Ka`u News Briefs April 12, 2012

Ka`u's trash could be trucked to West Hawai`i Landfill if county consultant's study is put into action. Photo from keepinghawaiiclean.com

NA`ALEHU GARBAGE IS trucked all the way to the West Hawai`i Landfill at Pu`uanahulu, and the rest of Ka`u’s trash could be added in if a county consultant’s study is put into action. Consultant R.W. Beck reported in a 226-page study that it would be less expensive to haul Ka`u and all the eastside trash to the westside than continue operating the Hilo Landfill.
      The study said proximity to Hilo Airport, along with the heavy rain and porous soil in Hilo, create poor conditions for a landfill and recommend against expanding it. It also contends that the county would save $1.5 million a year by trucking the garbage west. The County Council is weighing in on the issue, with its chair Dominic Yagong planning to draft a bill that would oppose the trucking. Both he and Council member Pete Hoffmann have said that the public is concerned about traffic and gas prices and would prefer to avoid long hauls of trash around the island. A story by Nancy Cook Lauer in this morning’s West Hawai`i Today quotes Mayor Billy Kenoi saying that the county administration will study the issue and has no plans so far to carry more garbage from one side to the other. The story also reports the study showing the westside landfill having 27 more years of service with eastside garbage added and 38 years without it.

Allegiant offers non-stop flights from Honolulu to mainland, starting late June.
Photo from sjgov.org

ALLEGIANT AIR FLIES NON-STOP TO HONOLULU from the mainland starting late June, according to a press release issued by the travel company on Tuesday. Founded in 1997, Allegiant offers air, hotel and car rental packages. Flights from Fresno, California, start on June 30, and flights from Las Vegas start on June 29. The press release emphasizes introductory low rates for the new flights starting at $174, one-way, available if booked before April 30. At press time, flights from Honolulu to Fresno depart on Saturdays and return on Sundays, while flights from Honolulu to Las Vegas depart on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays and return on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 

Linda Chiem,
photo from 
linkedin.com

     Linda Chiem, of Pacific Business News, also reported on the announcement, stating that with Allegiant “joining the mix and upping the competition for travelers, Hawai`i reaps the benefits of getting up to 900 new travelers a week.” Chiem quoted Hawai`i Tourism Authority president and CEO Mike McCartney saying that “Allegient’s entry to the Hawaiian Islands is good news for the state. The U.S. west is our leading market, and these flights will help to provide additional direct service for visitors and is estimated to provide up to $29.8 million in visitor expenditures and $3.25 million in tax revenue.”
      Allegiant president Andrew Levy said the travel company plans to expand service to other mainland cities in the future. For more, see allegiantair.com.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS and those interested in becoming volunteers are asked to meet tonight at 7 p.m. at H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. in Ocean View. For more call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

`IKE HANA NO`EAU cultural programs take place today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The Makuakane `Ohana shares the arts and music of Hawaiian culture, and Patricia Kaula demonstrates the art of traditional and modern lei making. The programs are free, and park entrance fees apply.

Photo from fhvnp.org

IMAGES FROM THE EDGE, a photo contest sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, is accepting entries through this Monday, April 16. The contest is open to anyone with an original photograph taken in the park within the last three years. Photos may be color or black and white and can cover any subject matter. All images will be considered for inclusion in a slideshow on Saturday, April 28 at Kilauea Visitor Center, and all finalists’ photographs will be exhibited from June 9 to 17 at Volcano Art Center Gallery.
      For full contest rules and to enter, visit fhvnp.org. The entry fee for up to three photos is $25, payable online by credit card.

A KEAUHOU BIRD CONSERVATION CENTER TOUR, offered by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, still has openings for this Monday, April 16, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The program cost is $20 for Friends members and $30 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are half-price. Email institute@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373. Visit fhvnp.org.

