Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Sept. 13, 2013

The value of the `Aina Koa Pono project, which is awaiting a decision by the Public Utilities Commission, is the topic of a letter sent by Pahala resident Bobby Gomes to the Commission. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I COUNTY HAS FILED A MOTION to intervene in Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford’s petition challenging Mayor Billy Kenoi’s appointment of Bobby Jean Leithead Todd as director of the Department of Environmental Management based on a lack of qualifications. The county charter says the DEM director must have “an engineering degree or a degree in a related field,” as amended in 2010 by Hawai`i County voters. 

      Ford’s petition, filed in August, said, “Since the respondent Bobby Jean Leithead Todd does not have an engineering degree or a degree in an engineering-related field, the respondent does not have the qualification required to hold the office of director of the Department of Environmental Management for the county of Hawai`i.” It calls for Leithead Todd to be “restrained from performing the duties of that office.”
      The county wants to be involved because “we have an interest in the outcome,” deputy corporation counsel Laureen Marten told Stephens Media reporter Nancy Cook Lauer.

      See more at hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

YOUNG BROTHERS, LTD AND HAWAIIAN TUG & BARGE are now accepting grant applications from nonprofit community organizations on the island of Hawai`i for its Community Gift Giving Program. The program will award grants of up to $1,000 per organization. 

      Community organizations that meet the following criteria are invited to submit applications for grant consideration:

• IRS Approved under Section 501(c)3; 
• Purpose of organization is related to health, education, civic and community service, youth activities, cultural enrichment, environment or special community projects. 

      In 2001, HTB/YB established the Community Gift Giving Program to provide recognition and support to charitable community organizations on each island. Since its inception, the community gift-giving program contributed more than $889,900 to 779 nonprofit organizations throughout the state of Hawai`i, of which $332,250 went to 352 Hawai`i Island organizations.

Officials from Young Brothers and Hawaiian Tug & Barge deliver grants
from their Community Gift Giving Program.

      The Hawai`i County Community Advisory Board members are Chery Garvey, M.D., of Waimea, the board chairman; Fanny Collins Au Hoy and Dave Young of Kailua-Kona, and June Kunimoto and Derek Kurisu of Hilo.
      Application forms and information are available at youngbrothershawaii.com under “Community Gift Giving” or by calling Garvey at 885-3211. Applications may be submitted now through Friday, Sept. 27. Completed applications may be faxed to 885-3311 or mailed to Hawaiian Tug & Barge/Young Brothers, Ltd. Hawai`i County Community Advisory Board, Attn: Chery Garvey, M.D., PO Box 550 Kamuela, HI 96743.

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

Bobby Gomes spoke at a meeting about AKP
last October. Photo by Julia Neal

“I’M SEEING ARGUMENTS THAT THE `AINA KOA PONO project is needed to ‘invigorate’ Hawai`i Island’s agricultural industry by using land that is currently ‘underutilized.’ AKP seems to assume that nothing is happening in Ka`u regarding agriculture, and that without AKP there will be no economic development,” wrote Pahala resident Bobby Gomes in a letter to the Public Utilities Commission. The proposed 20-year contract for AKP to produce biofuel at a refinery above Pahala from feedstock harvested and grown on lands between Pahala and Na`alehu is currently awaiting a decision from the PUC. 

      “I want to go on record saying that this assumption is false. Sure, the Ka`u region suffered when sugar closed down decades ago, but Ka`u people are resilient,” Gomes said. 

