Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013

Patriot Day was proclaimed by Pres. Barack Obama and Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Ka`u High School honored the memory of the
 9/11 attacks 12 years ago with student Ralph Landeros and campus security chief Mark Pocock raising the Hawaiian and U.S.
flags to half  staff this morning. Photo by Julia Neal

THE 9/11 ATTACKS 12 YEARS AGO are remembered today by the flying of all State of Hawai`i and United States flags at half staff at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai`i National Guard - sunrise to sunset, says a statement from Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
      Pres. Barack Obama proclaimed Sept. 11 as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, calling for the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff. The presidential proclamation states:
     “… On September 11, 2001, amid shattered glass, twisted steel, and clouds of dust, the spirit of America shone through. We remember the sacrifice of strangers and first responders who rushed into darkness to carry others from danger. We remember the unbreakable bonds of unity we felt in the long days that followed – how we held each other, how we came to our neighbors’ aid, how we prayed for one another. We recall how Americans of every station joined together to support the survivors in their hour of need and to heal our Nation in the years that followed.

Mazie Hirono toured the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York.
Photo from Mazie Hirono

      “Today, we can honor those we lost by building a Nation worthy of their memories. Let us also live up to the selfless example of the heroes who gave of themselves in the face of such great evil. As we mark the anniversary of September 11, I invite all Americans to observe a National Day of Service and Remembrance by uniting in the same extraordinary way we came together after the attacks. Like the Americans who chose compassion when confronted with cruelty, we can show our love for one another by devoting our time and talents to those in need …”
     Sen. Mazie Hirono joined her colleagues on the steps of the U.S. Capitol for a remembrance ceremony this morning and issued this statement:.  “Twelve years after the Sept. 11 attacks against our nation, the memory and pain of that day is still very fresh. Like many in Hawai`i, I remember hearing about the attacks that morning and being deeply moved by stories of first responders who flooded into the burning buildings, families searching frantically for missing relatives and regular people on the street who banded together to help the search and rescue efforts. I was reminded of these brave, selfless people when I visited the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City earlier this summer. Looking at the memorial, it is impossible not to think about those who died in the brutal attacks, the firefighters, EMTs and policemen. In the wake of immense tragedy, our nation came together with unity and aloha, resolving to rebuild and bring the perpetrators to justice. Let us once again come together to remember those who were lost and the emotions that swept through our nation that day.”

KA`U’S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER Brenda Ford met with constituents at Pahala Community Center Monday regarding issues from Ka`u’s need for a dialysis center, public restrooms and upgrades to Pahala Community Center to bus service, the status of Kawa and her opposition to GMOs and fracking.
     Ford said she understands the need for a dialysis center in Ka`u and will work to convince the state of that need. She said it is harder for those living on the other, smaller islands, to understand how far it is to drive from Ka`u for such services. She plans to introduce a resolution to the County Council that can, if approved, be sent to the state Legislature. She also plans to work with west Ka`u Sen. Josh Green on the issue. Green is a physician.
     Ford plans to work toward upgrades for Pahala Community Center. She noted a need for fans, new tables and termite treatment.

