Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, April 2, 2015

Krystalynn Gascon won the $1,000 Buy Local It Matters drawing, sponsored by state Department of Agriculture and Ka`u Coffee
Festival in 2014. The campaign is renewed for 2015, leading up to the May 2 Ho'olaulea at Pahala Community Center.
Photo by Julia Neal

NAVY WAR GAMES IN HAWAIIAN AND CALIFORNIA WATERS were inaappropriately approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service, according to a federal judge, who this week ruled on a lawsuit brought by the Conservation Council for Hawai'i and the Natural Resources Defense Council and argued by Earthjustice attorney David Henkin.
     U.S. District Court Judge Susan Oki Mollway issued a ruling on Tuesday saying National Marine Fisheries failed to comply with multiple requirements of the Marine Mammals Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act when it approved the Navy's plan. The judge concluded that the Navy failed to support its contention that the military exercises would have "negligible impact" on marine life. She also said that the Navy should have considered alternative places and times for its military exercises in order to better protect marine life.
     The Navy's own study predicted that war games - with impacts mainly from explosives- could kill 155 whales and dolphins a year off Hawai`i and Southern California, through collateral damage. The Navy also expects more than 2,000 serious injuries per year to marine life in Hawaiian and Southern California waters.

The judge noted that the  Navy estimates that bottle nose dolphins
could suffer eight deaths a year in Big Island waters and
wrote two deaths would be too many.  

     The judge concluded that National Marine Fisheries Service was willing to accept the Navy killing some marine life at a rate affecting their potential to survive. She gave the example of Big Island waters where bottle nose dolphins live, contending that allowing even eight deaths a year was too many and that only one death a year would be allowable if they are to survive here.
     She took issue with the Navy making plans to protect humpback whales by avoiding certain places at certain times, but not making similar plans for other marine species.
     U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesman Mark Matsunaga defended the Navy's practices, issuing a statement saying, "The Navy has been training and testing in the Hawai`i and Southern California ranges for more than 60 years without causing the harm alleged by the plaintiffs in this case."
    Earthjustice contended that the judge understands that the Navy doesn't need "every square inch" of waters covering more than the area of all 50 U.S. states. Henkin stated, "The Navy can fulfill its mission and, at the same time, avoid the most severe harm to dolphins, whales and countless other marine animals by simply limiting training and testing in a small number of biologically sensitive areas."

See more at www.nrdc.org. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WIN $1000: BUY LOCAL IT MATTERS. Businesses are lining up and area residents starting to visit them for the Buy Local It Matters cross-promotion sponsored by Ka'u Coffee Festival and the state Department of Agriculture.
     Visit Kaucoffeefest.com for more details. See updates on where to collect receipts and business cards for the drawing during the May 2 Ka'u Coffee Festival Ho'olaulea at Pahala Community Center. Visiting as many local businesses as possible between now and the Ho'olaulea increases chances to win the Buy Local It Matters $1000 award at the festival. Winner must be present at time of drawing on May 2 to collect the prize. 

       Among participating companies are: Aikane Plantation Coffee Co., Ali'i Hula Hands (Punalu'u Bake Shop), BEI, Big Island Candies, Crop Production Services, Hana Hou Restaurant, Hawa'i Coffee Association, Hawai'i Coffee Co., Isla Custom Coffees, GreenPoint Nurseries, Ka'u Coffee Mill., Ka'u Farm and Ranch Co., Ka'u Local Products, Ka'u Royal Coffee (R&G Store in Pahala), Ka'u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea, Kona Transportation, Moon & Turtle Cafe, OK Farms, Orchid Island Auto Center, Pacific Quest, Pahala Plantation Cottages, ProVision Solar, Inc., Punalu'u Bake Shop, Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee (Na'alehu and Kino'ole Farmer's Market), Sustainable Island Products, Wiki-Wiki Mart and xpedx.
      See frequent updates and map at kaucoffeefest.com.
      Buy Local, It Matters campaign aims to encourage residents to support Hawai'i businesses. It particularly focuses on agriculture, encouraging conscious decisions to purchase locally grown farm products. The campaign was created by University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Hawai'i Farm Bureau Federation and Hawai'i Department of Agriculture. As a community service, Hawai'i Medical Service Association sponsors printing a Buy Fresh – Buy Local Seasonality Chart on availability of local produce.    To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Tensions are high as the TMT blockade on Mauna Kea as participants expect to
face arrest today. Photo from Big Island Video News

