Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, March 4, 2015

A state House bill that would privatize Maui County's state-run hospitals could indicate the future of Ka`u Hospital. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HOSPITAL SISTER HEALTH CARE CENTERS, Maui Memorial and Kula and Lana`i Community Hospitals, could be peeled off from the state hospital system, according to a Kevin Dayton story in this morning’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
      The state House Finance Committee yesterday approved HB 1075, which would authorize the Maui regional system of Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. to enter into an agreement with a private entity to transition one or more of its facilities into a new private Hawai`i nonprofit corporation. Hawai`i Pacific Health, which operates hospitals on O`ahu and Kaua`i, would take over the Maui hospitals, as well.
      Terms of the transition include continued employment for no less than six months for current employees who fill qualifications of Hawai`i Pacific Health.

Randy Perreira

      The terms also call for continued subsidies “pursuant to a subsidy schedule in which the guaranteed maximum annual subsidy shall not exceed the 2014 fiscal year subsidy and may be lowered based on operating performance.” Also, for the first ten years, the state would jointly fund capital expenditures with Hawai`i Pacific Health.
      In testimony supporting the bill, HHSC CEO Linda Rosen said, “The involvement of a private nonprofit entity has been identified and recommended by several previous studies, including the requested report to the Legislature delivered in 2010 by Stroudwater Associates. …
      “Allowing experts in the healthcare industry to assume more of the responsibility for healthcare in our state can allow precious government dollars to be spent for other needed services. Support of this measure can optimize access to high quality healthcare services and thus contribute to the general economic growth of our state.”
      Randy Perreira, executive director of Hawai`i Government Employees Association, expressed concern to Dayton. He said the bill “would obligate taxpayers to pay operating losses and construction costs for a private operator for years to come.” He also said he is concerned about job losses for the union’s employees at the hospitals. "We’re their advocates, and the fact that so far there has been no promise of any job security beyond six months is very troubling,” Perreira said.
      See staradvertiser.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANIES HAVE BEEN honored for work in applying research and development by the Electric Power Research Institute, an independent, nonprofit national organization that works to improve electric service to utility customers.

      The award honors “exceptional efforts to document research case studies in conjunction with the EPRI Smart Grid Demonstration Projects” by Hawaiian Electric’s Grid Technologies Manager Darren Ishimura, Smart Grid Program Manager Shari Ishikawa, Project Manager Demetrio Bucaneg and Maui Electric’s Renewable Energy Projects Director Steven Rymsha.
      The EPRI gives awards annually to those who have led technology transfer efforts on behalf of their companies and the electric utility industry at large. For 2014, Technology Transfer recognition went to 46 individuals from 29 electric power companies.
      “The Smart Grid research and development led by these engineers promises significant benefits to customers of Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawai`i Electric Light Company, including better service, faster repairs and more control over their bills,” said Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric vice president for corporate planning and business development. “Another benefit of a modern smart grid will be to help us maintain reliable service for all customers as we integrate more low-cost renewable energy, like wind and solar, which will reduce Hawai`i’s dependence on expensive imported oil.”
      Hawaiian Electric Companies plan to deploy Smart Grids across Hawai`i Island, Maui County and O`ahu in the next few years, pending filing of a full program application and approval from the Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION has approved all 28 parties that requested to participate in its investigation of NextEra Energy’s purchase of Hawaiian Electric Companies. NextEra had filed memoranda in opposition to all parties except Hawai`i and Maui Counties, the state Office of Planning and the state Energy Department.

The state PUC has accepted Hawai`i County's request
to intervene in the HECO/NextEra merger.

      “The commission finds that it is in the public interest to ensure that a broad spectrum of interests are represented in the proceeding,” the decision stated. “Moreover, the commission observes that it has, in the past, granted intervention in investigatory and policy proceedings. Consistent with these conclusions, the commission finds, based on its review of the motions to intervene, and any opposition thereto, that each of the … entities has demonstrated that its property, financial and/or other interests are or may be affected if the proposed transaction is approved, and that each of the entities can assist the commission in developing a sound record.”  

      NextEra’s based its opposition to many of the applicants on possible attempts to broaden the issues or to unduly delay the proceeding. The commission stated that it will reconsider any interveners participation “if, at any time during the course of this proceeding, the commission determines that any intervener is attempting to unreasonably broaden the pertinent issues established by the commission in this docket, is unduly delaying the proceeding, or is failing to meaningfully participate and assist the commission in the development of the record in this docket.”
      Interveners are Hawai`i County, Hawai`i Island Energy Cooperative, Renewable Energy Action Coalition of Hawai`i, Tawhiri Power, Paniolo Power, Puna Pono Alliance, Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative, Hawai`i Water Services Company, Ka Lei Maile Ali`i Hawaiian Civic Club, Maui County, Hawai`i Solar Energy Association, Friends of Lana`i, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Ulupono Initiative, The Alliance for Solar Choice (TASC), Life of the Land, AES Hawai`i, Blue Planet Foundation, Sun Power, Hawai`i PV Coalition, Hawai`i Gas, Hawai`i Renewable Energy Association, Sierra Club, Sun Edison, Hina Power Corporation, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, state Office of Planning and state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. 

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

HAWAI`I PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION DENIED a motion by a coalition of seven groups and two individuals asking the commission “for a deferral of merger proceedings until the Public Utilities Commission defines Hawai`i’s energy needs and fashions a merger policy that defines the public interest.”

      The entities are Life of the Land, Big Island Community Coalition, Puna Pono Alliance, Friends of Lana`i, Community Alliance on Prisons, Ka Lei Maile Ali`i Hawaiian Civic Club, I Aloha Moloka`i, Pahala resident Lynn Hamilton and Maui College Professor Richard Mayer.

Black Belt Francisco Villa, Jr., center, with Cliff Field (Sensei)
and Susan Field (Senpai) Photo from Cliff Field

      According to Brian Shimogawa, of Pacific Business News, the PUC ruled that matters addressed by the petition “have been rendered moot” by its decision to move ahead with its review of the proposed acquisition.
      See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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

FRANCISCO VILLA, JR. SUCCESSFULLY TESTED for his Black Belt rank in karate on Feb. 20. Villa has been training in International Karate since 2009 when the dojo first opened in Pahala. International Karate League is a traditional Shorin Ryu style karate that was founded by Walter Nishioka Shihan.
       IKL trains every Tuesday and Friday beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. It is open to enrollment year-round.
      For information about the league, call Cliff Field at 333-1567.

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

Ka`u High boys volleyball team warmed up for tomorrow's season opener
at Christian Liberty's pre-season tournament. Photo from KHPES

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS are beginning. The tennis team travels to Kea`au today for a match at 2 p.m., and boys volleyball team’s regular season begins tomorrow, hosting Kea`au at 6 p.m. 

WALK-INS ARE ACCEPTED by Project Vision for free vision screenings tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.
      Call 929-8571 for more information.

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY seeks Windward Planning Commission approval tomorrow to begin teaching classes at Discovery Harbour Clubhouse, which is zoned open by Hawai`i County and is in the state land use agricultural district. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo. Public testimony is welcome.

 
KA`U RESIDENTS CAN GET IMPORTANT information about rainwater catchment systems, safety, monitoring and proper maintenance at workshops this week. Water quality testing kits and instructions will be provided to workshop attendees free of charge.
      Workshops take place Friday at Ocean View Community Center 
from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
 and Saturday at Na`alehu Community Center 
from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
 and Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
 

      For more information on these and other professional workshops, see arcsa.org.

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

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

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea Co. has announced long-range plans for the 1,600 acres it recently purchased in Na`alehu.
Photos from Hawai`i Pacific Brokers, LLC

KA`U ROYAL HAWAIIAN COFFEE & TEA, LLC has announced long-range plans for the 1,600 acres it recently purchased in Na`alehu. Project Manager Louis Leong said the hui is grateful for being welcomed into the community of Na`alehu and looks forward to helping to contribute to Ka`u’s economic growth and support of Ka`u’s small farms and small businesses. "We hope to enhance the success of the nearly two decades of work by Ka`u Coffee farmers who have built a new economy after the closing of Ka`u’s sugar industry. We also envision a complementary Ka`u Tea industry becoming as successful,” he said, noting that other crops are also being considered.

Land recently purchased by Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea Co. extends
from Na`alehu toward Wai`ohinu.