Image from organicconnectmag.com

     Residents brought up Ka`u’s public restrooms. They discussed the need for restrooms in Pahala since the restaurant closed down and the hospital began locking the ones there. Several residents also said the restrooms at Punalu`u need improvements.
     When a resident brought up being passed by when waiting for a Hele On Bus, Ford acknowledged problems with the system. Ford is chair of the Committee on Public Safety & Mass Transit. She said that since the Department of Education cut back school bus service and raised fees, many students have resorted to taking Hele-On buses, causing them to fill up and the bus drivers passing by other people who are waiting for the bus. She said it is an islandwide problem that needs to be addressed. Vanessa Guy, of Wood Valley, suggested the possibility of exterior advertising on the buses as a way to raise funds to purchase more buses.
     Regarding the status of Kawa, the famous surfing and wetlands area which the county purchased, Ford said she doesn’t expect it to ever be developed as a park with its abundance of archaeological sites. S. Reha, of Wood Valley, said she would like the shoreline to once again be accessible by vehicle to surfers, who currently have to carry their boards from the highway parking area. Bobby Gomes noted that the dirt road on the Na`alehu side of Kawa is open for vehicles but does not take drivers right down to the surf spot.
     Ford discussed her bill banning genetically modified organisms, saying she “does not want to be a guinea pig” and expressing concern that the “shotgun approach” of current technology is not advanced enough to prevent problems. When fellow Council member Margaret Wille withdrew an anti-GMO bill that she had introduced, Ford introduced her own version, but it was given a negative recommendation by the Committee on Public Safety & Mass Transit. It will go for a vote before the full Council, but Ford expects that she will be the only member to vote for it. Wille’s bill, which grandfathers in GMO papaya, is still alive in the council. Ford's bill would have banned all GMO grown foods here, including papayas, giving farmers 30 months to switch over to non-GMO varieties. Ka`u senators Josh Green and Russell Ruderman have both called for GMO labeling at the state level.
     Ford said that more than 90 percent of the island residents she has talked to want the island to be GMO-free. She also said non-GMO crops are economically viable because markets, such as Japan, want them.
     Fracking is the topic of another bill Ford is introducing. It would ban the practice of hydraulic fracturing, a process that uses pressurized liquid injected into the ground in order to extract resources, usually fossil fuels. Ford said she is concerned about the possible use of fracturing in geothermal energy development on Hawai`i Island and contamination of the island’s drinking water supply by chemicals used in the process. She said there is a 30 percent failure rate in containing chemicals. “I’m not against geothermal, and I’m not against drilling,” Ford said.

Esther Kiaaina is nominated by Pres. Barack Obama to help
oversee federal policy with Guam, the Northern Marianas, Amercian
Samoa and other island groups.

ESTHER PUAKELA KIAAINA is the chosen nominee by Pres. Barack Obama to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas at the U.S. Department of the Interior.
      Gov. Neil Abercrombie applauded the appointment: “Esther brought a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in serving as First Deputy of the Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources. While she will be sorely missed here as part of the DLNR ohana, Esther’s personal and professional background on Capitol Hill, Hawai`i, and the Pacific Islands will make her the strongest possible asset to the Interior Secretary.”
     When confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Kiaaina will lead the Department of Interior’s efforts to coordinate federal policy for Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. She will also have the responsibility to administer and oversee federal assistance to the Federated State of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. For more information on the Office of Insular Affairs, visit: http://www.doi.gov/oia/
      Kiaaina ran to become the congresswoman to represent Ka`u and rural Hawai`i but was defeated by Tulsi Gabbard during the last election. She also worked for Sen. Dan Inouye, Sen. Dan Akaka, and Rep Ed Case. She was a Land Asset Manager for Kamehameha Schools and worked for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
      She graduated from Kamehameha School, University of Southern California and George Washington University Law School and received an MA from John Hopkins Schoolf of Advanced International Studies.

A STAFF MEMBER FROM U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD’S office meets with Ka`u constituents today until 4:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library to assist with casework and other issues.  For more information, contact Blaise De Lima at 
blaise.delima@mail.house.gov or 
808-987-5698.

PAHALA PLANTATION DAYS organizers meet this evening at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. This third annual event is sponsored by the Ka`u Multicultural Society and celebrates all of the ethnic groups that make up Ka`u. The Oct. 12 Plantation Days features a pa`u parade with horses and riders representing Ka`u families and the islands, as well as a cane truck, and other classic vehicles. The day offers foods, a look at Ka`u family collectibles, dance and music. For more, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740 or dvierra@yahoo.com.

Ka`u Trojans Cross Country team ran fast at Kamehameha last weekend and is
headed for Waiakea this Saturday. Photo by Erin Cole

KA`U HIGH CROSS COUNTRY ran fast in Kamehameha Schools Hawai`i Invitational last Saturday in in Kea'au, "It was a hot and sunny day and the Kam course was relatively dry," said Coach Erin Cole. She reported the Ka`u times: The Boys Open 3 Mile Cross Country Run started at 10am. Derek McIntire was the first Ka'u team member to cross the finish with a time of 22:05. The Girls Open 3 Mile Cross Country Run started at 10:45am. Chloe Gan was the first Ka'u team member to cross the finish with a time of 30:57. "The other Ka'u athletes who ran that day. C.J. Pajimola, William Mitchel, Sheila Baila-Felipe, Charisma Felipe, Charlotte Esquida, and Romina Sembran all ran hard, represented Ka'u well, and supported each other during the hot and challenging race,"  said Cole. Next race is at Waiakea this Saturday.

