Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, July 7, 2013

KAHU Radio station on Maile Street in Pahala was the scene of many community fundraisers during its operation.
At this event, founder Wendell Kaehuaea asked for donations for Civil Defense equipment. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COMMUNITY RADIO manager Christine Kaehuaea is selling off more of the station’s assets. In addition to the license which is being sold for $20,000 to Hawai`i Public Radio, she is selling off equipment described in an email circulated online. Among the items is the Crown 2,000-kilowatt FM transmitter, valued at $16,280, for which she is seeking $8,500 or best offer. Other items include a Crown 600-watt “T” transmitter for $7,500 and a Shively Antenna, 2-bay full wavelength, for $4,250. An Audio Arts Console R55e is for sale for $3,525, and a Sage Digital Endec for $1,950.

One Journey raised money at a KAHU function to go to O`ahu for the high
school Brown Bags to Stardom music contest and won the
statewide event. Photo by Julia Neal

      Also on her for-sale list are a Crown Broadcast Equipment FM 2000PS FM Power Supply for $1,500, a cabinet with racking fans and thermostat for $1,475 and 71 feet of 7/8-inch cable for $725. There are many other items from chairs to desk to cables, pipe and anchors for the radio tower. Kaehuaea is offering free delivery between Ocean View and Hilo. The cost of gas or $40 will be charged for delivery on Hawai`i Island, beyond Hilo and Ocean View, she states in her email.
      “Your purchase will be helping us fulfill our obligations with our vendors. We appreciate you,” she states in the email that she signed as Station General Manager & Owner, KAHU 91.7 FM, and as President/Director of Ka`u Community Radio, Inc.
      Wendell Kaehuaea, the only other person now named as an officer of the Ka`u Community Radio organization, said he hopes the income from the equipment and license will go to pay off debt owed to local businesses hired to work on building, setting up and maintaining the radio station or for services while KAHU was on the air. The station shut down recently when Hawai`i Electric Light Co. turned off the power.
      To purchase equipment or for more information on the transition of the station to Hawai`i Public Radio, contact Christine Kaehuaea at 925-895-9098 or kahufm@yahoo.com.

Paying minimum wage or by the amount of
coffee picked is addressed in a coffer farmer
petition. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

COFFEE FARMERS are signing a petition, hoping to continue the practice of paying pickers by volume instead of by the hour. 

      The petition says that “Hawai`i is unique as the only state that grows coffee. Its coffee pickers are primarily local individuals who pick the ripe coffee beans over a period of months – as the coffee beans ripen. They are paid on the amount of coffee picked, not on how many hours it takes. To require ‘minimum wages’ and ‘overtime requirements’ will be the demise of the coffee industry. Coffee picking abilities and hours per day vary substantially based on the pickers’ abilities and availability.
      “We, the following Petitioners, support a change in the State and Federal laws to clearly exempt seasonal coffee pickers, who pick by hand and are paid piece-rate by the pound, from the Federal Wage and Hour Employment Security Laws and Regulations."
      Petitions are due by July 15. The petition drive is organized by Friends of Kona Coffee, c/o Virginia Isbell, PO Box 926, Kealakekua, HI 96750.

COUNTY OF HAWAI`I HAS SUBMITTED QUESTIONS to the Public Utilities Commission regarding Hawaiian Electric Co.’s testimony on the proposed contract to purchase biofuel from `Aina Koa Pono. AKP plans to use feedstock from Ka`u to refine biofuel at a facility above Pahala.
      The county questions HECO president Robert Alm about his testimony regarding economics of the `Aina Koa Pono project.
      Regarding Alm’s statement that “Hawai`i’s most important economic enterprise right now is to pursue energy independence,” the county asks Alm to comment on whether the “important economic issue now in mid-2013 is reducing electricity rates to enable economic growth, vitality, survivability (for some) and financial independence for all?”

      Regarding Alm’s statement that “it is also important to note that unlike other sources of renewable energy that require the construction of new facilities or plants, biofuels can be utilized in the Hawaiian Electric Companies’ existing generating units, which often require little to no changes to operate on biofuel,” the county asks, “Would HECO/HELCO sign a statement that any modifications needed to Keahole Power Plant (or any other power plants using AKP Biodiesel) to receive the fuel and burn the fuel, or clean-up the fuel, never be borne by the ratepayer?”

