Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013

A Ka`u Community Floating Lantern Ceremony to honor deceased loved ones will be held Saturday, Nov. 30 at Punalu`u Beach, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Photo by Julia Neal

QUALITIES OF RURAL COMMUNITIES gain recognition today, Nov. 21, National Rural Health Day. Ka`u Rural Health Community Association is honored for its contributions with a certificate from the Hawai`i State Legislature. The message says that, at their best, “rural communities possess a strong sense of unity where everyone has a voice, people know each other, listen to and respect each other and work together for the greater good. Rural communities are fueled by the creative energy of their community leaders – everyday people willing to step forward, share and implement a vision and drive changes that benefit their neighbors.”

      The statement notes that “rural doesn’t necessarily mean ‘remote’ – diverse economic, cultural and recreational opportunities abound in rural communities.” It also states that the main emphasis of rural health care has always been providing affordable, holistic, primary care – a model to follow as health care transitions to a wellness/prevention-based system with rural hospitals, clinics, centers and “healthcare practices that are the economic foundation of their communities and are typically the largest employers that ensure a healthy workforce.”
      The statement says that “rural communities are locations where physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dentists, dental hygienists, licensed social workers and other practitioners have the unique opportunity to establish their own practices and provide quality healthcare services.” It says that “addressing the shortage of healthcare providers is one of the greatest health issues – and one of the greatest economic issues – facing rural communities today.”
      The message from the state Legislature mentions the Affordable Care Act, saying that, though it “may make health care more affordable for rural communities, it doesn’t necessarily make it more accessible – fragile infrastructures and geographic barriers must be addressed in order to ensure that basic healthcare needs are met.”
      The Legislature’s statement says that “healthcare needs of rural residents are as unique as the communities in which they live; those needs cannot be addressed by utilizing a generic ‘one size fits all’ approach – programs and policies must be flexible enough to allow rural communities to identify and address the unique needs of their residents.”

      The legislators applaud Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. and Hawai`i Island Rural Health Community Association in their efforts to “play a critical role by leading efforts to help Hawai`i Island rural communities address their unique healthcare needs.” They congratulate the organizations’ many dedicated community leaders and partners who “continue to volunteer their time, energy, and resources to ensure the health and well-being of Hawai`i Island’s rural communities.”
      For more on National Rural Health Day, see celebratepowerofrural.org.

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

State Senate Ag Committee chair
Clarence Nishihara

State House Ag Committee chair
Jessica Wooley

STATE PRE-EMPTION OF COUNTY LAWS is likely to become an issue in the GMO debate, according to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
      At question is whether recently passed bills in Hawai`i and Kaua`i Counties regarding genetically modified organisms are compatible with existing state and federal laws.
      State Sen. Clarence Nishihara, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said he would likely propose a state pre-emption bill during the next legislative session in January if Gov. Neil Abercrombie does not act before then.
      The Star-Advertiser also reports state Rep. Jessica Wooley, chair of the House Agriculture Committee saying, “I would not support pre-emption unless we had some significant guarantees in place for all the people who have been so concerned about this issue.” 

      In a statement, Christine Hirasa, an Abercrombie spokesperson, said, “The governor recognizes and respects the passionate views expressed on this subject. The administration supports local farmers who are vital to Hawai`i’s long-term sustainability and is working to expand our agriculture industry.
      “Any decisions to impose additional regulations above and beyond those already established by federal regulatory agencies should be based on proven science. The administration will continue to work toward a regulatory structure that protects and balances the needs of farmers, Hawai`i’s agricultural industry and the people of Hawai`i.”
      See staradvertiser.com.

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

442nd members from Ka`u, Iwao Yonemitsu (l)
and Toku Nakano. Photo by Julia Neal

NONAGENARIAN IWAO YONEMITSU, A 442ND VET, shared his World War II experience with students at Ka`u High school this week. Yonemitsu, 90, and a resident of Na`alehu, told one of several classes that “war is not something you want to get into. War should be a last resort.” When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Yonemitsu had traveled from his Ka`u home to attend college at University of Hawai`i Manoa. He served in the ROTC. “At U.H., it was required,” he said.
      After the Japanese attacked, his ROTC unit joined the Hawai`i Territorial Guard to protect Honolulu. “After six weeks, however, those of Japanese descent were asked to leave,” Yonemitsu noted.

