Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 15, 2014

A year ago today, Longs Drugs opened in Pahala and remains the only free standing pharmacy in Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

ACCEPTING PLANE TICKETS, HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS, FOOD AND CAMPAIGN CONSULTING SESSIONS from a super Political Action Committee drew reaction this morning from one of the three Hawai`i County Council candidates who seek to serve Ka`u, the election coming up Aug. 9. Candidate Richard Abbett said that he would refuse such an offer from Pacific Resource Partners, a super PAC that lobbies for development on behalf of the Hawai`i Carpenters Union and the construction industry. Sitting council members Dru Kanuha, Greggor Ilagan, and Valerie Poindexter (who sent her campaign manager) accepted funding from PRP for an April 12 workshop on O`ahu, according to a story by Nancy Cook Lauer in this morning's West Hawai`i Today. Council candidate Tiffany Hunt accepted a consultation session from PRP on this island, which is valued at $421.96 on her campaign expenditure report. Maile David accepted consultation sessions from PRP valued an $1197.13, according to the campaign expenditure report.
     David said she attended several consulting sessions with PRP on this island. She described them as "helpful," saying she was advised on "how to outreach, make time lines, schedule walking" in the community. She said she did not accept any airfare, hotel rooms or dining. "I run a clean campaign. In no way did I commit to any PRP positions. I would not involve myself in anything that would hurt my family and community," she said.

Richard Abbett said he will not take money from super PACs.
Photo by Julia Neal

    Abbett said this morning, "I am taken aback that people took their money" and services. He said he would not accept airline tickets, hotel rooms, dining and training by a super PAC, even if campaign advisors urged him to "take the money" or the consulting services.
    Said Abbett, "I don't have to ask someone else about my integrity. I don't need another person to determine my integrity. I would not take money for that reason." Abbett said that PRP wouldn't have asked him to "the training. I am not considered a political entity of value because I could not be influenced by the super PAC," he said. He contended that venues like super PAC training for candidates, "are not designed for discussion to produce creative solutions. They are to promote what they perceive to be in their members' interest."

     "I do not take lip from people who want to influence me. I am resistant to it, for good reason." Abbett said that he understands that the union leaders involved in the super PAC "have a reason to lobby for their people to keep them working." He said, however, that in their desire to create near-term employment, union leaders sometimes are unable to see into the future when some projects could be damaging to employment years from now.

     He noted that attempting to balance creation of jobs with a sustainable economy for local people can lead to political divisions. Abbett said that union jobs are not limited to traditional construction and manufacturing projects, like hotels, power plants and incinerators. He gave the example of construction and manufacturing jobs that could be created in the green industries sector. "New products and services could be created from our solid waste stream, including upcylced construction components made from discarded plastics, wood and metals," said Abbet. Jobs at a green industries park, contended Abbett, could be union and non-union with training opportunities and apprenticeships in the skilled trades of the unions. "This could create wealth from waste in our communities," he said. 

     Abbett also said that "solar, an industry that has already emerged and is leading the way," requires union-level skills in carpentry, electrical and metal working.

Pharmacist Leona Goda with clerk Donna Tsukamoto at
the Longs grand opening a year ago.
Photo by Julia Neal

     According to the Cook Lauer story, "Some in Hawai`i County worry that now that the $5 billion Honolulu rail project is moving forward, PRP is concentrating its efforts on another big project on Hawai`i Island, a multimillion-dollar garbage incinerator that Mayor Billy Kenoi calls likely to be the largest public works project built on the island to date." See more at westhawaiitoday.com.

    Council candidate Jim Wilson was unavailable to comment on this story.

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LONGS IS A YEAR OLD TODAY in Pahala. The CVS owned pharmacy opened on July 15, 2013 in the Pahala Shopping Center with a pharmacy and additional food, sundry and household items. Pharmacist is Leona Goda. Technicians are Jamie Gutierrez and Candrie Pascubillo. Clerk is Donna Tsukamoto. Office manager is Terri De Sa. Jeff Watts helps in front store. The store is constantly adjusting to fit the needs of the community, said De Sa. She said that Longs appreciates the community input. 

      Longs operated a pharmacy in Ka`u Hospital and was continually solicited to bring in more Longs items from the Hilo stores. With the closing of the restaurant at Pahala Shopping Center, Longs was able to renovate the space, with help from Taylor Built Construction and provide not only a Longs pharmacy but the larger store as well. Longs does not sell liquor, ice

cigarettes or fishing supplies and numerous other items found at the other two stores in Pahala. 

Austin Yurong, an avid pig hunter in Ka`u
forests, lost his life to a traffic accident
over the weekend. Photo from facebook.

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POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR WITNESSES to the traffic accident near the corner of Ginger Blossom Lane and Hwy 11 in Ocean View. Twenty-year old Austin Yurong, of Ocean View, died Sunday, following the one-vehicle accident Friday around 11 p.m. when he lost control of the pickup truck he was driving. It crashed into a lava embankment, veered back onto the highway, hit  lava again and rolled twice, winding up on its tires in an upright position, according to police reports. Yurong was thrown from the vehicle. He was taken to Kona Community Hospital and transferred to Queens Medical Center on O`ahu where he passed away. Anyone witnessing the accident, which, according to police, may have been related to speedy driving and possibly alcohol, can call Officer Larry Flowers at 326-4646, ext. 229. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HULA: AFTER DARK IN THE PARK TONIGHT,  from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, hosts Halau Hula Kamamolikolehua, with kumu hula Pohai Souza. Also on stage is Halau Hula Kalehuapuakea, with kumu hula Keu Ostrem. Halau Hula Kamaluokukui, under the direction of kumu hula Malina Kaulukukui will also perform. Music will be performed by Kualoa, featuring Kula Abiva and Poki`i Vaughan. The program is free; park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support After Dark programs.

INPUT ON THE FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE is urged from the public as Ka`u Hospital hosts an annual public meeting of East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors for Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. this Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m. Island residents are invited to attend; topics discussed will be specific to Ka`u and its surrounding community.
     Covered in a presentation will be an overview of services offered at Ka`u Hospital and its rural health clinic. The floor will be opened for comments and suggestions on providing healthcare for residents of East Hawai`i.For more information, call Terry Larson, Administration Secretary at 932-3103. 

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

HAWAIIAN FLAG DAY WILL BE CELEBRATED at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Thursday, July 31. The event is free, but entrance fees apply. Hawai`i celebrated its first national holiday on July 31, 1843, when the Kingdom of Hawai`i was restored. Kamehameha II, Kauikeaouli, proclaimed, "Ua mau ke ea o ka `aina i ka pono," the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness, which today is the state motto. The ceremony will be from 10 a.m. to noon.  To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, July 14, 2014

Participants at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's Cultural Festival at the Kahuku Unit Saturday got a chance to experience the new hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone called Pu`u o Lokuana. NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

THE WEATHER SYSTEM THAT PUMMELED KA`U last night has moved to the west. Remnants of Tropical Storm Fausto dumped several inches of rain on Ka`u and caused the National Weather Service to issue flash flood warnings. Locations in the warning included Wood Valley, Pahala, Punalu`u Beach, Punalu`u, Kawa Flats and Na`alehu.

A weather system with the potential to become a tropical storm is moving
into the central pacific. Image from National Weather Service.

      A flash flood warning means that flash flooding is imminent or already occurring. When such a warning is issued, campers and hikers should avoid low-lying flood prone areas. People should stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. The rainfall and runoff will cause hazardous driving conditions due to ponding, reduced visibility and poor braking action.
      Do not cross fast-flowing or rising water in vehicles or on foot. “Turn around, don’t drown,” is the National Weather Service’s advice.
      While the flash flood warning has been cancelled, weather forecasts say more heavy rain from the former storm could come in from the east today.
      Forecasters are also watching an area of disturbed weather centered about 1,550 miles east-southeast of Hilo. Slow development of this system is possible over the next couple of days while it moves to the west of west-northwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour. This system is expected to cross into the central Pacific on Wednesday. It has a 20 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone by early next week, according to forecasts.

U.S. Senate candidate Colleen Hanabusa
comes to Ka`u Sunday.

      For more information, see weather.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

COLLEEN HANABUSA COMES TO PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER this Sunday, July 20 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The congresswoman who is running for U.S. Senate against Brian Schatz will present Special Congressional Recognition Certificates to Ka`u Rural Health Academy students. The presentation will be followed by a talk story with community members. The public is invited. 

      A poster is circulating showing Hanabusa with Ka`u rancher Michelle Galimba, farmer and geothermal advocate Richard Ha, sponsored by Hanabusa for Hawai`i U.S. Senate. Her East Hawai`i campaign chair is former state Department of Agriculture chair Russell Kokubun. 

      See hanabusaforhawaii.com for more on Hanabusa’s campaign.

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

Red cinder is a prominent feature inside Pu`u o Lokuana.
NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK hosted the 34th annual Cultural Festival Saturday. The theme was Ka`u Hiehie I Ka Makani, which means Ka`u Regal in the Gales, referring to the multi-directional winds that cool the land in Kahuku.
      Participants enjoyed hula kahiko and music, watched skilled practitioners demonstrate their art, tried their hand at Hawaiian crafts and tasted traditional Hawaiian foods. Performers included Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning singer and `ukulele artist Diana Aki, known as the Songbird of Miloli`i, Kumu Hula Mamo Brown and Halau Ulumamo o Hilo Paliku, falsetto singer Kai Ho`opi`i, kupuna hula by Haunani Medeiros and more.

      The national park also offered two hikes during the festival, including the new Pu`u o Lokuana hike that took participants to the top of the cinder cone for breathtaking views of lower Ka`u.

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RANDY RUIS, OF OCEAN VIEW, IS RUNNING as a non-partisan candidate in state Representative District Five. He provided information about his views to the League of Women Voters.

      Ruis, a teacher at Konawaena High School since 2003, taught Driver Education for many years. He said there are many transportation issues that he would like to address. Chief among them are roadside rest stations for the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park/Ka`u/Kona corridor.

      “Residents and visitors have faced the challenge of locating a restroom while making the 96-mile drive to Volcanoes National Park, the number one attraction on the island,” Ruis said. “After passing the restrooms at Manuka Park, in either direction, there is not another restroom facility on the Belt Highway until Captain Cook or Wai`ohinu.” He said he believes that residents and tourists alike deserve clean, well maintained sanitary rest stations and that everyone will benefit from these added facilities. He added that the parking lot areas could serve a dual purpose as emergency landing pads for rescue helicopters, which he said is especially important for residents of rural Ka`u and South Kona.

Randy Ruis, candidate for state House
of Representatives, District Five

      “Healthcare Services for our rural community are of primary importance,” Ruis said. “There has been talk about a new hospital for North Kona. It is important that services now offered at our hospital in Kealakekua are not discontinued, requiring residents to leave our district in order to receive medical treatment.”
      Ruis said that, as a teacher, he is a supporter of public education and charter schools. He is a member of Hawai`i State Teachers Association and also supports organized labor and rights to negotiate fair contracts.
      Ruiz can be contacted at randyruis@hotmail.com.
      See lwv-hawaii.org.

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MEASUREMENTS FROM SPACE OF CARBON DIOXIDE on Earth could be helpful in detecting volcanic restlessness, according the latest issue of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Volcano Watch. The article explains that volcanic CO2 is associated with magma supply, and volcanoes can release significant amounts of CO2 during large eruptions.
      The article discusses the mission of the recently launched Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, or OCO-2, to map distribution of CO2 in Earth’s atmosphere, on a continuing basis, for at least two years. The mission’s chief goal is to gather information about Earth’s carbon cycle — a global-scale topic with many variables.

      “In general, human activity and some processes of nature act as CO2 sources, pumping huge amounts of this greenhouse gas into the atmosphere, while other processes occurring in the oceans and on land act as sinks, removing it,” the article explains.

Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2, at right, joins other Earth-monitoring
satellites. Photo from HVO courtesy of NASA

      “Studies have shown convincingly that before the industrial age, human sources of CO2 were small, compared with the carbon-removing influence of vegetation, oceans and other natural processes. Modern carbon inventories indicate that the balance has been tipped the other way: we’re putting more Co2 into the air than Earth processes can practically remove.
      “OCO-2 will attempt to unravel this mystery through its mapping of the amount and location of CO2 in Earth’s atmosphere at an unprecedented level of precision and sensitivity. This feat, if accomplished, will produce a better quantitative understanding of regional CO2 sources and sinks.
      However, the article says, “even if the OCO-2 mission is wildly successful, challenges will remain for applying these CO2 maps to volcanoes. Although the OCO-2 should, theoretically, be able to see fairly small CO2 concentration differences on the Earth’s surface, the detection footprint (as small as one square mile) is of the same order as the central crater of many volcanoes where CO2 is emitted. And once volcanic CO2 is released to the atmosphere, it begins to disperse and dilute, making it harder to detect.”
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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AFTER DARK IN THE PARK FEATURES HULA PERFORMANCES tomorrow from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 

      Honolulu's Halau Hula Kamamolikolehua, under the direction of kumu hula Pohai Souza, shares hula hula `auana. Also on stage are Halau Hula Kalehuapuakea, with kumu hula Keu Ostrem, and Halau Hula Kamaluokukui, under the direction of kumu hula Malina Kaulukukui. Music is performed by Kualoa, featuring Kula Abiva and Poki`i Vaughan.
      The program is free; park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support After Dark programs.

KA`U HOSPITAL HOSTS THE ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING of East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors for Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. this Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m. Island residents are invited to attend; topics discussed will be specific to Ka`u and its surrounding community.
      An overview of services offered at Ka`u Hospital and its rural health clinic will be presented prior to opening up the floor for comments and suggestions on providing healthcare for residents of East Hawai`i.
      For more information, call Terry Larson, Administration Secretary at 932-3103.

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 Sunday, July 13, 2014

Courtney Okinishi takes first in the women's traditional division at Kapapala Ranch yesterday, where Hawai`i Island Archery club held a tournament. Photo from Royden Okinishi

THE FLEDGLING KA`U BRANCH of Hawai`i Farmers Union United held an organizing meeting last night at Ka`u Coffeehouse in Na`alehu, and David Case, the statewide secretary of the organization, reviewed the history of the national Farmers Union United founded in 1902.
      He said that the Farmers Union is unrelated to labor unions, predating them. He said Farmers Union United was formed to help family farms with such efforts as getting products to market. He said it was founded at a time when the name “union” meant cooperating, as with electrical co-ops that were organizing to bring energy to farms across the nation. Union was a commonly used term and often used to refer to the country, the United States.

State Rep. Richard Creagan encourages small
farmers to become involved in the political process.

      Case described the organization as a “bottoms up” group where leaders represent members and do not act on their own without discussion and approval by members. He said conflict of interest rules prevent leaders from using the organization for personal benefit.
      He said the Farmers Union is set up to protect and benefit small family farms. He contrasted its history with the American Farm Bureau, which he contended was “founded by the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts” to serve corporate agriculture, with different goals than the Farmers Union.
      Case said Hawai`i Farmers Union is approaching 500 members. Membership is $45 a year, with $5 going to the national organization, which has offices in Washington, D.C.
      Legislation, education and enterprise are priorities, he said. The organization is increasingly involved at Hawai`i state Legislature each year.
      State Rep. Richard Creagan, who is acting vice-president of the Ka`u branch, said it is important for small farmers to become more involved in the political process. County Council candidate Richard Abbett, who is acting treasurer of the Ka`u branch, said later that he is volunteering his services to help at the Legislature as he has extensive experience in advocating on behalf of community organizations at state Legislatures.
      The meeting also included a presentation on fig farming in Ka`u and a discussion on possible products from hardy and pesky plants, from Christmas berry to guava and “Hawaiian oregano.”
      Ka`u Natural Farming practices and ideas came from speaker Richard Perea.
      See hfuuhi.org.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A new report offers suggestions on improving Hawai`i
Island's transportation systems.

“DESPITE THE GEOGRAPHICAL COMPLEXITIES associated with islandwide transportation connectivity and accessibility, there are a number of optimizing cost-effective technological innovations available both in public transit and through the private sector.” This is the conclusion of a report by the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment for The Kohala Center. 

      According to the report, while the average public transit commute time for rural areas is 50 minutes, Hawai`i Island’s average is 68 minutes.
      The report calls for improvements to the Hele-On bus system to increase ridership and reduce personal vehicle use. Suggestions include redesigning routes with more direct and express trips, clearly defining stops and scheduling service to optimize times and peak hours.
      Improving communication would also increase Hele-On ridership, the report says. It suggests upgrading and redesigning the mass transit system’s web page to make it user-friendly, interactive and intuitive. It also calls for clear signs at designated bus stops, clear and more intuitive route mapping, major communication campaigns when changes are made and web and mobile phone applications with GPS tracking of vehicles.
      Car-share and ride-share services would also reduce the number of personal vehicles on roads, the report states. It suggests engaging the business community to introduce such programs and implementing car-share services in existing rental car agencies.
      The report, Expanding Transportation Opportunities on Hawai`i Island, is available at deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/106554/Hawaii%20Transit_Final_for%20distribution_2014.pdf?sequence=1.

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

Eight-man football returns to Ka`u High in the upcoming school year.
Photo by Dave Berry

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL TROJANS’ EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL TEAM will have more opportunities to play in the upcoming season. Following Ka`u High’s pioneering effort in fielding Hawai`i Island’s first eight-man team when there weren’t enough players for an 11-man team last season, Pahoa and Kohala plan to have eight-man teams this year, reports J.R. De Groote, of West Hawai`i Today. 

      While there are still not enough leagues to have an official eight-man football state championship, Ka`u athletic director Kalei Namohala told De Groote she has spoken with Maui Interscholastic League’s coordinator about the possibility of a champion vs. champion post-season matchup.
      “I’m glad that we got to do eight-man last year,” Namohala said. “I’m so proud of our kids, coaches and community that embraced it. I believe in helping our students succeed in life through whatever positive means available and within our limitations.”

      See westhawaiitoday.com.

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

U.S. SENS. BRIAN SCHATZ AND MAZIE HIRONO are cosponsors of the Protect Women’s Health from Corporate Interference Act that Schatz said “would protect families from corporate interference and make sure that employers cannot deny women essential health benefits mandated by federal law,” including birth control coverage.



      “Corporations aren’t people, and they should not be given Constitutional rights,” Schatz said. “The health and welfare of people should always come before corporations. Our bill will ensure women have the right to make personal health care decisions for themselves and their families.”

      In a divided decision regarding a case brought by owners of Hobby Lobby stores, the U.S. Supreme Court last month ruled that closely held private corporations can impose their religious beliefs on women by denying them birth control coverage as part of their health insurance.

Archers like Courtney Okinishi shot their arrows at targets
representing game during a tournament at Kapapala.
Photo from Royden Okinishi

      Hirono denounced the Supreme Court’s five-to-four decision. “The Supreme Court based this decision on the fact that Hobby Lobby is a ‘closely held corporation,’ and therefore the religious liberty of the humans who own and control the corporation must be protected,” she said. “I disagree with the five Justices’ interpretation of the applicable federal law and will join my colleagues to overturn this decision so that women who work for companies like Hobby Lobby will have access to health care coverage to which they are entitled.”

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

COURTNEY OKINISHI, of Pahala, took first place in the women’s traditional division at Hawai`i Island Archery Club’s tournament at Kapapala Ranch yesterday. Alan Moores, of Pahala, took first in the seniors’ division. The archers shoot at targets designed to look like game across the pastures and woodlands of the ranch. 

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee’s meeting tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church.

VOLUNTEERS WHO WANT TO PARTICIPATE in Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Forest Restoration Project on Friday, July 18 must register by tomorrow. The non-profit invites volunteers to remove knotweed and other invasive plants in an area of Mauna Loa strip. To register, call 352-1402.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK PRESENTS HULA PERFORMANCES Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

      Halau Hula Kamamolikolehua, under the direction of kumu hula Pohai Souza, shares hula hula `auana. Also on stage are Halau Hula Kalehuapuakea, with kumu hula Keu Ostrem, and Halau Hula Kamaluokukui, under the direction of kumu hula Malina Kaulukukui. Music is performed by Kualoa, featuring Kula Abiva and Poki`i Vaughan.
      The program is free; park entrance fees apply. $2 donations support After Dark programs.

KA`U HOSPITAL HOSTS THE ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING of East Hawai`i Regional Board of Directors for Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. this Saturday, July 19 at 2 p.m. Island residents are invited to attend this meeting, which will be specific to Ka`u and its surrounding community.
      An overview of services offered at Ka`u Hospital and its rural health clinic will be presented prior to opening up the floor for comments and suggestions on the provision of healthcare for the residents of East Hawai`i.
      For more information, call Terry Larson, Administration Secretary at 932-3103.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.