ARRESTS ON MAUNA KEA may take place today, according to Big Island Video News, which is covering an attempted blockade by activists who say they believe the construction of telescopes and other facilities by universities, governments and other research entities on the top of the volcano is an environmental, cultural and religious offense. "Opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea are planning to make a stand Thursday, despite the threat that they will be arrested by Hawai`i County police should they choose to block construction crews from access to the summit," Big Island Video News reports. "Things were quiet on Wednesday, the calm before the storm. Many of the self-described protectors of the mountain expect today to be the day of reckoning. Police already informed them what would happen if they do not stand aside. Many indicated they would not, and are prepared to be arrested for their cause. The story reports Lanakila Mangauil, one of the protesters, saying:

     “I go to stand at the foot of my kupuna mauna.To protect my tutu mauna from machine welding, greed fueled industrial brutality. I will stand for what is Pono. No laws of corrupt man will enslave my heart and keep me from fallowing my na`au.”
     "The world is shifting, consciousness is growing, honor is being recognized in those who follow the righteous path and not false honor to those who simply follow instructions. Our stance for the Mauna has already begun to ripple across the world, I work for that ripple to carry our message of true aloha."
     See more at: http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2015/04/02/mauna-kea-blockade-situation-intensifies/#sthash.vqX0B4vI.dpuf

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

KA`U WAHINE TROJANS SOFTBALL fell to the Kea`au Cougars yesterday at the Pahala ballpark. Ka`u made one run while the Kea`au Cougars rallied up 17 runs. Keahaulani Ke made the only hit for Ka`u. The Cougars hit 13 with Erleen Oguma and Ranchell Bernobis scoring home runs. The next game for the Wahine Trojans will be on Saturday, April 4 at Honoka`a at 3 p.m. Other upcoming sports for this week are Boys Volleyball on Friday, April 3 at 6 p.m. at Honoka`a,  Judo at Kea`au on Saturday, April 4 at 9 a.m., Track and Field at Kamehameha Schools on Saturday, April 4 at 9 a.m.

HO`OMALU KA`U HOLDS A DINNER DANCE, Spice Up Your Spring, on Sunday, April 12 at Discovery Harbour Community Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The organization is raising funds to build a Ka`u Heritage Center on property in Manuka.
“Come join us for a sumptuous spread of spicy and saucy Asian, Mexican and American foods, dance to the music of Full Tilt, the best dance band in Ka`u, drink beer and wine by donation, and enter your name in our lucky number drawing for great door prizes,” said Lehua Lopez. Tickets are $20 each.
Buy tickets by calling 929-8526, or see Lopez at Na`alehu Farmers Market tomorrow and on Wednesday, April 8.

Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and Chip invite you to join us at CroKDEN

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT Network hosts CroKDEN: an Afternoon Tea and Croquet Tournament on Sunday, April 19, from 2 - 5 p.m. at the Maluhia Guest House in Mauna Loa Estates, Volcano. The event raises production funds for the upcoming annual summer musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I.

      CroKDEN will feature a variety of teas to sip, goodies to nosh, all while enjoying the tournament. The Grand Prize for the Croquet Tournament is a Body Glove Cruise for two. There will be a silent auction featuring dinners, adventures, artwork and jewelry. Walter Greenwood will entertain on the piano. KDEN encourages the wearing of big hats and finest afternoon tea attire.
      KDEN is a 501(c)3 non profit community theater organization formed in 2002 by experienced community organizers and artists based in East Hawai`i. This summer’s musical will involve approximately 75 people onstage, in the orchestra pit, backstage, and in the front of the house.
     Tickets for CroKDEN are $40, ($75 for couples). Reservations can be made by calling 982-7344 or emailing kden73@aol.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Ways to limit material going into Hawai`i Island landfills advanced at Hawai`i County Council committees yesterday.
Photo from University of Hawai`i Environmental Studies Department

