Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Sept. 6, 2013

Hannah's Makana `Ohana travels to Kona to participate in the Kupuna Hula Festival next week. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO., OF WHICH HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY on the Big Island is a subsidiary, announced that it is making procedures “easier, faster and less expensive for customers seeking to add rooftop solar photovoltaic systems, while continuing to ensure safe and reliable service for all customers.”

Scott Seu

      Solar installations in Hawai`i have doubled yearly since 2008 and are on track to double or nearly so in 2013, according to Scott Seu, HECO’s vice president for energy resources and operations. With more than 32,000 PV systems installed with a capacity of more than 240 megawatts interconnected, Hawai`i utilities lead the nation in solar watts per customer and in the percentage of customers who have rooftop solar, he said. “It’s a big contributor to achieving our state’s renewable energy goals, and we know it’s an important option for our customers to help reduce their electric bills.
      “At the same time, as our customers add more solar systems, circuits on all islands are reaching the level of PV that requires added care to maintain safety and reliability for all customers. But with additional studies and more experience, we are making changes to minimize the times when an interconnection study may be needed and making it as easy as possible for customers in cases when a study is needed.”

      HECO is changing the threshold so more small systems consisting of 10 kilowatts and under can be added without a potentially costly and time-consuming interconnection study. The new threshold for a possible interconnection study is 100 percent of the daytime minimum circuit load, increased from 75 percent. In addition, Hawaiian Electric is doing a limited number of studies on several representative circuits and will apply the results to as many projects as possible on similar circuits. Previously, each project requiring a study would have to go through its own separate study. “This new approach will greatly reduce the number of studies needed and reduce costs to customers,” Seu said. 

      Customers, or contractors on their behalf, should provide a name, address and proposed PV system size in kilowatts to the utilities by calling 969-0358 or emailing lvm@helcohi.com.
      In this way, a customer or contractor can get the most up-to-date status of the circuit on which they propose to add a solar project. Depending on how much PV is on the circuit, the utility may perform a supplemental review at the utility’s expense to determine if a more extensive study is required. Customers or contractors must still submit and get approval for a completed net metering application to connect to the grid and get the financial benefits of net metering.
      “We want to avoid the situation where our customer signs a contract for PV or starts installation and later learns about added costs for studies or circuit upgrades because the circuit already has a high amount of PV,” said Seu. “We are making changes to make adding solar faster, cheaper and fairer, but we do ask customers to call so they have the most current information when making a decision about a very big financial investment in improving their homes or businesses.
      “As we continue to monitor circuits and do representative studies, we anticipate that it will be possible in the future for even more small systems to go forward without an interconnection requirements study,” Seu said.

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THE U.S. NAVY’S OFFICE OF NAVAL RESEARCH will invest $30 million in Hawai`i-based Energy Excelerator, an energy startup program that aims to help companies bring innovative energy solutions to the marketplace, expanding on the clean energy economy in Hawai`i and the Asia-Pacific region. 

“This shows that the Department of the Navy is serious about clean energy, because they understand that energy security is in our national interest,” said Sen. Brian Schatz. “The Navy’s investment will pay dividends to our state, our economy and our national security.” 

      The Navy’s commitment more than triples the funding that Energy Excelerator has received in the last three years.
      According to its website, Energy Excelerator provides energy startups with
 “non-dilutive funding, strategic relationships and a vibrant ecosystem.”
      See more at hawaiirenewable.com.
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HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION IS OFFERING a Streamline Refinance Loan product for lessees with Hawaiian Home General Loan Fund direct loans in good standing, and an Interest Rate Reduction Loan product for delinquent loans (either in the HHGLF or to be refinanced with monies in the HHGLF) who meet specific criteria. 

      The purpose of the programs is to provide qualified lessees/borrowers with loan products to lower their monthly payment through a refinance of their loan via an interest rate reduction and/or extension of the term of the loan similar to those loan programs outside of DHHL. However, the DHHL products will require minimal loan documentation, and no loan fees will be assessed to the lessee.
      To request an application packet for either the Streamline Refinance Loan or the Interest Rate Reduction Loan contact DHHL’s East Hawai`i District Office, 160 Baker Avenue Hilo, HI 96720 or call 974-4250.
      For more information, see dhhl.hawaii.gov. 

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Draft Ka`u CDP documents show development in relation to
Hawaiian ahupua`a.

MONDAY IS THE DEADLINE FOR PROVIDING FEEDBACK on the initial draft of Ka`u Community Development Plan’s Appendix V4B: Community Building Analysis and Appendix V4D: Preferred Future Growth Patterns. The documents and feedback forms are available at the project website, kaucdp.info; at libraries and community centers in Pahala, Na`alehu, Discovery Harbour, and Ocean View; and at Hilo and Kona Planning Department offices. 

      Appendix V4B: Community Building Analysis focuses on land use, infrastructure, services, design, and redevelopment strategies. It does not include policies and plans of action that will make up the heart of the CDP. Planner Ron Whitmore said the appendix is not designed to be read from start to finish. “Consider reading through the introductory section and then using the tables of contents, figures, and tables to find material of greatest interest,” he suggested.
      For more information about Ka`u CDP, see the website or Steering Committee members, Community Planning assistant Nalani Parlin, or Whitmore. Contact information is available at the project website.

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A member of Hannah's Makana `Ohana
performs at Pahala Plantation House.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U KUPUNA ARE HEADED TO KEAUHOU next week to compete in the statewide Kupuna Hula Festival competition at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. Members of Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, led by Hannah Uribes, will compete in kane, wahine, mixed and solo competitions in the annual event on Wednesday and Thursday. Member Ron Ebert said the group made money using `O Ka`u Kakou’s hotdog and shave ice machines to sell snacks at Punalu`u Beach. 

      Tickets for both days are sold out. The theme of the Kupuna Hula Festival is Noho Ali`i Ka Lani – the Heaven Reigns Above. Each halau has chosen a song that celebrates the natural elements such as heavens, sky, stars, moon, wind air and clouds.
      The event also includes local arts and crafts sales. It is part of the Aloha Festival around the island, which includes the Clyde Kindy Sproat Falsetto & Story Telling Contest, the annual Poke Contest and a Paniolo Parade. See more at hawaiiislandfestival.org.

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Don Elwing displays his art using plastic marine debris from Kamilo
Beach this Sunday in Ocean View and next Saturday at Wai`ohinu Park.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND’S UPCOMING BEACH CLEANUP at Kamilo Point on Saturday, Sept. 14 is the first of four events in collaboration with Recycle Hawai`i. Objectives are two-fold: collect and remove marine debris from along the shoreline, and attempt to sort out debris that can be re-used for the Ocean Plastic line of dish soap by Method. 

      This cleanup is also in conjunction with the International Coastal Cleanup event called Get the Drift & Bag It!
      Volunteers meet at Wai`ohinu Park at 7:45 a.m. to talk about cleanup logistics, view artwork by local debris eco-artist, Don Elwing and to caravan/carpool down to the cleanup event.
      Sign up at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629.

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DON ELWING AND OTHER ARTISTS display their works using plastic marine debris Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Ocean View Swap Meet. Elwing visits Kamilo Beach near South Point weekly, collecting ocean debris which he sorts and cleans before turning it into what he calls awareness art.

Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park explore
the Mauna Ulu area Sunday. Photo from FHVNP

NICK SHEMA LEADS A THREE-MILE WALK exploring Mauna Ulu area during Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s monthly Sunday Walk in the Park on Sept. 8 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Free for members, and non-members can join the organization in order to attend. 

      Call 985-7373 or email admin@fhvnp.org.

ALMOST 40 GROUPS HAVE SIGNED UP for booths at next month’s Ka`u Plantation Days, according to organizer Darlyne Vierra. A planning meeting takes place Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.
      For more information, contact Vierra at 640-8740 or dpvierra@yahoo.com.

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL FROM THE KA`U HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS overcame the Pahoa Daggers in five sets on Wednesday, Sept. 4 during an away match. Scores were 25-14, 25-11, 17-25, 15-25, 15-11. Junior varsity girls lost in two sets. Scores were 19-25 and 19-25. Next game for Ka`u girls volleyball with be at home tomorrow, Sept. 7 at 10 a.m.

THE KA`U TROJANS INTRODUCE EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL to Hawai`i Island at 6 p.m. today. They play Seabury Hall from Maui. Ka`u Trojans team includes Anthony Emmsley-Ah Yee, Tala`i Ke, Chance Emmsley-Ah Yee, Cy Tamura, Kainalu Ke, Walter Espejo, Derrick “Bubba” Velez, Makana Gravella, Kaweni Ibarra, RJ Kahele, Rigan Kaapana, Chisum Silva, Kaliimaka Aipia Dolan and Carlos Ornelas.

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Ka`u News Briefs, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013

Del Bothof, of Volcano Winery, invites the public to explore the acres of vineyards and fields of tea at the fist annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, September 15, with food, wine, music and tours of the winery. Photo by Julia Neal

THE ANTENNA FOR KAHU RADIO came down yesterday from the pole behind the radio station building on Maile Street in Pahala.  Removal took place under the direction of Christine Kaehuaea, who was manager of the radio station until it shut down earlier this year and she sold off equipment, sold its license to Hawai`i Public Radio for $20,000 and promised to pay vendors and leave the antenna, transmitter and feed line for HPR to restart radio service to the community.

KAHU radio antenna came down yesterday,
delaying the broadcast of HPR2 in Ka`u.
Photo by Julia Neal

Hawai`i Public Radio CEO Michael Titterton said this morning that he had no idea the antenna was to be taken down. He said that a radio engineer came to the KAHU site over the weekend to make plans to start broadcasting HPR2 to the Pahala area.  He said that HPR planned to broadcast to the town until a space on one or more communications towers could be acquired to provide radio service across the southern part of Hawai`i Island. The owners of the radio building and site offered free rent, until the antenna could be moved.
Taking the equipment means that HPR broadcasting will be delayed until HPR can buy new equipment. “Don’t worry,” said Titterton. “We’ll get her done.”
According to O Ka`u Kakou President Wayne Kawachi, whose volunteers helped take down the antenna, he was told by Kaehuaea that Hawai`i Public Radio no longer needed the antenna. Kawachi said that she asked him for help to take it down.

ELECTIONS ARE COMING UP for School Community Council leaders for Na`alehu School. The first meeting for Na`alehu School started today at 3 p.m. in room 35 on campus. Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School’s first meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 16, 2013 at the SCC room, near the School office.

GMO HEARINGS in Hilo yestserday drew Civil Beat reporter Sophie Cocke. She writes at www.civilbeat.com about two bills before the County Council, one by Ka`u’s County Council member Brenda Ford that would ban the growing of Genetically Modified Organisms in this county, giving farmers 30 months to switch over to non-GMO crops. Her bill would also require registration of GMO crops, and violators would face penalties of $1,000 a day and possibly misdemeanor jail time. It would also ban growing of GMO animal feeds.
Council member Margaret Wille’s latest Bill “113 would ban all open air testing and cultivation of GMO crops. The measure exempts current and future genetically altered papayas, as well as the few other GMO crops already under cultivation. The bill requires farmers to register with the county if they are growing GMO crops and to pay an annual $100 fee. Registering the crops is aimed at facilitating the county's efforts to assess whether GMOs cause any harm. Violators of the law would be fined $1,000 a day and they would be liable for court and legal costs associated with any damage to non-GMO crops, neighboring properties or water sources.” says Civil Beat’s summary of her bill.
“Both bills prohibit biotech companies from operating on the Big Island and ban all new GMO crops,” the Civil Beat story says.
“There were few voices representing large biotech companies like Syngenta, Monsanto, Pioneer, Dow and BASF, despite their growing presence in the Hawaiian islands over the past decade. On O`ahu, Kaua`i and Moloka`i, the companies have been experimenting with GMO cops and growing genetically altered seed for export elsewhere. But the multinational biotech companies don’t operate on the Big Island. The proposed bills aim to keep it that way,” notes Civil Beat. See more at www.civilbeat.com.

Ag tourism could include walks to such places as the irrigation systems serving
Ka`u farms, like this one above Ka`u Coffee Mill. Photo by Andrew Richard Hara

AN AGRITOURISM BILL was heard today before the Hawai`i County Council. Bill 25, put forth by Puna council member Zendo Kern, would allow “major” and “minor” ag tourism on agriculturally zoned land, with limits on the numbers of visitors. A major ag tourism operation would need a plan approval from the county and would be allowed to entertain up to 30,000 visitors annually. A minor ag tourism operation would be exempt from the plan approval, be required to register with the county, and be limited to 5,000 visitors a year, with a maximum of 100 visitors a week. Compliance would be overseen by county Planning Department review of financial records.
Hours of operation would be allowed only from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. during winter months and 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. during summer months.
Various forms of the measure have been discussed for several years with Ka`u’s County Council member Brenda Ford saying she wants to make sure that neighbors are not bothered by the volume of tourism in agricultural communities. Other concerns have included the idea that ag operations could turn into gift, food and trinket shops, with the ag side of the business neglected.

Cultural exchange between Lana`i and Ka`u took place during Ka`u Coffee Festival
at Punalu`u and continues on Lana`i during the week of Oct. 5. Photo by Julia Neal

ON THEIR WAY TO LANA`I, Halau Lei Hula O Leinoalani dancers are raising money by teaching, feeding people. The group earned $600 from a bake sale, $500 from teaching at Science Camps of America this summer in Pahala and are raising more money from donors who are plan to match funding for the travel. The dancers going to Lana`i will fly to Maui and take a ferry from Lahaina. They will take part in a cultural exchange with Lana`i. Lana`i kumu hula Debbie Ryder  brought her dancers from Lana`i, O`ahu and Japan to Pahala for three years for the Ka`u Coffee Festival. “It is time for the dancers in Pahala to be welcomed by Lana`i,” she said. Anyone wanting to donate, can call Jamie Kailiawa at 895-6099. She said the halau also plans a rehearsal performance and dinner as a fundraiser before leaving for Lana`i on Oct. 2.

OPEN HOUSE AT VOLCANO HOUSE takes place tomorrow at the newly reopened hotel, restaurant, lounge and gift shops in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. coffee and cookies will be served in the lobby. Music will be played by Rupert Tripp, Jr. at the Pa Hula, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Hula `Auana will be presented by Kupuna at the Pa Hula, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. One-hour History of Volcano House will be shared through interpretive walks, 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.; and Guest Room Tours will be conducted 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Parking is available on site and at Kilauea Visitor Center. Park entrance fees apply. For more information about Volcano House visit hawaiivolcanohouse.com or call 1-866-536-7972.

Japanese visitor Ko Ueno tries the new 

tea-infused wine at Volcano Winery where a 

Harvest Festival is on tap. Photo by Julia Neal

VOLCANO WINERY’s new Harvest Festival will provide the rare opportunity to tour the acres of vineyards, tea garden new fig plantings and greenhouse and vat room of Volcano Winery. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are $25. The Harvest Festival includes Hawaiian and popular music with Lito Arkangel and other entertainers, heavy pupus and wine. Volcano Rotary Club will sell hulihuli chicken.
The Volcano Winery vineyard grows a variety of grapes, including Pinot Noir, Cayuga White, Symphony, Marechal Foch, Chambourcin. Tea has become an important part of Volcano Winery's business in recent years particularly with the introduction of tea-infused wine, said owners Del and Marie Bothof. The event is limited to 100 persons. Call 967-7772 or see volcanowinery.com.

EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL KICKS OFF tomorrow at Ka`u High School with Seabury Hall from Maui coming to town to play the Trojans. The first-ever eight-man football on this island gives the opportunity for the smaller school teams to score more, run faster and catch more footballs.
Head Coach is Duwayne Ke. Assistants are: Tammy Ke, Kaleo Phillips, Marcus Douglas, Eric Ervin, Donovan Emmsley and Darrel Shibuya. and are raising money for the trip. On Sept. 20, Kealakehe Waveriders come to Ka`u with a 6 p.m. kickoff. On Saturday, Sept. 28 Kamehameha Warriors host Ka`u.  On Oct. 5, the Trojans Play Moloka`i on the Friendly Island. On Friday, Oct. 25, Trojans travel to Kealakehe and on Friday, Nov. 8, Moloka`i Farmers come to Ka`u for  the Trojans' Homecoming and Senior Game night. To donate to the travel expenses for the Warriors, come to the game tomorrow night at Ka`u High School.

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Ka`u News Briefs, Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford chairs the committee that is considering restrictions for growing GMO crops on Hawai`i
Island, giving farmers 30 months to switch to non-GMO production.  

