Ka`u News Briefs June 14, 2013

Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo holds a Father's Day event Sunday at Honu`apo Park. While the barbecue contest has been
postponed due to lack of participation, musicians will still be performing, and food, beverages and shave ice
will be available for purchase. Photo from KOOH

THE CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR THE AUCTION of some 5,800 Ka`u acres, including Moa`ula and Pear Tree coffee lands, is scheduled for Thursday, June 27 at the First Circuit Court Building in Honolulu on the fourth floor. Presiding judge is Bert Ayabe. Additional bids will be allowed for the property in foreclosure on land where the famous Ka`u coffee grows under the care of more than 30 farmers. It also includes pasture lands mauka of Hwy 11, above Honu`apo, and lands along the Ka`u Coast including Waikapuna.

Waikapuna lands south of Honu`apo are in the bundle of properties
being auctioned off.

      The foreclosure is against WWW Hawai`i Holdings, which borrowed more than $45 million from Lehman Brothers. At the auction on May 21, Lehman Brothers Holdings bid higher than the only other bidder, Edmund C. Olson, who bid $12 million. Lehman is allowed to use money owed to the financial company as credit to bid on the property it financed. Whether Lehman becomes the owner and sells off sections of the land or keeps it, or whether another party buys the property, which is bundled as one sale for oceanfront, pasture and coffee parcels, will be determined at the confirmation hearing. 

THE SENATE VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE held a hearing Wednesday to consider the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2013, introduced earlier this year by Sen. Brian Schatz. The act would provide Filipino soldiers who fought for the United States with the same benefits afforded to other veterans who defended the U.S. during World War II. Schatz considers movement on this issue to be critical, as many Filipino veterans are in their 90s and passing away without the benefits.

Induction of these Philippine Army troops took place in 1941.
Photo from pinoyhistory.proboards.com

      “It has been more than 50 years, and yet, many Filipino veterans have not been properly recognized for their service and have been denied their basic veterans’ rights,” said Schatz. “It is critical that we pass this legislation to ensure that the Filipino soldiers who fought for our country – and their families – receive full benefits. This bill would finally allow thousands of eligible veterans to receive the compensation that they deserve, and send a clear message to all veterans that Americans will not forget their service once they return from combat.” 

      During World War II, President Roosevelt issued an Executive Order that inducted all military forces of the Philippines under a newly created command called the United States Armed Forces of the Far East (USAFFE). For the duration of the war, Filipino soldiers fought side-by-side with American soldiers in the Pacific Theatre protecting American military bases and installations. Their efforts directly contributed to American victory in the Pacific.
      Currently, the widows and children of Filipino veterans do not qualify for compensation. This bill would also ensure the dependents of World War II Filipino veterans are included as beneficiaries.
      A number of organizations have also voiced support for this legislation, including the Military Officers Association of America, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans, the Japanese American Citizens League, the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, and the Lao Veterans of America.

Burt Shimabukuro

HAWAI`I COUNTY POLICE CHIEF HARRY KUBOJIRI has announced the promotion of Burt Shimabukuro to the rank of captain of the Ka`u District. 

Now the Vice Section lieutenant in East Hawai`i, Shimabukuro joined the Police Department in June 1987 and worked as a patrol officer in Kona and Puna and a Vice Section detective in East Hawai`i. After being promoted to lieutenant in 2008, he was assigned first to South Hilo Patrol, then to the Special Response Team, and, most recently, to the Vice Section. 

      The promotion takes effect Sunday, June 16.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL CONSIDERS increases in public bus fares at its meeting next week. At the last Council meeting, Ka`u’s County Council member Brenda Ford voted against the proposal to hike fares from $1 to $2 as well as end free rides for students, the elderly and disabled. Ford said she wants to keep the fare low to encourage more ridership.
      The meeting takes place Tuesday, June 18 at 9 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. Ka`u residents can participate in the meeting via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.

Grant Galimba shows his lamb at 4-H Livestock
Show & Sale. Photo from Becky Settlage

YOUNG KA`U FARMERS AND RANCHERS are heading to Waimea for the 56th Annual 4-H Livestock Show & Sale today and Saturday at Mealani Research Station. Sponsored by Hawai`i County 4-H Livestock Association and University of Hawai`i’s College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources, the weekend event begins today with the Rabbit, Poultry & Goat Show from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Saturday at 8 a.m. is the Large Animal Show for Market Lambs, Hogs & Steers. At 2 p.m. the annual live auction of 4-H animals takes place. Anyone interested in being a buyer may register at the Buyer’s Luncheon at noon Saturday. 

      All proceeds from the sale go directly to the 4-H member who raised the animals. Participants are between the ages of 5 and 18.
      For more information on donating, buying at the auction and 4-H programs, contact Becky Settlage, county extension agent, at 430-0499 or settlage@hawaii.edu. Among the Ka`u participants are `Ua Alencastre-Galimba; Gavin, Grant and Kealia Galimba; Kaile Aiken and Nainoa Sales.
      Sheep, hogs and steers raised by the Ka`u youth will be auctioned. Sponsors from Ka`u who will be bidding on animals include Pacific Quest, Edmund C. Olson, Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm and Kuahiwi Ranch.

THE FIFTH ANNUAL VOLCANO POTTERY SALE takes place today from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The sale features newly created work by twelve ceramic artists of East Hawai`i. Samples of Volcano-grown teas are available courtesy of Tea Hawai`i, with sushi and bentos for purchase from Volcano Hanabi. For more information, see ryhpottery.com/volcano_pottery_sale or call 985-8530.

A LABOR LAW WORKSHOP TAKES PLACE TODAY from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Ted Hong and Warren Chong discuss how to maintain good employment practices. Hong is an attorney who practices labor and employment law out of his firm in Hilo, and Chong is a partner with Legal Shield, a company that provides legal services to small business owners. Topics include government-relations agencies, payment of wages, child labor laws and independent contractors.

A hike along Kahuku's Palm Trail takes place tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.
NPS Photo by David Boyle

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S Kahuku Unit offers events this weekend. Palm Trail Hike takes place tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This relatively easy, guided, 2.6-mile loop crosses scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. 

      Lunch with a Ranger is Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants bring a bag lunch and join Park Ranger Kiko on Father’s Day in an open discussion on park resources including significant geological events and features of Mauna Loa and the natural and cultural history of the Kahuku Unit.

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

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER hosts its monthly pancake breakfast tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 939-7033 for more information.

KA `OHANA O HONU`APO’S FATHER’S DAY EVENT on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., includes musicians on stage, sales of food, beverages and shave ice, and a shady tent to enjoy Honu`apo Park on Father’s Day. The Pork in the Park barbecue contest has been postponed due to lack of participation. For more information, call Lehua Lopez-Mau at 929-9891. 

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 June 13, 2013

Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah present a hula informance Saturday in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo by Kenji Kuroshima

JOHN KAI HAS BEEN NAMED INTERIM PRESIDENT of Royal Hawaiian Orchards, with offices and orchards in Pahala and elsewhere on the island. He replaced Dennis Simonis, who held the post for more than eight years.

Royal Hawaiian Orchards has a new interim president, John Kai.
Photo by Julia Neal

      Simonis oversaw the company’s name change from ML Macadamia Orchards, which produced and sold macnuts wholesale. Expansion into a new line of retail products led to the name change to Royal Hawaiian Orchards last year.
      Regarding the change in management, Richard Schnitzler, president and co-owner of the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co., told Stephanie Silverstein, of Pacific Business News, “I feel that most of the people in our industry — the Hawai`i macadamia nut industry — will feel this was a very positive move for their company. They’ve got some very smart people on (the board of directors), and I think enough has been enough for them with the company losing money and venturing off into some very new and different areas that have some risk.”
      Kai has been on the company’s Board of Directors since 2004. He is president of Pinnacle Investment Group, LLC and Pinnacle Media Group, LLC, and branch manager and investment representative of First Allied Securities, Inc.

      Kai is a graduate of Sacramento City College and attended University of the Pacific from 1983 to 1985. He served on the Board of Regents of the University of Hawai`i and was a director of the Research Corporation of University of Hawai`i, the Hawai`i Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and has served on several nonprofit boards in Hawai`i.
      According to its website, “Royal Hawaiian Orchards, L.P. is the largest grower in the world of macadamia nuts. Today, Hawai`i produces about one-quarter of the world’s supply, but Hawaiian macadamia nuts rate tops for premium quality.”

WITH HURRICANE SEASON UPON US, Hawai`i Electric Light Company urges all of its customers to review their preparations for emergencies. 

      HELCO says the best time to prepare for an emergency is before one occurs. It provides some tips to get started:

• Gather emergency supplies, such as a battery-powered radio, flashlights, lanterns, and batteries. 
• Store enough non-perishable food, water, and medicine for family members and pets to last seven days. 
• Before a storm hits or if there is a power outage, unplug all unnecessary electric equipment and appliances until the storm has passed or until power is firmly restored. 
• Take time now to plan where to take shelter if your home is subject to coastal storm surges or inland flooding. A list of emergency shelters is available at Hawai`i State Civil Defense Agency at scd.hawaii.gov, or t 733-4300. 
• As a tropical storm approaches, listen to emergency TV and radio broadcasts to learn which shelters have been opened. If evacuating, take emergency supplies and remember to shut off electricity at the main breaker or switch. 
• Make plans in advance to go to a safe location where electricity will be available if someone in your home depends on an electrically powered life support system and you don’t have a backup generator. Some shelters are designed for people with health needs; just remember to take your own medical equipment and medications. 
• Plan to seek safe shelter for your pets. During a tropical storm, pets may not be safe outdoors in doghouses or pens. 

      HELCO’s free Information Handbook for Emergency Preparedness includes these tips and more. It includes key numbers to have on hand, checklists for emergency supplies such as a home survival kit and first aid kit, electrical safety information, power outage preparedness and recovery, household and food safety tips and references and links to related resources such as the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the civil defense agencies.
      The handbook can be downloaded at helcohi.com. Those without Internet access may receive a free copy by visiting Hawai`i Electric Light’s customer service locations in Hilo, Kona and Waimea or by calling 969-0137.

HAWAI`I COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL announces June is the time to apply for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a federal low-income home energy subsidy. 

      Applications are taken from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday this month at HCEOC in Na`alehu and on Fridays only at the Old Pahala Clubhouse.
      Eligible families are asked to bring originals and copies of their most current HELCO bill; verifications of income for all adults (three months worth of pay stubs, Social Security 2013 benefits letter, pension, disability, unemployment or other regular payments); identification for all household members (driver license/passport and Social Security cards for adults, Social Security cards for children, birth certificates for infants under one year); proof of residence address, such as a rental agreement, property tax or other bill; and Final Utility Termination Notice if they’ve received a shut-off notice from HELCO).

Michael Richards

A NEW SCIENCE CAMP IS SET TO LAUNCH in less than two weeks for local teens entering grades 9 through 12. Home base is at Pahala Plantation Cottages. Science Camps of America takes the learning outdoors, offering first-hand experience in environments ranging from beaches and rainforests to volcanoes and snow-covered mountaintops. 

      There are still a few spots remaining, and Science Camps wants to fill them by extending financial aid to those who qualify and register by Saturday, June 15.
      “The idea is to get teens outside and into the field to truly explore science,” Michael Richards, camp founder and executive director said.” We need to find new ways to engage students and nurture their interests, and in this particular case, we want to focus on science because we have one of nature’s greatest laboratories in our backyard.”
      Richards, a local entrepreneur from Kaneohe, said he worried his own grandchildren would become too preoccupied with using the Internet and social media and were spending less time exploring the world outside.
      He called upon his past geology teacher, Dr. Floyd McCoy, to help create a solid curriculum for the camp. McCoy, professor of geology and oceanography at Windward Community College, agreed to come on board as director of education.
      The first session, Land and Sea, will be held June 22 to July 1 and give campers the chance to examine volcanoes, geology, beaches, reefs and the ocean.
      The second session, Air and Space, will be held July 1 to 10 and expose campers to topics including the atmosphere, weather systems, climate change and innovative technologies that address the ever-changing world.
      Registration fees include meals and transportation to and from Kona or Hilo airport.

      Find out more at ScienceCampsAmerica.com or 678-619-0974.

THE FIFTH ANNUAL VOLCANO POTTERY SALE takes place tomorrow from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The sale features newly created work by twelve ceramic artists of East Hawai`i. Samples of Volcano-grown teas are available courtesy of Tea Hawai`i, with sushi and bentos for purchase from Volcano Hanabi. For more information, see ryhpottery.com/volcano_pottery_sale or call 985-8530. 