TROJAN GIRLS VOLLEYBALL hosts East Pac this evening  with jayvee starting at 6 p.m. and varsity to follow. Trojans host Konawaena this Saturday with jayvee at 10 a.m. and varsity to follow. These matches are at Ka`u High Gym. Tickets are $4 for adults, $2 for senior citizens and free with student athletic pass.

KA`U HIGH’S AIR RIFLERY TEAM travels to Waiakea this Saturday.

KA`U HIGH’S BOWLING TEAM travels to Hilo Lanes on Saturday to take on Kea`au and Waiakea.

PAHALA POOL PARTY from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday will raise money for the Pahala South Swell Swim Team. The funding will help send the 21 swimmers to meets in Hilo, Kona and Pahoa. The Pool Party at Pahala swimming pool features food, shave ice and drinks. For more call the pool at 928-8177.

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE for the first Harvest Festival at Volcano Winery this Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Call 967-7772 or see www.volcanowinery.com

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.

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Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Laurence J. Capellas supporters met with Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford yesterday.
Photo by Julia Neal

GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS CALLED for a special legislative session on marriage equity to convene on Oct. 28. “The decision to call a special session is based on doing what is right to create equity for all in Hawai`i,” Abercrombie said. “The merits of holding a special session include the opportunity for the Legislature to focus squarely on this important issue without having to divert attention to the hundreds of other bills introduced during a regular session. In addition, if full advantage of various tax and other financial issues is to be achieved for citizens, passage before the end of the calendar year is essential.”

Gov. Neil Abercrombie announcing his call for a special legislative
session on marriage equity. Photo from Office of the Governor

      Last month, the governor shared with legislators and the news media a marriage equity bill based on Senate Bill 1369, which was introduced in the 2013 regular session.
      Community input was taken into consideration while the state attorney general’s office worked closely with elected officials and a number of legislative staff to craft and further refine the bill.
      “I am calling for a special legislative session because we must ensure the civil rights of every citizen are protected,” Abercrombie said. “There is no reason to deny the benefits of marriage to any individual. Marriage is a choice that is made by people who want to make a lifelong commitment. This is a right that is as sacred as our right to vote.
      “This is a civil right, and it can no longer be denied. One of the lessons learned from the civil rights movement is that to achieve success in the fight for justice, we should not and cannot wait to correct a wrong. Now is the time to make this right.”

      For the latest version of the Marriage Equity Bill, see governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Marriage_Equity_Bill_AG_9_9_13.pdf.

      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE HAWAI`I REPUBLICAN PARTY EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT in the governor’s decision to call a special legislative session on marriage equity. “Although we respect the rule of law, this issue deeply divides our state and should be considered during the regular legislative session,” the party’s statement said. “Rather than welcoming an open dialogue, Gov. Abercrombie has once again resorted to strong-arm tactics to pressure members of his own party just to advance his polarizing agenda. Our high cost of living, under-funded state pension accounts, and lack of funding for school facilities and transportation are important issues to the people of Hawai`i, but the governor has never rushed to fix those issues in a special session. Ultimately, the governor is using this issue to ensure his win in the 2014 Democrat primary election and ignoring the many people of Hawai`i who feel that a special session will limit public input and lack transparency.” 

      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Capellas supporters listed the for school principal's
accomplishments. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U RESIDENTS DISCUSSED ISSUES WITH THEIR COUNTY COUNCIL member Brenda Ford yesterday. Many of them expressed their for support for naming the new gym and emergency shelter, being built on the school campus in Pahala, after former school principal Laurence Capellas. They referred to Capellas’ successes in bringing the community together through sports, afterschool activities and other community efforts that “got people from Na`alehu to cross the stone wall” that kept Pahala and Na`alehu communities apart. 