      Hawai`i County asks Alm to explain the economic theory that underlies his statement that “keeping energy expenditures at home” grows a “sustainable economy,” and “to provide justification for the theory within classical economics, including verification whether this style of mercantilist approach has historically proven to make people within an economy better or worse off?
      “Further, please cite peer-reviewed studies to justify this assertion that modern-day application of mercantilist, import substitution policies improves the well-being of people, especially in light of the extensive body of literature discrediting import substitution policies and the resultant impoverishment of populations who have been subject to them.”
      “Is it your position that the AKP2 price has become a fair price, because it is lower than the AKP1 price?” the county asks.
      Regarding Alm’s statement that “a diversified portfolio is prudent and in the public’s interest,” Hawai`i County asks:

• Does HECO/HELCO believe it is prudent to commit for twenty years such a large percentage of Hawai`i Island’s biodiesel demand to such an unproven technology, especially when your statement seems to indicate that HECO/HELCO has its own doubts whether AKP will be able to deliver the expected amount of biodiesel? 
• Many experts might also have their doubts, so it is prudent to ask what the Utilities’ contingency plan is if AKP is incapable of delivering contracted quantities of on-spec biodiesel.”

      This and other testimony is available at puc.hawaii.gov. Docket number is 2012-0185.

Sen. Josh Green

KA`U RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO A FREE KIDNEY SCREENING, co-hosted by west Ka`u state Senator Josh Green, who is a physician, and the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai`i. The screening is Wednesday, July 10 and includes Kidney Early Detection Screening (KEDS) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center, Building G. Free health services will include blood pressure checks, a blood glucose assessment to check for diabetes, urinalysis to screen for kidney disease and a health consultation. For most accurate results, it is best not to eat for eight hours before the tests (optional), advised the senator. 

      Questions about the event and pre-registration can be directed to project partner Kim Oyama at kim@kidneyhi.org.

KA`U ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION wraps up its rodeo today at Na`alehu Arena with many events for wahine, kane and keiki. Tickets are $6.

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. The free programs begin at Kilauea Visitor Center and continue at Whitney Vault by Volcano House in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.

Hawai`i Wildlife Fund sponsors a Ka`u Coast cleanup Saturday.
Photo from HWF

THE NEXT KA`U COASTAL CLEANUP is this Saturday, July 13 at `Onikinalu Bay, just north of Mahana Bay – Green Sands Beach. Hawai`i Wildlife Fund volunteers have room for a handful of helpers in their vehicles but are always recruiting more. “Many hands make light work!” said Wildlife Fund organizer Megan Lamson. The group could use more four-wheel-drive vehicles. Pam Longobardi of the Drifter’s Project and Boyan Slat of the Ocean Cleanup are helping with the cleanup. 

      Participants meet at 7:45 a.m. Saturday at Wai`ohinu Park to caravan and carpool to the cleanup site. Bring sturdy footwear, bag lunch, snacks, re-fillable water bottle, sun/wind protection and gloves and buckets if available. Hawai`i Wildlife Fund will provide extra gloves, some buckets, trash bags, water refills, first-aid kit and a composting lua.
      If enough people RSVP, the organization will rent a van. Volunteers are asked to RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com as soon as possible.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1973 is getting ready for its 40-year class reunion at Pahala Community Center Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The potluck family event features live entertainment. Any questions, contact Darlene Vierra at 640-8740.

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 Saturday, July 6, 2013

Bobby Gomes, right, welcomed youth to sing and play music at KAHU Radio which offered local origination programming. The
license is being sold for $20,000 to Hawai`i Public Radio which could restore some locally produced shows in years to come.
Photo by Julia Neal

KAHU RADIO FOUNDER Wendell Kaehuaea said yesterday that he wants to thank everyone who volunteered and donated to the operation of the station, which is being sold to Hawai'i Public Radio. HPR is paying $20,000 for the license through an agreement with its current manager Christine Kaehuaea.
      According to Wendell Kaehuaea, KAHU FM started with a $25,000 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, written by Vicki Fiege, plus a $28,500 loan from the non-profit Haola. Wendell Kaehuaea took training in northern California at KMUD community radio and organized many volunteers for programming originating in Ka'u, ranging from Hawaiian to Reggae, rock and gospel to news and community affairs, as well as a Filipino language show. Many community members, from those working on health care and education, to farmers, entertainers, and politician stopped in for interviews. The station’s location, the historic bank building on Maile Street in Pahala, was the site of many community fundraisers while the station was operational.

