Ka`u News Briefs April 11, 2013

A California boy was rescued yesterday after falling into this steam vent in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
between Kilauea Visitor Center and Volcano House. Photo from NPS

A 15-YEAR-OLD SAN RAFAEL, Calif. boy who fell 25 feet into a steaming earth crack at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park yesterday evening was pulled to safety by park Search and Rescue personnel. 

      The Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park SAR team and County of Hawai`i Fire Department crews based in the park responded to a 911 call from the victim’s mother at approximately 6:43 p.m. It was reported that the youth had attempted to leap over the protective railing surrounding a steam vent between Kilauea Visitor Center and Volcano House.
      Park SAR coordinator John Broward, assisted by Fire Department personnel, rappelled into the deep, narrow, chimney-like crack and rescued the boy, who suffered a bump on his head and minor abrasions. His family declined further medical treatment, and he was released at the scene following assessment by Hawai`i County responders.
      “This young visitor and his family are extraordinarily lucky that he survived this mishap,” park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said. “This incident serves as a reminder that park visitors are urged to stay on trails and not engage in reckless behavior while visiting their national parks.”
      Rescues like this also put park staff and other first responders at risk, Orlando noted.
      This is the seventh SAR mission conducted by park staff so far this year. Last year, park SAR crews responded to a total of 26 incidents.

Lisa Simon

SENATOR MAZIE HIRONO TODAY UNVEILED bipartisan legislation aimed at boosting Hong Kong tourism in Hawai`i and nationally. Hirono’s bill places Hong Kong in the Visa Waiver Program, ending restrictive visa policy for Hong Kong tourists. 

      Hong Kong tourists spend more dollars each day than tourists from any other visitor group, Hirono said. According to the senator, most tourists spend an average of $192 per day, while Hong Kong tourists spend $230 per day on average. They also tend to stay longer, she said.
      Other participants in the Visa Waiver Program include Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. The program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without obtaining a visa for stays of 90 days or less for business, tourism, visiting or pleasure.
      Hirono said that, once participants are in the program, airlines often consider offering direct flights from their airports. Lisa Simon, president of National Tour Association, predicted an “immediate and profound impact on our economy.”
      Hawai`i currently hosts 4,000 Hong Kong visitors per year.

Sen. Mazie Hirono at Hilo Bandstand in November. Photo by Julia Neal

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO AND REP. TULSI GABBARD praised many items in President Barack Obama’s proposed budget, but criticized proposed changes to Social Security and veterans’ benefit payments. 

      Hirono said the President’s budget has a number of provisions that would help create sustainable economic growth and jobs. “His commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure is one that Hawai`i is already benefiting from,” she said. “And the President’s plan to expand access to early childhood education is one of the smartest things we can do as a nation to secure our economic future. Under the President’s plan, Hawai`i could apply for new federal matching funds to create and strengthen state early childhood programs.
”
      Hirono also praised Pres. Obama’s request for increased funding for construction on Hawai`i’s military installations. “It is a sign that Hawai`i is in a key position to play a major role in the military’s rebalance to the Pacific,” she said. “The Asia-Pacific region is vitally important to our nation’s strategic interests, and I’m glad to see the President’s budget reflects that national security imperative.


      “In addition, I’m encouraged that the President has outlined several initiatives that will support jobs and innovation in the clean energy arena, including continuing the progress on alternative energy and energy efficiency being made at the Department of Defense. These are forward-looking investments in our people and communities that will generate the long-term economic growth that will help Hawai`i and the nation for years to come.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard recently visited troops in Afghanistan.
Photo from Office of Rep. Gabbard

      “I do not, however, support his plan to institute what is known as ‘Chained CPI,’ which would change how Social Security, Veterans’, and other benefits are calculated. I understand that President Obama has been pushed hard to include this change by Republicans, however, it amounts to a benefit cut to Hawai`i seniors and veterans that I cannot support. Undermining the vital lifeline that these programs represent for many of our kupuna and veterans is not the way we should go about getting our fiscal house in order.

”

      Gabbard called the budget “a measured approach to reducing our deficit without jeopardizing our fragile economy. It replaces the sequester and includes a plan to create jobs and enhance the nation’s infrastructure. This is a starting point for us to work together, seek common ground, and take immediate steps to put our nation on firm financial footing. This budget represents a sincere effort to encourage economic recovery and create conditions for job growth.
      “However, I have serious reservations about some elements of the President’s budget, such as proposed cuts to Social Security. It would also cut our missile defense budget, even as Hawai`i and the rest of the country face direct and heightened threats from North Korea.”

