Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, April 26, 2014

Rick Makanaaloha Kia`imeaokekanaka San Nicolas, seen here with the late Uncle George Na`ope, is Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's first Artist-in-Residence. Photo from the Artist

STATE HOUSE AND SENATE CONFEREES at the state Legislature have struck a balance on several conference drafts. The bills now go to the full Senate and House for a final floor vote. 

      “The Legislature for the third year in a row worked efficiently and effectively to end conference negotiations on time,” said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. “In the past, certain bills required extending the deadline for negotiations. Efficiency is important to the Senate as we continue to do work for the people of Hawai`i.”

Sen. David Ige confers with Rep. Sylvia Luke during a conference committee meeting.

      Senate Bill 2609 would boost the income of Hawai`i’s lowest paid workers. The final version of the bill increases the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 over the next four years. For workers who earn at least $7 more than the minimum wage, businesses can deduct a 75 cents tip credit. The current tip credit is 50 cents.
       HB1700 includes funding for core services such as education, health, the University of Hawai`i, human services, the environment, public safety and supporting and caring for Hawai`i’s people. Lawmakers reduced Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s executive budget request by $173 million in general funds over fiscal biennium 2013-15. The governor’s $200 million budget request for FY2015 was cut down to $65.7 million.
      Funding for capital improvement projects amounted to just over $5 billion, of which $2.3 billion is funded in general obligation or reimbursable bonds. This number includes the lapse and reauthorization of $339 million in GO Bonds for the State Educational Facilities Improvement Fund. The budget includes $40 million for grant-in-aid.
       “Education was a real winner in this bill,” said Sen. David Ige. “We were able to make key investments at every level, ensuring that our students have the best access to quality education. We also made investments to protect our agriculture lands by adding positions to the pesticides branch in the Department of Agriculture, funded many key programs in other areas and closed on time with a balanced and fair budget despite challenges.”
      Priorities at this year’s state Legislature were supporting Hawai`i’s kupuna and protecting the environment.
      HB1713 SD2 and SB2346 SD1 HD2 supports Hawai`i’s kupuna through funding of aging, long-term care and investor education programs.
       HB1714 establishes an interagency sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation committee under the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
      The final joint majority package bill, HB1716, which appropriates $5 million to the Hawai`i Invasive Species Council for invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research, and planning, passed out of committee earlier this month.
      See capitol.hawaii.gov for more information on these and other bills.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u's U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, seated at right, met with South Korea President
Park Geun-hye. Photo from Office of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD and senior congressional leaders have returned from Asia where they met with key leaders in Japan, South Korea, and China to discuss regional security challenges, economic opportunity, and matters relating to international trade. 

      The focus of the visits April 18 – 24 occurred on the eve of President Barack Obama’s visit to the region, with an objective to build and strengthen ties in the Asia-Pacific Region.
      Prior to their departure to Asia, Gabbard hosted the congressional delegation led by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in Hawai`i and coordinated a roundtable discussion at U.S. Pacific Command to discuss the unique dynamics in the region and the important role Hawai`i plays.
      “Hawai`i plays a significant role in the growth of the Asia-Pacific region, and meeting face-to-face with leaders on their home soil is critical to building lasting partnerships that are based on common ground and mutual respect,” said Gabbard, who serves on the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees. “These substantive dialogues and relevant site visits have reinforced the need for the U.S. to continue its focus and investment in the region.”
      Gabbard toured Korea’s Demilitarized Zone, the strip of land that serves as a buffer between North and South Korea, and met with U.S. and South Korean troops serving there.
      Later, when meeting with President Park Geun-hye in Seoul, Gabbard offered personal condolences to Park on behalf of the people of Hawai`i for the tragic loss of life in the recent ferry incident.
      While in Japan, Gabbard met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Defense Minister Onodera, Foreign Minister Kishida and members of the Diet.
      Gabbard and the congregational delegation also visited Beijing, China and met with Premier Li Keqiang, National People’s Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhang Dejiang, Vice Chairman Ji Bingxuan, as well as Senior NPC Representatives and Committee Chairpersons.

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

Recent recipients of iCAN certificates are, from left, Geraldine Ramos, Renilda Ramos,
Jeanie Jara, Emily Baloaen and Lono Grace. Not pictured are Brandy Cordeiro and
Leslie Rosario. Photo from KRHCAI

KA`U RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. is offering its iCAN program to interested Ka`u residents. In the Individualized Career Achievement Network, students prepare for careers in agriculture, energy and health care through improving skills in reading, writing, math and computers. At each level of achievement, they receive certificates. The longer-term goal is receiving a National Career Readiness Certificate. The 120-hour program is self-paced, depending on one’s needs and placement after an initial assessment. 

      For more information, see krhcai.com or call 928-0101.

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

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NATIONAL PARKS ARTS FOUNDATION, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park launches its first Artist-in-Residence program in May. The debut artist is master of Hawaiian featherwork, Rick Makanaaloha Kia`imeaokekanaka San Nicolas.
      San Nicolas, whose feather work is currently on display at Volcano House, provides an After Dark in the Park exhibit and discussion about his artwork on Tuesday, May 6 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Admission is free, and park entrance fees apply.
      The Artist-in-Residence program continues the legacy of volcano-inspired artists and provides a creative setting in the park, said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.

      San Nicolas grew up in Hawai`i and is founder of the George Na`ope Hula Festival. He was recently bestowed with the title of Ke Kumu Hulu Nui, Master of Hawaiian Featherwork of Old Hawai`i, by another celebrated cultural icon, kumu hula Kaha`i Topolinski. Aunty Doreen Henderson, Hawai`i’s famous kumu of lei hulu, has also honored San Nicolas with the title of Master Featherworker.
      “We are thrilled to offer Rick the mutually beneficial opportunity to cultivate his creativity in the remarkable setting of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park,” Orlando said. “The arts are an integral way to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and its deep connection to this sacred landscape.”
      The nonprofit National Parks Arts Foundation developed the Artist-in-Residence program as a way for artists to be inspired and appreciate national parks while giving back to the National Park Service. The NPAF programs are proposed for 15 locations in national parks and World Heritage Sites in the U.S. For information, see nationalparkartsfoundation.org.

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TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY is the Ka`u Coffee Festival sixth annual Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 10. Enjoy free music and hula all day long as Ka`u Coffee farmers provide a special opportunity to taste and purchase their beans. Meet Miss Ka`u Coffee and her court. Discover what the many vendors have to offer in local crafts, food, games and, of course, more Ka`u coffee. Meet award-winning growers and their families while tasting a variety of their Ka`u coffees. Discover locally made arts and crafts. Support local community organizations by purchasing food, drinks and desserts. Stop by informational booths and learn more about the natural and cultural resources of Ka`u. 

      Enjoy a guided tour of Ka`u Coffee farms and Ka`u Coffee Mill while learning how famous Ka`u Coffees are hand-cultivated and carefully processed. $20 per person.
      At the Ka`u Coffee Experience, taste Ka`u Coffee prepared with a variety of methods by professionals and learn their secrets to a perfect cup. $5 per person.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, April 25, 2014

Jamie Kailiawa and Wailau Ryder entertain coffee enthusiasts at Specialty Coffee Association of America's convention in Seattle today. Photo by Julia Neal

A CONFERENCE COMMITTEE of state House and Senate legislators has agreed to a bill that would authorize limited meetings where any number of County Council members may attend a board’s or community group’s event to discuss council business, provided that certain requirements are met.

Hawai`i's lawmakers are in the final days of this year's legislative session, with
adjournment on Thursday, May 1.

      The law currently limits the number of council members who can attend such events. If there are enough council members at the same place for a quorum, they could violate the Sunshine Law. In Hawai`i County, which has nine council members, no more than four can attend an event together or meet to discuss official business. The purpose of the law is to restrict council members’ interactions to their regular meetings so that decision-making takes place there.
      The bill would require council members to give public notice six days in advance, avoid making any decisions, not meet outside Hawai`i and not try to circumvent the Sunshine Law’s purpose.
      The bill states, “The Legislature finds that county council members are hindered in communicating with constituents and understanding community concerns because they are subject to the sunshine law, restricting the number of members permitted to attend and discuss council business at community meetings or similar events. Constituents often do not understand that the limited number of council members attending is due to a restriction rather than to a lack of interest by members. At the same time, members of the public are concerned about the potential for abuse of the public’s right to know and participate in the policy making process if protections provided by the sunshine law are removed.”
      The stated purpose of the bill is “to balance these opposing interests and allow greater communication with the public, subject to appropriate limitations, through the establishment of a limited meeting where any number of county council members may attend a community group’s meeting to discuss council business; provided that no decision or commitments to vote are made by the council members.” 

      HB2139 would be in effect until June 30, 2016.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u's state legislators, including Rep. Richard Creagan, are
completing conference committee meetings at the state Capitol.

STATE LEGISLATORS ARE WRAPPING UP THEIR WORK on conference committees, with many bills in their final form to be voted on next week before the 2014 Legislature adjourns on Thursday. 

      Ka`u’s Rep. Richard Onishi and Sen. Russell Ruderman are on a committee discussing SB2920, which would establish and appropriate funds for a little fire ant pilot project administered by Hawai`i County Department of Parks & Recreation, an LFA canine detection team pilot project and public awareness and education campaign to address the LFA threat in Hawai`i.
      Ka`u’s Rep. Richard Creagan and Ruderman are on a committee discussing SB 2934, which would require the Public Utilities Commission to establish community-based renewable energy tariffs that would allow electric utility customers to own portions of a renewable energy facility that sells electricity to the electric utility. It would allow an electric utility, or anyone, to propose a community-based renewable energy project for approval by the PUC.
      Ruderman is also on a committee discussing HB2109, which would establish a five-year, evidence-based, physical-activity and nutritional-education pilot program within the A+ Program in Hawai`i’s public elementary schools.
      Ka`u Sen. Josh Green is on the committee working on HB1713, which would appropriate general funds to provide ongoing financial support to healthy aging programs and services. It would require the Executive Office on Aging to conduct a public education and awareness campaign on long-term care and appropriate general funds for its support and evaluation.
      Status of these and other bills can be tracked at capitol.hawaii.gov.

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

Kea Keolanui and singer Wailau Ryder represent Ka`u and Rainbow Falls coffee today
through Sunday at Seattle Convention Center. Photo by Julia Neal

MEET THE HAWAIIANS IS THE THEME of Ka`u Coffee Mill’s booth at the Specialty Coffee Association of America convention in Seattle. 

      Jamie Kailiawa, of Pahala’s Halau Hula O Leionalani, and Wailau Ryder presented hula and Hawaiian music to attendees today. Bull Kailiawa was also on hand, sharing his knowledge of growing award-winning coffee.
      Events at the convention include the World Barista Championship, U.S. Cup Tasters Championship, Roasters Choice Tasting Competition and Roasters Guild Coffees of the Year Competition.

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

“WE NEED A ‘TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE’ APPROACH to renewable energy options,” says state Board of Agriculture member Richard Ha on his blog at hahaha.hamakuasprings.com. “They need to be socially sustainable, environmentally sustainable, and economically sustainable.
      “Social sustainability has largely been ignored in many approaches to renewable energy solutions,” Ha writes. “The Big Island has the lowest median family income in the state, and that is not socially sustainable. Hawaiians leaving their ancestral lands in greater and greater numbers in order to look for work is not socially sustainable.

      “We need to pay more attention to this. Finding solutions that give folks on the lowest rungs of the economic ladder more spending money will benefit all of us, because two-thirds of our economy is made up of consumer spending.
      “Energy and agriculture are inextricably tied together, and the agricultural industry is vulnerable because of its dependency on energy. Nitrogen fertilizer, plastics, chemicals, etc., are all byproducts of petroleum.
      “What can we do to dodge the bullet? We can maximize the resources we have available to us here in a sustainable way.
      “On the energy side, we have geothermal, which will be available to us, according to the scientists, for 500,000 years. On the ag side, we have a year-long growing season. These are both huge advantages. We need to leverage them so we have a competitive advantage over the rest of the world.
      “Geothermal electricity puts us on the right side of the cost curve. And as natural gas prices rise, we will be able to competitively make hydrogen. We can use that hydrogen for transportation, as well as to manufacture nitrogen fertilizer.
      “In the ag industry, we should be maximizing technology to help us with disease and insect control, thereby lessening our dependency on natural gas.
      “Our tourism industry is also at risk as jet fuel rises in cost. But with the same low-cost electricity that helps our farmers and their customers, we would lower the walk-around cost of the average tourist’s budget. This would both support our tourism industry and bring money into our local economy.

      “In the final analysis, we can no longer think and act in silence. We need a long-range systems approach, based on the three pillars of sustainability – social sustainability, environmental sustainability, and economic sustainability. 

      “The triple sustainability bottom line approach is a long-term, pono approach that does the right thing for us as well as future generations. It sets us up to be more competitive to the rest of the world.”

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

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. meets today at 5 p.m. at Hawaiian Ranchos offices. For more information, email fda@alohabroadband.net.
JULIE EVANS AND LOIS AND EARL STOKES teach Advanced Zentangle: White on Black, tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus. Register at 967-8222. 

AS PART OF VOLCANO ART CENTER’S Merrie Monarch celebration, Caren Loebel-Fried gives a printmaking demonstration and signs books tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL EVENTS begin a week from today with a Pa`ina & Open House at historic Pahala Plantation House on Friday, May 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event includes music, hula with Halau Hula O Leionalani, food and house tours.
      Donations will be accepted for Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholarship Fund. Hosted by Pahala Plantation Cottages, Ka`u Chamber of Commerce and The Ka`u Calendar newspaper. kaucoffeefest.com for more information on this and more events.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, April 24, 2014

Representatives of Ka`u Coffee Mill and The Ka`u Calendar are in Seattle today getting ready for the 2014 Specialty Coffee Association
of America international event at Seattle Convention Center. Among those attending are, from left, Ed Olson, land manager John Cross,
coffee farmer Bull Kailiawa (and Jamie Kailiawa, not shown), Chief Ka`u Coffee Mill Roaster Kalikoweo Keolanui-Daniele,
Ka`u Coffee Mill manager Louis Daniele and The Ka`u Calendar publisher Julia Neal.

A PHYSICIAN'S RESIDENCY PROGRAM that could help fund doctors to serve Ka`u patients through Hilo Medical Center has received funding from the state Legislature. A conference committee yesterday came up with a compromise between the last House and Senate versions of the item in HB1700, the state budget.

Mufi Hannemann is running for
governor. Photo by Julia Neal

      HMC requested $2.8 million in state funding to run the program, and the Legislature approved $2 million. It now awaits approval from Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
      “Thank you to everyone who helped work on this important program, also to our Hawai`i Island delegates and all our good people who work for the state of Hawai`i so hard,” said Lori Rogers, Executive Director of Hilo Medical Center Foundation. “We know you listen to us.”
      The program received accreditation in October and accepted its first class of resident physicians last month.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

MUFI HANNEMANN IS RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR. Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports that the former mayor of Honolulu will be a candidate of the newly formed Hawai`i Independent Party. Hannemann will be on the general election ballot Nov. 4.
      According to reporter Derrick DePledge, Hannemann is counting on the Democratic and Republican candidates splitting the vote, which could allow him to win with a plurality.
      Sen. David Ige is challenging Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic primary on Aug. 9, and former Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona is expected to run on the Republican ticket.
      “I think clearly people are not happy with the way both major parties sometimes push folks to accept party platforms — or the rigidity of party platforms — either having to appeal to the far left or the far right,” Hannemann told DePledge. “I’ve always been a moderate. I’ve always been a centrist. I’ve always been independent.
      “And I’ve always done better in general elections where more people vote and I’m able to appeal to people across the spectrum.”
      Hannemann lost the gubernatorial race to Gov. Neil Abercrombie in the 2010 Democratic primary and the U.S. Congress race to U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in the 2012 Democratic primary.
      See staradvertiser.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS SIGNED HOUSE BILL 2275 (Act 26), a measure to increase protection of distressed homeowners against predatory mortgage rescue fraud. Act 26 expands the definition of “distressed property consultant” to anyone who represents or assists those who provide distressed property consultant services for an advance fee.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signs a bill that increases protection of homeowners from
predatory mortgage rescue fraud. Photo from Office of the Governor

      It also clarifies that attorneys exempt from this definition must be licensed by, and engaged in the practice of law in, the state of Hawai`i.
      “We want those who prey upon the fears and vulnerability of homeowners to know we will not allow them to take advantage of Hawai`i’s people,” Abercrombie said. “Hawai`i’s homeowners will benefit from this legislation by further conforming our laws to federal regulations.”
      Act 26 aligns Hawai`i law with the Federal Trade Commission’s Mortgage Assistance Relief Services rule adopted in 2010, assisting the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Office of Consumer Protection in enforcing the mortgage rescue fraud law against all persons involved in a scheme, such as the alleged scam announced last week that OCP believes may have affected more than 500 Hawai`i homeowners.
      Anyone who believes they may have been the victim of a mortgage rescue scam may file a complaint with the OCP by contacting the Consumer Resource Center at 808-587-4272 or cca.hawaii.gov/ocp.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Na`alehu Volunteer Fire Department used its recently acquired red truck to fight
Tuesday's brushfire at Punalu`u. Photo by Ron Johnson

MOP-UP OPERATIONS CONTINUED yesterday after Tuesday’s brushfire that scorched 12 acres at Punalu`u. Winds of 25 – 35 miles per hour fed the fire and took it from a coastal area south of the beach park toward Colony One condominiums. Crews remained on the scene throughout Tuesday night to douse any flare-ups.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ENERGY INNOVATION COMES TO THE BIG ISLAND is the title of a recent article by Life of the Land Director Henry Curtis on his Ililani Media. Curtis reports on discussions held at the March meeting of Hawai`i County Energy Advisory Commission.
      Curtis reports that Hawai`i County, Hawai`i Electric Light Company and Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai`i Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to test energy storage devices.
      Hawai`i County Energy Coordinator Will Rolston said, “There’s a PV system provided under a Department of Energy grant” which will provide 30 kilowatts of power to companies so they can test their energy storage systems.”
      He added that “HELCO will be responsible for comparing that technology to other technologies so it will be a kind of verification of costs, how it works, how it can be deployed on the grid.”

Henry Curtis, Director of Life of the Land

      According to Curtis, NELHA will provide space for pre-commercial demonstration projects and 16 companies have expressed interest.
      Community Solar is another innovation discussed at the meeting. In this system, utility customers could buy shares in a renewable energy facility built to easily integrate into the HELCO grid, according to Curtis. “Customers would see a decrease in their utility bill based on the amount of energy produced by their share in the renewable energy facility,” he says.
      Steve Burns, the county’s first energy coordinator, said Community Solar would need to be approved by the Public Utilities Commission; that promoting the concept “would have to be pursued from a policy standpoint at the regulatory arena.”
      Curtis reports that David De Luz, Jr., Chair of the Hawai`i County Energy Advisory Commission, “noted the value of looking at the Big Picture and engaging the community.” De Luz said, “The concept is not to be siloed. Does it make it more difficult to stay focused in regards to some of the outcomes? There’s no doubt. Does it create questions that lead to more questions? Definitely. But I believe the exercise in itself in being able to engage is probably where we need to get to, so people are more vested in wanting it to continue.”
      See ililanimedia.blogspot.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

REPRESENTATIVES OF Ka`u Coffee Mill and The Ka`u Calendar are in Seattle today getting ready for the 2014 Specialty Coffee Association of America international event at Seattle Convention Center. Among those attending are Ed Olson, land manager John Cross, coffee farmer Bull Kailiawa, Jamie Kailiawa, Chief Ka`u Coffee Mill Roaster Kalikoweo Keolanui-Daniele, Ka`u Coffee Mill manager Louis Daniele and The Ka`u Calendar publisher Julia Neal. They will be joined by Hawaiian singer and musician Wailau Ryder, Bob Makuakane and family and other Seattle-area supporters of Ka`u Coffee.

      Hawai`i Coffee Association member and broker Chris Manfredi will also attend, along with Ka`u Coffee Specialty broker Malian Lahey and representatives of other award-winning coffee farms.

      The event opens tonight and runs through Sunday afternoon. Several Ka`u Coffees are entered in roasting competitions.

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

Melia Taganas competes for the title of Miss Aloha Hula today
at Merrie Monarch. Photo from Moku O Keawe Intl. Festival

MELIA KAU`IKEONALANI CARMEN TAGANAS, of Pahala, competes in the Miss Aloha Hula contest at Merrie Monarch today. Taganas, a member of Halau Na Le Hiwahiwa `O Ku`ualoha under the direction of Kumu Hula Sammye Ann Ku`ualoha Young, will perform hula kahiko, hula `auana and oli (chanting).
      The contest is to be televised on KFVE beginning at 5:45 p.m. from Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium in Hilo.

HIKI NO HIGHLIGHTS SEGMENTS BY STUDENTS from Ka`u High School, Volcano School of Arts & Sciences and Kua O Ka La in Miloli`i. The show airs this evening at 7:30 p.m. on PBS Channel 10.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK CONTINUES its celebration of Merrie Monarch this week with programs at Kilauea Visitor Center. All programs are part of Hawai`i Volcanoes’ ongoing `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work workshops and take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
      The following programs take place tomorrow:

• Kapa maker Kuuleimomi Makuakane-Salave`a shares the art of kapa making.
• Members of `Aha Puhala o Puna perpetuate the ancient art of lauhala weaving.
• Lito Arkangel plays his original compositions and Hawaiian favorites.

Participants learn Advanced Zentangle Saturday.
Photo from VAC

      All programs are free; park entrance fees apply.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. meets tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Hawaiian Ranchos offices. For more information, email fda@alohabroadband.net.

JULIE EVANS AND LOIS AND EARL STOKES teach Advanced Zentangle: White on Black, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus. Register at 967-8222.

THE DEADLINE TO ENTER the Ka`u Coffee Festival’s Triple C Recipe Contest is coming up on Wednesday, April 30. The contest takes place on Sunday, May 4 at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Participants can earn up to $500 in prizes for the best recipes in adult and student categories. The registration form can be printed out from these Ka`u News Briefs or from kaucoffeefestival.com.
      For more information, call Ka`u Coffee Mill at 928-0550.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.