This program is a solution to attract, train and retrain doctors to be comfortable living in a rural setting, be more cognizant as well as understand the challenges that our island faces in terms of accessing and delivering quality health care.” The residency program is located at Hilo Medical Center, a sister organization of Ka`u Hospital & Rural Health Clinic.
      Rep. Bob Herkes was a co-author of the bill. The amount of funding is yet to be determined as the bill moves into Finance and other committees at the 2012 Legislature.

The Volcano Project hopes to make Volcano House a nonprofit hospitality educational center and culinary institute.
Photo from volcanoproject.org.

THE VOLCANO PROJECT celebrates three years this Sunday of presenting its mission at the weekly Volcano Farmers Market. The organization has been promoting its vision of Volcano House becoming a nonprofit hospitality educational center and culinary institute and has applied for the concession contract for the hotel and restaurant. Founder David Howard Donald said this Sunday will mark the 156th week of meeting with the public at the Volcano Market. He and co-founder Anne Lee said they hope to hear soon from the National Park Service on the selection of the new concessionaire for Volcano House. See more at http.//volcanoproject.org.

Keiki are invited to submit whale artwork.
Drawing from hellokids.com

KEIKI, GRADES K-8, are invited to submit ocean artwork, poems and short stories to Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary by noon on March 15. February is Humpback Whale Awareness Month in Hawai`i. “The humpback whale represents the diversity of ocean life that surrounds the Hawaiian Islands and reflects the deep connection the people of Hawai`i share with the ocean,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie. 

      For the month of February, the sanctuary offers daily trivia for the public to test their knowledge. In light of Valentine’s Day, yesterday’s trivia question was, “who has the final say in choosing a mate… the male or the female humpback whale?” The answer is “scientists believe it is the female who makes the final decision. As you know, the warm shallow waters of the Hawaiian Islands are the only place in the U.S. where humpback whales mate, calf and nurse their young.” For more visit http://hawaiianhumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

FEMALE KA`U HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS are eligible to apply for the two American Association of University Women’s $2,000 scholarships this spring. Applications are open to students who will attend two- or four-year colleges or universities this fall. Criteria includes academic achievement; involvement in extracurricular high school activities, community organizations, and/or employment experience; educational and career goals; and financial need. Applications must be postmarked by April 18 and are available from high school counselors or online at www.aauwkona.org. Founded in 1881, AAUW is the oldest and largest women’s organization in the country. It promotes equity, education and self- development over the life span of women, and positive societal change. 

      AAUW stages the Girls Exploring Math and Science program for fifth-grade girls and the Women In Transition program to assist those wanting to re-enter the workforce or upgrade their skills for better career opportunities. For more, contact Toni Rimer, AAUW Kona Branch Scholarship chair at tonirimer@yahoo.com.

NA HOKU HANOHANO Award-winner Mark Yamanaka shares songs from his debut album, Lei Pua Kenikeni, tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Donations support future `Ike Hana No`eau programs, and park entrance fees apply.

GOLFERS CAN STILL SIGN UP for the annual golf tournament to benefit Ka`u Hospital on Friday at Volcano Golf and Country Club. Contact Ron Young at 987-2761 or youngron19582@yahoo.com.

ST. JUDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH in Ocean View celebrates Mardi Gras this Friday at 6 p.m. with Cajun food and music. Tickets are $12 per person or $20 per couple. Call 939-7000.

SEE OUR SPONSORS AT WWW.PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND WWW.KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

Ka`u News Briefs Feb. 14, 2012

The Physician Residency Program could bring doctors in final years of training to Ka`u Hospital. Photo by Julia Neal

THE PHYSICIAN RESIDENCY PROGRAM, which could bring doctors in their final years of training to Ka`u and other rural places around the island, could be included in significant state funding this year. The measure, House Bill 2368, is co-sponsored by Ka`u’s Rep. Bob Herkes and was scheduled for a hearing today before the House Committee on Health and the House Committee on Higher Education. Funding would go to the Family Practice Residency Program, run by Ka`u Hospital’s sister facility, the Hilo Medical Center. With about a quarter of a million dollars inserted annually into the state budget, the program could proceed, say its supporters. Funding so far has come from a health insurance company, $70,000 a year from the state, and more money from such organizations as Rotary and the Hilo Hospital Foundation.
      Anyone can submit testimony by going to capitol.hawaii.gov. Testimony from healthcare providers predicts a loss of 134 physicians a year on the Big Island, as many doctors are headed for retirement.

THE INVEST IN HAWAI`I ACT, which would fast-track $500 million in capital improvements, including deferred maintenance on public facilities around the state, has the backing of Ka`u state Senator Gil Kahele, according to an Erin Miller story in this morning’s West Hawai`i Today. Miller quotes Kahele saying that “part of the thinking is to get things moving…. We all know we need to keep the economy moving.”
      The story also quoted county Planning director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd saying she has some concerns over the same bill exempting these state projects from county building permits. She said the state is less prepared to send out inspectors to make sure county building code is met and asked whether using state, rather than county inspectors, could increase cost. See more at westhawaiitoday.com.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAXES will remain the same rate this year, if a bill that passed the state House of Representatives yesterday passes the Senate. The bill would delay an automatic increase that could have cost an average of $300 a year per employee. The automatic increase would happen in March unless the bill passes the Senate and the governor signs it. 

THE PROPOSED CEDED LAND SETTLEMENT over property claimed by native Hawaiians is moving through the state Legislature. Yesterday, members of the Hawaiian Affairs and the Water, Land & Housing Committees in the state Senate cast unanimous favorable votes. The bill is headed to the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

BUSINESS IS UP IN HAWAI`I, according to state tax revenue statistics for the past six months. General Excise taxes rose 7.5 percent, and the transient accommodation taxes for hotels, bed and breakfasts and vacation rental went up 16.1 percent, according to the state Department of Taxation. The state Council on Revenues estimates that the fiscal year which ends in June will show tax increases of 11.5 percent over the past year.

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Dunkerley, holding his carbon credit certificate,
with state Sen. Kalani English, left, and Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
Photo courtesy of Kalani English

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES became the first air carrier to earn carbon credits for reducing emissions and saving fuel. In a ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaiian was honored for reducing carbon dioxide emissions by almost 22,000 metric tons and saving more than 2.5 million gallons of fuel. Airplane engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney praised Hawaiian CEO Mark Dunkerley in a ceremony yesterday in Honolulu. 

      The carbon reduction and energy savings comes from a new EcoPower engine washing routine used on Hawaiian’s larger aircraft when they are on the mainland. Dunkerley said he wants to eventually bring the equipment to Hawai`i.

DID PASSING THE NEW COUNTY BUILDING CODE violate the state Sunshine Law? According to a story in this morning’s Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, the state Office of Information Practices is looking into whether the amended building code was provided to the public in a way that could be understood and commented on before it was passed. The new code was adopted in a 7 to 2 vote, with South Kona Council member Brenda Ford, who is running for the Ka`u seat this year, voting “No,” along with Council chair Dominic Yagong. Both said they were willing to listen to additional amendments from the members of the public, who have been testifying to change the code to make housing more affordable. The state Office of Information Practices has written to the Council asking for a copy of the bill, meeting agenda and “relevant communications,” the Nancy Cook Lauer story says. See more at hawaiitribuneherald.com.

Ed Case

ED CASE has earned the University of Hawai`i Professional Assembly endorsement in his run for the U.S. Senate. The 4,000-member union said in a statement that it chose Case “based on who could best represent the interests of the University of Hawai`i faculty, the students, and the role of public higher education in Congress, now and into the future.” Case responded that he believes “deeply in the role of higher education in growing our economy and bettering our country. He said he wants to further the accomplishments and fulfill the promise of the University of Hawai`i not only here in Hawai`i but nationally and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Case, a Democrat, faces U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono in the primary, and the winner will likely face former governor and Republican Linda Lingle.

VALENTINE’S DAY is being celebrated throughout Ka`u today.
      Hana Hou Restaurant’s has specials of prime rib, fresh ono, pork tenderloin and surf and turf combos from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 929-9717 for reservations.
      South Side Shaka’s offers prime rib and crab from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call 929-7404 for reservations.
      Dinner at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café begins at 6 p.m., with entertainment by Lito Arkangel. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for reservations.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK tonight at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park features Capt. Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa, of Honu`apo, discussing Hawaiian canoes, from the first arrivals to working fishing vessels, giant war canoes and the sleek modern racing craft of today. Two-dollar donations support park programs, and park entrance fees apply.

Image from amazon.com

MARK YAMANAKA shares songs from his debut Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning CD, Lei Pua Kenikeni tomorrow from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Donations support future `Ike Hana No`eau programs, and park entrance fees apply. 

THE ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT to benefit Ka`u Hospital takes place this Friday at Volcano Golf and Country Club. Sign up with Ron Young at 987-2761 or youngron19582@yahoo.com.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS AT WWW.KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM AND WWW.PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM.

Ka`u News Briefs Feb. 13, 2012

Hawaiian Electric says it will not raise rates to make up for lost revenue from solar. Photo from ecohomemagazine.com

NO INCREASE IN ELECTRIC BILLS will be levied to recover lost income from people installing solar energy. This is the word from Hawaiian Electric Industries. Proposals were reported last week and could have hiked the average Big Island bills by $1.01 a month. However, a Pacific Business News story by Duane Shimogawa says that HEI notified him that it won’t seek new rates to cover the “lost contribution to fixed costs.”
      HEI spokesman Peter Rosegg told PBN, “It is true that there is currently a small cost to all electric customers to cover the fixed costs of generation, transmission and distribution facilities that must still be available to serve those who have solar photovoltaics when their systems are not generating energy.
      “Currently, the value of adding more customer-sited renewable energy and using less oil is considered to outweigh this lost contribution to fixed cost,” the utility executive wrote.

PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS are going back to the bargaining table with the state. A letter to teachers from the union’s Hawai`i State Teachers Association president Will Okabe says the union took in 5,000 surveys from teachers when it toured the state for listening sessions, including a meeting here at Ka`u High School. He says there is clear consensus among teachers, and the union plans the following: accept Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s offer to return to bargaining; expand the union’s Negotiations Team to include State Officers of the union and a representative from its Negotiations Committee; and put any agreement before the Negotiations Committee before sending it to a vote by union members. Okabe also vowed to make sure teachers understand any tentative agreement before it goes to a member vote. The union is also continuing legal action with the state Labor Board, contending that the state violated the rights of union members by forcing teachers back to work after they voted against a settlement.

SCHOLARSHIPS FROM THE BIG ISLAND PRESS CLUB are available to college students with Hawai`i Island ties who seek careers in journalism. The press club is comprised of Big Island media professionals and supporters of open government. Offered are the $1,500 Robert C. Miller Memorial Scholarship, the $1,000 Bill Arballo Scholarship, and $500 each in the name of the late Jack Markey and the late Yukino Fukabori. For an application go to bipc.wordpress.com and click on Scholarship Info and Apply for Scholarships. Deadline is June 9. 

HMSA’S KAIMANA AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS deadlines are Feb. 17. The program, sponsored by the health insurer and the Hawai`i High School Athletic Association, promotes physical activity at Hawai`i high schools, rewards achievements of student athletes and supports education for coaches.

Kealani Gangwes

      Among Ka`u High’s veteran outstanding athletes was Kealani Gangwes, who received a Kaimana Award for her excellence in soccer and track and field in 2006.
      Kaimana is the Hawaiian word for diamond, and the awards are accompanied by a crystal trophy. High school seniors are eligible to apply for Kaimana scholarships. Each scholarship is worth $3,000, with an additional $2,000 awarded to scholarship recipients with exceptional qualities. Scholarship selection is based on students’ individual athletic and academic achievement, sportsmanship, and community involvement, with special focus given to students in lower-profile sports. Applicants must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.75 and participate in one or more sports. Applications are available on the Hawai`i High School Athletic Association website at www.sportshigh.com.
      HMSA also has a new website called Health Care Plain and Simple to answer questions about healthy living and choosing healthcare plans. See HMSA.com. 

RAT LUNGWORM DISEASE remains a problem, particularly on the Big Island. The debilitating parasitic affliction damages the nervous system and can kill its victims. It comes from eating wild or farmed fruit and vegetables that have not been washed thoroughly, and from drinking untreated water. The parasites are carried by tiny slugs that have been exposed to rat feces. A story in this morning’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser by Leila Fujimori reveals the horrific tale of a horticulture student from Minnesota who came to Puna to intern at an organic farm last fall and thinks he contracted the disease from eating a wild guava or passion fruit. He was hospitalized for months and needed life support. Thirty-four cases have been confirmed on the Big Island since 2005. One infant died from the disease. Some who recovered have had to learn to walk again.

VALENTINE’S DAY will be celebrated throughout Ka`u tomorrow.
      Hana Hou Restaurant’s menu includes prime rib, fresh ono, pork tenderloin and surf and turf combos. The specials will be available from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 929-9717 for reservations.
      South Side Shaka’s has Valentine’s Day dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The menu includes prime rib and crab. Call 929-7404 for reservations.
      Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café offers dinner at 6 p.m., with entertainment by Lito Arkangel. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for reservations.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK tomorrow night features Capt. Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa, of Honu`apo, discussing Hawaiian canoes, from the first arrivals to working fishing vessels, giant war canoes and the sleek modern racing craft of today. The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Two-dollar donations support park programs, and park entrance fees apply.

Mark Yamanaka

MARK YAMANAKA shares songs from his debut Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning CD, Lei Pua Kenikeni on Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Donations support future `Ike Hana No`eau programs, and park entrance fees apply. 

THE ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT to benefit Ka`u Hospital takes place this Friday at Volcano Golf and Country Club. Sign up with Ron Young at 987-2761 or youngron19582@yahoo.com.

SEE OUR SPONSORS AT WWW.PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND WWW.KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.