      “We may lease some of the farmland to local farmers that fit into our overall plans. We will announce more details on this subject in the near future,” Leong said. He also announced that Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea has engaged Elite Agri Services of Na`alehu as the local representative. Tyler Johansen, of Elite Agri Services, can be reached at 808-938-3230.
       Leong said that plans not only include expanding coffee and adding tea and other agriculture, but also building a coffee mill, tea processing establishment and visitor center along Hwy 11. The property is located on the mauka side of Na`alehu in the area behind Ace Hardware and extends into the hills and along Hwy 11 on the Wai`ohinu side of the village.
      Leong said that through “responsible and sensitive management of 1,600 acres at Na`alehu, we plan to be direct contributors to the community. We will become involved with scholarships and support of local organizations as we immerse ourselves into Na`alehu as an integral part of the economy.”
      The company’s first community donation was to support the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce scholarship fund and The Directory.
       Leong is vice president of HPL Development, of San Mateo, CA, a partner in Island Paradise Investments, which is building a $75 million-plus, 17-story senior housing building in the Ala Moana district on Kalakaua Ave. near the convention center. Called Kalakaua Gardens, it is expected to provide 46 skilled nursing beds, 106 units for assisted living and 32 “memory care” units. The project could be completed by 2016.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Gov. David Ige

GOV. DAVID IGE SIGNED A SUPPLEMENTAL emergency proclamation yesterday that extends the emergency period for the lava flow that threatens Puna. 

       “The state stands ready to support Hawai`i County in its response to the lava flow,” said Ige. “This extension of the emergency proclamation aids current monitoring and response and recovery efforts. The lava isn’t going to just go away, and we need to work together to ensure the community’s health and safety.”
       The extension suspends certain laws as needed for emergency purposes. Copies of the proclamation text can be found at http://www.scd.hawaii.gov/Proclamations.htm.
       A request to expand the Presidential Disaster Declaration to include debris removal and permanent work to repair eligible government and private nonprofit infrastructure damaged by the lava flow was submitted in early February.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

LEGACY LAND CONSERVATION COMMISSION, a nine-member Commission appointed by the governor to advise the Department of Land & Natural Resources on grants from the Legacy Land Conservation Program, is accepting applications for two vacancies.
      The Legacy Land 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.
      The 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.
      There are currently vacancies for a member of a statewide agricultural association and a member who is knowledgeable about native Hawaiian Culture. At least one of the two new members must be from Hawai`i Island.
      Applications may be submitted online to the Office of Boards and Commissions at http://boards.hawaii.gov/.
      Interested applicants may find more information regarding the program at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp/ and can contact the Program Coordinator with questions at 586-0921.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB of the Big Island encourages Ka`u residents to attend its third annual Youth of the Year Banquet & Awards Ceremony Friday, March 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. The theme is Inspiring Youth, and participants can dress as what they wanted to be when they were young. 

      The evening includes inspiring youth speeches from Hawai`i Island Club members, cocktails, entertainment, silent and live auctions, dinner, awards and celebration of honored guests.
      The Youth of the Year Award is presented to the club’s most outstanding member. Candidates are selected based on yearlong efforts in areas of leadership, academic achievement and community service. They are also evaluated on public speaking and essay writing.

       Scholarships are awarded to youth who participate in the competition, and each of them will serve as spokespersons for the Club in the coming year. The Youth of the Year winner will compete with other Club members on state, regional and national levels; earn additional scholarships; and possibly meet the President of the United States.
      In Pahala, the club currently provides safe facilities and positive activities including homework help, healthy living practices and character- and leadership-building to more than 50 youth. The Na`alehu/Ocean View club is on hiatus.
      To purchase tickets and for more information, contact Gail Hamasu at gail@bgcbi.org or 961-5536.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

The Vision Van arrives in Ka`u for free screening tomorrow and Thursday.

WALK-INS ARE ACCEPTED by Project Vision for free vision screenings from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. tomorrow at Na`alehu Community Center and Thursday at Pahala Community Center.

      Call 929-8571 for more information.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in Hawai`i County Council’s meeting tomorrow.
      The meeting is available via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center and live-streamed at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings on left side of page.
           The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo.
      Agenda is available at hawaiicounty.gov.

WORKSHOPS THIS WEEK GIVE KA`U residents information about rainwater catchment systems, safety, monitoring and proper maintenance. Water quality testing kits and instructions will be provided to workshop attendees free of charge.
      Workshops take place at Ocean View Community Center Friday, March 6 
from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
; Na`alehu Community Center Saturday, March 7
 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
; and Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano, Saturday, March 7
 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

      For more information on these and other professional workshops, see arcsa.org.

Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park explore the largest petroglyph field
in Hawai`i Sunday. Photo by Lanaya Deily

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK presents its next Sunday Walk in the Park on March 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Led by Pohai Montague-Mullins, this month’s 1.5-mile round-trip walk takes explores the largest petroglyph field in Hawai`i.
      Walk participants will see hundreds of ancient symbols carved into lava over countless generations. Montague-Mullins will share stories to help connect viewers to the Hawaiian people who created these images.
      The walk is free for Friends members, and non-members are welcome to join the nonprofit organization in order to attend. Annual memberships, $30 for individuals and $45 for families, come with a variety of benefits.
      To register, contact Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes Park at 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org.

      For more information, visit www.fhvnp.org. Park entrance fees apply.

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

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

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, March 2, 2015

Ka`u residents can provide testimony regarding a state House bill that would appropriate funds to research methods for control of the macadamia felted coccid, which is damaging crops throughout Ka`u and Hawai`i Island. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

GOV. DAVID IGE HAS RETURNED from Washington, D.C., where he attended the National Governors Association Winter Meeting and met with various federal officials and business leaders.

Gov. David Ige

      “Meeting with the other governors was a valuable experience,” Ige said. “We were able to discuss issues affecting the states and share best practices that lead to innovative solutions.”
      Ige was part of a panel discussion on Homeland Security and Public Safety where the focus was on Congressional action related to funding the Department of Homeland Security.
      “Funding for the Department of Homeland Security was a priority for all of the governors,” Ige said. “If the funding is not approved, much of the work will continue at great personal cost to the frontline personnel who would have to report for duty without being paid. In addition, a lapse in funding will have a real impact on FEMA’s ability to ensure that a wide range of emergency personnel have the resources they need to do their jobs and keep our communities safer and more secure.”
      The governors conducted two formal working sessions with President Obama and had dinner at the White House. Ige also attended a signing ceremony with members of Hawai`i’s Congressional Delegation and representatives of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai`i and the Japanese American Citizens League.
      “Visiting the White House and meeting with President Obama, not once but several times, was a highlight,” Ige said. “It was an honor and a privilege to be part of the Oval Office signing ceremony designating the Honouliuli Camp a National Historic Monument.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Brian Schatz

THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION has set rules that protect free expression and innovation on the Internet and promote investment in the nation’s broadband networks. According to the Commission, the “strong, sustainable rules, grounded in multiple sources of legal authority … ensure that Americans reap the economic, social and civic benefits of an Open Internet today and into the future.” 

      Sen. Brian Schatz, Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet, said, 

“I congratulate Chairman Wheeler and the FCC on a deliberative process which has led to the adoption of open Internet rules tailored for the 21st century. While I do not yet know all the details of the FCC’s proposal, it is clear that they contain three essential elements: no blocking, no throttling and no paid prioritization. These critical elements will ensure a level playing field so that a free and open Internet continues to thrive in the future. I am pleased the FCC has voted to enshrine these principles into formal protections.

      “I will continue to review the details of the rules as they are made available. If we can find bipartisan consensus that legislation is still necessary to codify robust open Internet rules, I will work with the FCC and my colleagues on the Commerce Committee to ensure that any legislation protects the FCC’s flexible and forward looking authority to prevent future forms of discrimination that could threaten Internet openness.”

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

State Department of Ag Chief Scott Enright

HAWAI`I HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE on Wednesday considers a bill that would appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with UH CTAHR, to research and develop methods for prevention and treatment of macadamia felted coccid.

      Hawai`i Department of Agriculture Chief Scott Enright testified that “the macadamia felted coccid is an insipid pest that can cause severe damage to macadamia nut trees and hurt our macadamia nut industry. It is vital to develop new methods to prevent the spread of this pest and limit the damage that it will have on the macadamia nut industry.”
      Hawaii Macadamia Nut Association President John Cross said, “We have seen and unfortunately have experienced the especially devastating effects of this pest islandwide but especially so in the Ka`u region. This pest is one of most virulent, aggressive and damaging alien pests I have witnessed in the 20 years since leaving the sugarcane plantations.”
      Bonnie Schoneberg, Director of Research Royal Hawaiian Orchards, L.P., with an office in Pahala, said, “The macadamia industry isn’t solely comprised of large companies; in reality many of the farms in Hawai`i are small growers that depend on their macadamia harvests and value added products for survival. Treatment options are already scarce to non-existent for large growers. When you consider the resources available to small growers, there are even fewer options. If realistic and economical treatment options aren’t discovered, many of the small farmers will be powerless to save their trees and will likely lose their means of income.”
      More testimony and the opportunity to testify are available at capitol.hawaii.gov. Testimony is due by 1:30 p.m. tomorrow to be included at the hearing.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Dean Curran, fifth-grade teacher at Na`alehu School, won a National Milken
Educators of Hawai`i Teacher of Promise Award. Photo from Nalani Parlin

NA`ALEHU FIFTH-GRADE TEACHER Dean Curran is the National Milken Educators of Hawai`i annual Teacher of Promise Award winner for the Ka`u-Kea`au-Pahoa educational complex area. Schools submitted nominees of teachers who have already made outstanding contributions in the classroom in just a few years of service. Hailed as the Oscars of Teaching by Teacher magazine, Milken Educator awards have been given at the state level since 1987. 

      A Teach for America recruit, Curran moved to Ka`u last year from rural Massachusetts. He graduated from University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in political science and journalism but always harbored a passion for teaching. “I had so many teachers in my life that made a difference for me and steered me in the right direction. I want to do the same for our kids,” Curran said.
      Curran co-teaches students with and without disabilities in an inclusive setting with teacher Karen Wallace, a special education teacher. Curran said that he enjoys working with students who may have experienced difficulties in school. “I want to show them that they can do it and push themselves further,” he said. Curran said that he hopes to add a special education credential to his license.
      Joining TFA, which places new teachers in traditionally underserved schools, became a turning point in Curran’s life. “I could stay with family or go some place completely different, but I was determined to go where I was needed or where I thought I could make an impact,” he said. The TFA program allowed Curran to earn his teaching license through an affiliate program with Johns Hopkins University. Curran is now pursuing his Masters degree while continuing to teach full-time.

Ocean View Community Center offers videoconferencing of Hawai`i County
Council and committee meetings tomorrow and Wednesday.

      At Na`alehu, Curran said he has encountered “overwhelmingly positive and collaborative experiences,” which has spurred forward his zeal for teaching. He added that the staff and administration have been very supportive. “It’s like a family,” he said.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in county government meetings this week. 

      Hawai`i County committee and full Council meetings are available via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
      All meetings, held at Council Chambers in Hilo, are live-streamed at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings on left side of page.
     Council committees meet tomorrow, with Planning at 9 a.m.; Finance, 9:45 a.m.; Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability, 10:30 a.m.; and Environmental Management, 1:30 p.m.
      Hawai`i County Council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m.
      Agendas for all meetings are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger presents A Walk into the Past tomorrow
and every other Tuesday. Photo from KDEN

DURING A WALK INTO THE PAST tomorrow, Ka`u Resident Dick Hershberger brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and take a short walk to Whitney Vault. Free; park entrance fees apply. 

PROJECT VISION RETURNS TO KA`U this week with free vision screenings Wednesday at Na`alehu Community Center and Thursday at Pahala Community Center. Hours both days are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for keiki and adults.
      Call 929-8571 for more information.

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI`I SEA GRANT College Program holds free community workshops this week to give residents information about rainwater catchment systems, safety, monitoring and proper maintenance. Water quality testing kits and instructions will be provided to workshop attendees free of charge.
      Workshops take place at Ocean View Community Center Friday, March 6 
from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
; Na`alehu Community Center Saturday, March 7
 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
; and Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano, Saturday, March 7
 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

      For more information on these and other professional workshops, see arcsa.org.

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

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