Bills calling for improvements to Kahuku Park have been approved by
County Council. Photo from robynbaglowhawaii.com

FOUR BILLS CALLING FOR IMPROVEMENTS to Kahuku Park in Ocean View unanimously passed their second reading in County Council Tuesday. Council member Brenda Ford introduced the bills that break improvements down into phases.
      Phase 1 calls for $200,000 for water system improvements to address public health and safety relating to water for drinking, irrigation and an auxiliary source of potable water in a disaster).
      Phase 2 addresses improvements related to Americans with Disabilities Act and seeks $600,000 for installation of ramps to the pavilion and ball field.
      Phase 3, budgeted at $250,000, would add, replace, improve and repair children’s playground equipment, regulation matting, a gazebo and BBQ apparatus.
      Phase 4 calls for construction of a community center, gymnasium, restrooms, certified kitchen, storage for Civil Defense supplies and a second water reservoir to serve the community center. Funding for this $5,100,000-phase as well as the other phases would be provided from general obligation bonds, capital projects fund and/or other sources.
      Another bill for Phase 5, calling for $100,000 for grading to provide an additional area to the park for future use, passed its first reading unanimously.

PURCHASE OF PROPERTY the county is currently leasing for Ocean View Park & Ride bus lot also was approved by County Council. The resolution authorizes the Finance director to initiate funding mechanisms required for the acquisition.

THE REPAIR CONTRACTOR HIRED by the county to fix Ocean View well has successfully pulled the pipe, pump and motor from the well. The fill station has been closed since Saturday after the breakdown occurred on April 1.
      The contractor will proceed to disconnect, inspect and test the pump, motor and power cable to determine the needed repair. Once the work and materials needed are known, a schedule for completion of repairs will be developed.

PATTI PEASE JOHNSON TEACHES Pastel Painting Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Johnson covers pastels, different papers and fixing and mounting paper and backing. Students begin with a set-up still life using charcoal on newsprint, learn to exaggerate and be bold with colors and complete one 10x12 colored project using a proven method. Newsprint, paper, charcoal and soft pastels are supplied. Beginning to intermediate artists are welcome. Fees are $65 or $58 for VAC members plus $10 supply fee. Register at 967-8222.

KA`U `OHANA BAND OPENS SPRING FLING Saturday at 9 a.m. at Punalu`u Bake Shop in Na`alehu. Other entertainment during the arts and craft show includes a taiko drum group, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana Hula Halau, Full Tilt Band, `ukulele students from the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies and Keoki Kahumoku.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u News Briefs April 10, 2013

The late Sen. Daniel Inouye was honored at a tea ceremony hosted by Sen. Mazie Hirono in Washington, D.C. yesterday. 

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN includes much information on the cultural and environmental resources of the area as well as information on ownership of lands and also which trails along the coast are available to the public. The materials were presented last night at Pahala Community Center with the Steering Committee from the community and county planners on hand.
      Planner Ron Whitmore said the county is looking for community input through mail, email or direct contact. Other components of the plan will be rolled out online and at future public meetings.

      The presentation last night included talk about traditional ahupua`a management and modern green strategies. Details were mentioned, including the importance of Ka`u’s streams. Even though they run intermittently, they are important when considering runoff and water they send to the coast and into the ocean.

Ka`u CDP draft material describes ahupua`a zones of
kahakai, kula and wao.

      Whitmore talked about the future of Ka`u going much further than county policy. He said that just as important, or even more important, is community collaboration and action.
      CDP steering committee members asked questions:
       Loren Heck talked about access to “the most beautiful places in Ka`u.” He talked about Pohue Bay makai of Ocean View. “If you have a path to Pohue Bay, what happens to Pohue Bay? He said he wants to better understand setting up community-based collaborative groups to manage special places.
      Michelle Galimba noted the complexity and density of the materials submitted by the county and said that brief summaries would help the public better understand the overall picture.
      Marino Ramones pointed out that there are so many unknowns regarding public access. “When will these unknowns be known?”
      Patti Barry also asked about access to special places. “Would some access be open to the public and others to locals? How do you monitor?” she asked. She also talked about liability for private property owners who allow people onto their land to go to the shore and other places. She suggested that liability is lower if landowners do not charge people to go on a trail or to a beachfront.
      Ron Ebert said he is concerned about controlling access, particularly with wildfires in mind. Referring to the raging fires that surrounded Pahala, “I don’t think you realize how close we came to a major conflagration right here that could have destroyed where we are,” referring to Pahala Community Center.

      He said he wants good ingress and egress for emergency vehicles to public places.

      Eldridge Naboa said he is concerned about publicity on where traditionally used trails are located. “I don’t want the public to just think all these trails are places where we can just go there.” He referred to fishponds, turtle nesting sites and cultural sites. How do we insure their protection now that they are mapped?”

      Leina`ala Enos said that with the first round of CDP materials published, she now wants to hear from the community. “We need to continue this flow. Now we have a document we can read, dissect and give feedback.”

The draft material says the proposed Mauna Loa Trail could stand
alone as a loop trail within Ka`u.

      Loren Heck said he has a philosophical problem being a Steering Committee member. He said he can listen carefully to the diverse opinions of the community, but when it comes to diverging opinions, he doesn’t see how he can prevent his personal opinion from entering the picture. He gave the example of the community wanting to keep Ka`u country but have jobs, and “jobs have to do with footprints on the `aina.”
      Patty Barry said she takes being a Steering Committee member as “when you talk to people and bring their idea forward without your personal opinion at all.”
      Community members also spoke from the audience. One resident said that “every lava flow is different from other lava flows.” He talked about trails being long and unmaintained and said there needs to be a program for faster access to the resources. He suggested more bicycle trails as a way to see Ka`u.
      Earl Louis talked about whether the Ala Kahakai National Trail manager Aric Arakaki would manage the setback area along the Ka`u Coast. “Who is going to manage the coastline, the federal government or people of Ka`u? Keep the community input in each of your minds as you are doing this,” he urged the Steering Committee.
      Patty Barry said Green Sand Beach is a good example of where access is needed. “You go down there, you can see how they destroy it, all the ruts. Some enterprising locals are giving tours. In the long run, this may get something organized, but in the meantime, Green Sands is getting destroyed,” she said.
      Planner Ron Whitmore talked about the many partners that could help manage Ka`u, from private property owners to Kamehameha Schools and state, county and federal agencies along with community groups like Makai Watch that adds capacity to management.

Dr. Genshitsu Sen, Urasenke Grand Tea
Master of Japan

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO HOSTED Dr. Genshitsu Sen, the fifteenth-generation Urasenke Grand Tea Master of Japan, as he performed a centuries-old tea ceremony for world peace yesterday. Senator Inouye had intended to host the ceremony before he passed away late last year, and today’s event honored the late senator. 

      “Nothing could be more important than the U.S. Japan relationship,” Sen. Hirono said at the ceremony. “It is this friendship and alliance that has produced peace in the Asia-Pacific region, security and economic vitality. I want to thank all of you who are here to participate and to also let you know that Sen. Inouye was committed to strengthening that relationship. All of us build on his emphasis.”


      In attendance was Sen. Patrick Leahy, the Senate’s President Pro Tempore, Japanese Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae, former Hawai`i Gov. George Ariyoshi and his wife, former First Lady Jean Ariyoshi and Irene Hirano Inouye, widow to the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye.

HAWAI`I COUNTY’S BAN ON AERIAL HUNTING remains in effect, even though the U.S. District Court in Honolulu is allowing the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to use the technique to control ungulates in palila habitat on Mauna Kea.
      A 1998 stipulated order called for aerial hunting to protect the endangered native bird species, but Hawai`i County Council passed an ordinance last year forbidding the practice.
      In his decision, Judge J. Michael Seabright said, “In short, so long as DLNR, or their duly-appointed agents, are acting to enforce the specific terms of the 1998 Stipulated Order, they may conduct an aerial sighting over the palila’s critical habitat and shoot any ungulates sighted without fear of violating” the ordinance.
      Tony Sylvester, chair of the Hawai`i County Game Management Advisory Commission, told Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reporter Erin Miller he was pleased to learn the judge applied his ruling only to the hunts required by the palila protection order. “It’s kind of a compromise for us,” Sylvester said, adding that since 2008, DLNR had conducted four hunts annually, twice the amount required by the 1998 order. “They were getting more and more aggressive. It was an abuse of power already.”
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

A RUMMAGE SALE AT NA`ALEHU SCHOOL last Saturday raised over $700. The funds will go toward purchase of new playground equipment and student incentives, said Denise Garcia, of Parent Community Networking Center.

Keahi Felix

KA WAHINE ALOHA POETRY READING takes place Friday at 6 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Published Hawai`i author Keahi Felix reads from her new book. Felix has been recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in the study of Hawaiian history. Joining her is Hilo musician Dennis Soares. The event is free. Call 967-8222 for more information.

SPRING FLING is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Punalu`u Bake Shop in Na`alehu. Ka`u School of the Arts sponsors arts, crafts and entertainment all day as a celebration of the cultural diversity of Ka`u. Call 929-8215.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u News Briefs April 9, 2013

Liquid Robotics new explorer, the Wave Glider SV3, uses wave and solar to travel the oceans. Photo from lifuidr.com

LIQUID ROBOTICS, which sends unmanned robotics out to sea from Hawai`i Island to study the ocean, has introduced the world’s first hybrid wave and solar propelled unmanned ocean robot, it announced today. “The Wave Glider SV3 incorporated the latest advancements in energy harvesting technology, providing the ability to utilize both wave and solar energy for forward propulsion…” to explore a “portion the world’s oceans in conditions that previously were too challenging or costly to operate.”
      Bill Vass, CEO of Liquid Robotics, says through Wave Gliders providing delivery of ocean data “in a new and cost-effective way, we’re enabling broad access to affordable ocean exploration.” Liquid Robotics claims its missions can be 24/7 “through all weather conditions across most of the planet to help solve some of the world’s critical problems such as global climate change, ocean acidification, fisheries management, hurricane prediction, tsunami warning and exploration for valuable natural resources.”
      “The Wave Glider SV3 can tap into the inexhaustible supply of the planets wave and solar energy, travel tens of thousands of miles, collect data in the most demanding sea states/conditions and deliver this data in real-time to users around the globe.”

Hawai`i Health Connector received federal funding to set up a call center to help local residents choose the best health insurance.

HAWAI`I HEALTH CONNECTOR, the quasi-government health insurance exchange, has been funded by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for two years with more than $128 million. A customer service call center will be supported by the grant through Dec. 2014. Gov. Neil Abercrombie said the Hawai`i Health Connector will provide greater access to health care coverage.”
      U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said, “Implementing president Obama’s Affordable Care Act in our state will continue to be a top priority. Last month marked three years since this important law was enacted, and we’ve already seen thousands of people across the country receive access to affordable care and preventative services. This funding is critical for a call center and consumer assistance program that will help Hawai`i families make important choice about the care they receive.”
      Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “I was proud to join President Obama in his fight to make health care more affordable for all families, and the Hawai`i Health Connector is a key stop in lowering the health care costs for families here in the islands.”
      Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said the $128 million awarded to Hawai`i Health Connector “shows Hawai`i is prepared and taking the lead nationally. Ensuring access and availability to health care throughout our state, especially for those in our underserved communities, will help them obtain the quality care they deserve.”

HMSA, THE STATE’S LARGEST health insurance provider, is blaming Obama Care in its quest for an 8.5 percent rate increase for businesses with fewer than 100 employees. HMSA is also asking for a 9.1 percent increase on its small business HPH Plus program. The request goes before the state Insurance Division, which gave HMSA a 2.6 percent increase last year after it asked for 3.9 percent in the same small business category. HMSA reported profits of $36 million last year.
      According to a story in this morning’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser, HMSA spokesperson Elisa Yadao said, “Costs are increasing this year, partially due to health care reform.” The Kristen Consillio story reported Yadao saying health care assessments and taxes related to the reform make up about 23 percent of the rate request.
      See www.staradvertiser.com.

ABEL SIMIONA LUI was removed by county police during Merrie Monarch week. The former 20-plus-year Kawa resident was living near the King Kamehameha statue in Hilo with Aloha Uprising supporters of the Kingdom of Hawai`i who say that the U.S. illegally occupies Hawai`i. They were growing taro on the state property. Lui and others were arrested and released.

MIXING MESSAGES AND LAW in new legislation has created a possible delay in a measure at the state Legislature that was put together for both the documentation of Native Hawaiian residents of the islands and a totally different issue, geothermal development. Hawai`i’s constitution states that “each law shall embrace but one subject, which shall be expressed in its title.”
      According to a Derrick DePledge story in this morning’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser, House Bill 252 was originally drafted to identify Hawaiians for participation in a new Hawaiian government through a Native Hawaiian Roll Commission. However, it was amended, without advance public notice, to also “establish permitting, mediation and other regulatory standards for geothermal development,” DePledge writes. The title of the bill was simply “Relating to Government.”

The state Legislature combined Native Hawaiian Roll Call measures with geothermal development regulation.
The Hawai`i state Constitution says that separate issues have to be addressed by separate laws with clear titles.
Photo from Puna Geothermal

      DePledge quotes East Ka`u Sen. Russell Ruderman saying, “We have a situation where the public never had a chance to comment on this thing that’s going to be a major redefinition of the laws about geothermal.” The reporter quoted Ruderman as saying he is “very disturbed” about the process used to add the geothermal language to an unrelated bill and that he is looking for more oversight over geothermal development.

      “The bill, which would include geothermal in the definition of renewable energy, would restore the ability of the counties to issue geothermal resource permits for geothermal development in agriculture, rural or urban districts even if such development is not a permissible use under county zoning laws or general plans,” DePledge writes in the Star-Advertiser. The bill may be delayed to give more time before it goes to conference committee between the Senate and House.
      See www.staradvertiser.com.

COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS this week are focusing on the county budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. At yesterday’s meeting of the Governmental Relations and Economic Development Committee, a discussion took place about gambling as way to balance the budget. According to Kohala Council member Margaret Wille, “We are in dire financial straits,” reported Nancy Cook Lauer, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. Wille suggested that allowing bingo may help the county raise money, contending that “high-stakes bingo is not the same as casino gambling. Social ills and often organized crime that go with casino gambling are not there.”
      Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford had a different view. According to Cook Lauer, Ford said she’d researched the topic and found that costs to society and government are high. She said, “For every $1 in revenues, you spend $3 on social issues caused by the gambling. I would oppose all gambling in the state of Hawai`i … county of Hawai`i.”
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Steering Committee meets today at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. The agenda calls for discussion of draft material released last week. The material describes Ka`u’s natural and cultural resources.
      It says Ka`u enjoys a thriving living culture grounded in a rich oral tradition, active cultural practices and art. “Hawaiian culture is celebrated through ahupua`a-based farming, fishing, gathering, and hunting, hula halau and many other practices,” it says. “Likewise, traditions from Ka`u’s Filipino, Japanese, Micronesian, European, American, and other cultures are carried from one generation to the next.”
      The document calls the many cultural and community events that the community organizes “prime examples of Ka`u’s rich, living culture.
      “To celebrate holidays, the community organizes Fourth of July, Veteran’s Day and Christmas parades and ho`olaule`a; hosts Easter egg hunts, May Day performances, Trunk or Treat events, Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas parties; and offers a lantern lighting and bon dance ceremony.
      “To build community, organizations host the Ka`u Coffee Festival, the Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholarship Pageant, regular pancake breakfasts and barbecues and annual school reunions.
 

`Ukulele workshops are mentioned in the Ka` CDP as cultural events in the community.
Photo by Julia Neal

  “Musical events include `ukulele, slack key, and steel guitar lessons; Hawaiian Music and Lifestyle camps; Ka`u Community Chorus performances and other concerts; Sundays in the Park at Whittington Beach Park other music festivals.
      “Other arts are celebrated during the Spring Fling art show, the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce Directory art contest, Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, and storytelling during National Library Week.
      “Sports enthusiasts organize the Fourth of July Rodeo, the Jungle Express Pig Hunting Tournament, the Keiki Fishing Tournament, sports leagues for keiki and adults, senior bingo and Ka`u `Ohana Day (Makahiki).”
      Draft Ka`u CDP documents are available at hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp.

UPCOMING KA`U HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS this week include boys volleyball, tomorrow, Ka`u at Pahoa at 6 p.m. and Saturday, HPA and Honoka`a at Ka`u at 10 a.m.; Judo is on Saturday, with the BIIF Team tourney at Waiakea at 9 a.m. Girls softball is tomorrow with Hilo at Ka`u at 3 p.m. and Friday with Pahoa at Ka`u at 3 p.m. In track and field, Ka`u is in Kea`au Saturday at 9 a.m.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.