Image from rnh.com

AUDITIONS FOR CINDERELLA, written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, will be held on Monday, May 21 and Tuesday, May 22 by Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network for their annual summer musical. Auditions start at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Kilauea Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The show, directed by Suzi Bond, will have music directed by Pedro Ka`awaloa and choreography by Carmen Richardson. The play offers lead roles for six women and two men, featured roles for three men and a large singing and dancing ensemble of townspeople and children. All ages are encouraged to audition and are asked to come dressed comfortably and ready to move freely on the stage. Participants will be taught a song from the show and some dance steps. For more, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

Ka`u News Briefs April 11, 2012

Ka`u could soon have the first green powered coffee mill according to Olson land manager John Cross. Photos by Julia Neal

HYDROELECTRIC plans for Ka`u are reviewed in a new story by Big Island Video News. David Corrigan reports, “the infrastructure is being laid for a sustainable future.” Corrigan, hydroplant developer Edmund C. Olson and Olson land manager John Cross, traveled up the mountain above Wood Valley Road to Keaiwa Reservoir recently to examine the site where the hydro project is under construction involving the 13 million gallon Keaiwa Reservoir built in 1920. It has the potential to power the nearby Ka`u Coffee Mill, macadamia nut husking operation and about 400 homes in Pahala, said Olson and Cross. Cross said that the Ka`u Coffee Mill could be “the first coffee mill that is totally green powered, no fossil fuels used to process and dry and roast the coffee.”

Keiawa, 13 million gallon, reservoir above Wood Valley Road.

      The alternative energy with a 400 kw power plant will be used to help husk a million and a half pounds of macadamia nuts grown nearby.
      The water to create the energy and electricity comes from tunnels, many of them installed in the time of the sugar plantations. “Now everything is being upgraded. Its a massive project, requiring work on steep cliffs and muddy hillsides,” Corrigan reports. He noted that “Local farmers are helping Pahala and Wood Valley transition from the defunct plantation era economy to a new model – rooted mostly in gourmet coffee – giving new life, and hope, to Ka`u's agricultural way of life.”
      “As a brand, Ka`u coffee has been blazing a path towards global recognition, with continued victories at world renown cupping competitions. As a name, Ka`u is even giving the celebrated Kona-brand a run for its money,” the Big Island Video News story reports. “The region has reinvented itself with its new found coffee industry, making local agricultural celebrities out of hard working farmers like Bull and Jamie Ka`ili`awa. The success is punctuated every year with the popular Ka`u Coffee Festival.” For more see bigislandvideonews.com.

Mayor Billy Kenoi says geothermal could power the island. 
Photo by Teresa Tico

GEOTHERMAL’S FUTURE was touted by Mayor Billy Kenoi last night at a talk story meeting. According to West Hawai`i Today this morning, the mayor and other county officials visited Ormoc City in the Philippines where he said three workers run a geothermal plant that is clean and provides 220 megawatts of power. “To put that in perspective, if everybody gets home, 6 p.m. turns on the lights, peak power – 180 megawatts, is what it takes for this entire island,” the Big Island, said the mayor. The story by Erin Miller reports that the mayor said he would like to see additional geothermal in West Hawai`i. During the same talk-story, held in Kona, County Council Chair Dominic Yagong said he supports geothermal but is concerned about plans to depend on geothermal to power up the other Hawaiian islands through sending the electricity along a cable between the islands, the West Hawai`i Today story reports.

KA`U HIGH & PAHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS invite the public to do a walk-through tomorrow. To reserve, call 928-2088.

THE DEADLINE FOR KEN WICKS SCHOLARSHIP has been moved to May 1. Anyone entering or re-entering the work force or the higher education system may apply. For more visit kauchamber.org.

