Ka`u News Briefs April 23, 2012

Ka`u Coffee farmers with Coffees of the Year organizers. Willie Tabios (left), was top in the U.S., and Lorie Obra (center) and Trini Marques (right) followed, all three taking spots in the top ten in the worldwide competition.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS wrapped up their visit to Portland, Oregon on Sunday. They represented Ka`u Coffee in the Specialty Coffee Association of America annual convention. Representatives of Ka`u took roasting classes, supported Rusty’s 100 Percent Hawaiian Ka`u Coffee, Ka`u Coffee Mill, Aikane Coffee and the brands of Willie Tabios, Trini Marques and Bull Kailiawa. Ka`u Coffee winners have been placing in the top ten year after year. This was the first year that three landed in the top ten. They were the coffees of Tabios, Obra and Marques. Their coffees were sponsored by Chris Manfredi, of Ka`u Farm & Ranch, and the travel and accommodations for Tabios, Marques, 2011 winner Bull Kailiawa and Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative president Gloria Camba were sponsored by Edmund C. Olson of Ka`u Coffee Mill.

Map from hawaiiscenicbyways.org

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY has been added to Hawai`i’s Scenic Byway website. The page provides a map with points of interest marked, along with descriptions of each one. The route, called the Slopes of Mauna Loa, includes points of interest on the western, southern and eastern slopes of the volcano, following Highway 11 from Manuka State Park to the main entrance to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and some side trips. See hawaiiscenicbyways.org.

THE HAWAI`I LEGISLATIVE SESSION ends next week. Legislators must finalize bills in conference committee by this Thursday in order for them to move forward. See www.capitol.hawaii.gov for information and to provide testimony.

Brenda Ford Photo by
Chuck Greene

Bradley Westervelt Photo by
Chuck Greene

AT FRIDAY’S CANDIDATE FORUM at Ocean View Community Center, County Council candidates were asked what they could do to provide public, vehicular access to Pohue Bay. 

MARIE BURNS said that “an ancient trail is our public access. We have a right via this mauka-makai trail.”

MAILE DAVID said, “Opening the road is the job of the adminstration. The mayor needs to work to resolve the issue.” She said that public rights and native rights have to be established.

BRENDA FORD said, “I’ve always supported rights of access to Pohue Bay.” She suggested that it may be necessary to buy right of entry.

LEE MCINTOSH said he would have to research the issue and get back with an answer.

BRADLEY WESTERVELT said, “It’s a paradox, and I don’t have an answer.”

Pahala Swimming Pool will be closed for safety upgrades
beginning this Saturday. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS at Pahala Swimming Pool are scheduled to begin Saturday, April 28. The pool will be closed for approximately ten days while the Department of Parks and Recreation replaces drain covers with newer, safer versions that meet mandated federal standards to address potential entrapment issues. Call 928-8177 for updates. 

FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES hold a book sale this week at Pahala Public & School Library. The hours today, Thursday and Friday are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND sponsors a cleanup of an anchialine pond in Ka`u tomorrow. Volunteers can sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or meg.hwf@gmail.com.

Linda Pratt Photo from NPS

ENDEMIC HAWAIIAN FLOWERS is the topic at After Dark in the Park tomorrow. Isolated by thousands of miles of ocean and cut off from the rest of the world for thousands of years, Hawai`i boasts one of the highest rates of endemic species. U.S. Geological Survey botanist and author Linda Pratt’s program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Two-dollar donations support park programs.

IN CELEBRATION of National Library Week, John Keawe presents a Tribute to Slack Key this Friday. He performs at 12:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and again at 2:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. Call 939-2442 or 928-2015 for more information.

LAVA MOON, featuring Ka`u High graduate Carlotta Leina`ala Kailiawa, offers a free house concert Saturday, April 28 at Pahala Plantation House. The potluck event begins at 6 p.m.

