Ka`u News Briefs June 22, 2013

A guided hike along Kahuku's Palm Trail, with its panoramic vistas, takes place tomorrow. NPS Photo by David Boyle

HOME OWNERSHIP WILL SOON BE MORE ACCESSIBLE to Ka`u and other Hawai`i households. Gov. Neil Abercrombie yesterday signed legislation that updates the Hula Mae Single Family Mortgage Loan Program and broadens eligibility.
      “This bill will make owning a home more than just a dream for many island families,” said Abercrombie, who also took the opportunity to proclaim June as Homeownership Month in Hawai`i. “Homeownership strengthens families and builds communities. It also fosters economic prosperity and generates economic growth, which benefits us all.”



Gov. Abercrombie with supporters of SB1025.
Photo from Office of the Governor

      Part of the governor’s legislative package, SB1025, enacted as Act 135, updates the Hula Mae Single Family Mortgage Loan Program to allow broader program participation by potential single-family homeowners, especially for eligible borrowers’ principal residences. It also adds down payment, closing cost and other assistance as a program feature and makes various housekeeping and conforming amendments. The act is effective July 1.
      

In 1979, the state Legislature authorized the Hawai`i Housing Authority to fund the mortgage loan program to assist low- and moderate-income homebuyers. Since then, the Legislature has authorized the issuance of revenue bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $2.2 billion to fund this program. As of June 30, 2012, $1.8 billion in single-family mortgage purchase revenue bonds have been issued, providing eligible first-time homebuyers with mortgage loans at below-market interest rates. Also since then, Hula Mae has helped more than 10,000 families purchase first homes.

      The Hawai`i Housing Finance and Development Corporation now administers the program. Homebuyers apply directly with participating lending institutions, which review eligibility and qualifications for a Hula Mae loan. Loans currently made under the program are securitized by the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Government National Mortgage Association or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
      Held in conjunction with National Homeownership Month, Homeownership Month in Hawai`i highlights the personal and societal benefits of owning a home, as well as recognizes public, private and nonprofit partners that contribute to providing homeownership opportunities and ensuring long-term viability of homeownership for island families. 


      These agencies and entities in Hawai`i include Hawai`i Housing Finance and Development Corporation; Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; the Hawai`i Association of Realtors; Land Use Research Foundation, representing housing developers throughout the state; financial institutions; and nonprofits such as the Hawai`i Home Ownership Center, Hawaiian Community Assets, Legal Aid Society of Hawai`i, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Hawai`i, Habitat for Humanity and Self-Help Housing Corporation of Hawai`i.

MILTON NAKATSU, OF HILO, HAS SENT TESTIMONY regarding the proposed `Aina Koa Pono project to the Public Utilities Commission and state senators.
      “A lot of residents believe that renewable energy is the way to go as well as I,” Nakatsu wrote, “but I will try to illustrate the cons (of AKP) with the following:
      “First, I have to apologize for sounding so negative, but I feel some of the ‘silent majority’ must have a voting voice on this crucial matter.
      “This combine (`Aina Koa Pono) reminds me of the days of the Kohala Task Force dumping millions into unproven businesses only to end up in bankruptcy except Kohala Nursery. Note: the execs of Biogenics were driving new Cadillacs every day from Kamuela to Kohala and back, wining and dining and to the bank only to deposit the hundreds of thousands milked from the company. The story is ‘good;’ they have an excellent Business Plan; set up; reap the rewards and are gone after five years or so.
      “It doesn’t make any sense to compel ratepayers to pay any additional fees for biodiesel, it should be an agreement with the electric companies. They (electric companies) currently negotiate with the oil companies for a fair price, so they should also negotiate for a fair price of biodiesel as an oil substitute.
      “Times are extremely difficult for fixed income residents. We have no means of generating income, and it’s causing our rates to go even higher for the benefit of `Aina Koa Pono? Where is the fairness, representation, protection and common sense on this?