Photo of banded spiny lobster from reefguide.org

LOBSTER & CRAB SEASON ENDS MAY 1 and applies to all forms of harvesting, by hand, by net or trap. The taking of female spiny lobsters and female Kona crabs has been illegal in any season since 2006. In order to take spiny lobsters their heads must be 3-1/4 inches in length. Spearing of spiny lobsters is prohibited. Slipper lobsters must be 2-3/4 inches in tail width and spearing of slipper lobsters is prohibited. See more on the regulations at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS and those interested in becoming volunteers are asked to meet tomorrow at 7 p.m. at H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. in Ocean Views. For more call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

`IKE HANA NO`EAU cultural programs are scheduled this week from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center. Today, Sam and Edna Baldado discuss the cultural uses of kalo, the taro plant. Ka`ohu Monfort teaches how plants and Hawaiian culture are used to heal and nourish. Ranger Adrian Boone and volunteer Ed Shiinoki demonstrate and make traditional three-holed bamboo nose flutes, and praise and worship leader Rupert Tripp, Jr. shares his love for music.
      Tomorrow, Boone and Shiinoki again demonstrate nose flutes. Master lei artist Patricia Kaula shares na lei, the art of traditional and modern lei making, and the Makuakane `Ohana celebrate Merrie Monarch, sharing the arts and music of Hawaiian culture tomorrow and Friday.
     The programs are free, and park entrance fees apply.

LINDA ROWELL STEVENS’ signs copies of Uncle Kawaiola’s Dream, the latest book she illustrated, tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The event is free and park entrance fees apply. Call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org for more.

Photo of puaiohi by Michelle Smith, KBCC

A KEAUHOU BIRD CONSERVATION CENTER tour still has openings for next Monday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The center, located in Volcano, is one of two operated by San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Captive propagation and release techniques aim to reestablish self-sustaining populations of critically endangered birds in the wild. Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is offering the tour. `Alala, Hawaiian crow; palila, a finch-billed honeycreeper; Maui parrotbill, an insectivorous Hawaiian honeycreeper; and puaiohi, small Kaua`i thrush, are among birds cared for at the center.
      “Since the tour is during breeding season, we may even have the unique chance to see chicks being fed,” said Julie Mitchell, manager of Friends. Program cost is $20 for Friends members and $30 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are half-price. Email institute@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373. Visit fhvnp.org.

Ka`u News Briefs April 10, 2012

Top U.S. winners in Coffees of the Year, Bull Kailiawa in 2011 and Willie Tabios in 2012, join a large contingent from
Ka`u at the Specialty Coffee Association of America international convention in Portland next week.
Photo by Julia Neal 

NO BACKYARD BURNING or face as much as $10,000 a day in fines, says the state Department of Health. It amended its rules to make illegal open fires to heat water for bathing, burning trash and fires for anything but cooking. Fires in backyards have been banned on O`ahu since 1973 but are commonly seen throughout villages in Ka`u. The Department of Health says such fires give off air pollution with possible health effects and create fire hazards.

      Farmers and ranchers can burn green waste with an Agricultural Burning Permit from the Department of Health. The rules are available at http://gen.doh.hawaii.gov/sites/har/AdmRules1/11-60-1.pdf. See more on clean air at http://hawaii.gov/health/environmental/air/cab/index.html.

Brandy Shibuya is Miss Aloha Hawai`i after
winning Miss Ka`u Coffee and will vie for
Miss Hawai`i. Photo from Miss Hawai`i

KA`U COFFEE GROWERS, Miss Ka`u Coffee and local coffee marketers are headed for Portland, Oregon next week to celebrate three local coffees winning top ten spots in the international Roasters Guild Coffees of the Year competition at the Specialty Coffees of America annual convention. Veteran winner Willie Tabios, whose coffee scored top in Hawai`i, with Lorie Obra and Trini Marques, who celebrate their first Coffees of the Year awards, will represent Ka`u.

      Others attending from Ka`u include Miss Ka`u Coffee Brandy Shibuya, who also earned the Miss Aloha Hawai`i title and is headed for the Miss Hawai`i official competition for the Miss America Pageant. Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative president Gloria Camba; Ka`u Coffee Festival chair Chris Manfredi, of Ka`u Farm & Ranch; Phil Becker, of Aikane Coffee; Joan Obra and Ralph Gaston, of Rusty’s 100% Hawaiian Ka`u Coffee; U.S. Barista champion Pete Licata, who now lives at Punalu`u; Malian Lahey, of Ka`u Specialty Coffees; John Cross, Lee Segawa, Richard Loero and Edmund Olson, of Ka`u Coffee Mill; and Bull Kailiawa, who placed in the top ten internationally at SCAA in 2011, will represent Ka`u in this largest international coffee convention on the planet.

GROWN IN HAWAI`I TEA may get extra protection from false labeling. The state Senate committees on Agriculture, Economic Development and Technology are requesting passage of Resolution SR42 to establish the Hawai`i-Grown Tea Working Group to come up with labeling rules and regulations for camellia sinensis, the species commonly used to make true beverage tea. The University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture would lead the committee of eight and assist in marketing Hawai`i-grown tea. Ka`u has tea growers in Wood Valley, Volcano and other areas of the district.

Tea Hawai`i supports protection of labeling for Hawai`i-
grown teas. Photo by Jack Wolford

      Among the supporters of the resolution are former Ka`u County Council members Bob and Julie Jacobson, who own Hawai`i Rainforest Tea; Eva Lee, owner of Tea Hawai`i & Co. in Volcano; and Sen. Gil Kahele, who co-sponsored the resolution. The resolution says that the global tea market is a multi-billion dollar industry and that the specialty tea market is projected to double in the next five years. “Making tea a specialty crop for the state would mean increased employment and revenue for the state at a time when both are sorely needed…. It is important to ensure that tea grown in Hawai`i is properly identified and protected by strict labeling requirements, just as coffee made from coffee beans grown in Hawai`i is properly identified and protected by strict labeling requirements.” 

THE HAWAII WILDLIFE CONSERVATION STAMP and Hawai`i Game Bird stamp art contest is open for entries through May 7. The state Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Forestry & Wildlife hosts the competition. Art will be used on the Wildlife Conservation Stamp required to validate Hawai`i State hunting licenses and the Game Bird Stamp required to hunt game birds. Productions of the stamps will be available to wildlife stamp collectors. See www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw for entry form and rules. DOFAW encourages submission of paintings that depict the species of each category in the setting of its typical Hawai`i habitat or within its range of habitat.

The state bird illustrated the conservation stamp
back in 1996-1997.

      Winner will receive a maximum stipend of $1,000.
      Funds from sales of the Hawai`i Wildlife Conservation Stamps go into the state Wildlife Revolving Fund to support game animal populations and habitat, and to manage hunting in the state.
      Activities and projects supported by this fund have included surveys of game bird and mammal populations, land leasing for hunting, predator control, and maintenance of wildlife watering units. Planting native shrubs and trees, controlled burns, removal of invasive plants, and other wildlife habitat improvement and restoration projects are supported by the funds. Questions regarding the contest can be emailed to Edwin.D.Johnson@hawaii.gov or directed to 808-587-4185.

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN update will be held tonight at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. The public is invited. For more information, contact Ron Whitmore at 961-8137 or rwhitmore@co.hawaii.hi.us.

ERUPTION CYCLES AT KILAUEA are discussed at After Dark In The Park this evening at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Geologist Don Swanson explains how Kilauea’s eruptive cycles were recently recognized, what they mean in terms of how the volcano works and hazards implied by long explosive periods. The program begins Two-dollar donations support park programs, and park entrance fees apply.

Ranger Adrian Boone demonstrates the bamboo nose flute.
Photo from NPS

`IKE HANA NO`EAU cultural programs are scheduled this week from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center. Tomorrow, Sam and Edna Baldado discuss the cultural uses of kalo, the taro plant. Ka`ohu Monfort teaches how plants and Hawaiian culture are used to heal and nourish. Ranger Adrian Boone and volunteer Ed Shiinoki demonstrate and make traditional three-holed bamboo nose flutes, and praise and worship leader Rupert Tripp, Jr. shares his love for music. 

      On Thursday, Boone and Shiinoki again demonstrate nose flutes. The Makuakane `Ohana celebrates Merrie Monarch, sharing the arts and music of Hawaiian culture on Thursday as well as Friday.
      The programs are free, and park entrance fees apply.

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