      “In fact, Ka`u is doing just fine. Ka`u may look like an impoverished region by Honolulu standards, but people can afford to buy a home here, with room for horses and cattle. That makes us rich in what matters. We have rodeos, our keiki are rodeo queens and award-winning cowboys and cowgirls, sheep riders and mutton busters; our teenage girls raise 4-H prize-winning cattle; and our teenage boys are cattle herders. We have Fourth of July parades and coffee festivals; we have a vibrant community that turns out for fairs and school improvement events. We have a national champion volleyball team, and we find innovative ways to let our boys play football — even if we don’t have enough players to field a traditional team.
      “Despite the impression given by supporters of AKP, Ka`u agriculture is already booming on its own – we have no need for AKP. In fact, AKP will just get in the way of exciting agricultural developments that promise to earn far more money for Ka`u’s people. Cattle ranchers and coffee farmers are worried they may lose their land and livelihood if AKP is approved, and there are already serious concerns about water availability.
      “People are proudly supporting their families with cattle ranching, macadamia farming, local food production and an exploding coffee industry, and there is burgeoning interest in tea. Perhaps AKP’s supporters haven’t noticed, but Ka`u coffee is winning international competitions, its price doubled in the last year, and supply can’t keep up with domestic and international demand. Five acres can support a family, and there are many farmers eagerly waiting for land to plant coffee.”  

      Gomes shared statistics and comparisons to other agricultural activities in Ka`u. “What kind of economic jump-start does AKP offer? Not much compared to current crops,” Gomes said. “I looked up USDA statistics, and macadamias generate over $2,500 per acre in revenue, while Ka`u coffee (at Hawai`i County-wide yields and current Ka`u prices) can generate $12,000 - $13,000 per acre (parchment equivalent value). “If farmers hold onto their coffee through roasting and combine agro-tourism with their operations (direct sales, tours, T-shirts, mugs, B&Bs), they can probably double this value – or more.

      “AKP says it will produce 24 million gallons of biofuel on 12,000 acres (2,000 gallons per acre). They say they will get 80 gallons of fuel per ton of feedstock, so that means they have to get 25 tons of feedstock per acre. Are they kidding? Don’t they know how much of those 12,000 acres is lava rock, and/or too steep to farm? What about water? Recent meetings have already almost broken out into fights over water access. Suppose AKP can produce 25 tons per acre — which they haven’t proven they can do. What is the agricultural value of that feedstock? The best comparison is to crops for livestock feed. The University of Hawai`i looked at enriching various grasses for cattle feed, and in 2003 priced the grasses at $54 per ton. Current reports are that hay and other cellulosic feedstocks sell on the mainland for about $100 per ton. At these prices, AKP will be lucky to generate biomass with agricultural value of $1,350 - $2,500 per acre, which just approaches the value of macadamias and falls well short of coffee. On a farmgate basis, AKP biomass offers no new value to the people of Ka`u.
      “What about the value of end products? I calculate that Ka`u coffee growers can get $14,000 per acre if they hold onto their coffee through roasting and then sell it wholesale at $25 per pound (more if they sell direct at current prices of about $35 per pound). At AKP’s optimistic yield assumptions, they’d have to sell their biodiesel at $7 per gallon or more to provide greater value.
      “There is a choice for the people of the Ka`u region,” Gomes continued. “AKP can offer them employment as hired hands, growing biomass that barely achieves the per-acre value of macadamias and falls well short of the value of coffee. Alternatively, current (and future) diversified agricultural crops can bring far greater value to the people here, enable them to live as proud entrepreneurs and provide for their families, and continue a traditional Hawaiian lifestyle that is deeply cherished. Please don’t sacrifice the Ka`u lifestyle to the misguided interests of the AKP biofuels project,” Gomes concluded.

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

Volunteers clean up Kamilo Beach tomorrow.
Photo from Hawai`i Wildlife Fund.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND SPONSORS a Ka`u Coast Cleanup tomorrow in association with the annual Get the Drift & Bag It program. Volunteers meet at Wai`ohinu Park at 7:45 a.m. to carpool to the site. Sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

FOUR HAWAI`I ISLAND POTTERS SELL THEIR WARES at the Second Saturday Volcano Pottery Sale tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Call 985-8530 or email ryhpottery.com for more information.

A GUIDED, MODERATELY DIFFICULT HIKE over rugged terrain at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park focuses on the area’s human history. The three-hour, 2.5-mile hike begins at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow.

PAHALA POOL PARTY from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow 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. 

Coffee farmers can learn the latest techniques to control
coffee berry borer tomorrow.