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES yesterday advanced ways to limit material going into landfills. The Finance Committee approved Resolution 126-15 calling for solicitation of contracts for up to $2.4 million annually to turn green waste into mulch at county landfills in East and West Hawai`i.
      The resolution calls for the mayor to enter into a four-year contract, with the option of two one-year extensions, to provide organics diversion, treatment of mulch for invasive species, a compost demonstration project and to expand organic diversion programs to the composting operation.

Bobby Jean Leithead Todd

      Preventing the spread of little fire ants and other invasive species could add as much as $600,000 a year to mulching operations.
      Nancy Cook Lauer, of Stephens Media, reported that the county will also test a method of killing little fire ants using a process to further reduce pathogens. PRFP uses heat created as organic matter breaks down to kill the ants.
      “We see this as a step in the direction of a compost operation,” said Solid Waste Division Chief Greg Goodale.
      A 2009 study found organic matter accounted for 114,000 tons, or 54 percent, of waste in Hilo landfill. Increasing the green waste program would give residents a local mulch option and increase landfills’ lifespans. 

      After being proven, the technology could expand to other regions of the county.

      The County Council Environmental Management Committee moved Bills 32 and 33 to the Environmental Management Commission.
      Bill 32 would require the Environmental Management director to implement a partial pay-per-bag fee program for refuse to be landfilled, allowing each household and business one 33-gallon bag of refuse per week to be landfilled without any bag fee.
      Bill 33 would prohibit disposal of compostable or recyclable material at any county landfill or transfer station as of Jan. 1, 2018. It would also establish additional requirements and fees for commercial haulers with regard to the disposal of compostable or recyclable materials.
      According to Cook Lauer, Environmental Management Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd said the pay-as-you-throw concept is a recommendation of the 2009 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan, but a plan to allow each household one free bag of garbage a week would be difficult and expensive to implement.
      Solid Waste Division Chief Greg Goodale said charging for garbage would be an incentive for people to limit how much they throw.
      Kohala's County Council member Margaret Wille said the county currently spends $28 million for solid waste programs. The cost rests on the shoulders of the property owners through their taxes, and there is no break for those who reduce their waste and recycle their recyclables, she said.
      Wille said dumping more garbage at Pu`uanahulu would lower the tipping fee and save the county money that could be used for other garbage projects. Currently, the landfill handles about 290 tons per day, she said. An increase to 300 tons per day, would save the county $60,000 to $70,000 a month, she said.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com and westhawaiitoday.com.

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

Hawai`i Department of Ag asks poultry owners
to be vigilant about avian influenza.

COMMERCIAL AND BACKYARD POULTRY and bird owners need to be vigilant because of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 along the Pacific migratory bird path. 

      Hawai`i Department of Agriculture encourages bird and poultry owners to institute and maintain good biosecurity measures, including good sanitation practices and making sure their birds do not come in contact with other wild and migratory birds.
      The strain circulating is a mix of the highly pathogenic Asian and low pathogenic North American strains and has been found in wild birds and in a few backyard and commercial poultry flocks. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk to people from the current strains of HPAI to be low.
      Poultry and bird owners in Hawai`i who notice high mortality in their poultry or birds should contact HDOA, Division of Animal Industry at 808-483-7106 to report their losses.

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

Sen. Josh Green

ALTHOUGH A BILL INTRODUCED BY KA`U’S state Sen. Josh Green relating to health impacts of pesticides made it to the House of Representatives for consideration, it did not received a hearing before a legislative deadline. 

      SB 1037 called for the state Department of Agriculture to establish and administer a program relating to disclosure of pesticide use.
      The department would have developed a standardized form that pesticide users would have filled out and turned in to the department to report pesticides used in the preceding month.
      Anita Hofschneider, of Civil Beat, reported that Sen. Jill Tokuda expanded the bill to include all farms rather than only large farms as originally targeted to reflect concerns about the environmental impact of large companies.
      According to Hofschneider, Rep. Clift Tsuji did not schedule a hearing because he had already considered two similar proposals and was concerned about the bill’s broad application to all farmers.
      See civilbeat.com.