TED HONG AND WARREN CHONG discuss how to maintain good employment practices at a labor law workshop tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Hong is an attorney who practices labor and employment law out of his firm in Hilo, and Chong is a partner with Legal Shield, a company that provides legal services to small business owners. Topics include government-relations agencies, payment of wages, child labor laws and independent contractors.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S Kahuku Unit offers its Palm Trail Hike, Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This relatively easy, guided, 2.6-mile loop crosses scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. 985-6011

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

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 June 12, 2013

Sen. Russell Ruderman has expressed concern about `Aina Koa Pono's potential plan in Ka`u "to clear-cut 10,000
acres for its first crop" to feed a biofuel refinery above Pahala. Photo by Julia Neal

“IT IS LONG PAST TIME FOR THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN people to regain their right to self-governance,” said Sen. Brian Schatz in a speech on King Kamehameha Day calling for self-governance by Native Hawaiians. “I chose this day to come to the Senate Floor to talk about an issue of great importance to me and to my state: Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization. It was a top priority of my immediate predecessors in this body – Senators Inouye and Akaka.

Sen. Brian Schatz

      “I want to acknowledge their legacy and to thank Sen. Akaka for the role that he continues to play in the great State of Hawai`i and in the Native Hawaiian community in particular. And, here is the reason that I have chosen to carry forward this fight on behalf of Native Hawaiians. Simply stated: because it is right to seek justice.
      “Native Hawaiians are the only federally recognized Native people without a government-to-government relationship with the United States, and they deserve access to the prevailing federal policy of self-determination. Opponents have argued that Native Hawaiians are not “Indians” as if the word applies to Native people of a certain racial or ethnic heritage or is limited to indigenous people from one part of the United States, but not another. This is misguided.
      “Although the Congress has passed more than 150 statutes to try to address some of the negative effects of earlier federal actions and policies, data reveal persistent health, education and income disparities. Native Hawaiians experience disproportionately high rates of unemployment and incarceration; and, Native Hawaiian children are over-represented in the juvenile justice system. Hawaiian families rank last in the nation in average annual pay and face the highest rates of homelessness.
      The entire speech is available at schatz.senate.gov.

Sen. Russell Ruderman

KA`U’S SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN  voiced his concerns today about the `Aina Koa Pono biofuels project.  “I have had several occasions to talk to Pahala area residents about AKP, both formally in community meetings and informally,” Ruderman said. "In my experience after talking to over 50 Pahala residents as well as AKP project people, I have yet to find a single supporter who has not been financially rewarded for their comments or who stand to profit. On the other hand, every independent citizen I’ve spoken with (who has an opinion), including many community leaders, oppose it.

      “I fully support all safe, renewable energy projects, including other biomass and biofuels projects. I have grave concerns about AKP’s project, beyond the rate increase. Discussions with the principals of AKP have not reduced my concerns."

Sen. Ruderman has expressed concern that AKP's Micro
Dee technology has not been proven on a commercial
scale. Photo from biofuels-solutions.com

      Ruderman said his concerns include:

      “AKP can clear-cut 10,000 acres for their first crop. Nothing prevents this, and statements from AKP seem to suggest this course, which would worsen Ka`u’s already serious multi-year drought among other damages. AKP has no obligation to restore areas clear-cut.
      “It jeopardizes the leases of many ranchers and farmers in this agricultural community.
      “AKP has not decided which crops will be used. No biomass crop on record, anywhere in the world, produces anything near the yields they are projecting. And this area is largely marginal land with severe water shortages.
      “This technology has not been proven on a commercial scale, anywhere. This will be the first commercial experiment of their technology.
      “The only reason the Big Island has been chosen as their first experiment is our high electricity rates. It would be a non-starter elsewhere.
      “Ka`u is a community which cherishes its environment and culture. Often, outlandish proposals have been suggested in the name of 'jobs,' which are really attempts to exploit cheap land. These have included a spaceport, prisons, Riviera-style resorts, and now an untested massive microwave project. The people of Ka`u consistently reject these hazardous schemes. While employment is a challenge in Ka`u, the community wants economic progress which will preserve the environmental and cultural richness of the community. This community is remarkably self-reliant and, like any community with history and pride, protective of its heritage,”  concluded the state Senator.

    

IN REBUTTAL TESTIMONY SUBMITTED to the Public Utilities Commission regarding the proposed contract for `Aina Koa Pono to sell biofuel refined above Pahala from biomass grown in Ka`u to Hawai`i Electric Light Co., Cecily Barnes, manager of Hawaiian Electric Fuels Department, responded to Hawai`i County’s concern that the project could crowd out other future projects that could potentially lower the cost for HELCO customers.

      “It is the Companies’ position that the AKP Biodiesel Supply Contract will not impact the consideration of any future renewable energy projects, as the Companies will still be required to look into other renewable energy projects in meeting Renewable Portfolio Standards goals,” Barnes said. “The Companies expect to continue requiring liquid fossil fuel for the foreseeable future to operate generating units that provide baseload firm power, albeit potentially reduced aggregate volumes of liquid fossil fuel as more renewable energies become available. The AKP Biodiesel Supply Contract’s supply of a maximum of sixteen million gallons per year of biodiesel is only approximately four percent of the Hawaiian Electric Companies’ current total liquid fuel consumption. Thus, the Companies do not view the AKP Biodiesel Supply Contract as a commitment that would preclude opportunities to implement new power production technologies over the term of the AKP Biodiesel Supply Contract, as it is expected that some portion of the Hawaiian Electric Companies power generation will continue lo require liquid fuel during the next twenty years. Further, while there are also a number of other advanced biofuel technologies under development, the AKP biodiesel price is competitive with commercially available biodiesel. 

      “It is also worth noting that one of the Consumer Advocate’s witnesses, Mr. Hornby, agrees that the Companies will continue to have the flexibility to acquire additional cost-effective resources in the future, after the AKP Biodiesel Supply Contract is entered into. HELCO will likely be able to utilize both new biofuel and geothermal-derived resources, and should HELCO find new cost-effective renewable resources that are sufficient to displace its need for the AKP biodiesel in the future, Hawaiian Electric has ample ability to consume the AKP biodiesel on O`ahu.”
      This and other testimony is available at puc.hawaii.gov. Docket number is 2012-0185.

FISHING PONO: Living in Harmony with the Sea, the story of native Hawaiians using ancient conservation methods to restore fisheries, is being shown tonight at the opening of one of Hawai`i’s premiere movie galas, the Maui Film Festival. Producer of Fishing Pono is Teresa Tico, who has a home in Pahala and photographs for The Ka`u Calendar and the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce Directory. Graphic designer for the movie poster is Tanya Ibarra, of Pahala. Director is Mary Lambert, who is famous in another world – for directing music videos for Madonna, Annie Lenox, Motley Crue, Sting, Alison Kraus, Chris Isaak, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mick Jagger and others. In feature length films, Lambert has directed Jody Foster. She also directed Pet Sematary I and Pet Sematary II, based on the Stephen King novels. She directed the Sci-Fi Channel film Mega Python vs. Gatoroid. 

     Lambert also wrote, produced and directed 14 Women, a film about women finally being elected to the U.S. Senate.
     In her personal life, Lambert is a passionate advocate for community-based management of natural resources. She worked with Tico on a film of hope for Hawai`i fisheries. “This is an inspiring story of how one community turned the tide on a seemingly doomed resource and documents the competing interests to consume fish, from commercial fisheries to recreational fishermen and Native Hawaiians who view fishing as a cultural practice,” say the notes provided by the filmmakers.
     Tico has produced more than 30 short documentaries, most of them addressing pressing environmental issues, including coral reef degradation, climate change and rising sea levels impacting Polynesia. She plans a feature documentary including fisheries in Ka`u. Fishing Pono was funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting through its subsidiary Pacific Islanders in Communication. It will be shown on the PBS series Pacific Heartbeat.

THE FIFTH ANNUAL VOLCANO POTTERY SALE is Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The sale features newly created work by twelve ceramic artists of East Hawai`i. Samples of Volcano-grown teas are available courtesy of Tea Hawai`i, with sushi and bentos for purchase from Volcano Hanabi. For more information, see ryhpottery.com/volcano_pottery_sale or call 985-8530.

A LABOR LAW WORKSHOP takes place Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center with Ted Hong and Warren Chong discussing how to maintain good employment practices. Topics include government-relations agencies, payment of wages, child labor laws and independent contractors.

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.