      One of the last community-binding efforts by Capellas during his stay in Ka`u was to change the name from Pahala High to Ka`u High. He did this in a democratic way, asking the students to vote on the issue and then taking the results to management at the Department of Education and other officials. The name change came in 1959.
      He also started the kindergarten in Pahala. When Kapapala School shut down near the intersection where Wood Valley Road turns into the valley, he organized volunteers and the sugar company to haul pieces of the school down to Pahala to build it.
      When the meat-packing plant at Kapapala Ranch shut down, Capellas worked again with volunteers to bring the metal framing to form the framing to build Pahala’s swimming pool.
      He also created a shop program, even for first grade. The teacher was Herbert Watanabe, who later became a member of the state Board of Education.
      See more on other issues discussed during the meeting with Ford in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.

      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ocean View Family Health Clinic sees its last patients Friday.
Photos from Rick Crosby

OCEAN VIEW FAMILY HEALTH CLINIC will see its last patient this Friday afternoon, Sept. 13. It is the only medical clinic in Ocean View and is served by two nurse practitioners, Vickie Crosby and Cindy Cohen. They see 4,000 patient visits a year. Crosby, who owns the clinic with her husband Rick, who handles much of the administrative work, is moving to the mainland. 

      Practitioner Cohen and patients who contacted The Ka`u Calendar are hoping that someone will buy the facility and allow its service to continue.
      The property is two acres with a building of more than 4,000 square feet. There is a clinic on one side of the building and a separate three-bedroom, two-bath home on the other side.
     The clinic has two examining rooms, an office, a waiting room and two restrooms. The clinic is being sold with all of its equipment. The entire building is permitted to be a clinic, said Rick Crosby.

Vickie Crosby is moving to the mainland.

     Laura Scholz, an Ocean View resident and patient of the clinic, said that “losing the Ocean View Clinic would be a big blow,” as it is difficult to get appointments at Bay Clinic in the nearest town of Na`alehu. She said that nurse practitioner Cohen is beloved by the community.
      Cohen said she wants to continue to serve the community and bring in a doctor to work with her. “This is my home, and I want to stay here with my family. The Ocean View community is so dependent on us. So may people don’t have transportation” to go elsewhere, she said.
      The price posted on a youtube tour of the clinic is $690,000, but offers will be considered, said Rick Cosby.
      See youtube.com/watch?v=pgGLZVaego. Contact rick@oceanviewhealth.com.

      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

MARLEY STRAND-NICOLAISEN, KA`U’S STAR PLAYER on the University of Hawai`i-Hilo women’s volleyball team, helped the Vulcans beat Fort Hays State from Kansas last night, 25-12, 25-20, 25-14 at UHH Gym. Strand-Nicolaisen, a freshman, came up with 11 digs and 10 kills. The next challenge is at Hawai`i Pacific University on Sept. 22 on O`ahu. The Vulcans are undefeated with five wins, all at home. Nicolaisen is a resident of Mark Twain.
      Kurt De La Cruz, a Ka`u High graduate and academic adviser at UH-Hilo, recently posted on the Ka`u High alumni facebook page: “I get to see many great stories in the making, from when students enter as freshmen to the day they get their diplomas, to embarking on their first careers, etc. Here is a great story in the making, and this Trojan Alum (‘13) has come out swinging – literally! Calling Ka`u alums near and far – Marley Strand-Nicolaisen is a fast-rising star amongst the NCAA D2 Freshman ranks in women’s volleyball. In her first two starts at the college ranks, let’s just say she has not played like a freshmen. By no means is she a one-person show either, as Vulcan teammates have put in equally good work.

      “The team will visit O`ahu … and California this season. If you get a chance, come out and let this Ka`u grad know that we support her and her teammates. 

     “With hard work, humility, and her fierce competitiveness, Marley has the potential to go down as one of UH-Hilo’s great ones. And it just so happens to be that her heart bleeds maroon. Stay tuned ... hiloathletics.com/news/2013/8/31/WVB_0831135844 .aspx?path=wvball.”

      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AUGIE’S SUMMER OF LOL comes to South Side Shaka’s Restaurant Friday at 8 p.m. Comedian Augie T starts a month of shows here in Ka`u, with more shows later this month in Hilo and on Maui and Kaua`i. Special guest is Lanai. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 990-0474.

A STAFF MEMBER FROM U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD’S office meets with Ka`u constituents tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library to assist with casework and other issues. 

      For more information, contact Blaise De Lima at 
blaise.delima@mail.house.gov or 
808-987-5698.

