Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014

Ka`u residents testified at the County Council's Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee meeting Thursday regarding naming of the new Ka`u Gymnasium & Disaster Shelter. Photo by Pearl Mokuhali`i

MORE THAN 20 KA`U RESIDENTS AND FORMER RESIDENTS attended a meeting of Hawai`i County Council’s Committee on Public Works & Parks and Recreation Thursday regarding naming of the new Ka`u Disaster Shelter & Gymnasium. The residents supported naming the facility after Principal Laurence J. Capellas, Sr. and state Rep. Bob Herkes. Herkes worked on many issues, including public health, safety and welfare of the people of Ka`u. Capellas promoted education and sports activities for the children of Ka`u.

Pahala resident Robert Barba went to Hilo
to give testimony about Principal Capellas.
Photo by Pearl Mokuhali`i

      Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford’s Resolution 566-14 calls for creating a plaque, and her Bill 316 names the gymnasium after Herkes and Capellas.
      In written testimony, Joe Tateyama, from the Ka`u High Class of 1958, said Capellas “always felt that we were not Pahala people, Na`alehu people or Wai`ohinu people; we were Ka`u people. His vision of renaming the school to Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary came to fruition in his 13th year as principal in Ka`u. It was a fitting conclusion to his unifying efforts for the Ka`u community.”
      Class of 1961 graduate Ella Louis told the committee Capellas was not afraid to think outside of the box. “Where there was a need, he found a way to make it happen. Mr. Capellas believed you can do anything that you want to. He believed in giving the local kids a chance. His words were, ‘They’ve got the brain power.’ His values are as significant now as it was then and standard for the future.
      In her testimony, Class of 1959 member Dorothy Kalua’s said, “Mr. Herkes was a man of our time, and the youth should know of such men who are willing to serve their community. We would like a man of the past, Laurence J. Capellas, to also be honored. The man was an educator who was instrumental in the foundation of our town. Mr. Herkes was a politician, and Mr. Capellas was an educator. Both men worked for others; both men should be honored. The youth should know of the man who did so much for the foundation of our town, and the youth should also learn of the man who helped in its continuing evolution.
      Richard Fujioka, from the Class of 1958, said that he nearly drowned while swimming in the gulch and was saved by several boys. After that near-tragedy, Capellas brought Mr. Kelipio to Pahala to teach the kids to swim. Fujioka said there had been several deaths and near drownings. “It was important to build a swimming pool so the children would have a safe place to swim,” he said, and the pool was built using plantation equipment and community volunteers.
      Class of 1959 member Robert Barba’s testimony recaptured days of his youth and spoke about how Capellas was influential in his life. “He inspired me, and I loved him,” he said.

      Class of 1958 graduate James Yamaki recapped highlights of Mr. Capellas’ life in Pahala.

County Council member Brenda Ford, who is helping Ka`u residents with naming
of the new Ka`u Gym & Shelter, rode in Hilo's Veterans Day parade this morning.
Photo by Ron Johnson

      Upon hearing all the testimony about his father, Laurence “Cappy” Capellas, Jr. said he was humbled by all that he heard.
      Jo-Anna Herkes spoke of her husband’s dedicated role in the community and asked that they honor him by naming the facility the Bob Herkes and Laurence Capellas Gymnasium and Shelter.
      Seven committee members gave Ford’s legislation a positive recommendation, and it now goes to the full council.

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

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL HAS PASSED the first reading of Bill 194 that would authorize the Department of Water Supply to terminate water services for non-payment of sewer service charges. The bill calls for the Director of Environmental Management to first provide due notice of the shut-off. Customers must also have an opportunity for a hearing before the Environmental Management Commission and resolution of any appeal before water can be turned off.
      The bill previously received a negative recommendation from the council’s Finance Committee, where five members voted no and three voted yes. All eight council members present, including Ka`u’s Brenda Ford, voted for the bill.
      According to a story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, county government loses about $25,000 a month in unpaid sewer fees, with past-due bills amount to almost $1 million mark.
      Nancy Cook Lauer reported that Jerry Warren, of Na`alehu, was one of several county residents who testified against the measure. “Turning off one utility because someone didn’t pay another utility is strange,” Warren said.