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

Ka`u News Briefs April 22, 2012

Candidates for Hawai`i County Council District 6 and Prosecuting Attorney met with the public Friday at
Ocean View Community Center. Photo by Chuck Greene

“THERE’S MUCH TO CELEBRATE on this Earth Day,” said U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, “as we recognize the robust efforts in our island state to protect Hawai`i’s environment while working toward fuel and food sustainability.
      “Hawai`i continues to show great leadership when it comes to promoting renewable energy and creating green jobs. Our hotels and resorts are installing solar photovoltaic panels for energy, while recycling the water used in their air conditioning systems. Our military partners continue to push toward their goals of having Hawai`i’s installations becoming more energy self-sufficient.
      Hirono has introduced legislation that would support partnerships between community colleges and businesses to help train people for jobs in Hawai`i’s growing green sector. She said it would enhance the quality of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs in high schools and community colleges.
      “On this Earth Day, we can appreciate the work being done in the spirit of laulima – all of us coming together to protect our water, air, and `aina.”

PacIOOS helps ensure safe marine transit near Hilo Harbor
with this Waverider buoy. Photo from PACIOOS

HAWAI`I WILL RECEIVE close to $2.5 million to support efforts to gather and monitor ocean data and develop appropriate forecasting models. The money will be used to support the Pacific Integrated Ocean Observing System, a federal partnership between National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and University of Hawai`i. 

      The system collects and manages oceanic data to create forecasting models and operational strategies that help improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment.
      Sen. Dan Inouye said, “For an island archipelago situated in the middle of the Pacific, we must improve our understanding of the ocean. We are especially susceptible to rising tides, tsunami, fishery depletions and marine debris fields. We can never have enough data about how the ocean operates.”
       “NOAA and the University of Hawai`i have partnered to provide critical information on ocean conditions that enhance public safety and benefit the military, fishermen, commercial shippers, paddlers, and surfers,” said Rep. Hirono. “Before setting out on a voyage, ocean-users can check conditions at their destination, potentially saving lives and money. Congratulations to the University of Hawai`i for earning the continued support of NOAA for vital services they provide all ocean users.”

Lincoln Ashida Photo by
Chuck Greene

CANDIDATES FOR HAWAI`I COUNTY Prosecuting Attorney met with the public at Ocean View Community Center Friday evening. One question asked by an audience member was: How would you keep our schools safe from drug use and criminals?

COUNTY CORPORATION COUNSEL Lincoln Ashida replied that “not the prosecutors alone, and not the police alone” can solve this problem. “It takes everyone involved, and we must bring the community together,” he said. He stressed that police have to be provided with resources. “Kids are a vulnerable population. We need to do everything we can to keep them safe,” he said.

Paul Dolan Photo by
Chuck Greene

LAWYER PAUL DOLAN, of Ocean View, said, “It starts in the home. You have to be a role model.” He mentioned programs he started that educate young people about law. 

DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Mitch Roth said, “We have to build partnerships.” He mentioned programs to educate young people with mock lessons showing judicial procedures. He also considers it important to provide activities designed to keep young people out of trouble, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, of which he is vice president. He also stressed the need to prevent domestic violence, which he said is “a precursor of crime.”

Mitch Roth Photo by
Chuck Greene

FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES hold a book sale next week at Pahala Public & School Library. The hours on Monday, Thursday and Friday are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND sponsors a cleanup of an anchialine pond in Ka`u on Tuesday. Volunteers can sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or meg.hwf@gmail.com.

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY botanist and author Linda Pratt discusses Hawai`i’s native flowering plants at After Dark in the Park Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Isolated by thousands of miles of ocean and cut off from the rest of the world for thousands of years, Hawai`i boasts one of the highest rates of endemic species. Two-dollar donations support park programs.

JOHN KEAWE PRESENTS a Tribute to Slack Key on Friday in celebration of National Library Week. He performs at 12:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and again at 2:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. Call 939-2442 or 928-2015 for more information.

LAVA MOON, featuring Ka`u High graduate Carlotta Leina`ala Kailiawa, offers a free house concert next Saturday, April 28 at Pahala Plantation House. The potluck event begins at 6 p.m.

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

Ka`u News Briefs April 21, 2012

Trini and Francis Marques at their Ali`i Hawaiian Hula Hands Coffee farm. Their  Ka`u Coffee placed
in the top ten of Roasters Guild 2012 Coffees of the Year.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S candidate forum drew the five County Council District 6 candidates and the three county Prosecuting Attorney candidates to Ocean View Community Center yesterday. They gave over 40 community members a chance to hear about their qualifications and interests in running for office.