Biofuel refined in Ka`u would be hauled to Keahole Power Plant in Kona.
Photo from Power Plants Around the World

      “Maybe I misunderstood, but wasn’t the charge per barrel of biodiesel lowered to the cost of crude (not sure)? After exhaustive questioning, didn’t they lower the figure to $200 a barrel, which is still too high? I’m wondering if they had an initial cost of like $400 a barrel.
      “If the cost of biodiesel is tied to crude, then it should be similar to annual percentage rate for interest rates where rates are fairly adjusted to moving market values of interest and not set in stone for 10 to 20 years which I believe is the case. Is this the ‘failsafe’ for them to make a ton upfront and can fail later after initially reaping the rewards?
      “If this company has the expertise/management skills and knowledge, then let them present a case to HELCO in negotiating like they do with the oil companies. Aren’t they competing for biodiesel in lieu of oil?
      “Would any bank lend them the money required under the present net increase in energy after plants are grown, harvested, microwaved then hauled as fuel 80 miles away to HELCO’s refinery?
      “As quoted by Will Rolston, energy coordinator for the county, ‘We’re sitting here, and we’re trying to figure out how it could work; the math doesn’t add up.’
      “If this company is PUC-regulated, are they tied to any ROE (return on equity)? If they are, what are the thresholds?
      “Are there any stipulations on salaries for CEO, president, manager on down, or could it be unlimited? What about golden parachutes?
      “If I had a proposal to install 100,000 to 1,000,000 photovoltaic panels or any other type of energy renewal program, would the ratepayer have to pay any costs, since theoretically oil usage would be less? If it is, then I’d like to drum up investors, since this is a no lose, win only investment.
      “Again, can anyone answer, if Hawai`i Island is 46.7 percent renewable today, and 100 percent renewable tomorrow, what would our electric rates be higher? Lower?
      “Last but not least, as repeatedly quoted by Mayor Billy Kenoi, he’s not in favor of any more alternative energy sources for the island ‘unless they result in a lowering of utility bills, not raising of them.’ That is a huge ‘ditto,’ Mr. Mayor.
      “Senators, I beg you, do not let this proposition be railroaded by a few minority with supreme authority without the sake of overall wellbeing of the ‘common silent majority.’”
      This and other testimony is available at puc.hawaii.gov. Docket number is 2012-0185.

Southside Volleyball Club team members are on their
way to competition in Reno, Nevada next week.
Front row: Brian Gascon, Emmett Enriques and Addie
Enriques. Back row: Kai Enriques, Nai`i Makuakane,
Avery Enriques, Kameron Moses.
Photo by Katherine Okamura

TWO SOUTHSIDE VOLLEYBALL TEAMS of Ka`u boys are headed to the mainland to compete in the 2013 Boys Junior National Championship in Reno, Nevada next week from June 28 through July 3. Members of the 14 team of 14-year-olds are Addie Enriques, Avery Enriques, Nai`ia Makuakane and Kameron Moses. Members of the 16s team are Brian Gascon, Emmett Enriques and Kai Enriques. Head coach is Guy Enriques.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers its Palm Trail Hike 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. 985-6011

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER BRINGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life Tuesday. A Walk into the Past programs begin at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center and Whitney Vault in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Megan Lamson discusses the Ka`u Coast at After
Dark in the Park Tuesday.

THE TOPIC AT AFTER DARK IN THE PARK Tuesday evening is Natural Resources of the Wai`ohinu Coast: Plants, Pools, Petroglyphs & Volunteer Participation. Megan Lamson, marine biologist and coordinator of coastal cleanup projects sponsored by Hawai`i Wildlife Fund, presents the program beginning at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

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

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Ka`u News Briefs June 21, 2013

Megan Lamson discusses natural and cultural resources of Ka`u's Wai`ohinu Coast at After Dark in the Park
this coming Tuesday. Photo from NPS

PAHALA ELEMENTARY IS ONE of several schools statewide to receive safe, age appropriate and accessible playground equipment and walkways that meet ADA Accessibility Guidelines as part of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s release of more than $134.7 million for capital improvement projects identified by members of the state Legislature to improve Hawai`i’s public school facilities while enhancing economic conditions.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has release funds for capital improvement projects
at schools statewide. Photo from Office of the Governor

      “These priority projects will address many needed repairs and upgrades at our public schools to create environments in which students can learn and thrive,” Abercrombie said. “The improvements are an investment in our keiki and our economy. Capital improvement projects like these across the state are contributing to Hawai`i’s strong economy and our improved state unemployment rate, which declined to 4.7 percent in May.”