      Warren told The Ka`u Calendar that he contends residents in the old camps were not supposed to have to pay any monthly sewer fees until the new sewer system is installed and working, replacing the old gang cesspools in Pahala and Na`alehu.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

Ka`u residents can apply for vacancies on the Legacy Land Conservation
Commission, which provides funds to protect valuable lands.
Photo from DLNR

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Division of Forestry and Wildlife seeks applications for three vacancies on the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, a nine-member Commission appointed by the governor to advise the department on grants from the Legacy Land Conservation Program. The program provides state grant funding to state agencies, counties and nonprofit land conservation organizations to acquire and protect lands having value as watersheds; coastal areas, beaches, and ocean access; habitat; cultural and historic sites; recreational and public hunting areas; parks; natural areas; agricultural production; and open spaces and scenic resources. 

      So far, Legacy Land has awarded funds for the protection of more than 20,000 acres of conservation lands on five islands. Projects may include acquisition of fee title or conservation easements. Legacy Land grants allow agencies and nonprofit organizations to protect Hawai`i’s lands and resources when the opportunity to purchase them becomes available.
      The Legacy Land program also allows applicants to take advantage of other funding programs that require a local match. On average, Legacy Land applicants leverage each Legacy Land dollar with approximately two dollars in federal, private or county matching funds.
      The Commission consists of nine members, with at least one member from each of the counties, and it meets about six times per year. The positions are unpaid, except for reimbursement of travel expenses. The primary duty of the Commission is reviewing project proposals and making recommendations to the Board of Land and Natural Resources regarding grant awards.
      The three vacancies are for a member possessing an academic degree in the sciences, such as wildlife or marine biology, botany, forestry, ecology, resource management, biogeography, zoology or geology; a member of a Hawai`i environmental organization; and a member of a statewide agricultural association.
      Applications may be submitted online to the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at http://boards.hawaii.gov/.
      More information regarding the Legacy Land Conservation Program is available at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp/ and 586-0921.

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Martin Pahinui performs today at Pahala Plantation House.
Photo from Youtube

A CONCERT SPONSORED BY THE CENTER for Hawaiian Music Studies celebrates the life of the late Dennis Kamakahi today from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. 

      Sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, the concert and kani ka pila with `ohana features John Keawe, Diana Aki, Martin Pahinui, Ben Ka`iwi, Dennis’ son David Kamakahi, Keoki Kahumoku, Peter deAquino, Kai Ho`opi`i, the Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Rion Schmidt and more.
      Donations will be accepted.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN STILL CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY at Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook tomorrow, when a limited number of trees will be distributed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. while supplies last. Arbor Day in Hawai`i is the first Friday in November, the month that marks the beginning of the rainy season.
      Hawai`i Electric Light Co. has rescheduled its Arbor Day Tree Giveaway from today to Saturday, Dec. 13 at its office in Hilo due to unavailability of plants.  

THIS MONTH’S SUNDAY WALK IN THE PARK sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park explores Palm Trail, a 2.6-mile loop through scenic pasture, along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views the Kahuku Unit has to offer. Along the way are relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
      Set for tomorrow from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the walk is free for Friends members; non-members can join the nonprofit in order to attend. Call 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org to register.

“HONORING ALL WHO SERVE” is the theme at Kilauea Military Camp’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony Tuesday at 3 p.m. on KMC’s front lawn in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Keynote Speaker is BG James Carpenter, of Hilo. Guest speaker is Master Sgt. Brian Jordan, also of Hilo. Refreshments follow the ceremony, which is free and open to the public. For more information about the ceremony, call 967-8371.
      A Veteran’s Day Buffet follows at 4 p.m. at KMC’s Crater Rim Café with prime rib, baked ono, shrimp Alfredo with mushrooms, French onion soup, tossed salad and more. Cost for adults is $25.95 and for children 6 to 11 years old, $12.50. For more information about the buffet, call 967-8356.

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, Nov. 7, 2014

Ka`u residents are invited to participate in Kahuku: Born of a Hot Spot tomorrow at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from National Park Service

KA`U'S LARGE MARSHALLESE COMMUNITY and others will continue to receive state-funded health care during a pending lawsuit. In April, when Congress enacted the Welfare Reform Act of 1996 and eliminated all federal funding for health benefits for COFA residents, Hawai`i’s Ninth Circuit Court decided that the state of Hawai`i could not be mandated to fund the federal government’s portion of benefits. “The Ninth Circuit’s decision confirms that the federal government cannot impose a duty on states to perform a function for which it does not provide funds,” said Attorney General David Louie. “The state will make sure that COFA residents continue to have uninterrupted access to their health benefits while this lawsuit is pending.”
      Gov. Neil Abercrombie approved and signed temporary emergency rules to maintain this status quo for receipt of medical assistance benefits by noncitizens, including citizens of the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands residents. According to Department of Human Services Director Patricia McManaman, temporary emergency rules have been filed with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and shall remain in effect for up to 120 days.

Patricia McManaman

      The rules can be reviewed in full on at http://humanservices.hawaii.gov/admin-rules-2/.

 
 Noncitizen children and pregnant women receive Medicaid benefits, and therefore they are not and never have been at risk of losing their Medicaid benefits.

 Noncitizen aged, blind or disabled individuals currently receiving state-funded medical assistance will continue to receive the same benefits without interruption.

      Under the emergency rules, noncitizens who are not aged, blind or disabled and who are currently receiving state-funded medical assistance will continue to receive this assistance through Feb. 28, 2015.
      To avoid a gap in coverage and obtain health insurance beginning March 1, 2015, noncitizens who are not aged, blind or disabled and who are currently receiving state-funded medical assistance will be required to choose a health plan through Hawai`i Health Connector by Feb. 15, 2015. To facilitate this process, DHS will transfer eligibility information to the Connector.

      Certain low-income noncitizens enrolled in a health plan through the Connector may receive state-funded premium assistance.
      DHS has drafted proposed administrative rules to replace the temporary emergency rules and will hold a public hearing, as required by law, to ensure that the public has the opportunity to review and comment on the rules.
      Individuals affected by the temporary emergency rules and the proposed administrative rules will receive written notices that provide more detailed information.


      “My intent has always been to ensure that all of Hawai`i’s needy residents receive healthcare benefits,” said McManaman. “The emergency rules and the proposed administrative rules will do this.”
      McManaman anticipates a substantial annual savings after the administrative rules are adopted.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Richard Creagan

Richard Onishi

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR U.S. and state Legislatures received strong support in precincts from Volcano to Miloli`i in Tuesday’s General Election. 

      At the local precincts, Sen. Brian Schatz got the most support in Pahala, where 81.7 percent of voters cast ballots for him. In Miloli`i, he got 73 percent of votes, followed by Na`alehu with 69.6 percent, Volcano with 69 percent and Ocean View with 59.5 percent.
      In Pahala, 87.7 percent of voters re-elected Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, followed by 77.4 percent in Volcano 77.2 percent Na`alehu, 72.6 percent in Miloli`i and 68 percent in Ocean View.
      State Sen. Josh Green in District Three took 80.6 percent of votes in Miloli`i, 76.9 percent in Na`alehu and 67.7 percent in Ocean View.
      In House District Five, Rep. Richard Creagan got the most votes in Miloli`i with 61.2 percent, followed by 59.9 percent in Na`alehu and 56.6 percent in Ocean View.
      Voters in House District Three re-elected Rep. Richard Onishi with 83.6 percent of Pahala’s votes and 56.8 percent of Volcano’s.

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

Augie T performed in Ka`u
last year.

Image from Amazon.com

AUGIE T, THE COMEDIAN WHOSE BIRTH NAME is Augusto Tulba, is a new administrative assistant in the mayor’s office and will visit schools in Ka`u and around the island to motivate young people to exercise (Kenoi recently finished the Ironman Triathlon), refrain from bullying, do well and live clean. Mayor Billy Kenoi also visited schools years ago when he was hired as an administrative assistant for former Mayor Harry Kim. Kenoi brought an anti-drug message, for example, to a county-organized event for youth at Pahala pool, using his own humor for the delivery. Kenoi was often called the Hawaiian Jay Leno. 

      Augie T is familiar to the public for his comedy routines – live, on TV, radio and on DVD. He has acted as a helicopter pilot on Hawai`i Five-O. He performed in Ka`u at Shaka’s in Na`alehu. He is also the author of a book available on Amazon.com called Positive Stuff I Like.
      Another new assistant is Peter Boylan, former Honolulu Star-Advertiser reporter who also worked on Colleen Hanabusa’s U.S. Senate campaign and as deputy legislative chief of staff for the late Sen. Dan Inouye.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

State Department of Transportation is assessing possible ways to return access
to roads recently covered by lava, such as Apa`a Street/Cemetery Road in Pahoa.
Images from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION is testing ways to rebuild roads in Puna if lava covers them. According to a story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, Hawai`i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said DOT will begin applying aggregate over the portion of Apa`a Street covered by lava to see how geothermal heat reacts with it. Oliveira said officials from DOT, county Civil Defense and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will analyze how much insulation the material provides. 

      Oliveira said similar methods were used to re-establish access to Kalapana homes after flows there began to cool and harden.
      “Different ideas are being explored, realizing that restoration of the highway would be a definite benefit to returning the community to some form of normalcy,” Oliveira said. “It is being considered as well some protective measure to prevent or minimize concerns for collapse. There’s a lot of engineering being done behind this; aggregate is one piece of a full-scale concept.”

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AFTER RECEIVING LETTERS FROM THE STATE Department of Agriculture warning ag lot lessees in Puna of an effort to “do what is necessary to channel the lava flow down Kahakai Boulevard to try and control the direction of the flow,” Hawai`i County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveira said the information is incorrect and reiterated the county’s plans not to divert lava because, no matter what direction the lava goes, there are populated areas and structures in its path.
      Oliveira also reported that the lava flow is still stalled in Pahoa, with breakouts upslope. Continued inflation of interior portions of the flow could contribute to additional breakouts.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CO.’S PARENT, Hawaiian Electric Co., reported net income for the third quarter of 2014 was $38.9 million compared to $37.8 million in the third quarter of 2013. Net revenues were $8 million higher compared to the third quarter of 2013 primarily due to $7 million in 2014 revenues attributable to recovery of costs for clean energy and reliability investments and $1 million for better fuel efficiency performance. 

      “We continue to work aggressively to lower customer bills by reducing Hawai`i’s dependence on imported oil. The recent energy plans we filed with the Public Utilities Commission are providing the starting point to launch important initiatives with a broad set of stakeholders to achieve our shared vision for Hawai`i’s clean energy future,” said Constance H. Lau, HEI president and chief executive officer. “In addition, we are proud of our dedicated utility company employees who worked tirelessly to restore power and help customers after Tropical Storm Iselle while completing our energy plans on time.”

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

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN ENJOY FREE PROGRAMS at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park this weekend.

      During Born from a Hotspot tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., participants learn about the birth of the islands from the Hawaiian hotspot and about past eruptions that impacted Kahuku. Visitors will be able to identify various pu`u (hills) and other volcanic features and learn about their formation.

Alan Okami, of Ko Aloha, with Keoki
Kahumoku Photo by Julia Neal

      A hike on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. focuses on the area’s human history. People & Lands of Kahuku is a guided, three-hour, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain.

A concert tomorrow celebrates
the life of Dennis Kamakahi.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE AT PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE is the site of an `ukulele build reunion Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All who have built `ukulele over the years through the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies programs in conjunction with Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center, Ko Aloha `Ukulele and Pāhala Plantation Cottages are invited. Reservations for the `ukulele build have closed, but alumni are invited to bring their `ukulele for tune-ups, repairs and restringing.

A CONCERT SPONSORED BY THE CENTER for Hawaiian Music Studies celebrates the life of the late Dennis Kamakahi tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House.
      Sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, the concert and kani ka pila with `ohana features John Keawe, Diana Aki, Martin Pahinui, Ben Ka`iwi, Dennis’ son David Kamakahi, Keoki Kahumoku, Peter deAquino, Kai Ho`opi`i, the Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Rion Schmidt and more.

      Donations will be accepted.

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, Nov. 6, 2014

Meeting in the middle of lava covering Chain of Craters Road, crews finished the first phase of rebuilding the emergency route connecting Lower Puna residents to Ka`u and the rest of the island. Photo from National Park Service

STATE SENATORS REPRESENTING KA`U have been named to key positions, according to the reorganization announced Wednesday. Sen. Josh Green, who serves east Ka`u and Kona, is Floor Leader of the Hawai`i state Senate for the first time and Chair of its Committee on Health. Sen. Russell Ruderman, who serves east Ka`u and Puna, is chair of the Hawai`i Senate Committee on Agriculture. Senator Gil Kahele, who served Ka`u and now serves Hilo, is Caucus Leader and Chair of the Senate’s Committee on Tourism & International Affairs.

East Ka`u's state Sen. Josh Green is Floor Leader and Chair of Health Committee.
Photo from Sen. Green

      Continuing as the only doctor in the Senate, Green said last night that he will focus on solving the Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. challenge to stabilize the safety net for health care. HHSC operates Ka`u, Hilo, Kona and other mostly rural hospitals in Hawai`i as a quasi-state-funded health system. Green said he sees the state creating a partnership with nonprofits already established in Hawai`i. “Both Kaiser and Hawai`i Pacific Health (Straub) are interested in Maui,” said Green.
      Legislation must pass to allow these partnership, he said, noting that the legislative process will delve into whether the whole system or just part of the system will be operated by one or more of the nonprofits. “In time, now that Queens has developed a presence with Kaua`i, Queens may have more engagement with Big Island hospitals,” Green said.
     The Health Chair said that he will work on incentives to bring doctors and nurses to every corner of the state where there is a shortage. He also promised to focus on treatment for those who are addicted to drugs and to prevent drug overdoses by decreasing the amount of narcotics in the community.
      Green stated that 80 percent of all narcotics in the world are consumed by Americans and that much of the consumption is through prescriptions.
      The senator said that as Floor Leader he will have a role in all referrals to committees. “The Floor Leader digs deep into the process to determine which bills have priority,” Green said. He said he promises to focus on real debate and making sure that important bills aren’t left on the side to die without being heard.
      Regarding Ruderman being named Chair of Ag, Green recalled that he and Ruderman co-sponsored the GMO regulation package, including measures on labeling and use of pesticides, which came before the last Legislature. With Green as Health Chair and Ruderman as Ag Chair, they have an opportunity to bring these issues into the forefront for research, debate and decision-making, Green said. “I am very happy to see my colleague as Ag Chair, where he can lead us on issues related to GMO, pesticides and many priorities such as the cottage food industry. He plans to do a lot to help small, local farmers,” Green said.

Sen. Russell Ruderman, at Mo`oheau Bandstand in Hilo the night before the election
with Democratic Party of Hawai`i County Chair David Tarnas, has been named
Chair of the state Senate Committee on Agriculture. Photo by Julia Neal

      Ruderman said, “I am very excited about being Chair of the Ag Committee. I plan to listen and study every point of view without excluding any. I hope to make progress on local food issues, such as cottage foods, supporting small farms and diversified agriculture.” He said he also plans to address coffee labeling issues including truth in labeling and minimum blend requirements in the 2015 Legislature.
      Regarding election results on Tuesday, Ruderman said that he is proud of Hawai`i for resisting the power of outside money to defeat such bills as the GMO moratorium on Maui and the money targeted to defeat Hawai`i County Council member Margaret Wille, who authored GMO bills on this island.
    Senate President Donna Mercado Kim talked about the overall leadership of the Senate the day after the election. “This is a strong leadership team that will waste no time in preparing for the upcoming legislative session.”

     Senate Vice President is Will Espero, and Majority Leader is J. Kalani English. Other leaders in the Senate are Majority Whip Brian Taniguchi; Policy Leader Les Ihara, Jr.; Chair of Ways & Means Jill Tokuda; Vice Chair of Ways & Means Ron Kouchi; Chair of Judiciary & Labor Gil Keith-Agaran; Chair of Consumer Protection Roz Baker; Chair of Hawaiian Affairs Maile Shimabukuro; Chair of Education Michelle Kidani; Chair of Economic Development & Technology Glenn Wakai; Chair of Water & Land Laura Thielen; Chair of Human Services and Housing Suzanne Chun-Oakland; Chair of Higher Education & the Arts Brian Taniguchi; Chair of Government Operations Donovan Dele Cruz; Chair of Public Safety, Intergovernmental & Military Affairs Will Espero; and Chair of Transportation Clarence Nisihara.

      “Our state continues to face a number of fiscal challenges, and the Senate Majority stands ready to work with both the House and the Ige administration to address these issues and help Hawai`i families,” said Sen. Tokuda.

More voters cast ballots at Cooper Center in Volcano that other polling places.
Photo from advocacy.britannica.com

      For more on the legislative process, biographies of legislators, calendar and to testify on various bills when the 2015 Legislature opens in mid-January, see www.capitol.hawaii.gov.

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

VOTER TURNOUT WAS 47.7 PERCENT FOR HAWAI`I ISLAND in Tuesday’s General Election, with turnout ranging from 55.4 percent to 41.7 in precincts from Volcano through Ka`u and Miloli`i. The precinct in Volcano showed the most voting, and Ocean View the least. Pahala was second highest with 48.8 percent. Na`alehu was third with 46.5 percent, and Miloli`i was fourth, with 43 percent. 

      Here is how gubernatorial candidates did in each precinct with percentages of votes cast:
      Winning the governorship, David Ige earned the highest percentage in Miloli`i with 56.5 percent of votes. He got 56.3 percent in Volcano, 52.3 in Pahala, 47.7 percent in Na`alehu and 44.4 percent in Ocean View.
      Duke Aiona had the highest at Ocean View with 32.5 percent. His next highest was in Na`alehu at 28.6 percent, followed by Volcano, 28.2 percent; Miloli`i, 25.7 percent; and Pahala, 24.6 percent.
      In Pahala, 21 percent of those registered voted for Mufi Hannemann. He received 20.2 percent in Na`alehu, 15.8 percent in Ocean View, 12.2 percent in Miloli`i and 11.3 percent in Volcano.
      Jeff Davis received 6.9 percent of votes in Ocean View and 3.8 percent in Volcano. He got less that one percent of votes in the other three precincts.
      See more local election results in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.

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

Mayor Billy Kenoi, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando
and Hawai`i County Department of Public Works Director Warren Lee celebrate
completion of the first phase of rebuilding Chain of Craters Road.
Photo from NPS

SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE on Chain of Craters Road since work began in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Oct. 24. Yesterday, crews working from each end met in the middle. This completes the rough grade of the road. Work will now begin on crushing excavated material for the road bed. The finished road will be a gravel-surfaced, 22-foot-wide, two-lane road. The road is scheduled to be completed in the next 30-45 days, weather and construction conditions permitting. 

      Lower Puna residents will be able to access the route after the lava has crossed Hwy 130 and Railroad Avenue and the National Park Service has determined that the road is safe for vehicles. The emergency access route will not be open to the public or park visitors. Residents will receive a free window decal for access through the park.

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

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS tomorrow at 9 a.m. All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.

KA`U RESIDENT WHO WANT TO ATTEND `Ohana Day on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park should register by this Saturday, Nov. 8 to be included in the free-lunch count.
      Recently returned from serving as an apprentice navigator aboard Hokule`a, Hilo-native Celeste Manuia Ha`o recounts her epic return to Faleapuna, her village of Samoa. Guided by the waves, winds, stars, and Ka Panana Hoku, the Hawaiian Star Compass, she navigated her way home using knowledge of Hawaiian ancestors. Participants discover how, whether on sea or on land, they, too, can orient themselves and never be lost.
      Call 985-6019 to register.

Dennis Kamakahi played for the hula of Erin Cole, of Ocean View, for
last year's opening concert. Photo by Julia Neal

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE AT PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE is the site of an `ukulele build reunion Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All who have built `ukulele over the years through the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies programs in conjunction with Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center, Ko Aloha `Ukulele and Pāhala Plantation Cottages are invited. Reservations for the `ukulele build have closed, but alumni are invited to bring their `ukulele for tune-ups, repairs and restringing. 

A CONCERT SPONSORED BY THE CENTER for Hawaiian Music Studies celebrates the life of the late Dennis Kamakahi this Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House.
      Sponsored by the Center for Hawaiian Music Studies, the concert and kani ka pila with `ohana features John Keawe, Diana Aki, Martin Pahinui, Ben Ka`iwi, Dennis’ son David Kamakahi, Keoki Kahumoku, Peter deAquino, Kai Ho`opi`i, the Abrigo `Ohana, Katy Rexford, Rion Schmidt and more. Donations will be accepted.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.