KAHU founder Wendell Kaehuaea at a communications
tower in Ka`u where KAHU was broadcast.
Photo by Julia Neal

      For funding, the station received a $70,000 grant, written by Ken Okimoto, from state  Civil Defense, more than $40,000 from a local donor and numerous donations from dollars to hundreds and thousands of dollars from individuals. Underwriting for the station's news program at $750 a month was provided by the Edmund C. Olson Trust with daily news provided free by The Ka'u Calendar newspaper.
      Wendell Kaehuaea said he hopes that the $20,000 from selling the license and any income for selling off equipment will go to help pay off debt to local businesses owed money. As manager, Christine Kaehuaea is allowed to sell the station's assets on behalf of Ka`u Community Radio. The station recently went off the air when Hawaiian Electric Light Co. pulled the plug for unpaid bills.
       Once the transfer of the license from Ka`u Community Radio is approved by the FCC, Hawai'i Public Radio plans to broadcast HPR 2 with Hawaiian music and programming, from O'ahu, plus Civil Defense messages to cover the south end of Hawai`i Island. Local origin programming is in HPR's plans and could evolve over the next five to ten years.
      Volunteer hosts of the programs over the past several years included: Bobby and Phoebe Gomes, The Ka`u Calendar newspaper staff, Demetrius Oliveira, Harry Evangelista, Bobby Tucker, Kahea Dolan, Nadine Ebert, Camille Rupe, Leo Hill, Shamha, Papa Joe Demoruelle, Kala Girl, Dean Nagasako, Alan Sebastian, Denise “The Deeva," Manny Pascua, Jarred Yates, Donna Pabre, Robert James and Cy Fernandez.
       Local building contracor Mike Munnerlyn donated his construction and repair skills as well as broadcasting sporting events from Ka`u High School. Many others donated carpentry, electrician, heavy equipment and media skills to start the station. Vinney Le donated hundreds of hours of technical support.

GAY RIGHTS SUPPORTERS FROM KA`U headed into Hilo this morning to celebrate Gay Pride Day, proclaimed by Mayor Billy Kenoi. On the agenda is a parade through downtown Hilo and a festival at the Mo`oheau Park. The grand marshall is Richard Koob, co-founder of Kalani Honua Oceanside Retreat in Puna. The alcohol-free event concludes at 4 p.m. and includes drag kings and queens, and music from rock to folk. Organizers note that the first-ever gay pride parade in Hilo follows the recent Supreme Court decision that is expected to allow gay marriage, eventually, in every state.

HIGHER PAY AND MORE POLICE OFFICERS in Ka`u are in the future. The additional police officers are in the fiscal budget for 2013-2014 and the higher pay was announced yesterday, after negotiations concluded between the State of Hawai`i Organization of Police Officers and the counties, who settled for a 16.8 percent raise over four years. The pay hike is the first in two years and came through binding arbitration. The police union SHOPO represents 2,800 police officers statewide.

A BRUSH FIRE AT MILE MARKER 71 along Hwy 11 in Ka`u yesterday drew the Ocean View Fire Department. The fire caused the traffic to use one lane until the flames were doused. The fire still smoldered this morning and Hawa`i Volcanoes National Park firefighters and county fire crews responded. By 1 p.m., more than 5,000 gallons of water had been used in attempts to kill the smoldering fire.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park firefighters Al Aviles, Andrew Lee and Manny
Uribe at the park's Kahuku and county boundary. Photo from HVNP

HAWAI`I ISLAND BEACON COMMUNITY reports “significant achievements in the use of innovative technology to improve the quality of patient care in Hawai`i County.” The Beacon Community came to Ka`u and supported various health education and health care projects.
      Three years ago Beacon entered into a $16.1 million cooperative agreement with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. “As one of the most rural and geographically isolated of the 17 Beacon Communities and in the face of unique challenges – geographic distances, diverse populations, and limited health care resources – HIBC is making improvements toward better health, better care and lower costs,” the recent press release states.
      “According to HIBC’s database, 84 percent of primary care providers have adopted certified electronic health records in Hawai`i County. Use of certified Electronic Health Records qualify primary care providers on the island for financial incentives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid through achievement of the first stage of Meaningful Use of their EHR software.
      The Beacon Community facilitated the first functioning regional health information exchange (HIE) on Hawaii Island. “These achievements have laid the foundation for readiness to operate in a changing health care environment,” said Susan B. Hunt, M.H.A., project director and CEO of HIBC. “Our providers on Hawaii Island are among the nation’s early adopters of best practices in health IT supported care delivery transformation.

      Nineteen primary care practices serving approximately 20,000 patients on island achieved Patient Centered Medical Home status. To achieve this status, they completed a 12-month training program offered through TransforMED, a subsidiary of the American Academy of Family Physicians and were supported in this effort through the partnership of HIBC, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii and the Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA).
      Beacon Community partners include Bay Clinic, Hamakua Health Center, West Hawaii Community Health Center, Hilo Medical Center, Kona Community Hospital, North Hawaii Community Hospital, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi, and Hawai`i Island Care Coordination Services.
      The Beacon Community’s federal cooperative agreement officially ends Sept. 30. “However, a great deal of interest remains in continuing the work that has been started by the participants in the project. HIBC stakeholders have committed to continuing to collaborate on further health care improvements for Hawaii Island,” the statement reports.

FOURTH OF JULY RODEO begins today and continues on Sunday at the Na`alehu arena, makai of Hwy 11 in the center of town. The two-day event includes the traditional Po Wai U, the presentation of rodeo queens and many events for wahine, kane and keiki. Finals are Sunday at 11 a.m. with slack roping beginning at 8 a.m. Food is offered both days. Tickets are $6 and the event is sponsored by Ka`u Roping and Riding Association.

THE PROPAGATION OF TEA could become the subject of a learning center and farm for Ka`u residents who want to grow for home and commercial use. Eva Lee, founder of Tea Hawai`i & Co. and Executive Director of Tea Grower, will coordinate the effort, sponsored by the Kohala Center. Those interested in coming to a preliminary meeting can contact her at teahawaii@gmail.com or 967-7637.

Eva Lee's tea ceremony place in Volcano. Photo from Eva Lee

HI-5 CONTAINER REDEPTION CENTER hours at Hawai’i County recycling and transfer stations will change beginning Monday, July 15, following a reduction in funding for the program by the state Department of Health. There are no redemption centers open each week in Ka`u.  The following redemption centers will have new hours: Hilo on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 8a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Waimea on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m; Kealakehe: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Keauhou: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
      Certified redemption center hours at all other recycling and transfer stations will remain the same. All certified redemption centers are closed for lunch from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more, visit hawaiizerowaste.org or contact Chris Thayer at 323-4412 or cthayer@hawaiicounty.gov.

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 July 5, 2013

Miss Ka`u Coffee Tiare-Lee Shibuya waves to the public during Volcano's Fourth of July Parade yesterday, riding
Aikane Plantation Coffee's Corvette driven by police officer Dane Shibuya. Photo by David Boyle

GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS MADE INTERIM APPOINTMENTS to the state Board of Education.

Patricia Halagao

Amy Asselbaye

      Amy Asselbaye fills the board’s O`ahu seat. Asselbaye previously served as a congressional aide to Abercrombie and at the state Capitol.
      She recently resigned as U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s Hawai`i-based chief of staff to devote more time to her position as director of strategic and community development at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, reports Nanea Kalani, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
      Patricia Halagao was named to an at-large seat. Halagao is an associate professor in curriculum studies at UH-Manoa’s College of Education.  The appointed members must be approved by the state Senate.
      See more at staradvertiser.com.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park personnel dressed as native species in
Volcano's Fourth of July Parade. Photo by David Boyle

COMPUTERIZING MEDICAL RECORDS has given Ka`u Hospital and its sister health institutions Hilo Hospital and Hale Ho`olaulea Hamakua a head start on complying with the new national health care reform law, according to an Associated Press story being carried by newspapers across the country.
     Hospitals and physicians are required to computerize all medical records by January 2015. Ka`u Hospital and its sisters, Hilo Medical Center and Hale Hoola Hamakua computerized in 2010, along with 11 outpatient clinics, earning them $3 million in early adopter incentives, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported.
      “The conversion process took four years and cost $20 million,” the AP story reported. According to the story, “About 65 percent of physicians across the Big Island have implemented their own electronic medical records systems, East Hawai`i Regional CEO Howard Ainsley said in an interview last month. “Getting 100 percent compliance could be difficult, he said. Some doctors are near retirement and aren’t comfortable with technology,” he said.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park personnel promoted their plan to fence
areas to protect native species. Photo by David Boyle

      Ainsley told Hawai`i Tribune Herald: “What is concerning, not only for the Big Island but the whole state, is that there are doctors who will be frustrated with some of these new requirements and they will look to leave medicine."
      The rest of the state’s public hospitals are further behind in their conversion process, the stories reported.
      See more at hawaiitribune-herald.com.

PRIVATIZING KA`U AND THE OTHER 13 state-affiliated hospitals in Hawai`i has apparently led to controversy between management and the board of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp., which has ousted its chief executive officer Bruce Anderson. “HHSC board chairman Avery Chumbley confirmed the board has taken action to remove Anderson as president and CEO," according to a story in the Honolulu Star Advertiser. Chumbley is acting CEO.
      Anderson is former director of the state Department of Health. He became HHSC chair in March 2011.
      “Anderson was at odds with the board over a controversial move to privatize part of the HHSC system with Banner Health, according to sources involved with HHSC who asked not to be identified because the information hasn’t been publicly released,” Kristen Consillio reported.
      “HHSC also has faced scrutiny because the cost to convert to electronic medical records at its 14 public hospitals will likely exceed $100 million over five years, nearly double earlier projections,” the newspaper stated.
    However, West Ka`u state Sen. Josh Green stated that Anderson had improved the hospitals and was doing a good job.

Participants at Science Camps based at Pahala Plantation Cottages helped
prepare sea turtles for release during Turtle Independence Day.
Photo from Michael Richards

STUDENTS ATTENDING SCIENCE CAMPS based at Pahala Plantation Cottages helped prepare five sea turtles for their release during Mauna Lani Resort’s Turtle Independence Day yesterday.
      Sea Life Park on O`ahu sends three- to five-month-old turtles from its captive breeding program to the resort, where they live in ponds until they are grown enough to be released.
      “This event is all about education — not only in Hawai`i but all over the world,” Mauna Lani Resort marketing manager Susan Bredo told John De Groote, of Stephens Media. “People come through and leave with stories and memories that they will share back home.”
      “It’s great for the kids, and it helps people see the culture of Hawaii,” said Pii Laeha, who manages the resort’s turtle program. “The bigger picture is that we are trying to raise awareness not only about the turtles, but our environment in general.”
      The released turtles are tagged and tracked.
      More than 200 turtles have been released into the wild since the program began, Laeha said.
      See more at hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      For more information about Science Camps, see sciencecampsamerica.com.

Keoki Kahumoku and students performed as they marched in Volcano's
Fourth of July Parade. Photo by David Boyle

HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT IS PARTICIPATING in a backpack drive for children who cannot afford to buy them. Persons interested in helping children in need can drop off backpacks at Ka`u police station between July 8 and Aug. 30.
      “I again ask anyone who has backpacks their child is no longer using to donate them to this worthy cause,” said Police Chief Harry Kubojiri. “In past years your generosity has proven that the aloha spirit is alive and well when it comes to opening our hearts to children in need.”
      This is the fifth consecutive year the Police Department has worked in partnership with HOPE Services Hawai`i (formerly known as Office of Social Ministry) and From Kids For Kids in the collection and distribution of these items.
      Backpacks have been identified as the most requested non-food item for charities in Hawai`i. The donated backpacks will be distributed to children at women’s shelters, homeless shelters and transitional housing facilities around the Big Island.
      Hope Services Hawai`i provides a continuum of homeless and transitional programs from outreach to emergency shelters, including permanent supportive housing placements.
      From Kids For Kids was founded in 2006 by Big Island resident Nani Welch-Keliihoomalu, then 10, who was responsible for distributing backpacks containing books, clothing, art and school supplies.

Volcano School of the Arts and Sciences supporters surround the school's
float in Volcano's Fourth of July Parade. Photo by David Boyle

KA`U ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION’S Fourth of July Rodeo will be held at Na`alehu Arena tomorrow and Sunday. Events include Open Dally, Kane-Wahine Dally, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Ribbon Mugging, Wahine Mugging, Rescue Race, where riders race to the other end of the arena and pick up a partner who rides behind them, Po Y U, Tie Down Roping, Wahine Barrels, Youth Barrels, Senior Dummy Roping, Dummy Roping for the Keiki, Goat Undecorating, Mutton Busting and Junior Bulls.
      Tickets are $6. Rodeo Queens are selling tickets. Slack roping begins at 8 a.m., and finals are Sunday at 11 a.m.

THE COMMUNITY BOOKSTORE AT KAUAHA`AO CHURCH in Wai`ohinu is open tomorrow and the first Saturday of each month, as well as each Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 938-0411 for more information.

It's rodeo time in Na`alehu this weekend. Photo by Julia Neal

COUNTRY DANCE PARTY WITH DJ TIKI takes place at Kilauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow at 6 p.m. KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8365 after 4 p.m.

PEOPLE AND LANDS OF KAHUKU, a guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the human of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’ Kahuku Unit. The hike is scheduled for Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 985-6011 for more information.

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.