Image by Tanya Ibarra

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS ORGANIZERS hold a meeting to plan the Oct. 12 event tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. For more information, contact Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740 or dpvierra@yahoo.com. 

A PAHALA POOL PARTY will be held this Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event to raise money for the Pahala South Swell Swim Team will feature food, shave ice and drinks. The 21 Ka`u novice swimmers will be traveling on Saturday, Sept. 21 to Kawamoto Olympic Pool in Hilo; on Saturday, Oct. 5 to Konawaena Pool; and on Saturday, Oct. 26 for the championship at Pahoa Pool. The swim team is looking to raise about $1,500.
      The public is invited, and prospective swimmers for next season are welcome to join in the fun. South Swell Swim team is comprised of youth 17 years and younger. Swim meets are sponsored by the county Department of Parks & Recreation. For more, call Pahala Pool at 928-8177.

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.

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Ka`u News Briefs Monday, September 9, 2013

After heavy rains Saturday night, chocolate waves washed onto Green Sands Beach. Gulches flowed, and the water
turned brown from sediment running into the ocean. Photo by Shalan Crysdale

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD OPPOSES President Barack Obama’s proposed U.S. military intervention in Syria. She made her decision after returning to Washington early last week for the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the situation in Syria and attending several classified briefings with Administration officials and meetings with her colleagues in the House and Senate. 

      “I am sickened and outraged by the carnage and loss of lives caused by the use of chemical weapons in Syria,” Gabbard said. “It is with gravity that I have carefully considered all the facts, arguments and evidence and soberly weighed concerns regarding our national security and moral responsibility. As a result, I have come to the conclusion that a U.S. military strike against Syria would be a serious mistake. I will therefore vote against a resolution that authorizes the use of military force in Syria. I will also strongly urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ka`u's U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

      “The reasons behind my decision are many. Here are a few:

• As a soldier, I understand that before taking any military action, our nation must have a clear tactical objective, a realistic strategy, the necessary resources to execute that strategy – including the support of the American people – and an exit plan. The proposed military action against Syria fails to meet any of these criteria. 
• Presently, Syria does not present a direct security threat to the United States. Military action will undermine our national defense, as even a limited strike could very easily escalate into a regional conflict, stretching thin a military that has been at war for more than 12 years. 
• We should learn from history; we cannot afford to be the world’s policeman. The United States should not insert itself in the midst of this civil war, which is rooted in sectarian hatred and animosity between various warring religious groups. 

      “All Americans are saddened and angered by the carnage that has resulted from the use of these chemical weapons. However, even after the many hearings and classified briefings I have attended, I am unconvinced that this military strike would eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons or prevent them from being used again. Indeed, the risk may increase, due to the possibility these weapons could fall into the hands of Syrian opposition group factions such as Al-Qaida, who we can be confident would use them without hesitation.”
      Gabbard joins Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in opposition to the plan. Sen. Mazie Hirono has yet to announce her decision.
      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HTA president and CEO Mike McCartney

“HAWAI`I’S TOURISM ECONOMY HAS DONE WELL, and we are pleased with year-over-year increases in visitor expenditures and arrivals,” said Mike McCartney, Hawai`i Tourism Authority president and CEO. Statistics from HTA show that 2012 was a record year, with 2013 arrivals up 5.5 percent and expenditures up 5.7 percent year-to-date. 

      “Our overall economy is recovering with low unemployment and a strong state budget, which is a direct result of the collective efforts of our visitor industry and goodwill from our community,” McCartney said. “In order for us to maintain this momentum, it is important that we continue to invest in our destination, and we are grateful for the renewed funding from the Hawai`i State Legislature to achieve this.
      “We must be innovative and work harder to remain price competitive, while offering a quality and authentic visitor experience that best highlights our people, place and culture.
      “We must remember that it is our collective efforts that have led to our recovery. It is important for us to continue to work together to maintain this momentum and build upon the success of our visitor industry to further Hawai`i’s economic recovery into 2014,” McCartney concluded.
      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

LATEST STATISTICS FROM HAWAI`I TOURISM AUTHORITY show activity in July. Visitors who came to Hawai`i during the month spent a total of $1.3 billion, similar to last year. 

      Total arrivals, which have shown consecutive growth since Sept. 2011, rose 4.6 percent to 757,969 visitors.