OPPOSING TWO GMO BILLS that are before the County Council, Ka`u Farm Bureau President Chris Manfredi wrote testimony on behalf of Ka`u Farm Bureau members, dated Sept. 3 in advance of today’s GMO session with the County Council Committee on Public Safety & Mass Transit.  The testimonies, one on Bill 113 and one on Bill 109, which call for restricting the growing of GMO’s on this island, are addressed to the committee and its chair, Ka`u’s County Council member Brenda Ford.
      In testimony referring to both GMO Bills, Manfredi contends that the Ka`u Farm Bureau has concerns that if GMO producers are required to register their produce and crops as GMO, they could become targets of eco-terrorism and enviro-terrorism. His testimony states: “Ka`u Farm Bureau also has concerns about the registry contemplated by this legislation; how the information is shared and used, and the purpose thereof. This information will be part of the public record may be used to target the registrants for eco‐ and eviro‐terrorist activity.”
      In testimony opposing Ford’s own Bill 109 to ban GMO crops on Hawai`i Island, Manfredi writes:

Ka`u Farm Bureau President Chris Manfredi writes
testimony opposing proposed GMO restrictions.
Photo by Julia Neal

     “This legislation is flawed in that it claims its purpose as to ‘Protect human, animal and plant life...’ yet exempts all ‘genetically modified organisms for human consumption...’ under the definition of ‘Use’. The exemption for human consumption invalidates the stated purpose of the legislation, invalidating it in its entirety.”  

     Ford explained this morning that the exemption is for food imported from off island and sold in stores. She said she would not want to, nor be able to, interfere with interstate commerce. “People can choose what they want to eat in our grocery stores.” She said her bill proposes to ban GMO crops on the island, giving farmers 30 months to switch over. She said that grandfathering in GMO papayas remains a question, saying that proposed GMO legislation will likely be amended.
      In testimony opposing Ford’s bill, Mainfredi also writes: “Chair Ford, since you represent the District of Ka`u on the Council, we would have appreciated some communication from you prior to introducing legislation that, if passed, will have an impact on our members. We would prefer that the Council spend its time solving genuine problems of high unemployment, the high cost of doing business in Hawai`i County, marketing, transportation, and food and energy security.”
       Manfredi’s testimony relating to both bills states: “There are numerous studies that indicate that transgenic crops are safe. These researchers include the American Medical Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, The National Academy of Sciences, Food Standards of Australia and New Zealand, the French Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Medicine, the European Commission, The Union of German Academics of Sciences and Humanities and the Academies of Science of Brazil, China, India and Mexico. This legislation implies that there is a health risk, yet no scientific information to that effect is cited.
      “In the absence of scientific data to the contrary, we are concerned that this legislation is in response to a manufactured crisis that is dividing the agricultural community, thereby weakening it.” 

     Manfredi writes that the Ka`u Farm Bureau has written to the council committee, asking that a working group be formed to include organic and conventional local farmers and ranchers, the scientific community, business leaders, state, county and federal policy makers and regulators and the Farm Bureau.

     His testimony says, “We respectfully request that you do not pass Bill 109 (and 113). Rather, take the time to examine the issues in a deliberate way with the benefit of peer reviewed studies that focus on purported health risks and benefits of transgenic crops and all the impacts this legislation represents.”
      The testimony notes that “Ka`u Farm Bureau is a member of Hawai`i Farm Bureau, with a network of more than 1,900 members statewide. We assist and advocate for agricultural producers as our community transitions from a plantation system to a more resilient and diversified one.
      “As an organization of local farmers and ranchers – we believe in supporting all forms of agriculture. As modern producers we understand that we need all available tools to grow reslient and sustainable industries in Hawai`i.”

A march against GMO crops on the Big Island in Hilo drew a number of Ka`u residents.  Photo by Julia Neal

      Most of the members of the Ka`u Farm Bureau are coffee farmers on land where Manfredi has been the land manager for years. He is also co-chair of the statewide Government Affairs Committee of the Hawai`i Farm Bureau, which has testified before various government bodies against labeling and restriction of GMO’s.

      In contrast to the Ka`u Farm Bureau, the Kona Farm Bureau refrained from taking a stand on the GMO issue, encouraging members to submit individual testimonies with their varying views. Ka`u's state Senators, Russell Ruderman and physician Josh Green, have both called for the state legislature to require GMO food labeling.