      Allotment of funds for the following additional priority projects at various schools statewide has been approved by the governor: 



• $41,700,000 – Construction for numerous repair and maintenance projects at school facilities across the state, including re-roofing, electrical upgrades, plumbing and other work; 
• $2,000,000 – Planning, design, construction and equipment to provide energy improvements at various schools to identify inefficiencies and develop and implement energy conservation plans; the DOE will identify those schools with inordinate electricity consumption as compared to other schools; 
• $1,000,000 – Planning, design and construction to remove potentially hazardous material to ensure various state schools are up-to-date with current federal standards. 

      The balance of funds released goes to projects at specific schools throughout the state.

KA`U’S LOWER-INCOME SENIOR CITIZENS are encouraged to sign up for the annual summer USDA Senior Produce Program. The islandwide program runs from June 24 to Oct. 3. It will be the 11th year for the 15-week program on the Big Island. The Food Basket will administer the outreach effort, officially called the USDA Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.
      Distribution of locally grown fruits and vegetables is to persons age 60 and over with income less than $24,475 for individuals and $33,022 for couples. One allotment is allowed per household.
      Applications can be downloaded at foodbaskethi.org and are also available at RSVP in the Kamana Senior Center complex (961-8730) and at the Coordinated Services office at 1055 Kinoole Street (961-8777). The Food Basket is accepting and assisting with applications Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 40 Holomua Street in Hilo and Monday through Thursday at 79-1016A East Honalo Road, Kailua-Kona (322-1418).
      Distribution in Ka`u takes place on Wednesdays: Cooper Center in Volcano at 11:30 a.m., Pahala Community Center from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Na`alehu Community Center from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Kahuku Park in Ocean View from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Fees to use county park facilities, including Pahala Community Center,
are expected to increase Aug. 1. Photo by Julia Neal

THE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION has sent its proposed fee increases to Mayor Billy Kenoi, who is expected to approve the fees to help balance the county budget. The fees increases, the first in more than 10 years, are expected to go into effect Aug. 1.
      Use of county facilities including gyms, ball fields, parks, pavilions, rodeo arenas and community centers would remain free for nonbenefit athletic activities, or those not involving money.
      Ball fields, such as at Na`alehu Park, and parks would charge $100 per day for nonbenefit nonathletics activity. Nonathletic events will also be charged $12 per hour charge for lighting. Commercial events would be charged $200 per day for nonathletic events or $50 per day, $15 per team per season for athletics events. Professional promoters would pay $400 per day, up from $200.
      Pavilion rental, including those at Punalu`u Park, will increase to $25 per day from $10 per day for nonbenefit use. Kitchen use is an extra $25 per day. For benefit use, such as fundraisers, the fee will be $50 per day. Professional promoters will pay $300 per day, increased from $100 per day.
      Rodeo arena use fees remain the same except for professional promoters, who would pay $400 per day instead of $200 per day. Arenas are free for nonbenefit athletic activities, $20 per day for nonbenefit nonathletic events and $50 per day for benefit athletic activities.
      Rental of community centers remains the same, at $100 per day for nonbenefit nonathletic activities. The fee for fundraisers is $150 per day, and professional promoters will be charged $1,000 per day, up from $500 per day.

An earthquake north of Moloka`i is a reminder that Hawai`i
Island is not the only one in the state prone to earthquakes.
Image from USGS

