Ka`u News Briefs July 4, 2012

Hawai`i Volcaones National Park led the annual Independence Day Parade in Na`alehu. Volcano Parade is today.
Photo by William Neal

HAWAI`I COULD BECOME A SOURCE OF BREADFRUIT TREES to grow in countries with hungry people, according to a story in latest ArcNews. The article entitled Will Breadfruit Solve the World Hunger Crisis? Includes results of recent global mapping showing suitable conditions to grow breadruit spanning the tropics and north to Hawai`i.

      Authors Matthew P. Lucas and Diane Ragone, of National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kaua`i, extol many qualities of breadfruit beyond providing food. Breadfruit are multipurpose trees that “improve soil conditions and protect watersheds while providing food, timber, and animal feed. All parts of the tree are used—even the male flowers, which are dried and burned to repel mosquitoes. Because of its simple uses and long, productive, low-maintenance life, breadfruit was spread throughout the tropical Pacific by intrepid voyagers.”

Breadfruit trees grown in Hawai`i  could be shipped for farms in poor countries.
Photo from Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden

      The article mentions Hawai`i as “…one of the many island chains where breadfruit, or ulu in Hawaiian, was cultivated as a major staple.”       PTBG promotes conservation and use of breadfruit for food and reforestation. Its Breadfruit Institute is the world’s largest repository of breadfruit with 120 varieties from throughout the Pacific. PTBG receives requests from foreign countries wanting varieties for their own tree-planting projects.

      The Breadfruit Institute is meeting increased demand through propagation methods, making it possible to produce and ship thousands, or even millions, of breadfruit plants anywhere in the world. According to the article, most of the world’s one billion hungry people live in the tropics, the ecological zone where breadfruit grows best.

A NEW STRATEGIC PLAN won unanimous approval from the state Board of Education yesterday. A statement from the BOE says that “it builds on key strengths and reform initiatives to ensure all students graduate ready to succeed in college or careers.”Statewide schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said, “Our plan sets bold and clear student-centered strategies and targets through 2018.”  She said the plan “sharpens our collective focus on implementing a rigorous curriculum, and providing educators the tools to identify and address students’ needs in real time until graduation.”The Strategic Plan aligns three main Department of Education goals with three BOE committees  - Student Achievement, Human Resources, and Finance and Infrastructure -  to increase accountability and efficiency, the statement says. Gov. Neil Abercrombie applauded the plan, saying,  “At various levels, our state government is working in unison to transform our educational system with the main goal of creating a better system that supports teachers and fosters student achievement.”

BLESSING FOR THE OCEAN VIEW WATER WELL and distribution system is set for tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Lehua Lane and Hwy 11. The long awaited potable water will save homeowners business operators and commercial water haulers from having to drive to Wai`ohinu or other water spigots to fill up their tanks and trucks. The effort to obtain potable water for Ocean Views started decades ago and its history includes a band of OV residents flying to Honolulu and holding signs in front of the state Capitol building.

SOUTHSIDE VOLLEYBALL 13 and Under boys took fourth today at the 33rd annual USA Volleyball Boys Junior National Championships in Dallas,Texas. This is Southside’s fifth year at the competition, under the direction of Coach Guy Enriques. The tournament brings top young players from across the country to different venue each year. The 15 and Under team was still playing today and has a chance at placing, Enriques said.

FUN ON THE FOURTH from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Na`alehu Park features hot dogs and games for keiki and bingo for seniors. It’s sponsored by O Ka`u Kakou.
ANNUAL VOLCANO VILLAGE FOURTH OF JULY PARADE begins at 9 a.m. and is followed by food, games, sales and entertainment at Cooper Center.

Horses and riders are on display at parades and this weekend's rodeo in
Na`alehu. Photo by William Neal

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP hosts a dinner at 5 p.m. and Hoedown and western dance at 7 p.m. at the Lava Lounge.

MANY KA`U DEMOCRATS       and candidates for office are headed for the eleventh annual Hawai`i County Democrats Picnic at 2:15 p.m. at Old Airport park in Kona and the annual Kona Fourth of July parade this evening on Ali`i Drive.

NA MEA HAWAI`I HULA KAHIKO will bring traditional hula, chant and cultural demonstrations to Volcano Art Center this Saturday, July 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Halau Na Pua ‘O Uluhaimalama will perform Hula Kahiko under the direction of kumu hula Emery Aceret. “Our halau carries on the tradition of the late kumu hula Rae Kahikilaulani Fonseca, descending from the lineage of Merrie Monarch co-founder Uncle George Naope to perpetuate the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Liliuokalani through performances of hula.” states Aceret.

      Volcano Art Center has been inviting hula from all over Hawai`i to perform at the stone hula platform, which is reserved exclusively for the perpetuation of traditional hula and chant.  Audience is encouraged to bring mats for sitting on the grass and be prepared for variable weather conditions. Hawaiian arts and craft demonstrations will also be held on the front porch of the Volcano Art Center Gallery from 9:30am to 1:30pm. Demonstrations include hands-on displays and lessons where all ages are invited to meet, learn from and talk story with friendly and knowledgeable locals.

       Na Mea Hawai`i Hula Kahiko is a free community event presented in cooperation with Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and supported in part by the County of Hawai`i's Department of Research and Development and the Hawai`i Tourism Authority. As park entrance fees apply and parking is limited, carpooling is strongly recommended. For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or contact Julie at 967-8222 or julie@volcanoartcenter.org.

THE 34^th ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY RODEO will be held all day this Saturday and Sunday at Na`alehu Rodeo Arena. Slack roping starts at 8 a.m., with the show kicking off at noon. The Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association is spicing up this local tradition with new events, including chute dogging - wrestling a steer, charging out of a chute, to the ground - and rescue race - paniolo race across the arena to their partner, lift them up onto the back of their horse and race back.

      Other events include Open Dally, Team 90’s (both partners’ cumulative age must be 90 and above), Double Mugging, Ranch Mugging and Wahine Mugging. Entry to the rodeo is $6 before the event and $7 at the gate.

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

Ka`u News Briefs July 3, 2012

Pacific Biofuels co-founder Bob King (r) explains the process to Hawaiian musician and alternative energy advocate Keoki Kahumoku.
Photo by William Neal

FARMERS ARE NEEDED to help feed the new Pacific Biodiesel facility that held its grand opening in Kea`au yesterday at Shipman Industrial Park. Gov. Neil Abercrombie, state Department of Agriculture chief Russell Kokubun, legislators and other government officials were on hand with investors and many enthusiasts. The event was called “A Celebration of Energy Independence.” The Big Island facility was established after the company proved its technology by constructing and operating biodiesel processing plants and selling biofuels for more than a decade on the mainland and Maui. It touts such backers and public supporters as famed singer and alternative energy advocate Willie Nelson. 

       According to co-founder Bob King, the water-free processing technology capitalizes on leadership in production flexibility. “We build scalable plants designed to serve the demands of a local community using a variety of feedstocks produced by local suppliers,” says the company website.

Bob King, cofounder of Pacific Biodiesel at the new Kea`au facility.
Photo by William Neal

      When asked if small farms in Ka`u would be an appropriate place to grow feedstock for the Kea`au plant, King said he envisions many models, including small growers organized in a cooperative to share machinery for harvest and other farm functions. What plants could grow in Ka`u and provide feedstock for energy production?
      King said safflower, grown on dry and even windy land, is one of the crops highly productive for biodiesel> He said it also provides a significant byproduct – feed for cattle, which could bring in half the income to support the alternative fuel production. The challenge in Ka`u, however, is to find the deep soil, he said.
      Others attending the meeting included specialists in emerging biofuel crops such as Dr. Bill Steiner, the recently retired Dean of the University of Hawai`i College of Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resources. Steiner works on oil palms and said their clusters of fruits are high in oil content and could possibly produce two harvests a year on irrigated lands with a lot of sun. They would likely have lower production and one harvest, but could still be viable in rainy areas at higher elevations in Ka`u.
      Pacific Biodiesel explains fuel as created from vegetable oils, animal fats and greases through a chemical reaction of natural oils with an alcohol. The mixture is refined to create molecules that easily burn in diesel engines. Biodiesel can be used in any diesel engine in pure form or blended with petroleum diesel at any level.
      Pacific Biodiesel claims its alternative fuel helps the environment. “Even a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel will significantly reduce carcinogenic emissions and gases that may contribute to global warming,” says its website. It also touts the byproduct for personal care products or a variety of chemical applications.
      “Per a recent market study, the production and use of biodiesel fuel promises to bring $24 billion to the U.S. economy between 2005 and 2015, assuming biodiesel growth reaches 650 million gallons of annual production per year by 2015.1” says the website. See more at www.biodiesel.com.

BLESSING OF THE OCEAN VIEW WELL is scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. at the site on the corner of Lehua Lane and Hwy 11. Operations work crews are still preparing the system for imminent service to the public, and if they finish early, the site may be opened for use before Thursday. 

New tank stores water from the new Ocean View well, to be blessed Thursday.
Photo from Department of Water Supply

     Water from the site is available for anyone, with the limit based on each individual’s maximum load capacity. Along with spigots for individual use, there are two-inch standpipe meters where water-trucking companies can fill up.
     Bolton, Inc. was the contractor on the approximately 2,100-foot-deep well. The pump is set to produce up to 120,000 gallons per day.

KA`U REPORTED 12 BURGLARIES from March to June, according to John Burnett's story in this morning's Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. Islandwide, more than 80 burglaries were reported each month, with the most being in South Hilo and Puna. The story quotes Police Lt. John Briski saying the increase in burglaries is due to “growing pains” in the community. He suggests keeping doors and windows locked and taking such measures as recording serial numbers of electronic equipment and photographing valuables so that they can be identified if stolen.

VOLCANO VILLAGE celebrates Fourth of July with a parade & celebration tomorrow at 9 a.m. Starting from the post office, the parade makes its way down Old Volcano Road to Wright Road then turns left to Cooper Center, where there will be craft fair, entertainment, food, games and a silent auction sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The auction supports volunteer and educational projects in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Auction items include bed & breakfast stays, adventure tours, massage and acupuncture sessions, golf packages, admissions to area attractions, retail store and restaurant gift certificates, original art, photography, prints, jewelry, crafts and more. For more information about the auction, call 985-7272 or email admin@fhvnp.org.

Lorna Jeyte of Kilauea Lodge with a celebratory shout during
 last year's Volcano Parade on July 4.
Photo by Julia Neal

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP plans to celebrate Fourth of July with a Country Hoedown & Western Dance Party at Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be food served including BBQ pork on a hoagie bun, corn, baked beans, and warm buttermilk biscuits, all for $10. A Dance Party will be featured from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., with no cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

NA`ALEHU PARK will feature a Fun on the Fourth in Ka`u tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. `O Ka`u Kakou will provide seniors with bingo & free luncheon, while keiki can enjoy free games, hot dogs & shaved ice.

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

Ka`u News Briefs July 2, 2012

Burned out Pa`au`au Gulch makai of Ka`u Hospital and Pahala Village, where firefighting has come to an end.
Photo by Julia Neal

PAHALA FIRES ARE PAU, in terms of firefighting operations, according to Hawai`i County Fire Department who made the announcement Sunday evening. The Fire Department said the fires are 95 percent contained in the coffee lands and eucalyptus farms and pasture where 400 acres burned and 60 percent contained in the wildlands and pastures around the makai macadamia orchards where some 5,200 acres burned, including 150 acres of mac nut trees. On-duty personnel will continue to monitor hot spots within the fire breaks, fire officials said. 

CANDIDATES CARRIED their political messages down Hwy 11 in Na`alehu Saturday, walking, riding and shaking hands during the Independence Day Parade. The march followed the Friday night forum sponsored by Ocean View Community Association. Here is more from that forum:

Lincoln Ashida came to the candidate forum Friday and
the parade Saturday. Photo by William Neal

LINCOLN ASHIDA was the sole candidate for county Prosecuting Attorney to attend the forum. He talked about growing up in Hilo, going off to college at University of Michigan and law school at Creighton. He said experience qualifying him for Prosecuting Attorney began with summer internships in the Hawai`i County prosecutor’s office for three years, followed by a job offer that he accepted after law school. He named another asset as the administrative role of his current job as corporate counsel for the county. Ashida said he is up at 4 a.m. every morning and likes to be the first one in and the last one to leave the office and says he likes to lead by example. He called himself a “servant leader” and said he would seek to encourage attorneys to make a career in the prosecutor’s office by encouraging them with the question, “How can I serve you to help you to do your jobs better?” He noted that the average tenure nationwide for prosecuting attorneys is just three years. Most attorneys use the job to get started and leave for private practice. Career attorneys and electing Ashida would help give the prosecutor’s office continuity, the candidate said. 

      Ashida said he originally planned to be a tax attorney but ended up as a “gunslinger” in court and as a Hawai`i county prosecutor stayed for 13 years. He prosecuted the famous case involving the murder of Dana Ireland, leading to the conviction of the murderer, and said that he is honored that her family supports his run for Prosecuting Attorney.

Supporters walked in the parade for Lincoln Ashida for Prosecuting
Attorney. Photo by William Neal.

      Regarding crime in rural areas, Ashida recommended getting the detectives out of their offices in Kona and Hilo and into the field. He said detectives stationed in communities get to know the area, the people, “and who the snitches are.” Regarding burglaries and robberies, he noted that 80 percent of the crimes are committed by 20 percent of the criminal population. When inmates get out of jail, crime commonly goes up in their home neighborhoods. He said the most important element in catching thieves is having leads. People calling in right away when crimes occur and expanding neighborhood watch programs could help, he said. 

      Ashida also mentioned several initiatives for state laws to curb crime. One would making it illegal to drive under the influence of kava. Another would tackle the problem of people stealing identities online and pretending they are the victim when contacting people on social media.

THE NEW WATER WELL AND SPIGOTS at Ocean View will be blessed at 9 a.m. on Thursday, but may open sooner for public use. The Ocean View well is the deepest well on the island that is managed by the DWS. The powerful three-phase submersible pump must push 100 gallons of water per minute up a 12-inch pipe nearly a half-mile to the 300,000-gallon reservoir. 

      The blessing will be on site at the fill station at the corner of Lehua Lane and Hwy 11. Light refreshments will be served. The publicly funded $6 million project establishes a basic drinking water system with well, storage tank, transmission pipeline and fill station for the Ocean View community.

New tools to study information recorded by seismographs
is available online. Photo from NPS/HVO

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY seismologist Wes Thelen introduces new online tools available to interpret earthquakes at After Dark in the Park tomorrow 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. Call 985-6011 for more information.

NA`ALEHU PARK is the site of Fun on the Fourth in Ka`u Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. `O Ka`u Kakou provides seniors with bingo & free luncheon, while keiki enjoy free games, hot dogs & shaved ice.

Hawai`i Wildlife Fund in last year's Volcano Parade on July 4.
Photo by Julia Neal

VOLCANO VILLAGE’S annual Fourth of July Parade & Celebration takes place Wednesday. The parade begins at 9 a.m. at the post office and follows Old Volcano Rd. to Wright Rd., turning left to Cooper Center, site of craft fair, entertainment, food, games and silent auction. The silent auction, sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, starts at 9 a.m. in Cooper Center. Items include bed & breakfast stays, adventure tours, massage and acupuncture sessions, golf packages, admissions to area attractions, retail store and restaurant gift certificates, original art, photography, prints, jewelry, crafts & more. The auction supports volunteer and educational projects in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Call 985-7373 or email admin@fhvnp.org for more about the auction. 

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP celebrates Fourth of July with a Country Hoedown & Western Dance
Party at Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with BBQ pork on a hoagie bun, corn, baked beans and warm buttermilk biscuits for $10. The Dance Party is set for 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., with no cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

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