COFFEE BERRY BORER INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT is the topic tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rusty’s Hawaiian Coffee Farm. Andrea Kawabata, University of Hawai`i’s coffee and orchard crops Extension agent, presents the most current techniques to manage CBB. Other researchers  offer information on proper sampling for CBB monitoring and other topics. To sign up, call 322-4892 or email ginab@hawaii.edu today.

HALAU NA PUA O ULUHAIMALAMA under the direction of kumu hula Emery Aceret performs tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hands-on cultural demonstrations take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the gallery porch’s. Free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply.

VOLCANO WINERY’S FIRST HARVEST FESTIVAL is Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event includes wine, pupus and music. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Call 967-7772 or email 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 Thursday, September 12, 2013

Sharwil avocados can go to the mainland for sale starting in October. Photo from epicenteravocados.com

AVOCADOS COULD BE THE NEXT BIG EXPORT crop from Hawai`i.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced yesterday that Hawaiian grown Sharwil avocados can be shipped to 32 states and Washington, D.C., starting in October. The new rule was published on the Federal Register today.
      Here are the states where Sharwil avocado shipments will be allowed: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming, as well as the District of Columbia.
        Sharwils are larger and rounder than many avocados sold on the mainland and are expected to obtain a healthy market share, said Tom Benton, the Hawai`i Island resident who is president of the Hawai`i Avocado Association.

More than 1.5 billion pounds of avocados are sold in the  U.S. each year.

    A ban on shipping avocados to the mainland has stood since 1992. One downside for local buyers, however, is that the price could double with the competition from mainland markets until enough avocados can be grown to supply the outside world. Currently, most of the Sharwils are grown 280 farms, most of them on Hawai`i Island, followed by Maui. Production in Hawai`I totals about one million pounds a year while avocado consumption in the U.S. is 1.5 billion pounds a year. Hawai`i produces about 13 percent of the avocados grown in the U.S., with the majority being grown in Florida and California. The rest are imported from foreign countries.
      The ban was established to prevent the spread of fruit flies, especially to California farms and orchards where tomato and citrus crops could be devastated. Sharwil export to the mainland was allowed, but only with fumigation or cold treatment that could affect quality.
     U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye helped to lift the avocado export ban before his death. Mazie Hirono championed the cause as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and more recently as a U.S. Senator. Earlier this year she wrote a letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Tom Vilsa, urging the USDA to lift the Shawil export ban and pointing to scientific studies that show that avocados are a poor host for the fruit flies.

     Hirono issued a statement yesterday, saying, “This USDA ruling will directly benefit Hawai`i farmers and our economy…opening up a number of new markets for these delicious Hawaiian-grown products. Advancing local food has long been a cornerstone of my push to make our state and economy more sustainable, and I’m very appreciative the USDA has made this critical ruling.”
      The rule on the Federal Register at: You can read USDA’s ruling here: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/09/12/2013-22205/interstate-movement-of-sharwil-avocados-from-hawaii.


Volunteer Marilyn Nicholson helps eliminate invasive
Himalayan or kahili ginger near Halema`uma`u Trail
in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from HVNP

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY IS COMING UP on Saturday, Sept. 28, and the public is encouraged to malama `aina by volunteering to remove invasive Himalayan ginger in the park or fountain grass in Ocean View. 

     Volunteers at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park can help remove Himalayan ginger at the summit of Kilauea from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Himalayan, also called kahili, ginger is one of the most invasive plants in the park and on earth. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature includes it on the 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species list.
     The park strives to protect habitat of native and endemic Hawaiian rainforest plants, but Himalayan ginger displaces and replaces the native rainforest understory, making it impossible for many native plants to grow, including pa`iniu (a Hawaiian lily), `ama`u fern and others. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and long pants and bring a hat, raingear, snacks and water. Loppers and gloves are provided. No advance registration is required.
     Participants meet Paul and Jane Field, who lead the event, at Kilauea Visitor Center.