QUESTIONING PROPOSED GMO restrictions is in the commentary submitted to Ka`u News Briefs today from Gary Schauweker. The Ocean View resident responded to a Ka`u News Briefs statement on Sept. 3 from farmer Richard Ha who opposes the GMO bills before the County Council. 

Dr. Michael Domeier
Photo from MarineCSI

     Schauweker pointed out that Ha “stated that all major national and international health agencies say that there is no difference between conventional and bio-crops as far as health and safety.” Schauweker states that from all he has read, “there has been little to no studies on possible long-term effects. If these international health agencies found GMOs so safe why are they banned in most of Europe?”
     Schauweker asks: “Japan, South Korea? Why are major American companies producing food products using non-GMOs ingredients for Europe while they use them for American consumers?
     “Mr. Ha said we are showing no Aloha in this issue; well remember Aloha brought Hawai`i mongoose, rats, invasive plants, and the down fall of the Hawaiian Nation. Once GMOs are brought in there is no going back, they can possibly cross pollinate conventional crops which may become more valuable if GMOs are proven harmful.”

MARINE CSI is hoping to tag sharks in Ka`u sometime in the future, according to its President and CEO Michael Domeier. His organization recently tagged a 14-foot tiger shark with a satellite tracking device outside Honokau Harbour and expects to tag more sharks along the Kona Coast in the next month. After working along the Kona Coast, he said he would like to tag sharks to follow their movements in waters off Ka`u. To donate, offer boating services or other help, email mldomeier@gmail.com See www.marinecsi.org.

KA`U HIGH’S EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL TEAM prepares for the historic home- game opener this Friday against Seabury Hall from Maui, at 6 p.m. on the Pahala campus. The football field has been moderated to make it narrower while preserving the same length and the same goal posts. 

     The launch of eight-man football by Ka`u High School creates a faster, higher scoring game that could be adopted by other small schools on the island.
     Filling the Trojan roster this year are: Malu Aipia-Dolan, Anthony Emmsley, Chance Emmsley, Walter Espejo, Andrew Garcia, Makana Gravela, Dalton Hannahs, Kaweni Ibarra, Rigan Kaapana, Randall Kahele, John Kaawa-Kaluau, Kainalu Ke, Talai Ke, Teyden Makuakane, Carlos Ornelas, Pono Palikiko, Trieson Pascubillo, Kai Santana, Chisum Silva, Ricky Souza, Devan Smith-Myer, Cy Tamura, and Derrick Velez.
      Head coach for the Trojans is Duwayne Ke. Assistants are: Tammy Ke, Kaleo Phillips, Marcus Douglas, Donovan Emmsley and Darrel Shibuya.

A visitor to Volcano House brings back memories of
Uncle George whose image is on the wall near Volcano
 House window to the crater. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HIGH BOWLING results from recent games against other high 

schools include: Trojan Girls against the St. Joseph Cardinals – St. Joseph 3, Ka`u 0. Ka`u bowlers scrores were for Shylee Tamura 95-94—274; Lammi AhYee 88-93—265; and Aileen Umayas 100-101—294. Against Kamehameha, the Warriors scored 3 and Ka`u 0. Ka`u bowing scores were Lannin AhYee 132-88-303 and for Siena Okimoto 115-95-289.

VOLCANO COUNTRY CLUB is the site of the Hawai`i Government Employees Association’s golf fellowship on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Volcano Country Club. Eight tee times are available starting at 8 a.m., and members may form their own groups. A $5 jackpot will include low nets and closest-to-the pin prizes. Call Darrell Yamamoto at 938-4431.

VOLCANO HOUSE, the newly reopened hotel, restaurant, lounge and gift shops in Hawai`I Volcanoes National Park. offers a celebration and public touring this Friday, Sept. 6. From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. coffee and cookies will be served in the lobby. Music will be played by Rupert Tripp, Jr. at the Pa Hula, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Hula `Auana will be presented by Kupuna at the Pa Hula, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. One-hour History of Volcano House will be shared through interpretive walks, 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.; and Guest Room Tours will be conducted 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Parking is available on site and at Kilauea Visitor Center. Park entrance fees apply. For more information about Volcano House visit hawaiivolcanohouse.com or call 1-866-536-7972.

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