COUNTY COUNCIL District 6 candidates are Marie Burns, Maile David, Brenda Ford, Lee McIntosh and Bradley Westervelt.

MARIE BURNS said she “would like to represent the people.” She said she would bring truth and compassion to the position. “I represent the heart of this land, and I wear the shoes of a lot of people on this island,” she said. She also characterized herself as a “social butterfly” who knows how to “bring people together in unity.”

Maile David

MAILE DAVID said she likes to solve problems and stressed her heritage and connection with “the country and the culture.” She pointed to her legal experience gained here during many years as a paralegal. “My interest and my roots run deep. I never left; I’m not going anywhere,” she said. 

BRENDA FORD said she wants to put people to work repairing infrastructure. She also wants to continue to push for a South Point Police Station. She listed her persistence and transparency – “no backdoor deals” – as qualities that would benefit the county. “I’m always prepared; I do my homework,” she said. “It’s important to have facts to make informed decisions.”

LEE MCINTOSH wants to stabilize property taxes, provide more funding to the Office of Aging, expand water infrastructure and “help people with problems they face.” He said he works well with people of different beliefs and is good at “identifying and solving problems. I care about the community,” he said.

Ocean View Community Association president Gil Robinson
introduces the candidates. Photos by Marge Elwell

BRADLEY WESTERVELT wants more standard services for the district. He hopes to accelerate the timeline for Ocean View transfer station and increase public transit in the district. He sees a “need to ease regulations on businesses and small farms” and wants to change county ordinances to “allow subdivisions to flourish.” Westervelt pointed to logic as a value he would bring to the Council. 

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Candidates are Lincoln Ashida, Paul Dolan and Mitch Roth.

FOR LINCOLN ASHIDA, the Three P’s – Passion, Professionalism and Pono – define his work. He said he loves his work as a trial lawyer for more than 25 years. He said being responsible for deputy attorneys requires professionalism, and “you have to do what’s right.”

FOR PAUL DOLAN, being prosecuting attorney “is not about winning or losing; it’s about justice.” He wants to “stop the manini prosecutions,” referring to people arrested for possession of small amounts of marijuana in their homes.

Mitch Roth

MITCH ROTH pointed to integrity and his passion for justice as qualities he would bring to the position. “Be honest and tell the truth even when it may not make you look good,” he said.
      More on the candidate forum will follow in the next week.

TRINIDAD MARQUES is in Portland, Oregon at the Specialty Coffee Association of America convention. She and Francis produce Ali`i Hawaiian Hula Hands Ka`u 100 Percent Pure Coffee, which placed in the top ten coffees in the Roasters Guild 2012 Coffees of the Year. They sell their coffee internationally and in local farmers markets and retail outlets. Their farm will be featured on the Wall of Fame at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

 
SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS at Pahala Swimming Pool are scheduled to begin next Saturday, April 28. The pool will be closed for approximately ten days while the Department of Parks and Recreation replaces drain covers with newer, safer versions that meet mandated federal standards to address potential entrapment issues. Call 928-8177 for updates.

Ho`okupa Photo by Jay Robinson

PLANTS OF HULA, or Na Mea Kanu O Ke Hula, are the topic of a Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park program tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants learn about kino lau, manifestations of Hawaiian deities in plant form, the significance of plants used for the hula altar and adornments, and cultural protocols used when picking plants and walking among native species in their natural environment. The day ends with a hands-on lesson in native plant propagation and plant seedlings to take home. The fee is $60 for Friends members and $85 for non-members. Students in grades K-12 and college, with valid student ID, are half-price. Non-members are welcome to join the Friends to get the member discount. Contact 985-7373 or www.fhvnp.org. 

FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES hold a book sale next week at Pahala Public & School Library. The hours on Monday, Thursday and Friday are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND sponsors a cleanup of an anchialine pond in Ka`u this Tuesday. Volunteers can sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or meg.hwf@gmail.com.

KA`U HIGH GRADUATE Carlotta Leina`ala Kailiawa and her group Lava Moon, along with Keoki Kahumoku, offer a free house concert next Saturday, April 28 at Pahala Plantation House. The potluck event begins at 6 p.m.

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