Fountain grass is an invasive species that creates a fire hazard, particularly at the
 Kahuku section of the National Park. Photo from HVNP

    Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts its next volunteer forest restoration project on National Public Lands Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The group joins the national park and Ocean View Community Association in controlling fountain grass along roadways in Ocean View. 

     Fountain grass increases fire potential, and the national park is working to prevent its spread in Ocean View and keep it from establishing in its Kahuku Unit. A member of the park’s Natural Resources Management team will discuss problems of fountain grass and its safe control during the event.
     Participants will drive the roads of Ocean View looking for fountain grass along the roadside, with two to three people per vehicle. Volunteers who can drive their own vehicle will be helpful.
     Pre-registration is required, and all participants need to sign a Friends release form and a park volunteer form. For those under 18, an adult will need to co-sign.
     To volunteer, contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 808-352-1402 by Monday evening, Sept. 23. Include first and last name, email address and a phone number. 

PLANTATION DAYS ON OCT. 12 organizers held a meeting last night and reported on the participation of 27 groups to celebrate the history of Ka`u, in ranching, small farms and sugar. The event is sponsored by the Ka`u Multicultural Society with assistance from Pahala Plantation Cottages and O Ka`u Kakou. The event will include a parade with riders on horseback and identification of historic buildings and former building sites during sugar days. The new economy of coffee and macadamia will also be celebrated. The parade route is along Maile and Huapala and the music, dance and food, along with cultural and historic displays will be at Pahala Plantation Managers House. Contact Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740 or dvierra@yahoo.com.

Trojan girls beat East Pac last night in varsity play.
Photo by Julia Neal

WINNING VOLLEYBALL took out East Pac last night as the Ka`u Trojan girls varsity team won in three sets 25-9, 25-21 and 25-13. The jaycee team lost in three sets 23-25, 25-20 and 10-15. The next match is this Saturday at 10 a.m. against Konawa`ena at the Ka`u High School Gym with jayvee play followed by varsity. Tickets are $4 adults, $2 seniors and students with athletic pass enter free.

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. In the Big Island Interscholastic Federation standings, Triojan boys, with three wins are third, after Waiakea with five wins and Konawaena with three wins. Behind Ka`u are Pahoa with two wins, Hilo and Kealakehe, each with two wins; Kea`au with one win and St. Joseph with no wins. In the girls standings, the Trojans rank eighth. The Ka`u coach is Piilani Lapera.

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.

A`eo by Reyn Ojiri

ISLAND INSPIRED by Reyn Ojiri is the art show opening this Saturday, Sept. 14 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This solo exhibition features original oil and acrylic paintings depicting Hawaii's flora and fauna.
    An opening reception will be held from 5:00–7:00pm on September 14 and the exhibit will be on display 9:00am–5:00pm daily through October 27.
     Featured artist Reyn Ojiri is a Hilo native, growing up surrounded by the lush, wondrous landscape unique to the Big Island. A recent graduate from UH Manoa, Ojiri chose to enrich his plant and environmental biotechnology studies by completing a Masters Certificate in science illustration from Cal State Monterey Bay in 2011.
    When asked about his creative inspiration, the artist offered this personal statement:
      “One of the benefits of living on Hawaii Island is the ability to travel from mountain to ocean, and rain forest to desert with ease,” stated Ojiri. “My painting subjects are the result of my explorations of these diverse environments.”
      He continued, sharing that “I often find myself returning to kipukas between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in search of native birds and plants. These pockets of lush green vegetation surrounded by rugged lava flows provide me with ample opportunities to observe and photograph my subject matter.”
      Ojiri typically uses oil or acrylic paint on wood panels, building textured impasto layers with a palette knife, brush and sanding tool. The resulting foundation create a unique and unexpected canvas that echoes the rugged, volcanic ecosystem of Hawaii and delightfully contrasts the heightened detail of the subject.
     Island Inspired by Reyn Ojiri is free to the public, though park entrance fees apply and donations are accepted. For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or contact the VAC Gallery at 967-7565 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org.

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 ATPAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.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 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.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES