Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Feb. 23, 2015

Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island is seeking state funds for a program to improve health and nutrition of members in Ka`u and other districts.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE BIG ISLAND is submitting requests for state Grant-In-Aid funding for the Hua Ola Project. Hua Ola is an out-of-school physical activity and seed-to-table capacity building initial implementation project to serve youth members of BGCBI’s clubs. Meaning both “Seeds of Health” and “Wellness Results,” Hua Ola will build the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and habits leading to lifelong health for participants. The focus of the project is on prevention to solve the current obesity epidemic in Hawai`i that is particularly acute on the Big Island. The goal is to increase BGCBI’s capacity to fulfill its targeted healthy lifestyles outcome.

      Objectives of Hua Ola include establishing afterschool fitness and nutrition education programs with hands-on and minds-on gardening and seed-to-table components. Hua Ola would also host quarterly family nights at the clubs that would include healthy seed-to-table meals and fitness activities while highlighting project learning experiences and extending the project’s impact to families. 

      “Every year we see more and more need for quality out-of-school programs for Big Island youth and dwindling resources to keep these much needed services available. We are also seeing a strong need for opportunities for youth to learn about and adopt healthy lifestyles,” said Chief Professional Officer Zavi Brees-Saunders.
      Out of a total of $265,000, the organization is requesting $150,000 for its clubs in Ka`u and Puna.
      The club has been in contact with all Big Island senators and representatives and all members of Senate Ways & Means and House Finance Committees.
      “We would greatly appreciate your support of these requests for these much needed opportunities for Big Island youth,” Brees-Saunders said. Residents can let their state legislators know of their support at capitol.hawaii.gov.

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STATE SENATE WATER & LAND Committee meets Wednesday to consider a bill that would allow agricultural tourism uses or activities, including certain overnight accommodations, conducted in conjunction with a bona fide farming operation in the agricultural district. SB 1073 defines bona fide farming operations as having been in operation for not less than two years and receiving the majority of their annual gross income from sale of agricultural products grown by the farming operation on the property for which an agricultural tourism use is proposed.
      The bill has already passed the Senate Tourism & International Affairs and Agriculture Committees.

DBEDT Director Luis Salaveria

      In his testimony, state Ag Board Chair Scott Enright said the Ag Department “strongly supports this measure that allows bona fide farmers the opportunity to generate additional income by offering agricultural tourism activities including overnight accommodations. Under this measure, agricultural tourism and overnight accommodations would be allowed if they are clearly secondary and accessory to ‘bona fide farming operations’ and requires the counties to enact ordinances to regulate it.”  

      Luis Salaveria, Director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, said, “Supporting agricultural tourism and the offering of overnight accommodations as part of an agricultural tourism operation is fully consistent with the promotion of economic development advocated by this department and contributes to the goals of increased food security and food self-sufficiency for the state of Hawai`i.”  

      Ka`u resident and Hawai`i Farm Bureau President Chris Manfredi said the organization supports the intent SB 1073.
      “We support the strong position of ensuring that agricultural tourism operations are subordinate to bona fide agricultural operations,” Manfredi wrote. “We continue to believe that other loosely related activities that merely use agriculture as a justification belong in the rural district. Moreover, counties should be encouraged to move in this direction, thereby protecting agricultural lands. This measure also seeks to define ‘bona fide farming operations’ to insure that agricultural tourism operations are subordinate to legitimate agricultural production. 

      “We believe that the details of agritourism is a Home Rule issue, and we request that the requirement that a county adopt ordinances regulating agricultural tourism operations remain in statute. Counties may differ in their opinions of what they allow. This should be duly respected and falls within the purview of county zoning code.”
      Public testimony is due by 2:45 p.m. tomorrow to be included at the hearing. See capitol.hawaii.gov.
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HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH will receive $9.43 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support programs for pregnant mothers and families with young children.
      “A child’s development is more critical in the first few years of life than at any other time,” said Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. “These funds will provide more Hawai`i families with access to in-home visits from nurses and social workers, ensuring parents have the support they need for their child’s healthy development.”

      Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “The steps we take to support our youngest keiki often create a foundation for success in school and in life. These grants will be paid back many times over, as families who participate in home-visiting programs enter school better prepared. I was proud to vote to create the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting grants as part of the Affordable Care Act and am pleased that Hawai`i families continue to benefit from this valuable program.”
      Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “This grant … will help working families in Hawai`i by providing the resources necessary to improve child health in a cost-effective way. By funding local home-visit programs, we are helping families prevent child injuries, reduce emergency department visits and improve economic self-sufficiency. The programs sustained by this DHHS grant promote the well-being of our keiki.”
      The Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program supports pregnant women and families with children up to five years old. Hawai`i Department of Health first received an MIECHV grant in 2010. It was used to establish the Hawai`i Home Visiting Network, which is made up of ten community-based organizations that offer various home visiting programs.
      Hawai`i Department of Health will use the funds to provide voluntary home visits to low-income parents to learn about health, child development, school readiness and referrals to other services.
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Lei making demonstrations take place Wednesday. NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientist Mike Poland shares what he has discovered over the past decade about Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes, as well as the scientists who work at HVO, at After Dark in the Park tomorrow. The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.

RANGER NOAH GOMES SHARES THE TRADITIONAL skill of lei making Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Free; park entrance fees apply. 

Shelving at Island Market will be sold at auction Thursday.

DR. CLAIRE HORWELL CONDUCTS A VOG SURVEY at Ka`u Farmers Market Wednesday. She is studying ways people protect themselves from vog and how those methods relate to official advice. For more information about her research, see https://www.face-book.com/groups/421925067973152/.

ISLAND MARKET IN NA`ALEHU holds an auction Thursday at 10 a.m. Doors open at 8 a.m. Equipment in the store is being sold before the store’s official closure on Saturday. Items range from meat-processing equipment and shelving to an antique safe and fork lift.
      A sale of grocery items continues through Saturday.

      For more information, see http://honolulu.craigslist.org/big/for/4901673180.html.

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

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See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
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Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015

Before leaving USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, scientist Mike Poland shares his discoveries at After Dark in the Park Tuesday. Photo from HVO

 CREWS HAVE FREED AN ENTANGLED WHALE of lines and a buoy. The whale had been circling Hawai`i Island, and a rescue planned for Monday had to be cancelled when the whale moved into rough and inaccessible waters near South Point, reported Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today.

A crew works to disentangle a humpback whale from fishing line and a buoy.
Photo from R. Finn of NOAA

      “We decided to stand down and be patient and wait for the weather,” Ed Lyman, large whale entanglement response coordinator for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, told Yager.
      Lyman and two others used an inflatable watercraft to get close to the whale. With knives on a long pole and a cutting grapple, they removed nearly all of the entangling gear and expect the remaining line to be shed as a wound on the whale heals.
      According to Yager, the agency contacted the fisherman who owns the gear. “It’s about figuring out what’s going on, so we know the best thing to do,” Lyman said. “I’ve worked with fishermen, and I know that, if we can get the information to them, they will incorporate it.”
      Ka`u residents who see a distressed whale can report it to NOAA’s Marine Mammal Hotline at 888-256-9840.
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HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE National Marine Sanctuary is seeking to fill primary and alternate seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public input into sanctuary matters and provides advice to the sanctuary management.
      “The members of our advisory council represent an extremely important element of our community,” said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent. “Their input, experience and expertise assist sanctuary managers in making informed and timely decisions on how best to protect and conserve our important cultural and natural resources.”

 

      Three primary seats are business commerce, commercial shipping and whale watching. Alternate seats are Native Hawaiian, Hawai`i County and commercial shipping.
      Alternates attend meetings when primary members are not available and assume a seat if a primary member resigns. All candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations and views regarding protection and management of marine resources.
      Established in 1996, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council provides advice and recommendations on managing and protecting the sanctuary. The council is composed of government and non-governmental seats for a total of 53 representatives who serve on a volunteer basis, represent a variety of local user groups, the general public and state and federal governmental jurisdictions.
      Applications are due March 31. To receive an application kit or for further information, contact council coordinator Shannon Lyday at Shannon.Lyday@noaa.gov, 808-725-5905 or http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov. Completed applications should be submitted to Inouye Regional Center, Attn: NOS/HIHWNMS/Shannon Lyday, 1845 Wasp Blvd, Bldg 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.
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Rep. Richard Onishi

Rep. Richard Creagan

FUNDING FOR LITTLE FIRE ANT management is advancing at the state Legislature. The House Agriculture Committee passed HB 1403, introduced by several legislators, including Ka`u’s Reps. Richard Onishi and Richard Creagan. The bill mandates that the state Department of Agriculture establish a little fire ant Pesticide Treatment Coupon Pilot Project on Hawai`i Island. The project would distribute coupons redeemable for appropriate pesticides at suppliers or vendors within Hawai`i County at no cost to individuals who have reported and verified to the department the presence of LFA on their property within the county. Each coupon would be valid for a one-year supply of the department’s recommended treatment plan. 

      DOA would also create a map indicating all LFA sites in the county by using all its available data, including verified reports of LFA sites. The maps would be updated periodically and made available on the department’s website.
      Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reported that Onishi said the state needs to do more to help Big Island residents. “We saw what happened with the coqui frogs and the fact that there was no program for homeowners until later,” Onishi said. He said the bill would help county efforts to create a larger buffer zone around neighborhoods and park facilities.
      Information about LFA is available at littlefireants.com.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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THE FOOD BASKET WANTS TO CONNECT hungry customers to Ka`u farms’ fresh produce. The Food Basket’s islandwide Community-Supported Agriculture program is looking for more locally grown produce to supply customers’ food boxes. Local greens, fruits, squashes, root crops and other interesting crops will be considered.
      Contact The Food Basket’s Hilo office at 933-6030. For more information about The Food Basket, Hawai`i Island’s Food Bank, see hawaiifoodbasket.org.

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Lei making is the subject of a contest and exhibition. Photo from DOFAW

KA`U LEI MAKERS CAN ENTER KAULUWEHI, a juried lei art contest and exhibition celebrating native species, Hawaiian culture and sustainable picking practices on Hawai`i Island. Kauluwehi features three main categories including kahiko (traditional style lei), `auana (contemporary lei), and lei hulu (feather lei). The kahiko category features several subcategories, each showcasing a particular material such as leaves, flowers or fruit and seed of a plant. The `auana category moves away from the traditional style of lei making by incorporating recycled materials, synthetic materials and exotic plant materials.

      Lei will be judged on craftsmanship, creativeness of design, uniqueness of material and complexity or effort put into it. Amateur and professional lei artist of all ages are invited to enter. 

      The contest and exhibition are sponsored by Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Hawai`i Island Natural Area Reserves, Three Mountain Alliance and Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center.
      For more information and to enter, go to dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw.
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HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ARE URGING the public to be aware of hazardous conditions at roadside memorials. Nighttime vigils are particularly dangerous because of limited visibility by passing motorists, who might not see mourners or their parked vehicles until the last minute. Participants are encouraged to limit vigils to daytime hours.
      Visitors to roadside memorials should be alert to the close proximity of moving vehicles and should park their own vehicles safely out of the way of passing traffic. Motorists are asked to exercise extra caution in the vicinity of roadside memorials.
      “While the Police Department understands that roadside memorials can be part of the grieving process, we encourage everyone to exercise caution and common sense to avoid any additional tragedy,” Chief Harry Kubojiri said.
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KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS holds a meeting today at 1 p.m. and a celebration from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Old Pahala Clubhouse. 

      Lunch is at 12 p.m., with kanikapila and heavy pupus at 6:30 p.m. Workshops, music and hula presentations take place throughout the day. See kauarts.org.

TOP 10 INSIGHTS ABOUT WORKING at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: One Scientist’s Perspective is the topic at this week’s After Dark in the Park program.
      Mike Poland, a scientist with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, has spent the past 10 years studying volcanic and earthquake activity across the Hawaiian Islands. He came to HVO in 2005 to focus on deformation, changes in the shape of a volcano prior to and during an eruption, but quickly realized that monitoring volcanoes like Kilauea and Mauna Loa requires teamwork and innovation – two things in which Hawaiian Volcano Observatory specializes.

      Poland will soon return to USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory in Washington, where he was stationed prior to HVO. Before he goes, he shares what he has discovered over the past decade about Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes, as well as the scientists who work at HVO.
      The free program takes place Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

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

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See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015

Ka`u schools, including Na`alehu Elementary, participated in the Hawai`i District Science and Engineering Fair at `Imiloa in Hilo.
Photo by Nalani Parlin 

KA`U STUDENTS SHOWED THEIR PENCHANT for science and engineering with over 30 participants joining the Hawai`i District Science & Engineering Fair in both the junior and senior research divisions. The fair was held at `Imiloa and is a stepping stone to the state Science & Engineering Fair.

Pahala School participants register at the science fair.
Photos by Robert Bowman

      Ka`u High senior, Jennifer Tabios, walked away with several prizes, including best in the physics and astronomy category for her project, the Relation Between Viscosity, Surface Tension and Temperature. Under guidance of teacher Ted Brattstrom, Tabios also won Sierra Club Moku Loa Group’s Dr. Don Worsencroft Award and $50 cash, TMT Galileo Award and a Galileo telescope, Best in Astronomy/Astrophysics Award and a Mauna Kea experience, a certificate from American Meteorological Society and the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional award.
      Brattstrom’s students Chloe Gan and Jenny Mauricio-Henriquez, both sophomores, won best in the energy and transportation category, the Eccentric Scientist: Off the Beaten Path-Outside the Box Award and $50 cash and two prizes from Hawai`i Electric Light Co. including the Outstanding Renewable Energy Project of $100 and the Best in Engineering and/or Environmental Science Award and $50 cash.

Rayncin Salmo-Grace explains his project to a judge.

      Gissele Corpuz and Brandi Louis, juniors also under the tutelage of Brattstrom, won best in the earth and planetary sciences category with their project called Waves: Speed and Depth. The pair also won the Basic Science and Engineering Award of $100 and a certificate.
      Sophomores Janslae Badua and Masen Dacalio, mentored by teacher Chayanee Brooks, won the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award and certificate with their chemistry project When Science is Sweet: Growing Rock Candy Crystals. 

      Best in Behavioral & Social Sciences category went to Charisma Felipe and Pete Dacalio, sophomores in Brattstrom’s class, who submitted the project How Music Affects Human Efficiency.
      In the junior research category, three Na`alehu Elementary sixth-grade students received prizes. Deansen Grant-Breithaupt, mentored by teacher Amberly Keohulua, submitted a behavioral and social sciences project, How the Body Reacts to Stress and Relaxation, and won the Veterans of Foreign Wars Award and $50.

Rio Chopot and Izaia Pilanca-Emmsley's project was Soda Rust Remover.

      Amber Sugrue and Johnette Llanes-Masters, taught by teacher Nellie Davis, won the TMT Galileo Award and a Galileo Telescope for their physics project, a take on Newton’s Balloon Car.
      Other Na`alehu Elementary sixth-grade submissions chosen to represent their classes included Chesatie Kai’s Acid Egg Bath and Izaiah Pilanca-Emmsley’s and Rio Chopot’s Soda Rust Remover. Duke Moniz-Ducosin submitted an engineering project using alternative energy to power a fan and pencil sharpener, which he called The New Generation. Kaulana Aipia-Dolan and Tiane Kuahiwinui entered the energy and transportation category with their project the Solar Heat Oven, comparing efficiency of two solar oven designs. 

      Five projects from Pahala Elementary, guided by teacher Molly Larnie, won the Pahala School science fair and also advanced to participate in the district fair. In the electrical and mechanical engineering category were the following projects: Delson Dacalio and Preston Pua-Queja – Cooking by the Sun; Shacy Davis, Bernadette Ladia and Elysa Abellera – Wind Turbine Design Inquiry; Rebecca Kailiawa and CeAndra Kamei – Solar Hot Water Heating; and Melakai Keohuloa and George Yeager – Making a Battery. Micah Polido-Kalili, Arniel Libunao and Paul Sanchez entered the energy and transportation category with their project titled Hawai`i Energy Use.

Melakai Keohuloa and George Yeager presented Making a Battery.

      Other projects representing Ka`u High, guided by either Brattstrom or Tishanna Ben, included entries in the behavioral and social sciences category by Benly Bolaoen and Julia Chavez – Essential Oils: Real or Fake? and Rowland Flores and Evan Manoha – Gumcentration. Janet Parlin and Ka`ala Petrill-Abrojina partnered to enter their Bottled Water Filter project in the environmental management category, and Rayncin Salmo-Grace was chosen to enter his project, The Essential Solution, in the plant sciences category.
      All representatives were treated to a planetarium show, received a free science fair T-shirt and a certificate of participation. Donna Kohara, Science & Engineering Fair Steering Committee member, said, “In my 10-plus years of working on science fairs, this is the first year that both Na`alehu and Pahala Elementary participated.” Ted Brattstrom kicked off Ka`u High’s participation in 2009, and the school has been a part of the fair ever since. Kohara said that science fair participation for Ka`u schools has increased thanks to interest from administrators and teachers.

Janet Parlin and Ka`ala Petrill-Abrojina partnered on a water filter project.

      Kohara advised students interested in participating in next year’s science and engineering fair to begin thinking of questions and problems to investigate and possible solutions. She said, “Start early, and start thinking of what could be.” She mentioned that some students are already starting on their projects for 2016.
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THE STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE on Tuesday will review a proposal from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture to expand the designated coffee berry borer infested area to encompass the entire island of O`ahu. The board’s designation of O`ahu as a CBB-infested area will authorize the PQB to implement quarantine measures to restrict movement of coffee and other CBB hosts to prevent further spread of CBB to uninfested areas. According to HDOA, the quarantine is necessary to prevent further spread of CBB to other islands.

Solar hot water heating was CeAndra Kamei and Rebecca Kailiawa's project.

      If the board approves expansion of the designation, movement of green coffee and other CBB hosts between infested areas will require a permit.

      Treatment, as well as inspection by HDOA Plant Quarantine inspectors, is also required. For unroasted coffee beans, acceptable treatments include fumigation, freezing and heat.
      Rules are available at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/4-72-HAR-2012.pdf.
      Ka`u residents can submit testimony to HDOA Biological Control Section Chief Darcy Oishi at darcy.e.oish@hawaii.gov or 1428 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96822.

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KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN, who serves as Senate majority leader, has asked Gov. David Ige to withdraw his nomination of Carleton Ching as head of the Department of Land & Natural Resources. Ching is Vice President, Community and Government Relations, for developer Castle & Cooke Hawai`i, where he supports the organization’s real estate, agricultural and renewable energy initiatives.

Deansen Grant-Breithaupt describes his project to a judge.

      “After meeting with Carleton Ching to discuss his nomination, I have determined that Mr. Ching is the wrong choice for Director of DLNR. Although he is personally likable, he does not have the experience, background or expertise to lead this department. He simply is not qualified for the job.”
      Green also said, “We need a Director of DLNR who has a proven record of fighting to protect and preserve our natural and cultural resources, not a career lobbyist for the development industry who has a record of calling for the elimination of cultural and environmental protections.
      “This nomination is the wrong choice for Hawai`i, and we should not move forward with it. I call on Gov. Ige to withdraw this nominee and offer the Senate and the people of Hawai`i a nominee for Director of DLNR who has a proven record of protecting and preserving Hawai`i’s natural and cultural resources.
      “The future of Hawai`i depends on the choices we make now.”

      The Water & Land Committee considers Ching’s nomination on March 11. The public can testify at capitol.hawaii.gov. Bill number is GM 514.    

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Amber Sugrue and Johnette Llanes-Masters studied Newton's balloon car.

FROM THE SUMMONS OF ART opens today at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Patti Pease Johnson’s exhibit of silk, clay, pastel and watercolor creations explores colors and shapes of Hawai`i’s splendor. A reception takes place at 5 p.m. The gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

      Free; park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8222 for more information.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS holds a meeting tomorrow at 1 p.m. and a celebration from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Old Pahala Clubhouse.
      Lunch is at 12 p.m., with kanikapila and heavy pupus at 6:30 p.m. Workshops, music and hula presentations take place throughout the day. See kauarts.org.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN STILL SIGN UP for next Saturday’s Sanctuary Ocean Count. Volunteers count and monitor humpback whales at various coastal sites from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. See sanctuaryoceancount.org.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.