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

Fire Chief Darren Rosario

DO RULES LIMITING EMPLOYEES’ discussions of internal affairs limit their freedom of speech? Nancy Cook Lauer examines the issue in West Hawai`i Today. Cook Lauer reported that Capt. Sean Sommers is under investigation by Hawai`i County Fire Department. He received a letter from Fire Chief Darren Rosario saying he violated department rules when he criticized it and the fire chief in a March 19 interview on Hawai`i News Now. 

      The rule states that “no member shall publicly criticize or ridicule the department, its policies or the members … when such action tends to impair the good order or efficiency of the department, interferes with the ability of officers to maintain discipline or it’s made with reckless disregard for truth or falsity.”
      According to Cook Lauer, the chief wrote, “It is alleged that you have violated the aforementioned rules and regulations of the Hawai`i Fire Department with your televised media interview, which aired statewide on Thursday, March 19, 2015.”
      Hawai`i News Now interviewed Sommers about suspension of two West Hawai`i battalion chiefs.
      “This is exactly the reason you don’t hear from other personnel in the fire department,” Sommers told Cook Lauer. “They fear retribution, and I don’t blame them. … I truly am risking everything right now.”
       Honolulu attorney Jeff Portnoy, who specializes in First Amendment issues, said that, in general, he thinks the rules go too far. “Government employees do not lose their First Amendment rights to speak out about what they believe is wrongdoing they believe is not being appropriately handled by those in authority,” Portnoy said. “To me, these Hawai`i Fire Department rules go way too far in trying to stifle appropriate criticism, and at least on the surface are too general and appear to attempt to keep any criticism of the department from public scrutiny.”
      Battalion chiefs Steve Loyola and Ty Medeiros were suspended in November. Loyola told Hawai`i News Now they were suspended for criticizing how Rosario was running the department. A 24-year employee of the department, he told Hawai`i News Now morale is at an all-time low, and 25 people have quit the department during the past three years.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.

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

Sen. Brian Schatz

THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION YESTERDAY announced the United States’ commitment to reduce carbon pollution by 28 percent over the next ten years in an effort to combat climate change.

      “Today’s commitment by the Administration … is critical to our fight against climate change,” said Sen. Brian Schatz. President Obama has laid out a bold and viable plan that will put us on a path to stabilizing the climate. The historic commitments from China and emerging economies such as Mexico to cut carbon pollution have shown us that American leadership on climate change has a real global impact. These targeted goals give us unique opportunities to strengthen our economy, improve public health and leave a better world for our families and our children.

      “Our global partners committed to reducing carbon pollution should know that just last week the U.S. Senate passed an amendment stating that climate change is real, caused by humans and that we should take action to cut emissions. I and many of my colleagues in Congress are dedicated to supporting the President’s Climate Action Plan and ensuring that the United States is able to not only follow through, but build on the commitments made today.”

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

KA`U HIGH BOYS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TEAM overpowered Christian Liberty Academy in three straight sets yesterday. Scores were 25-14, 25-9 and 25-12.

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

Kolea lau nui choked by ginger.
Photo from NPS

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN HELP REMOVE invasive Himalayan ginger tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Loppers and gloves are provided. Participants are encouraged to wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes. Work is often in the shade of the forest with sweet sounds of native honey creepers like `apapane, `amakihi and `oma`o above. Water, snacks, rain gear and sun protection are recommended. This project is open to the public, and no reservations are required. Interested people can stop by Kilauea Visitor Center to get directions and more information. The hike is around a one-mile, moderate round-trip into Kilauea caldera down the Halem`auma`u trail, leaving from Kilauea Visitor Center. The hike involves walking over rough uneven terrain on a dirt and rock path, with up to a 400-foot elevation change.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April2015.pdf.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Protection and enhancement of natural and cultural resources is one of the intentions of the Ka`u Community Development Plan. The draft CDP is now available for public review. Photo from The Ka`u Calendar

THE DRAFT KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN is now available for public review by community members and other stakeholders. The draft includes revisions recommended by Ka`u CDP Steering Committee.
      “None of the CDP strategies are set in stone,” said project planner Ron Whitmore. Comments and feedback are welcome through June 1.

      Informal drop-in listening sessions called speak-outs are scheduled throughout the district. They are organized as open houses where residents can find visual displays about parts of the CDP they are interested in, discuss CDP strategies with people familiar with the plan and provide feedback. Listeners and recorders will be on hand to document comments. There will not be any presentations or formal testimony at the speak-outs.
      Four identical speak-outs are scheduled. Two on Saturday, April 11 are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. On Sunday, April 19, residents can attend from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pahala Community Center and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center.
      Residents can also submit feedback online or in writing by email, fax, or mail.
      For community organizations wishing to offer feedback, Whitmore suggests having comments officially recorded in meeting minutes and submitted in writing to Ka`u CDP Steering Committee, c/o Planning Department, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720.
      According to Whitmore, the CDP is intended to direct future conservation and development patterns; protect and enhance natural and cultural resources; strengthen infrastructure, facilities and services; and build a resilient, sustainable local economy. The CDP will become a county policy document when adopted by County Council. It also guides state and federal agencies as well as community-based action.
      Copies are available at www.kaucdp.info, with review reference copies at local libraries and community centers as well as the Hilo and Kona Planning Department offices. Two versions of the CDP are available: a shorter “clean” copy and a longer version that includes brief explanations for each CDP strategy. The CDP includes an executive summary and a more detailed introductory section.
       The CDP Planning Team is available to discuss specific topics or sections of the document. On May 9 at Nāʻālehu Community Center, discussions will focus on agriculture at 9 a.m. and coastal management at 1 p.m. Contact Whitmore to schedule a discussion about another topic at 961-8137 or ron.whitmore@hawaiicounty.gov.
      The Steering Committee will review all feedback and make final decisions about revisions before recommending that the county adopt the CDP. As always, committee meetings are open to the community, and public testimony on agenda items is welcome.
      Whitmore said he, Steering Committee members and Community Planning Assistant Nālani Parlin are happy to answer any questions. Contact information is available at www.kaucdp.info.

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

KA`U FARM BUREAU elected new officers last night. The new President, succeeding Ralph Gaston, is Brenda Iokepa Moses, of Ka`u Coffee Mill. Vice President is Phil Becker, of Aikane Plantation Coffee. Treasurer is Michelle Galimba, of Kuahiwi Ranch, and Secretary is LAyla Abellera, of Kehau’s Coffee Co. Board members are Jeff McCall,  Lorie Obra and Ralph Gaston. Also attending were Mac Farms of Hawai`i manager Dan Springer and Sue Springer, coffee farmers Leonardo and Joseph Castaneda and `Ua Galimba, of Kuahiwi Ranch.
      Gaston said his main focus during his presidency was fighting the coffee berry borer. He said the organization needs more members to carry out its programs and encouraged all farmers to join.

Brenda Iokepa Moses is now President
of Ka`u Farm Bureau.

      The new president Iokepe Moses began working with Ka`u Coffee farmers in 1994 when she assisted Ka`u Sugar Co. in placing displaced sugar workers on agricultural plots to grow coffee as the sugar industry was shutting down in Ka`u. She has worked for C. Brewer, Ka`u Farm & Ranch, Olson Trust and currently Ka`u Coffee Mill. She is president of Hawai`i Association of Conservation Districts, chair of Ka`u Soil & Water Conservation and board member for the county water department and Ka`u Coffee Festival. She is a retired member of the U.S Army Reserves and is married to Ka`u firefighter Jack Moses, with three children, living in Pahala.
      Founding Ka`u Farm Bureau President Chris Manfredi, now statewide president, reviewed legislation of interest to agriculture that is making its way or has failed at the state Legislature.
         He said the Farm Bureau aims to strengthen existing Future Farmers of America programs and dormant ones like the one in Ka`u. He said the Farm Bureau has been lobbying for a pilot program on the Big Island that would put a special investigator assigned to agriculture in the prosecutor’s office. ‘Folks invest everything into a crop, and to have someone come and take it from you is not right,” said Manfredi.
        He talked about land exchanges to protect ag land and mentioned a possible swap on O`ahu where the state would exchange developable land for good farm land. He said that state money for Ka`u irrigation projects is still in the pipeline.
      A proposal to put an expert in the state ag department to deal with coffee berry borers did not advance in the Legislature, Manfredi reported; nor did a bill dealing with permitting to help farmers markets.
      Manfredi warned of the U.S. Department of Agriculture drafting new regulations for which it will be expensive for the ag industry to comply. He said that if the state Department of Agriculture could adopt best practices for agriculture, there could be some exemptions and possibly lower costs for compliances and lower regulatory costs.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Jim Robo

THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION has given its approval to the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Industries and NextEra Energy that was announced in December.
      “Approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission represents a significant step toward the completion of our merger,” said Jim Robo, chairman and chief executive officer of NextEra Energy. “Through our partnership, we will apply our combined expertise and resources to deliver significant savings and value to Hawaiian Electric customers. We will continue to work closely with our partners at Hawaiian Electric in pursuing the remaining necessary approvals to complete the merger and begin to deliver the more affordable clean energy future we all want for Hawai`i.”
      Connie Lau, HEI’s president and chief executive officer and chairman of the boards of American Savings and Hawaiian Electric, said “We are pleased with this substantial progress on our proposed merger. Hawaiian Electric is gaining a partner that is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun, with a commitment to supporting rooftop solar in Hawai`i and a proven track record of lowering electric bills. This approval provides further momentum toward ultimately delivering that substantial value to our customers and communities.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A REQUEST BY PARTIES EXAMINING the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric Co. and NextEra Energy for an extension of time should be rejected, the utilities stated in a memorandum to the state Public Utilities Commission.

      Ulupono Initiative, Hawai`i Gas, Paniolo Power Company, AES Hawai`i, SunEdison, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1260, Hawai`i Renewable Energy Alliance and the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism had asked that the deadline to complete all discovery and file all testimony be changed from Aug. 31 to Oct. 30.
      According to the utilities, “If granted, the Motion for Reconsideration will unduly delay this proceeding. The Commission would be unable to review and complete its decision-making on the application in a 'just, speedy and inexpensive' manner, consistent with the purpose of its rules.”
      The utilities also noted that the motion “was untimely filed four days after the ten-day period for filing such motions for reconsideration expired.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT, in partnership with the County of Hawai`i, is hosting an energy workshop for East Hawai`i tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Office of Aging's Resource Center, 1055 Kino`ole Street in Hilo.  The primary focus of this workshop is to notify rural small businesses and agricultural producers of renewable energy loan and grant opportunities and to review new application requirements. Topics to be covered include eligibility requirements, application information and tips for submitting a better proposal. Interested businesses and farmers/ranchers are welcome to attend. This program does not allow residential use. T
      More information on the Rural Energy for America Program can be found at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency. 

      For an accurate count on handouts, RSVP to Lori Nekoba, Business Programs Specialist at 933-8312 or lori.nekoba@hi.usda.gov.

HO`OMALU KA`U HOLDS A DINNER DANCE, Spice Up Your Spring, on Sunday, April 12 at Discovery Harbour Community Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The organization is raising funds to build a Ka`u Heritage Center on property in Manuka.
      “Come join us for a sumptuous spread of spicy and saucy Asian, Mexican and American foods, dance to the music of Full Tilt, the best dance band in Ka`u, drink beer and wine by donation, and enter your name in our lucky number drawing for great door prizes,” said Lehua Lopez. Tickets are $20 each.
      Buy tickets by calling 929-8526, or see Lopez at Na`alehu Farmers Market tomorrow and on Wednesday, April 8.

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.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2015.pdf.

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