      He left O`ahu for Hawai`i Island and landed a job at the sugar company. Just six months later, volunteers for World War II were called, and he and other Japanese Americans signed up to show their loyalty to the U.S. and their personal identity as Americans. During the war he served in Europe and became a Buck Sergeant with three stripes. The 442nd, comprised of Japanese Americans, was the most decorated during the war, and Yonemitsu has received numerous honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011. He said war was much different then. “We didn’t have to contend with IEDs and enemy behind our backs,” like in the more recent Middle East wars. 

      Yonemitsu told the students that he learned a lot about the world and America when traveling in the military. In southern states like Mississippi, he witnessed racial discrimination and learned about the practice of sharecropping and restrooms with signs White and Colored. During the war, 45 of the 250 members of his company in the 442nd were killed. He said he knew 25 of them. “Negotiate before you go into battle,” he advised the young people.

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KA`U RESIDENTS CAN JOIN VOLCANO ART CENTER and attend Christmas in the Country’s opening event tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Events for members also take place earlier in the day tomorrow at VAC’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The VAC Programs Sneak Preview exhibit showcases artists who will teach workshops and classes in the upcoming year. Also, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., adults and children can take in free art activities, including Make Your Own Holiday Card and Paint the Volcano, in Hale Ho`omana Education Building.
      The celebration continues on Saturday at VAC Gallery beginning at 9 a.m. with the annual wreath exhibit, unique handmade ornaments for sale, demonstrations by well known local artists, book and print signings and a visit by Santa Claus.

      Volcano artist Dietrich Varez and author David Eyre sign their books and prints on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nancee Cline joins them from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to signing her book, Queen Emma’s Church in Kealakekua, Crossroads of Culture.
      Caren Loebel-Fried demonstrates block carving and printing on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. She will also sign and personalize her books and prints.
      In advance of Volcano Art Center’s 40th anniversary in 2014, a limited edition poster has been created that features a dramatic photo of the active Halema`ma`u crater by architect and photographer Boone Morrison. Morrison signs posters at VAC Gallery on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Posters are available for purchase.
      All activities and demos are free of charge; park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-7565.

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

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets at Royal Hawaiian Orchards Macadamia Field Office today at 4 p.m. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND SPONSORS A KA`U COAST CLEANUP Saturday. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool to Kamilo Beach. HWF is looking for people with four-wheel-drive vehicles to transport volunteers. Register with coordinator Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

The first 100 to sign up will receive lanterns to
decorate with the names of loved ones.
Photo by Julia Neal

ST. JUDE’S CHURCH AT PARADISE CIRCLE AND KEAKA in Ocean View hosts events this weekend. Saturday is the church’s annual plant sale fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will also be baked goods, coffee, books, gourmet mustards and slightly used items for sale.
      An interfaith service of thanksgiving takes place Sunday at 2 p.m. with speakers from the Christian Science church, the Tibetan Buddhist Mission, Wood Valley and Shepherds from Ka`u. All are welcome to share in this non-denominational service and bring some food to share.

A FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY in waters off Punalu`u Beach Park will light up the tidepools on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. has announced. The ceremony is called the Ka`u Community Floating Lantern Ceremony, Honoring Past, Present and Future Generations. The ceremony will be accompanied by a Community Thanksgiving Potluck, Taiko drummers, music and cultural dance, followed by the lantern release. Floating lanterns for inscribing messages and decorating will be provided to the first 100 registrants. Pre-registrations are being taken. Call Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc., which is co-sponsoring the Floating Lantern Ceremony with health insurer HMSA, at 928-0101. Sign up at the Ka`u Resource & Distance Learning Center. The first Floating Lantern Ceremony in recent years, sponsored by the same organizations, was held on Nov. 26, 2011.

HAWAI`I HONEY FESTIVAL IS SATURDAY at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring the fourth annual statewide Hawai`i Natural Honey Challenge, beekeeping demonstrations, music and food. See hawaiihoneyfestival.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.

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013

The late Sen. Daniel Inouye, shown here at a 2010 election eve rally in Hilo, posthumously received the Presidential
Medal of Freedom today. Photo by Julia Neal

A NON-GMO HAWAI`I ISLAND, WITH SOME EXEMPTIONS, is Hawai`i County Council’s decision, yesterday voting 6 – 3, without discussion, to ban genetically modified organisms from crops grown here. The vote came after a morning when more than 70 testifiers around the island spoke, with almost 60 of them in favor of the ban.
      Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford, who had earlier introduced her own anti-GMO bill but withdrew it, showed her support for Bill 113 by seconding bill introducer Margaret Wille’s motion to pass it as well as a motion to immediately send it to Mayor Billy Kenoi. Standard procedure is to wait five days to give Council members a chance to reconsider their votes.
      Voting no on the ban were Council chair J Yoshimoto, Hilo Council member Dennis Onishi and Puna Council member Greggor Ilagan. Puna Council member Zendo Kern voted kanalua, or yes with reservations.
      The bill restricts expansion of GMO crops on the Big Island by limiting outdoor growing. Exemptions include varieties of papaya which growers have been using to combat ringspot virus.
      Testifiers included a few participating via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center. Gil Robinson, of Ocean View, talked about problems associated with high fructose corn syrup from genetically modified corn. He expressed skepticism about GMOs, mentioning past claims of safety by companies selling products now proven to be harmful, such as lead paint.
      Another testifier in Ka`u cited the American Academy of Environmental Medicine’s claim that GM foods pose a serious health risk and the organization’s call for a moratorium on GM foods.

      Julie Pena, also testifying from Ocean View, asked council members to “love the `aina” by supporting the bill.
      Those who spoke in opposition to the ban said allegations about GMOs are unproven, with zero evidence. They said the bill is flawed and contradictory, and that it “puts a black cloud over GMO growers.” One farmer said, “Give us respect for putting food on your table.”

Sen. Dan Inouye rallied Democrats at a 2010
election eve rally in Hilo.
Photo by Julia Neal

      Supporters of the ban included a contingent from Kaua`i, where the County Council recently overrode the mayor’s veto of a bill regarding GMOs and pesticides. One Kaua`i resident talked about Atrazine being in the island’s drinking water and people getting sick. A member of the Kanaka Council, which preserves and protects Native Hawaiian rights, culture, traditions, practices and spiritual beliefs, said, “Hawai`i County Council (members), as occupiers, are responsible to protect the health and well being of the people.”

      Chris Manfredi sent a letter from Ka`u Farm Bureau saying members opposed the anti-GMO legislation. “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 resilient and sustainable industries in Hawai`i.”
      Kona Farm Bureau asked members to make up their own minds about the issue, as it has members both pro and con on GMOs. Kona Coffee Farmers Association and Hawa'i Farmers & Ranchers United supported the ban.
      The bill calls for violators to be fined $1,000 a day for each violation and a GMO registry for exempted growers, which would be administered by the county Department of Research and Development.
      Before the vote, Wille said, “I think it’s a very important step, a very modest bill.” She mentioned the “web of life,” and uncertainty surrounding GMOs. She said there are legitimate concerns and that the “feds and state have been lax.” She questioned the lack of testing requirements for GMOs while they can be patented. 

      “We can work out the nuances,” she said. “We can work together as to what is our vision and what is the future of the island.”
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE LATE SEN. DANIEL INOUYE RECEIVED the Presidential Medal of Freedom today. President Barack Obama said Inouye was an inspiration to him growing up in Hawai`i. He said Inouye taught that there is a place for everyone in this country. 

      During presentation of the medal to Inouye’s wife Irene, the senator was described as a true patriot and dedicated public servant.
      Inouye was a member of the revered 442nd Regimental Combat Team that helped free Europe in World War II.

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

Russell Kokubun

RUSSELL KOKUBUN IS RELINQUISHING HIS POST AS DIRECTOR of Hawai`i Department of Agriculture. Gov. Neil Abercrombie appointed the Volcano resident and state senator to the position in December 2010. 

      During his tenure as chief of the state Ag Department, Kokubun oversaw expenditures for improvements to Ka`u’s agricultural irrigation systems and an easing of restrictions for the shipping of Sharwil avocados.
      He also called for a nationwide system for monitoring, labeling and enforcing the labeling of all whole and processed genetically engineered foods. Kokubun said that while, in recent years, there has been a push to mandate the labeling of genetically engineered foods at the state level, “the enormity of such a task is beyond the scope and expertise of the various state agencies and would be better served if done at a national level. Furthermore, a national standard for labeling would provide consistent application across the states, making it easier to monitor and enforce and creating a level playing field for all food producers from farmers to processors.”
      Kokubun also showed support for the local coffee industry when it came to light that Safeway stores on the mainland were selling coffee without labels specifying how much Hawaiian coffee was in the blend. He sent a letter to Safeway asking the company to voluntarily comply with the law that is already in place in Hawai`i, requiring the blending percentages to be on the labels.

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

Iwao Yonemitsu, 90 years young, teaches students about the history of the Ka`u sugar industry. None of the students witnessed
the industry, which shut down more than17 years ago, before most of them were born. Photo by Julia Neal

NINETY-YEAR OLD IWAO YONEMITSU taught two back-to-back high school history classes this week at Ka`u High School. He shared the story of Ka`u’s sugar industry with young people, almost all of them unborn when sugar shut down in 1996 with the closing of the mill in Pahala. Yonemitsu used his history lesson to help teach economics. He talked about supply and demand in the sugar industry and how many jobs were created. Students could make money in the summer working in sugar or shipping out to Lana`i or Moloka`i to work in pineapple. He talked about the sugar camps where workers walked from their homes straight out to the fields. Entrepreneurs entered the picture, opening up stores for sugar workers with the Wong Yuens first starting in Na`alehu, the Chong Store in Pahala, and stores run by the sugar companies in Waibada, Honu`apo and Hilea. He talked about the many skills needed from chemist to welder to his job as an agronomist. He talked about the sugar company renting lands from others and paying according to yield. Kapapala land, up Wood Valley, was the best, said Yonemitsu. 

      Why did sugar close down? “Plain economics,” Yonemitsu said. “The cost of producing sugar exceeded the price. In business, you have to have a profit. Why would people put money into a losing business if they could make more money in the bank getting interest?” he asked the students. 

Ka`u High School students look at an old Ka`u sugar company yearbook, finding
 photos of grandparents, parents, uncles and aunties. Photo by Julia Neal

      He talked about other agriculture that exists today, such as ranching. At one time, the old Hutchinson Sugar Co. ran Ka`alu`alu Ranch with 5,000 acres, and Hawaiian Agriculture, which ran the sugar in Pahala, ran Kapapala Ranch with over 5,000 acres, he said.
      Yonemitsu also talked about progress in the lives of sugar workers and noted that houses were moved from the camps next to the sugar fields when centralized water and electricity became available in Pahala and Na`alehu. “What you see today and before is vastly different,” he reminded the students. He passed around sugar company books, some showing photos of the students’ grandparents, parents, aunties and uncles.
      The nonagenarian encouraged students to respect the visitor industry, which has expanded in Ka`u with the expansion of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. “A lot of people complain about tourists doing this and doing that. You need to treat the tourists right, or we’ll be in dire straits,” he said regarding the jobs provided by the visitor industry. 

      World War II and Yonemitsu’s service in the famed 442nd regiment were also presented as part of his class. See more in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.

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

Pahala Community Center hosts its annual Rubber Band
Turkey Shoot today.

THE ANNUAL THANKSGIVING RUBBER BAND TURKEY SHOOT takes place today from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. All ages are welcome. Call Nona at 928-3102. 

VOCALIST AND MUSICIAN DARLENE AHUNA performs today from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets at Royal Hawaiian Orchards Macadamia Field Office tomorrow at 4 p.m. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456. 

ST. JUDE’S CHURCH IN OCEAN VIEW hosts events this weekend. Saturday is the church’s annual plant sale fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will also be baked goods, coffee, books, gourmet mustards and slightly used items for sale.
      An interfaith service of thanksgiving takes place Sunday at 2 p.m. This interfaith service has been held in the Ka`u for many years. There will be speakers from the Christian Science church, the Tibetan Buddhist Mission, Wood Valley and Shepherds from Ka`u. There will be singing, hula and a joint potluck after the service. All are welcome to share in this special non-denominational service and bring some food to share.
      St. Jude’s church is at Paradise Circle and Keaka. 

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

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

Ka`u News Briefs, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013

A three-year old female nene focuses on fattening up for nesting season while her mate stands guard.
Photo from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

NENE ARE PAIRING UP IN HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK now through April. Park goers could get lucky and see geese couples flying overhead or grazing with goslings. While nene are present in the park year-round, this window of time is for breeding and nesting and vital for survival. During this season, female nene focus on building fat reserves in order to lay eggs and survive the 30-day incubation. A few females have started to nest in the park, and their mates are dutifully standing guard. Since onlookiers can unknowingly disturb nesting nene, the park may temporarily close certain areas to give nene families a break from human interference.

 Nene are pairing up at Hawai`i Volcanoes National
Park for the nesting season. Photo by Julia Neal

     “Nene are most vulnerable to vehicles this time of year. They are focused on eating and could be out foraging from dawn to dusk. They blend in with their surroundings, and in low-light periods, they are especially hard for motorists to spot,” said Kathleen Misajon, Nēnē Recovery Project manager.
     One critical stretch of highway where nene have been killed in the past is between Pahala and the park on Hwy 11 along the Kapalala Ranch and park boundaries.
     The park posted nene crossing signs to highlight key roadside areas that nene use. These include sections of Hwy 11, Crater Rim Drive, and Chain of Craters Road. Motorists are urged to use extra caution in signed nene crossing areas, and to obey posted speed limits.
     Nene are endangered, and in the mid-1940s, only 50 birds remained. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park began efforts to recover the species in the 1970s. The Nene Recovery Program continues today, and more than 200 birds thrive in the park from sea level to around 8,000 feet. As many as 2,000 or more nene exist statewide.
     “We’ve had a great deal of success protecting nene and maintaining the population in the park,” said Misajon. “But it is imperative that humans keep a respectful distance from the geese, especially during this sensitive time.”
     Visit http://www.nps.gov/havo/photosmultimedia/nene_psa.htm for more information. To report nene on the road in the park, call the park dispatch at 985-6001. Outside the park, call state Department of Land & Natural Resources at 974-4221.

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

AS THE KA`U COMMUNITY awaits the decision from the state Public Utilities Commission regarding whether to build a large refinery off of Wood Valley Road to process trees, shrubs and plants from 11,000 acres between Pahala and Na`alehu to manufacture biofuel, a story in the Los Angeles Times yesterday explains the military's willingness to pay high prices for biofuel.
     `Aina Koa Pono, with a number of its founders and promoters retired military officers, have said their end goal is to make biofuel for transportation, including the military. In the meantime, they hope to win approval for a 20 year contract to sell biofuel to Hawau`i Electric Light Company and Hawaiian Electric Co. at a reported $200 a barrel, which is much higher than the going rate for fossil fuel. Mayor Billy Kenoi said he wants cheaper not more expensive alternative energies and opposes the contract that would lock in energy prices to local ratepayers, with the county being HELCO’s biggest customer on this island. 

The AKP proposal to manufacture biofuel would mean switching pasture and possible future coffee lands to biofuel crops between
Pahala and Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

     The LA Times story by  Evan Halper story mentions the U.S. Navy powering ships near Hawai`i with experimental biofuels. "Executives at bioenergy startups in the Sand Francisco Bay Area, Chicago and elsewhere - and the venture capitalists backing them - had reason to cheer. The Obama administration has made the military, the largest consumer of energy in the country, a financial lifeline for cash-strapped alternative fuel innovators," reports the LA Times. "But the pilot voyage of the Navy's 'great green fleet' came with a troubling aspect: price." writes Halper.  "The fleet's green fuel costs $26 a gallon, several times more than conventional diesel and jet fuel. And the costly experiment came just as the military moved into an era of deep budget cuts. Republicans in Congress have howled over he price tag, and they're not alone. Some independent energy experts doubt the military's projections that spending on pioneering technology will yield sufficient benefits.

     "Pentagon officials argue that national security justifies the drive for new fuels, even at initially high prices. Remaining a the mercy of global oil markets poses too high a risk, they say, arguing that using military purchasing power to jump-start new industries eventually will make alternative fuel prices competitive."

      The story says that "critics contend the spending will line the pockets of lucky entrepreneurs, not bolster national defense of help the environment. The article quotes Ike Kiefer, a recently retired Navy captain and faculty member at the U.S. Air Force War College, who has spent the last few years studying the fuel purchases. "When you look at the absolute limits of what is possible, it doesn't work," he said. "This is not a question of waiting for another generation of technology." The LA Times also notes that the Rand Corp. "declared in a 2011 report commissioned by the Pentagon that "'there is no direct benefit to the Department of Defense or the services from using alternative fuels.'"
     The story also points out that government has historically taken these risks with success in boosting new industries: “In the 1890s, when the Navy built its first steel ships, the fleet paid double the price that European suppliers were offering to jump-start a domestic oil industry, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus recently wrote in Foreign Policy magazine, defending the biofuels effort. The transition from ships powered by sail to coal, coal to oil, and oil to nuclear would not have happened without upfront investment and faith in innovation, he wrote.

A living Bee Beard will be displayed at this weekend's
Honey Festival at Nani Mau Gardens.

     Reports the LA Times: “In that spirit, the administration is going ahead with plans to spend $510 million to help construct advanced biofuel plants. The Navy intends to start purchasing 170 million gallons of biofuel a year to meet its goal of getting half its energy from renewable sources by 2020.
     "In Pleasanton, Calif., Fulcrum BioEnergy was having a hard time attracting investors for plans to convert 550 tons of trash per day into fuel that can be poured directly into gas tanks — until the Navy stepped in. Now, the Pentagon is committing as much as $70 million to Fulcrum's plans. The military funding is contingent on companies attracting an equal amount from private investors, which Fulcrum now has.”
     The LA Times reports Ted Kniesche, a vice president at Fulcrum saying, "It is important these projects get built. It is not only for national security, but also reducing greenhouse gases. Government understands that." See more at www.latimes.com, For more on the biofuel proposal for Ka`u, see the state Public Utilities docket at http://puc.hawaii.gov/ and click on Trending Dockets and `Aina Koa Pono where all of the documents and letters from the public have been made available.
To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

HONEY FESTIVAL this Saturday at Nani Maui Gardens will feature over 130 entries of locally produced honey from the Big Island, O`ahu, Maui, Kaua`i and Moloka`i. During the event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 421 Makalika St., the Fourth Annual Statewide Hawai`i Honey Challenge will take place. Public tasting and competition for best honeys will be include the rare white kiawe honey, 17 comb honeys (including kiawe), and 93 liquid honeys. Twenty-three of the liquid varietals, include Mac Nut, Lehua, Albizia, Rambutan, Coffee, Avocado, and Eucalyptus honeys. Also being tasted in the competition are 70 multifloral honeys. All will be available to the public to taste, for free, and vote in the People's Choice competition. 

     Musical groups will play. Assistant state apiarist Lauren Rusert will demonstrate a "bee beard" on her face. The Hiccup Circus will perform for kids and adults. Also entertaining will be balloon makers, face painters, beekeepers with observation bee hives, the makers of the honey drink mead and beeswax candlemakers.
     Honey-themed pupus for purchase will include: honey pork sliders, ginger honey chicken wings with Asian soy reduction, honey corn dogs for the kids, shrimp skewers with honey-mustard sauce, honey pumpkin tarts with caramelized mac nut glaze, honey lemonade tea, and honey wines and beers.
To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

THE ANNUAL THANKSGIVING RUBBER BAND TURKEY SHOOT takes place Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. All ages are welcome. Call Nona at 928-3102.

VOCALIST AND MUSICIAN DARLENE AHUNA performs Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Ahuna is best known for her falsetto renditions of traditional Hawaiian, hula and hapa-haole standards. Bestowed with numerous Na Hoku Hanohano awards for her vocals, Ahuna is a mainstay at the Merrie Monarch Festival and has represented the island of Hawai`i while entrancing audiences in Japan and across the U.S. mainland. Part of Hawai`i Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” series. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT holds its next meeting at Royal Hawaiian Orchards Macadamia Field Office Thursday at 4 p.m. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

KAHUKU JUNIOR RANGER DAY IS THIS COMING SATURDAY, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers in exploring Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit and connecting the culture, people, and `aina through `oli, GPS and compass on a short and easy walk. Ka`ohu Monfort shares her knowledge and love of the island’s native medicinal plants and how they are used to heal and nourish. At least one adult must accompany the children. Free; registration required. Call 985-6019.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM