Ka`u News Briefs Aug. 10, 2012

Dominic Yagong, Harry Kim and Billy Kenoi vie for Hawai`i County mayor in tomorrow's primary election.

TOMORROW IS PRIMARY ELECTION DAY, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Polling places in Ka`u are at Pahala School Cafeteria, Na`alehu Elementary School and Ocean View Community Center. Closer to Kona, polling places are at Miloli`i Halau, Ho`okena Elementary School and St. Benedict Catholic Church. In Volcano, votes are cast at Cooper Center. Another polling place is at Mt. View Elementary School.
      See yesterday’s news briefs for state House and Senate candidates. Here are candidates for Hawai`i County mayor and County Council District 6 on the ballot tomorrow:

HAWAI`I COUNTY MAYOR:

INCUMBENT BILLY KENOI lists his priorities and accomplishments on his website. These include continuing “to provide core county government services to the people of Hawai`i Island while shrinking the size and cost of government,” “improving the efficiency of government and sound fiscal management,” securing more than $115 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for projects like the Ane Keohokalole Highway in Kona, expanding the Hele-On Bus system, opening and improving parks and playgrounds, taking care of vulnerable neighbors, friends, and family by preserving social safeguards under Social Services and continuing to invest in public safety infrastructure and equipment. See billykenoi.com.

HARRY KIM, former two-time Hawai`i mayor and former county Civil Defense director, bases his campaign on refraining from taking any more than $10 a person for campaign donations. During his term as mayor he also refused the typical freebies, even lunch at such nonpolitical events as credit union meetings where he was giving public speeches. Kim recently re-entered public debate over the state’s proposal to exempt geothermal drilling from environmental reviews. He flew to Honolulu and gave an impassioned speech objecting to such exemptions, leading to the state Department of Health’s Environmental Council rejecting the exemptions. Kim said he is not against geothermal and other alternative energies for the Big Island but wants to make sure they are done safely for people and the environment. He is also campaigning against continued use of landfills, saying he would like to see a garbage-to-energy plant on the island, according to a report at bigislandnow.com. 

COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER DOMINIC YAGONG’S website outlines his plans. He wants to develop a public/private partnership for government services “that produces jobs in the private sector.” Regarding the county budget, Yagong wants to reduce government perks and entitlements, redirect money to core county services and reduce the number of high-salaried positions. He supports sustainable agriculture and wants to make public lands available at affordable terms for farmers. Yagong promotes renewable energy development including solar, hydro, wind, ocean biofuels and geothermal. He also wants to create a public/private partnership to achieve maximum recycling and diversion from landfills. See dominicyagong.com.

COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6:

Maile David, who works for the County Council's legislative office, seeks
a first term as County Council member.  Photo by Charles Tobias

MAILE DAVID said she advocates and supports: cultural sustainability and economic self sufficiency; sustainable, diversified agriculture; programs that utilize natural and cultural resources as learning classrooms; energy sustainability programs; product branding and truth in labeling; aggressive federal, state and county collaboration to address and minimize the impact of invasive species; watershed protection; preservation of natural and cultural resources; safe routes to school programs; and planned growth consistent with Community Development Plans. David stresses her heritage and connection with Hawai`i. She said she supports an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed refinery along Wood Valley Road above Pahala. See mailedavid.com.

Three-time County Council member Brenda Ford seeks office in the new
District 6. Photo by David Howard Donald

BRENDA FORD lists her top priorities as: construct Ocean View Transfer Station; create a teleconferencing site in Ka`u so residents can conveniently testify before governmental agencies; complete construction of Pahala Emergency Shelter and Gym; complete Mamalahoa bypass road to Napo`opo`o junction; pass Volcano Village Community Plan; support truth in labeling and country of origin labeling for any agricultural products with a Hawaiian regional name; start partnership with county, state, UH, and private enterprise to build West Hawai`i University campus. She said she supports an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed refinery along Wood Valley Road in Pahala. See brendaford.org.

Lee McIntosh, a landscaper, cartoonist and volunteer, seeks a first term as
County Council member. Photo by Charles Tobias

LEE MCINTOSH says his priority issues are: “Life - government derives its power from you, the people; liberty - the purpose of government is to protect your God-given rights; limited but effective government - big government continually encroaches upon your liberty; individual responsibility - I trust you more than the government to make better decisions about your life; fiscal accountability - government should be held responsible for how your tax dollars are spent; and equality of opportunity - you should be allowed the chance to succeed in life.” See leemcintosh.org

Bradley Westervelt, former County Council legislative assistant and
former owner of PT Cafe, seeks a first term.
Photo by David Howard Donald

 BRADLEY WESTERVELT says his key platform topic is sustainability for the economy, environment and people, which he proposes to achieve by: reducing inefficiency and waste in government; streamlining processes; reducing homeownership costs; balancing the budget; investing in infrastructure; better branding county and exploring tourism opportunities; building incentives to buy local; re-establishing role of government to one that serves its people; balancing conservation and opportunities for the people; and focusing Council on problems that help the economy and community. He said there probably should be an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed refinery along Wood Valley Road above Pahala. See bradwestervelt.com.

Kawa Flats Final EA is available online.

KAWA FLATS FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT is available for review by the public at oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov. The state Department of Transportation plans to raise Hwy 11 above the low-lying lands where flooding cuts off transportation around the island and cuts off communities from emergency services. The EA includes a summary of the early history of Ka`u.

LEILEHUA YUEN AND MANU JOSIAH present a 50-minute narrated demonstration of the preparation, protocol and offering of traditional hula and chant tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hands-on cultural demonstrations take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the gallery’s porch. Donations are welcome, and park entrance fees apply.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Aug. 9, 2012

The remains of what looks like a whale washed up makai of Johnson Pond yesterday along the Ka`u Coast. Photo by Julia Neal

IT LOOKS LIKE A WHALE – or a big chunk of deteriorated whale blubber – that washed into the little cove by Johnson pond at Punalu`u yesterday. The white mass being pushed by waves onto the rocky shoreline caught the eye of shore fishermen and hikers along the coast. Such marine remains are left for nature to recycle unless they pose a hazard to people. The remains were so deteriorated, it was difficult for wildlife experts to initially confirm the species of the animal. Green sea turtles swam around the carcass.

ACTIVITIES AT VOLCANO HOUSE at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park could begin as early as Aug. 18, with the reopening of the gift shop, according to a story in this morning's Hawai`i Tribune Herald. "A new concessioner is set to take the reins Monday. Pending Congressional approval, Hawai`i Volcanoes Lodge Co. LLC will assume operation of the historic hotel and restaurant overlooking Kilauea Caldera. Once the company has taken possession, it will begin an estimated year-long process of renovating the property," the article reports, referencing Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.
      The new concessioner selected by the National Park Service, following a long stint by Ken Fujiyama and his Ken Directions, Inc., is a partnership between mainland based Ortega National Parks, LLC and Honolulu based Aqua Hotels & Resorts, Inc.. The contract is for 15 years. Previous concessioners included Sheraton Hotels and “Uncle” George Lycurgus.

The plan to reopen Volcano House is in phases,
with limited retail beginning Aug. 18
Photo by Julia Neal

      “The contract should be signed by Monday the 13th,” Orlando told the Tribune Herald on Wednesday. “We’ll get notification from Washington, D.C., and then we’ll hand it over to them (Hawai`i Volcanoes Lodge Co.). She said the gift shop will have a "soft opening" with sandwiches, drinks and some limited retail sales. The Namikanipaio campgrounds with its ten cabins could also be open by the end of August with new floors and mattresses, the Tribune Herald story reports.
      The first hotel-style accommodations to reopen, perhaps by the end of the year, will be the eight rooms in the Volcano House annex located between Volcano House hotel and the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center. The other 32 rooms will be renovated, along with the dining room, a lanai eating area and other areas in Volcano House and could be completed sometime in 2013, the story says.
      Volcano House shut down after New Years Eve in 2009 and the National Park Service invested $4 million in safety and seismic upgrades. It also processed three rounds of bidding on the concessioner contract before settling on Ortega and Aqua.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB invites parents and other interested community members to Na`alehu Community Center this Friday at 6 p.m. for a needs assessment session. The public can weigh in on ways to help the youth of Ka`u. A second session will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 22 at Pahala Community Center at 6 p.m. Food will be served at both sessions and participants are asked to call in to reserve a meal at 961-5536.
   
      TODAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR EARLY WALK IN VOTING before the Primary Election this Saturday, Aug. 11. Early walk in voting is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday at West Hawai`i Civic Center Community Room, Waimea Community Center and Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo. The Pahala early walk is not offered this election.
     Polling places in Ka`u for this Saturday’s primary are at Pahala School Cafeteria, Na`alehu Elementary School and Ocean View Community Center. Closer to Kona, polling places are at Miloli`i Halau, Ho`okena Elementary School and St. Benedict Catholic Church. In Volcano, the polling place is at Cooper Center with the next location towards Hilo at Mt. View Elementary School. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Here are the state House and Senate candidates running to represent Ka`u:

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 2, Punalu`u-Puna: Bob Herkes (D), the current state Representative for District 5 from Puna to North Kona; Wendell Ka‘ehu‘ae‘a (D), co-founder of KAHU, Ka‘ū Community Radio; Russell Ruderman (D), is founder and president of Island Naturals markets; Gary Safarik (D), who served three terms on County Council and was a police officer with Honolulu Police Department; and Daryl Smith (R), a disabled Vietnam veteran and general contractor, who says he builds homeless shelters around the island.

STATE SENATE DISCTRICT 3, HONU`APO – NORTH KONA: Josh Green (D), incumbent senator for District 3 and a former doctor at Ka‘ū Hospital; Jeff LaFrance (R), founder of nonprofits focusing on education, sustainable farming, local economic development, alternative energy and housing, health and assisted living for older persons; Michael Last (N), advocate for cheaper energy, lower taxes, and buying local; and John Totten, a retired real property appraiser for the Hawai‘i County, a veteran and vocal Christian.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 5. Honu`apo - Keauhou: Dave Bateman (R), owner of Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farms., former attorney, and retired U.S. Air Force colonel who advocates for local coffee farmers; Denny Coffman (D), who has served in the state House of Representatives since 2008, chairs the House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, and serves on the House Committee on Water, Land and Ocean Resources; and Leolani Oyama (D), who worked at the state Legislature and advocates for better education.

Footprints Trail in the Ka`u Desert.
Photo from National Register of Historic Places

STATE REPRESENTTIVE, DISTRICT 3, Punalu`u – Waiakea uka: Fred Fogel (L), a retired strategic planner and quality advisor to the adjutant general of state Department of Defense who advocates for county school boards, paying teachers based on merit, protecting the Ka‘ū Coffee name and making ag land the cheapest tax rate; Marlene Hapai (R), who earned a doctorate in biology and taught at UH-Hilo and Mānoa, who says the community should determine its wants and needs in the way of jobs; Richard Onishi (D), an Information System Analyst for County of Hawai‘i who advocates to ensure the economy supports local businesses and products
, environment is preserved
, and access to first-rate medical services; and Brittany Smart (D), who represents District 6 of Hawai‘i County Council, who says she works toward more public participation and governmental transparency, increased government efficiency via technology, and environmental and waste reduction solutions.
     See more on other candidates in tomorrow’s news briefs. 

FOOTPRINTS TRAIL will be the hike for Sunday Walk in the Park this weekend, sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Volcanologist Cheryl Gansecki, who will lead the four-mile excursion, has a Ph.D. in geology from Stanford University and a bachelor’s in earth science and archaeology from Wesleyan University.  Along Footprints Trail, hikers will examine textural details of an ‘a‘a lava flow. Descending to the desert sand, walkers will view footprints preserved in the muddy ash from the 1790 eruption. Around Mauna Iki, hikers will see a pahoehoe lava field before climbing up the little mountain and may come across Pele’s hair from the Halema`uma`u plume. Sunday Walk in the Park is free for Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes Park members, and non-members are welcome to join the nonprofit organization and attend. Annual memberships are $30 for individuals and $45 for families. To register, call Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes Park at 985-7373 or visit www.fhvnp.org.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Aug. 8, 2012

Voting in Ka`u this Saturday will be held at Pahala School Cafeteria, Naalehu Community Center, and Ocean View Community Center. Volcano voting will be held at Cooper Center. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Photo by http://advocacy.britannica.com.

EARLY WALK-IN VOTING on the Big Island is outpacing walk-in voting on O`ahu, County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi told reporter Nancy Cook Lauer for a story in this morning’s Hawai`i Tribune Herald. “The election is running smoothly. The voters are an indicator. They’re voting, we’re processing, it’s working.” She said mail-in ballots continue to flow in. According to the story, there have been a few hitches, including some envelopes provided to mail in the ballot being glued shut. Kawauchi told The Tribune Herald that she will look for self-sealing envelopes for the November primary should the problem be widespread. The primary election is this Saturday, Aug. 11.

LAST DAY FOR EARLY ABSENTEE WALK-IN VOTING is tomorrow, leading up to the primary election on Saturday. Voters can cast ballots from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday at West Hawai`i Civic Center Community Room, Waimea Community Center and Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo. The Pahala early walk in voting center was not funded this year.
     The polling places in Ka`u for this Saturday’s primary are at Pahala School Cafeteria, Na`alehu Elementary School and Ocean View Community Center. Closer to Kona, polling places are at Miloli`i Halau, Ho`okena Elementary School and St. Benedict Catholic Church. In Volcano, the polling place is at Cooper Center with the next location towards Hilo at Mt. View Elementary School. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pastures between Pahala and Naalehu would be turned over to `Aina Koa Pono to grow biofuel crops.
Photo by Julia Neal

MOST OF THE PASTURE LANDS between Na`alehu and Pahala that are owned by the Edmund C. Olson Trust and the Mallick Family Trust would go into the `Aina Koa Pono biofuel crop growing project, according to the merchant bank working on the proposal to build a refinery in Ka`u and grow feedstock to make biofuel.
     The website of Sennet Capital, headed by `Aina Koa Pono partner Kenton Eldridge, says that “AKP currently has a 23 year lease in place with the Olson Trust and the Mallick family for use of 13,000 acres of farmland for growing our feedstock. The land was previously owned by C. Brewer and sugar cane was grown until 1996. The land has been lying fallow for the last 14 years,” the website says at www.sennetcapital.com.
     In addition to land once planted in sugar cane that is now in pasture, there is Olson and Mallick land that has been covered in Christmas berry. Ranchers leasing the land for more than a decade have been removing the invasive Christmas Berry and turning it into pasture. `Aina Koa Pono representatives have said they will work with the ranchers to keep their operations going and that they want to use any Christmas berry remaining as feedstock for their biofuel plant. 

 Says the `Aina Koa Pono website: “Our facility should be beneficial to our Ka‘ū neighbors who grow coffee and macadamia nuts and who farm cattle. We can use the waste products from their operations, such as macadamia nut hulls, old nonproductive trees, and coffee fruit pulp for biomass. We are looking to partner with cattle ranchers to develop dual land use by selecting a non-invasive grass that meets our energy needs as well as the nutritional needs of cattle stock.”

      `Aina Koa Pono is listed in the Transactions section of the Sennet Capital website. Other Transactions include Hoku Solar, Inovasc, Sprout, Anthology Marketing Group, UBoost, Hooike Technology/Century Computers, PCLender.com, Broadband TV and Growers Secret. 

     Sennet’s Board of Directors includes former Hawai`i Electric Industries President Robert Clarke and Larry Gilbert, the CEO of the Kairos Energy Capital LLC, which is described on the website as a “boutique investment bank focused on providing financing for renewable energy products.” The board also includes Mark Polivka, president and founder of Monarch Insurance Services, Inc.; and Larry Rodriguez, former Chief Financial Officer of Central Pacific Financial Corp. and Central Pacific Bank.

MARIJUANA PLANTS were confiscated by police on Monday in Ocean View, Na`alehu, Hawaiian Ranchos and Green Sands neighborhoods. According to Kona Vice Officer, Lt. Sherry Bird, the plants ranged from seedlings to more mature marijuana plants about six-feet high. Crews on helicopters flown by the state Narcotics Enforcement Division were assisted by local police. There were no arrests. However, seven cases were opened to investigate first-degree commercial promotion of marijuana. Police were also checking on whether any of the marijuana growing was allowable under medical marijuana permitting. 

Kathy Long to teach in Volcano
Image courtesy of VAC

KATHY LONG, the internationally celebrated artist who lives in Waimea, will offer a basic drawing class for adults on Saturday, Sept. 1. Reservations are being taken through the sponsoring organization Volcano Art Center for both morning and afternoon sessions at the Niaulani Campus. 

     Known for her portraiture work in pastel and graphite, Long depicts the people and culture of Hawai`i. She has been featured on the PBS Hawai`i Spectrum program and her work can be found in nearly 30 galleries throughout the state. 

     Long has been commissioned by the Hawai`i Visitors and Convention Bureau, Hawaiian Airlines and the Moku O Keawe International Festival to help shape the cultural identity of Hawaii and promote such notable events as the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. She has opened over 50 one-woman exhibitions, and has works displayed in public and major private collections around the world.
     Tuition is $60 or $54 for VAC members, which includes supplies and a keepsake print from the artist. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or contact Julie to register at (808) 967-8222 or julie@volcanoartcenter.org.

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