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY’S HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY recorded an earthquake north of Moloka`i today at 12:04 a.m. The magnitude was initially estimated at 4.0, but more detailed seismic analyses resulted in a final magnitude of 4.5.
      “This is a good reminder that the Island of Hawai`i is not the only Hawaiian island prone to earthquakes,” said Wes Thelen, HVO’s Seismic Network manager. “Earthquakes in this area are not uncommon and are typically caused by a structural adjustment of the mantle in response to the weight of the Hawaiian Islands.”
      The earthquake was located 34 miles north of Maunaloa, Moloka`i, at a depth of about 22 miles. A map showing the location of the earthquake is posted on the HVO website at hvo.wr.usgs.gov/seismic/volcweb/earthquakes.
      HVO’s seismic records show that 10 earthquakes of magnitude three or larger have occurred north of Moloka`i in the past 20 years, including a magnitude 4.1 earthquake on May 20, 2005.
      No aftershocks have been recorded, and, according to Thelen, aftershocks typically do not follow earthquakes at these depths in the mantle.
      Today’s earthquake was felt on several Hawaiian Islands from Maui to Kaua`i. The USGS “Did you feel it?” website at earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/dyfi received more than 60 felt reports within the first hour of the earthquake. Thus far, there have been no reports of damage.
      The earthquake is not expected to have any effect on Kilauea’s ongoing eruptions. “HVO monitoring networks have not detected any significant changes in activity at the summits or rift zones of Kilauea or other Hawaiian volcanoes,” said Jim Kauahikaua, HVO’s scientist-in-charge.
      For information on recent earthquakes in Hawai`i and eruption updates, visit HVO’s website at hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

Kira Kamamalu Ventrella's Wahine II is on
display at Volcano Art Center Gallery

PALM TRAIL HIKE TAKE PLACE SUNDAY at 9:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. This relatively easy, guided, 2.6-mile three-hour loop crosses scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. 985-6011

THE PEOPLE, THE PLACES CONTINUES DAILY, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Vicki Penney-Rohner and Kira Kamamalu Ventrella present this fine art exhibition featuring original oil paintings and pastels. Penney-Rohner  considers herself a realistic impressionist, working in successive layers on multiple pieces simultaneously, each layer of each piece informing the layer of the next. Ventrella combines her connection with her subject matter with a technique of her own creation, using mostly a palette knife and impasto brushes to give her distinctly Polynesian portraiture a signature look. Call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

MEGAN LAMSON, MARINE BIOLOGIST and Hawai`i Wildlife Fund project coordinator, discusses the unique natural and cultural resources of Ka`u’s Wai`ohinu coastline, shares progress of HWF’s conservation work and presents opportunities to participate in upcoming volunteer events. The After Dark in the Park program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs; 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 20, 2013

Gathering place for honu appears to be Punalu`u this week. Honu, the green sea turtles, depart the inhabited islands to lay their eggs
but their cousins, the endangered hawksbills come ashore to nest during summer and fall. See story below.
Photo by Sabine Hendreschke

PA`A PONO MILOLI`I INC, a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to improving the lives of the residents of the native Hawaiian fishing village of Miloliʻi, will receive a $140,000 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
      Funding is for fiscal years 2013 and 2014 is for preserving culture and traditional fishing practices. Beginning next month, Pa`a Pono Miloli`i will roll out activities, workshops, and enrichments for the Miloliʻi community, overseen by Kaimi Kaupiko, a native resident of Miloliʻi and graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa Shilder School of Business.

       Programs will include traditional ʻopelu fishing practices for which waters of Miloliʻi are famous. The organization will sponsor spring, summer and fall Lawaiʻa Fishing Camps. The first camp is July 10 – 13 and Ka`u youth are invited to apply, Kaupiko said this morning.  

     Another focus for the grant is reintroduction of hula and the Hawaiian language as well as restoration of the Miloliʻi canoes - the Hoʻomau and Malolo. Construction of a canoe hale adjacent to the Miloliʻi Community Enrichment and Historical Center is also planned.
      Paʻa Pono Miloliʻi Inc. partners with Kua O Ka La Public Charter School, Hauʻoli Ka Manaʻo Congregational Church, Kalanihale Educational non- profit and Hoʻoulu La Hui. Outside agencies include Conservation International, Alu Like Hoʻala Hou, and the Queen Liliuokalani Childrens Center. 

      To sign up for camp and to learn more about the OHA Preserving Culture and Traditional Fishing Practice grant award for Paʻa Pono Miloliʻi Inc., call Kaimi Kaupiko at 808-937-1310.      

Throwing net is one of the activities at the Miloli`i youth camp this summer,
which begins July 5. Photo by Keali`i Kahele

KA`U’S CONGRESSWOMAN TULSI GABBARD voted yesterday for final House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, which would authorize more than $400 million for Hawai‘i defense priorities. The bill passed by a vote of 315-108. 

      While pleased with the defense funding for Hawai`i, Gabbard said she is disappointed that her “bipartisan Military Justice Improvement Act to protect victims of military sexual assault was blocked from a vote on the House floor this week. This is not an issue that can be ignored. I will continue to work to make sure that we are honoring our selfless heroes by resolving this issue,” said Gabbard.
      On the House floor, Gabbard talked about her amendment to strengthen and reform the backlogged Special Immigrant Visa program for Iraqi and Afghan citizens who served alongside American troops during war. 

      Gabbard said that while American service members are lauded and honored for their sacrifice, there are many civilians in such places as Iraq and Afghanistan, who are “unseen heroes who sacrifice every single day as they serve alongside our troops.” She pointed to two interpreters who served with her in a medical unit in Iraq. “One was named Kadam. He sat in our clinics, he went out on our missions with our medics and I spoke to him almost every day and learned so much about his family, his community and the challenges that he overcame every day to just work with us.    

     “He drove home every night with a firearm under his driver’s seat in fear not only of his own life but in fear of the health and safety of his family. He had a few young children and he spoke very strongly about his hopes and his dreams for them being able to have a future, to have an education, which was a far cry from the life he was living there. And that’s why he served with us.”
      Another interpreter, whom the Hawaiian unit called Kahuna, worked in secrecy and lived at the U.S. military camp to protect his family. “His neighbors and friends did not know he worked with us,” recalled Gabbard.
      Gabbard’s amendment to make immigration easier for these supporters of the U.S. passed with an overwhelming vote of 420-3.
      The National Defense Authorization Bill includes military construction in Hawai`I with funds of $65 million for Fort Shafter, $236 million for Kaneohe Bay, $58 million for Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, $37 million for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and $2.6 million for Ford Island – DISA.
      It requires that the Department of Defense keep a THAAD missile defense system in Guam, full funding for Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense in Hawai‘i, and strengthened ballistic missile defense in the Pacific region. Gabbard recently testified to the House Armed Services Committee in support of strong missile defense provisions.
      The bill also includes a requirement for accelerated troop drawdown in Afghanistan and justification by the President for any American troops on the ground after 2014.

THE FORECLOSURE AUCTION CONFIRMATION FOR 5,800 ACRES OF Ka`u coastal, pasture and coffee lands has been set for 9 a.m., a week from today, June 27, in Honolulu before Judge Bert Ayabe in First Circuit Court, fourth floor.
     According to a story in Pacific Business News: “The land, which was supposed to have been developed with a $105 million loan from Lehman Brothers before the deal got suspended by the 2008 Lehman bankruptcy, has an assessed value of about $13.6 million.
      “It also has a remaining mortgage on the properties of almost $60 million. 

Final auction confirmation hearing will be held at 9 a.m. a week from today in Honolulu for 5,800 acres that include the Moa`ula
and Pear Tree Ka`u Coffee lands, pasture mauka of Hwy 11 above Honu`apo and pasture and oceanfront property at Waikapuna.

      “Alan Worden, a Massachusetts developer, spearheaded a group who bought the Ka`u district land in 2006, with plans to build out an eventual high-end residential development,” wrote PBN reporter Duane Shimogawa.
      Lehman Brothers Holdings, which has reorganized to do business to pay off its debt, is foreclosing on Worden’s Windwalker companies which borrowed the money from Lehman against the property.
      The land includes most of the farms on which the famous Ka`u Coffee is grown at Moa`ula and Pear Tree. It also includes pasture and coastal lands near Na`alehu, including Waikapuna and pasture lands mauka of Hwy 11 above Honu`apo.
      During the confirmation hearing, additional bids will be allowed. During the auction on May 21, the highest outside bidder was Edmund C. Olson who bid $12 million. However, Lehman, which is owed more than $60 million on the property, bid higher and could choose to become the owner of the property, if no one bids higher than Lehman at the final foreclosure hearing.
      Ka`u Coffee farmers said they are looking toward long-term leases or purchasing their farmlands from whomever becomes the next owner. The farmers, many of them displaced sugar workers who have built their own independent coffee businesses since 1996 when the mill shut down, are currently operating on land without long-term leases.