      However, these visitors spent less on a daily basis (-3.7 percent to $185 per person), and their average length of stay was slightly shorter (9.36 days, down from 9.49 days) compared to July 2012.

HTA introduced potential visitors to Punalu`u Black Sand Beach on
its website gohawaii.com.

      Arrivals by air from U.S. west increased 3.8 percent to 310,710 visitors in July, the 20th month of continuous growth. Lower daily spending (-2.7 percent to $146 per person) netted $437.8 million in total U.S. west expenditures, about the same as July 2012.
      Likewise, there was virtually no growth in total U.S. east visitor expenditures ($353.2 million) compared to last July, as increased arrivals (+5.3 percent to 177,162 visitors) were offset by lower daily spending.
      After 23 months of consecutive increases, arrivals from Japan dropped 2.9 percent to 128,363 visitors in July. These visitors spent significantly less on a daily basis (-16.5 percent to $250 per person), resulting in a 19.1 percent decline in total visitor expenditures to $197.8 million.
      In contrast, the Canadian market saw a 10.6 percent growth in total visitor expenditures (to $51.6 million), boosted by growth in arrivals (+3.3 percent to 26,237 visitors) and higher daily spending.
      Arrivals from all other markets increased 15.4 percent to 115,016 visitors, led by double-digit growth from Oceania (+37.4 percent) and other Asia (+19.9 percent) compared to July 2012. Combined total expenditures from all other visitors increased 12.6 percent to $275.1 million.
      One out-of-state cruise ship came to Hawai`i in July compared to zero out-of-state cruise ships in July 2012. Total cruise visitors (by cruise ship and by air) rose 3.1 percent.
      Total visitor expenditures increased on Hawai`i Island (+9.4 percent) compared to July 2012.
      Total air seats in July increased 3.2 percent to 995,526 seats, with double-digit growth in scheduled seats from Oceania (+42.5 percent) and Other Asia (+12.5 percent).
      See more at hawaiitourismauthority.org.

      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IS ASKING FOODIES IN KA`U and across the state and country to nominate their favorite green restaurants for Nature’s Plate, a second annual people’s choice contest to find each area’s top green restaurant. “Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or a meat-eater, it’s a good bet the healthiest and tastiest food on your table came from nature,” said TNC executive director Suzanne Case. “From the taro lo`i that provides yummy poi to the apple bananas soaking up the sun at the farm in the country, to locally raised beef – healthy food needs a healthy planet.” 

      Nominations are open through next Monday, Sept. 16. Semifinal voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 1, and the winners will be announced Thursday, Oct. 17.
      “Some of our food-related conservation solutions in Hawai`i are among our most innovative and pragmatic,” Case said. “Whether we are working with communities to restore the He`eia ahupua`a and put poi on everyone’s plate, to helping families preserve their ranch land on Hawai`i Island, we are showing conservation and economics go hand-and-hand – and right to your plate.
      “While the contest is focused on restaurants, it’s only the start of a conversation about food, conservation and our work with farmers, fishermen, winemakers, and ranchers.”
      To vote, visit nature.org/naturesplate13 and click on Hawai`i.
      For more information, contact Case at scase@tnc.org or 808-587-6201.
      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A planning meeting for October's Ka`u Planation Days takes place
Wednesday. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U’S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER BRENDA FORD holds a talk story at Pahala Community Center today at 6:30 p.m. Ford seeks input from her constituents regarding naming of the new gym/shelter and other issues. 

A STAFF MEMBER FROM U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD’S office visits Pahala Public & School Library Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as part of Gabbard’s districtwide constituent outreach program. The program, called Tulsi in Your Town, allows Gabbard’s local staff members in every county to assist with casework and other issues. A staff member visits Pahala on the second Wednesday of every month.
      For more information, contact Blaise De Lima at 
blaise.delima@mail.house.gov or 
(808) 987-5698.

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS ORGANIZERS hold a meeting to plan the Oct. 12 event Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. For more information, contact Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740 or dpvierra@yahoo.com.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL downed Parker at home Saturday. Scores were 25-6, 25-14, 25-8. Next match for the lady Trojans is on Wednesday, hosting Christian-Liberty Academy at 6 p.m.

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

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

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES