Kamehame, protected by The Nature Conservancy, is one of the pristine, undeveloped beaches along the Ka'u Coast. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK could expand again along the Ka`u Coast if legislation introduced by Rep. Mazie Hirono passes the U.S. Congress and funding is found. The movement on the federal level started in 2005 when then congressman Ed Case wrote to the National Park Service asking for a survey of the Ka`u Coast to determine suitability for inclusion as a unit within the National Park System.
This study was done and Hirono has taken up the cause for further evaluation. She recently reintroduced the Ka`u Coast Preservation Act for lands between Kapa`o Point and Kahuku Point.
Hirono told congress the National Park Service reconnaissance showed the Ka`u Coast meets National Park Service’s “demanding criteria as a resource of National Significance.”
She noted the report recommends Congress proceed with a full resource study of the area.
“Although under significant development pressure the coastline of Ka`u is still largely unspoiled,” Hirono testified. “The study area contains significant natural, geological and archaeological features. The northern part of the study area is adjacent to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and contains a number of noteworthy geological features, including an ancient lava tube known as the Great Crack, which the National park Service has expressed interest in acquiring in the past.”
A monk seal rests along the Ka'u Coast at Honu'apo. Photo by Julia Neal
Hirono noted the study area “includes both black and green sand beaches as well as a significant number of endangered and threatened species, most notably the endangered hawksbill turtle,” and that at least half of the Hawaiian population of the rare sea turtle nests within the study area. It is also home to threatened green sea turtles, endangered Hawaiian monk seals, endangered Hawaiian hawks, native bees, endangered and very rare Hawaiian orange-black damselflies (the largest population in the state), and native endemic birds. Humpback whales and spinner dolphins also frequent the area, Hirono told Congress. “The Ka`u Coast boasts some of the best remaining examples of native coastal vegetation in Hawai`i,” the congresswoman testified. She pointed to archaeological resources related to ancient Hawaiian settlements along the Ka`u Coast as “very impressive. These include dwelling complexes, heiau (religious shrines), walls, fishing and canoe houses or sheds, burial sites, petroglyphs, water and salt collection sites, caves and trails. The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail runs through the study area,” Hirono noted.
She also said Ka`u’s “spectacular viewscapes, are an important part of Hawai`i's and our nation's natural and cultural heritage. I believe a full feasibility study, which was recommended in the reconnaissance survey, will confirm that the area meets the National Park Service's high standards as an area of national significance,” Hirono concluded.
Signs similar to these that remain at Kawa were
removed from the mauka side of Hwy 11 yesterday. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
BANNERS AND SIGNS ALONG HIGHWAY 11 AT KAWA proclaiming Hawaiian sovereignty and illegal takeover of lands were removed yesterday by the rancher leasing the adjacent land. Noni Soares, who leases the land for cattle along with her husband Kyle, said that under the watchful eye of a police officer, they removed the signs and took them to the makai side of the highway for retrieval by people who supported the signage. Soares said that fences needed to be repaired so that the pasture could be used again. She said that with the signs on the fences the ranchers had been unable to maintain them for several years. She said her husband also used equipment on the makai side of the highway to locate a waterline that goes under the highway. She said they are coordinating with the state Department of Transportation for the preservation of the waterline when the state builds its highway project that will raise Hwy 11 above sea level at Kawa Flats to lift it up out of the flood zone. Soares said they were filmed as they were working on the waterline and fence by a group of people who objected to their activities, including taking down the signs. Supporters of Kawa sovereignty planted aloe and taro where the rancher cleared vegetation to look for the water line.
Kawa sovereignty supporters planted aloe and taro after
the rancher cleared away vegetation to look for waterlines. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
The county recently completed the purchase of Kawa to preserve it for wildlife, wetlands, surfing, fishing, and other public use, a plan that was opposed by Abel Simeona Lui who has lived on the property for some two decades. West Hawai`i Today quoted Deputy Managing Director Wally Lau as saying on Monday that he is in charge of putting together a stewardship plan for Kawa and other open space land the county purchases. The newspaper reported Lau saying that, “Any stewardship program, for any county property, would start with lineal and cultural descendants of the region.” According to the report, “That means Lui could end up being a steward for Kawa,” even after court decisions that would allow eviction. Lau said, “If he wants to be a player or a participant, we can’t exclude anybody,” according to West Hawai`i Today.
Kaua`i Coffee Company's estate. Photo from kauaicoffee.com
A PRIVATELY OWNED COFFEE COMPANY could be funded to build a new factory with state revenue bonds to make Hawaiian coffee into instant, freeze dried, syrups and other value added products. Senate Bill 2352 would “authorize $10 million in special purpose revenue bonds to assist Kaua`i Coffee Company, Inc. in the planning, construction and operation of a coffee processing facility for the production of Hawai`i-based coffee products.” The standing committee report says that “in order to develop additional markets for Hawai`i-grown coffee, the coffee industry must be able to offer new and innovative products. Therefore, creating a new coffee processing facility would allow the coffee industry to create products that the global market is demanding. The coffee processing facility will also benefit all Hawai`i coffee producers by allowing them to process their product in Hawai`i,” the legislation states. The legislation names liquid concentrated coffee and freeze dried coffee as examples. “Prospective buyers for these products include the United States military, overseas markets, and niche markets that demand portable and durable food products,” the legislation says.
Photo from mjbcoffee.com
In support yesterday, state Department of Agriculture Chair Russell Kokubun noted that 54.4 million pounds of coffee have been produced in the state since 2003, with about 55 percent in Hawai`i County and the rest of the state producing 45 percent. “All counties have need for a processing facility for coffee as well as other agricultural commodities to add value to their production,” Kokubun contended.
Dr. Bryce Decker, a member of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association, testified against the bill. “Department of Agriculture needs to allocate resources to combat the coffee berry borer, which threatens the entire Hawaiian coffee industry. There are some 600 hundred coffee farmers affected. Bills that favor a single large producer, while neglecting 99 percent of them in real trouble with the borer, strike me as very unwise policy. We can do better,” he wrote.
Coffee farmers Page Trygstad and Yoko Harada also opposed the measure. “This is inappropriate construction of a facility for a foreign owned company.” In the meantime coffee farmers suffer “from inadequate or no assistance from the state in its battle against the coffee berry borer,” they wrote.
Photo from hillsbros.com
Coffee farmer Bruce Corker also opposed the measure. He wrote, the “committee is giving a hearing to a bill to provide special financial assistance to a ‘Big Ag’ corporation-while providing no apparent support for coffee farmers facing economic devastation…Why does the HDOA support allocation of economic resources to Kaua`i Coffee Co. when it is unable to hire and place an entomologist in Hawai`i County?” he asked.
Coffee farmer Sandra Scarr wrote that in January 2019, Alexander & Baldwin “sold its coffee operations to global coffee giant Massimo Zanette. MZ is the world’s largest privately owned coffee group, comprised of 49 companies operating in over 35 countries. In addition to Kaua`i Coffee, their brands include Hills Bros, MJB, Chock-Full-Of-Nuts, Chase & Sanborn and others. Why does MZ need Hawai`i state-guaranteed bonds? Is this just cheap money or were the bonds part of an A&B promissory note on the sale?” asks the coffee farmer.
The bill is scheduled for decision-making in the House Agriculture committee tomorrow. Anyone can testify by going to www.capitol.hawaii.gov.
Photo from Blue Planet Foundation
REPLACING OLD LIGHT BULBS with new energy efficient bulbs is once again a fundraiser possibility for Ka`u community groups. Blue Planet Foundation hopes residents across Hawai`i will replace 25,000 incandescent light bulbs with CFLs. Schools community groups, social clubs, churches and athletic teams are welcome to apply for up to a thousand free CFLs at a time. The groups will receive 50 cents for each old bulb turned in that has been replaced by a CFL. Replacing 25,000 light bulbs is calculated to save $4.8 million during the life of the light bulbs and reduce Hawai`i’s dependency on importing fossil fuel. Interested organizations can call 954-6161 to sign up and attend an orientation. Deadline is March 30.
MAYOR BILLY KENOI and directors of county departments meet and talk with Ka`u residents about projects and issues important to their communities this Monday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Na`alehu Elementary School. The visit is hosted by Ka`u Rural Health Community Association and Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u.
Keoki Kahumoku performs at
Kilauea Theater Saturday.
EVENTS PLANNED FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY, in Volcano, include a workshop, concert and dinner. A zen inspired writing workshop, Zen Pen, taught by Tom Peek is hosted at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $77 for VAC members, $85 for non-members. Call Julie, 967-8222. VAC offers An Evening of Green, Hawaiian Style bluegrass concert that evening at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camps, Kilauea Theater in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. A St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Special is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Republicans vote to nominate a candidate for U.S. President at Na`alehu School in the first ever Republican caucus in Hawai`i as an observer from the Democratic Party stands over the polling place. Photo by Julia Neal
LIBERTARIAN RON PAUL won the Hawai`i county Republican caucus last night with 32 percent of the vote, edging out Mitt Romney who took 31 percent, Rick Santorum with 23 percent and Newt Gingrich with 15 percent. The win gave Paul one delegate towards nomination to become the Republican candidate for U.S. President.
Republicans, comprised of Tea Party,
Liberation and traditional party members,
fly Old Glory at the caucus in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal
Paul lost on the other islands, with 30 percent of the vote in Maui County, just under Romney’s 31 percent. Paul took 26 percent of the vote on Kaua`i where both Romney and Santorum beat him.
Romney took 56 percent of the vote in the City & County of Honolulu, followed by Santorum, giving Romney the win statewide. The allocation from the first ever Republican caucus voting in Hawai`i gives nine delegates to Romney, four to Santorum, one to Paul and zero to Gingrich.
Voting was held in Ka`u at Na`alehu and Ocean View. There was also a Republican caucus in Volcano. Republican Party leaders said the turnout was bigger than expected and some places ran out of ballots. In Na`alehu, people exiting the polling place were open about their support; some chosing the Libertarian, small government ideas of Ron Paul, others the conservatism of Rick Santorum and still others the moderation of Mitt Romney. A number of people identified themselves with the Tea Party.
THE LIGHTS WENT OUT late yesterday afternoon as a truck carrying a big earth mover struck a utility pole on Kama`oa Road above Discovery Harbour. Traffic was rerouted for hours. No one was injured but the pole snapped, falling on the truck. Electricity was interrupted in Na`alehu.
A 3.4 EARTHQUAKE SHOOK the earth yesterday six miles south of Volcano Village inside Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. No damage nor injuries reported.
Photo from coffeebeandirect.com
INSPECTION OF GREEN COFFEE BEANS being shipped out of their origin region and also out of the state would end if House Bill 280 passes the state Senate. State Department of Agriculture Chair Russell Kokubun provided testimonyfor a public hearing yesterday before the Senate Agriculture Committee. He explained: “Prior to 1997, green coffee certification was conducted on a voluntary basis for users requesting certification. Following a counterfeit scandal, a coffee dealer was indicted for fraud for selling counterfeit green Kona coffee at depressed prices in the mainland. This prompted legislation that required all Hawai`i-grown green coffee be certified prior to leaving the geographic region of production. However, this requirement did not apply to roasted Hawai`i-grown coffee.”
Kokubun noted that a reduction in state Department of Agriculture staff means there is only one full-time Agricultural Commodities Marketing Specialist to inspect coffee on the west side of this island. This results in delay of inspections with a turnaround time of up to three to four weeks. The delay in exporting the coffee “limits cash flow needed to pay their coffee producers in a timely manner,” Kokubun testified. He said his department supports voluntary certification of origin but would conduct unannounced inspections to make sure coffees are from their stated origin. He also said the measure “would not trump the current quarantines in place that are meant to prevent the spread of coffee berry borer or other potential invasive pests or diseases.”
The statewide Hawai`i Farm Bureau also supported the measure “provided that stiff, enforceable penalties in the law will punish and deter the act of counterfeiting Hawaiian grown coffee,” testified its CEO Bryan Miyamoto. The Ka`u Farm Bureau, in testimony from its President Chris Manfredi, supports lifting the certification but urged making counterfeiting coffee origin “an enforceable felony offense."
Coffee growers are split on whether to eliminate government
origin certification. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
The Kona Coffee Growers Association, however, testified that its 320 members oppose eliminating government coffee origin certification. Its President Cecelia Burns Smith said she is a fourth generation coffee grower and called the bill “unnecessary and dangerous. If enacted it will cause significant economic harm to the hundreds of small family farms both in Kona and in other Hawaiian geographic origins statewide that are developing a reputation for superior quality.” She said farmers depend on mandatory inspections to ensure grade and geographic origin are certified to maintain reputation for outstanding quality and price.
Another coffee farmer wrote: “Rather than moving backwards, the State of Hawai`i should be strengthening its systems to provide for Hawai`i-grown coffee protections similar to what Florida provides for Florida Orange Juice, the State of Georgia for Vidalia Onions, Idaho for Idaho Potatoes, and California for Napa Wines.” An inspection fee could pay for the certification, several testifiers suggested. Rep. Denny Coffman, of Kona who, if reelected will represent Ka`u from Manuka through Ocean View to Honu`apo, also opposed the measure as did Rep. Faye Hanohano. The bill was deferred in the Senate Ag committee until March 20.
Mixed Martial Arts fighter, VISTA volunteer
Dylan Rush, is asking for community help
with Ka`u High School Senior Projects. Photo from MMAHawaii.com
KA`U HIGH SCHOOL is seeking volunteers for a wide variety of activities including coaches, tutors and mentorships for senior projects. High school seniors must create a project to receive a Board of Education certified diploma. Seniors design projects around any topic they choose. Projects this year included a documentary about immigrant Filipino life in the islands, fashion design, stone sculpting, and a drive to collect school supplies. “If you are an expert or just a hobbyist in any field, a kupuna, or just a community member who wants to get involved, you are invited to register as a volunteer for our youth,” said VISTA volunteer Dylan Rush. To register as a volunteer, log onto HelpHawaiiSchools.com. For questions, contact Rush at 310-295-8177.
MAYOR BILLY KENOI and directors of county departments meet and talk with Ka`u residents about projects and issues important to their communities this Monday, March 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Na`alehu Elementary School. The visit is hosted by Ka`u Rural Health Community Association and Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u.
TODAY IS THE DEADLINE to sign up for Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Activities include `oli, mo`olelo, GPS, compass and measuring distance by pacing. Call 985-6019.
HAZEL BECK, of Hawai`i Small Business Development Center, discusses what it takes to get a business started at a workshop this Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon at Na`alehu Community Center. To register, contact Jane Horike at 961-8496 or jhorike@co.hawaii.hi.us.
Megan Collins, right, promotes The Local Buzz Ka`u Coffee and Macadamia Nuts in Philadelphia.
THE FIRST EVER HAWAI`I REPUBLICAN CAUCUS will be held around the state today from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Caucus locations to vote for the Republican nomination for President of the United States include Na`alehu Elementary School Cafeteria just off Hwy 11 for Pahala, Na`alehu, Discovery Harbour, Green Sands and area residents; Ocean View Community Center on Leilani Circle for Miloli`i to Ocean View residents; and New Hope Church in Volcano for Volcano, Glenwood and Mt. View residents.
Formerly, the Republicans hosted state conventions with delegates where party nominees were selected. For the caucuses this evening, Republicans can show up at any of the locations, just so they don’t vote at more than one location. If not already registered as a Republican, participants can register but must show permanent residency in Hawai`i.
The candidates are Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum. The voting sites are set up for all 51 state House Districts as well as Moloka`i, Lana`i and Hana so that anyone can participate in person. These are not mass meetings. They are organized as a party-run Primary Election. See more at http://www.gophawaii.com/2012-presidential-caucus.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY incorporated into school designs and renovations is one of the aims of a bill making its way through the state Legislature this year. SB1197, which goes to public hearing today, is written “to realize economic savings by increasing energy efficiency in state buildings, including schools by requiring the incorporation of alternative energy designs into the construction of, and major renovations to, state buildings,” says the committee report. The county is planning a new gym and community shelter in Pahala and is attempting to make the buildings as energy efficient as possible, given the budget of more than $17 million.
MAKING HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO. a distribution company only, in order to allow more competition in the production of power by many producers, failed to get the votes in committees at the state Legislature this year. The bill was authored by Rep. Denny Coffman. The idea is to move Hawaiian Electric out of the production of electricity over time, as Hawaiian Electric power plants are run with fossil fuel. The bill will likely come up again next year. Coffman, a Democrat, is expected to run for the expanded state House District that will span from Kona Airport to Honu`apo. The primary is in August.
THE KA`U FARM BUREAU last night reviewed legislation involving agriculture. Among the bills discussed that are alive at the state Legislature is SB 2646, which would exempt nonresidential agricultural structures from building permits on land classified ag; SB2341, that would allow overnight stays on ag land; and another bill that would allow `ohana dwellings on ag land. Another bill would limit solar farms to the lower quality ag lands. A bill would allow beekeepers to produce honey without having potable water on site. Another bill would float bonds for loans to keep dams and reservoirs in good shape. Another would provide $147,000 in funding to help the Big Island Invasive Species Committee to eradicate wild and abandoned coffee, which is seen as a major problem in controlling the coffee berry borer. Anyone can go to capitol.hawaii.gov and look up any subject and find proposed legislation. Ka`u Farm Bureau meetings are held the second Monday of each month.
KA`U COFFEE GROWERS Megan Collins and Scott Buske, of Paradise Meadows Orchard & Bee Farm, are just pau with the Philadelphia International Flower Show, one of the largest conventions held in the U.S. with fresh-grown greenery, flowers and agricultural products. They showed off their Local Buzz coffee and macadamia nuts. Their farm is located on 75 acres just off South Point Road. Other Ka`u Coffee that went to the show included award-winning Rusty’s Hawaiian 100 Percent Ka`u Coffee, owner Lorie Obra told the Ka`u Farm Bureau last night. Collins said the show was beautiful and drew 270,000 people. The theme of this year’s show was Hawai`i, and a Big Island General Store promoting local products was sponsored by the county. The Orcino family coffee was also represented and sold out.
THE NEW COFFEE BERRY BORER educational film was promoted by Melanie Bondera of the Kohala Center on Hawai`i News Now television this morning. The ten-minute film teaches farmers and backyard coffee growers how to fight the pest that could devastate the Ka`u Coffee industry if it gets a hold here. She talked about freezing, drying and burying infected beans. Kona coffee farmers are suffering from 80 percent of their coffee being attacked by the borers. Bondera said that Kamehameha School is mailing out DVDs of the film on fighting coffee berry borers to all its tenants. The film can be seen on the Kamehameha Schools youtube channel. Ka`u Coffee Mill is also planning to provide the DVD to all farmers who bring their coffee for processing at Ka`u Coffee Mill. The film can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWNWScDGAA8.
KA`U FEDERAL CREDIT UNION will complete its merger with CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union in the first week of April with the final data merger between the two organizations. For April all Ka`u Federal Credit Union members will begin receiving statements from CU Hawai`i. The legal merger with the larger, islandwide credit union was finalized on Feb. 1. All accounts remain insured through the National Credit Union Administration for up to $250,000. Members of KFCU need not take any action if they have certificates with the credit union. No action is needed if for paychecks, social security or any other reoccurring checks deposited in the credit union. Automatic payments from credit union accounts will also be continued by CU Hawai`i. KFCU members can log onto www.cuhawaii.com to become familiar with CU Hawai`i.
THE KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL MEETING will be held next Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center, not tonight as reported in yesterday’s news briefs. The meetings will be held every two weeks until the festival on May 12.
AKU HAUANIO, a Hawaiian kau la`au fisherman, offers a look at cliff-top fishing, or hang baiting at After Dark in the Park tonight at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Two-dollar donations support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.
Lehua Domingo demonstrates her art. Photo courtesy of NPS.
LEI HULU A ME ULANA PAPALE LAUHALA are topics tomorrow from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Lehua Domingo shares the `anoni style of weaving pandanus leaves into a hat. Her son, lei maker Kilohana, demonstrates the art of feather work, and his na lei hulu, or feather lei, will be on display. The event is free, and park entrance fees apply.
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK invites the entire family to Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Kahuku Unit. Activities include `oli, mo`olelo, GPS, compass and pacing. Tomorrow is the deadline to sign up. Call 985-6019.
HAZEL BECK, of Hawai`i Small Business Development Center, discusses what it takes to get a business started at a workshop on Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon at Na`alehu Community Center. To register, contact Jane Horike at 961-8496 or jhorike@co.hawaii.hi.us.