ABEL SIMIONA LUI, who lived at Kawa beach in Ka`u for more than 20 years, claiming ancestral and sovereignty rights before being evicted late last year, was back in court yesterday. According to a story in this morning’s Hawai`i Tribune Herald, Lui refused to sit at the defense table in the courtroom for a hearing on his arrest for illegal camping when he and a group of Hawaiian sovereignty supporters camped and planted taro around the King Kamehameha statue in Hilo. They were protesting the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893, but were cited by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources for illegal camping. State workers pulled out the taro and re-sodded the land around the statue.

Abel Lui talking about sovereignty at one of his talks in Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

     The story by John Burnett quotes Lui saying, “We gave these people notice that we was gonna do one vigil, that we’re here for that, nothin’ else. And the next thing you know, we all got arrested. So here we are. The county and the state says they own the land. Then come on, bring down you guys documents, whatever evidence that says you own it. That includes DLNR, who says they own the land. Where are you guys documents?
      “This is crown land. That guy who is standing right there (Kamehameha I), it belongs to his people. And I’m an heir to all of that. That’s what gives us the right to be here. If the other people in the community can grow one garden (but) when it comes to the kanaka, cannot, I call that discrimination.”
      Judge Barbara Takase delayed the hearing for Lui until July 24, after defense attorney Ivan Van Leer asked for it, stating “jurisdictional issues” as a cause for delay. See more at www.hawaiitribune-herald.com

VOLUNTEERS FOR HAWKSBILL TURTLES are helping to protect the endangered turtles this summer and fall through a program sponsored by Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
       Since 1989, the Hawksbill Turtle Monitoring Program has been instrumental in studying and protecting the endangered hawksbill, Eretmochelys imbricata.
      The hawksbill, called Honu`ea in Hawaiian, is the rarest turtle in the Pacific Ocean with not more than 10 to 20 individuals nesting per season in the Hawaiian Islands. The program engages at least 16 volunteers at a time from June through December each year.
      A minimum commitment of 8 to 12 weeks is preferred. Duties include nightly watches at remote backcountry beaches – most of them in Ka`u - to observe nesting hawksbills and basking green sea turtles. Volunteers monitor nesting activities, handle and tag turtles, rescue stranded hatchlings, excavate nests, record field data, and trap and euthanize introduced predators (mongooses, rats, feral cats) to protect turtle eggs and hatchlings. Occasional beach clean-ups will be scheduled over the hawksbill nesting season.

Most hawksbill keiki are born in remote locations, but Punalu`u nestings in 2009
draw a crowd as hatchlings scurry to the ocean where they will spend
most of their lives. Photo by Julia Neal

  According a call for volunteers, they “must possess an upbeat positive attitude, a love of the outdoors, be willing to camp in the field 4-6 nights per week (including some weekends), and be capable of working late into the night. Some sites are reached by hiking 7-12 miles in hot weather conditions with a 20 to 30 pound backpack, others by 4WD vehicle.” Volunteers must possess a valid U.S. driver's license.
      The program provides dorm style housing at 4,000 - foot elevation in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and a meal reimbursement ($10.00 U.S. per working day).
      Those interested in volunteering, can contact the Hawksbill Turtle Monitoring Program for an application by calling 985-6090, fax 985-6029, or write to: Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Hawksbill Turtle Monitoring Program, Division of Resources Management, P.O. Box 52, Hawai`i National Park, HI 96718 or email: HAVO_turtle_project@nps.gov.

THE BILL TO BAN NEW GMO’S from the island will be discussed at a meeting led by County Council member Margaret Wille and Professor of Tropical Organic Agriculture Hector Valenzuela from University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources. The meeting will be next Thursday, June 27 at UH Hilo, Room STB 108.
      Following a short film about Genetically Modified Organisms growing in Hawai`i, the professor will give a presentation around the effects of GMOs in Hawai`i, and to other parts of the world. The council member will discuss Bill 79, which she introduced to prohibit further introductions of GMO crops on Hawai`i Island.
      GMO Free Hawai`i Island will report on its actions in support of Bill 79. A question and answer period will follow. 

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