Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, June 27, 2015

Ka`u families can register now to be included in the free lunch count at next month's Kahuku `Ohana Day that features poi pounding. Photo from NPS

TAKING ANY SPECIES OF SEA CUCUMBER from Hawai`i waters is illegal for the next 120 days. Hawai`i Board of Land and Natural Resources approved the rule yesterday, and Gov. David Ige is expected to quickly sign the emergency administrative rules.

      DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “Based on a briefing from DOCARE about their ongoing investigation and recent findings and input from the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources, we took the unusual step of fast-tracking this rule to immediately stop the continued depletion of this natural resource. This decision was further confirmed to be prudent when people across the state expressed outrage after seeing photographs and learning about the mass commercial harvesting of sea cucumbers in near shore waters … .”

Harvested sea cucumbers in a cooler. Photo from Hawai`i DLNR

      “We will use the next four months to work with our staff and researchers to better determine the overall impact of large-scale removal of sea cucumbers,” said Alton Miyasaka, DAR acting administrator. “Since we’ve never seen this extent of exploitation in Hawai`i, we need to develop a clear understanding of the impacts on the fishery and aquatic environment.”
      Results of DAR’s inquiry are expected to lead to development of permanent rules regarding harvesting of sea cucumbers. Permanent regulations will also require BLNR’s and the governor’s approval. During this process, DAR staff will work with interested stakeholders, including native Hawaiian traditional and customary practitioners, to come up with proposed rules for sustainable harvest of sea cucumbers.
      Today’s emergency rule making was applauded by officers from the DOCARE North Maui Community Fisheries Enforcement Unit, which took the lead in looking into the commercial harvesting of sea cucumbers. CFEU Office Nathan Hillan said, “As a conservation officer, it makes me very happy that we were able to get ahead of this in a proactive way. To see the emergency rule enacted and signed is very satisfying as an officer. It lifts up, why we do what we do.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

BIG ISLAND COMMUNITY COALITION, which works toward reduced electrical energy costs on the Hawai`i Island, issued a statement on geothermal energy, genetically modified organisms and the Thirty Meter Telescope. Among those who signed the statement is Ka`u rancher Michelle Galimba, who is on the group’s steering committee. Others joining Galimba in signing are the hui’s President Richard Ha and members David DeLuz, Jr., Rockne Freitas, Wallace Ishibashi, Noe Kalipi, H.R. “Monty” Richards, and William Walter. 

      There are occasions when events are so alarming that groups such as ours feel compelled to move beyond our primary task, the hui stated. This is such a time.

      We have observed with increasing alarm as our community has taken steps that inexorably blunt the forward movement of our economy and even move us backwards. These include:

1. Anti-Geothermal activists encouraged county government to ban nighttime drilling, effectively stopping expansion of a major source of renewable and inexpensive electric power beyond already-existing permits. This action was taken despite the existing plant meeting all applicable noise standards. It appears that government officials took this action without first going to the site to verify that the noise was disruptive. Once they did go to the site, some years later, government found that the noise was less than other environmental sounds (i.e., coqui frogs) and essentially no more than typical background noise. 
2. Anti-GMO activists lobbied to stop any new GMO products from being grown on the island – despite the fact that the vast majority of scientific, peer-reviewed studies found such products to be as safe, and in some cases more nutritious, as their non-GMO counterparts. Legislation even prohibited GMO flowers – not consumed by anyone – from being grown on the island. Thus, family farmers lost the most effective new tools needed to reduce pesticide and herbicide usage while increasing productivity needed to keep their farms competitive. 
3. Now we have anti-Thirty Meter Telescope activists taking steps to stop construction of the most advanced telescope in the world. If successful in stopping TMT, despite its sponsors following every legal requirement over a seven-year period, we will lose our world leading advantage in understanding the universe. 

      All of these actions share similar characteristics:

• The arguments used to justify such actions are consistently anti-scientific.
• “Anti” groups often obscure the lack of scientific evidence to support their position by using emotional pleas intended to incite fear. 
• The only “win” for many of these groups is to completely stop, thereby making them completely unwilling to consider any facts that refute their position or to make any reasonable compromise. 
• Long-term consequences are significant both culturally and economically. 

      Cultures that survive and thrive embrace new technologies carefully, thoughtfully and steadily. Cultures and economies that thrive are innovative because they generate ideas and solutions, solve problems and take calculated but careful risks.
      Cultures that fall backwards are those that fear advancement, fear change and cling to a mythicized view of yesteryear. The net result is loss of their brightest and most hard working youth. Those youth that remain find fewer and fewer jobs – those jobs having greatly diminished economic value and lower wages. The downward spiral becomes inexorable.
      As we look to tomorrow, we need to ask ourselves whether we wish to give our children the exciting and invigorating job market typified by Silicon Valley or a job market that is much closer to the poorer regions of third world countries. It is up to us to point one way or another. Driving TMT out will be one more major step to cultural and economic poverty.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hawai`i Island Obon season events begin today. Pahala Hongwanji and Na`alehu Hongwanji offer services only on Monday, July 13. Some other locations include bon dances with their celebrations.

HAWAI`I ISLAND OBON SEASON EVENTS begin today and continue through August. Ka`u celebrates with services on Monday, July 13. Pahala Hongwanji holds its service at 3 p.m., and Na`alehu Hongwanji’s service begins at 6 p.m. Some other Buddhist temples include Bon dances with their celebrations, and Bon dancers from Ka`u are traveling around the Big Island for the annual celebration of music, dance and services in honor of ancestors. Here is the schedule through the end of July:

Bon Dance at Na`alehu Hongwanji in 2009.

• June 27 (Sat.): Honomu Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (963-6032) 
• July 3-4 (Fri./Sat.) Puna Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (966-9981) 
• July 4 (Sat.): Kohala Hongwanji, 7 p.m., graveside service at 5 p.m.; bon service at 6 p.m. service (775-7232) 
• July 11 (Sat.): Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission, 7 p.m., following 6:30 p.m. service; Obon/Hatsubon service on Sunday, June 28, at 9:30 a.m. (322-3524) 
• July 11 (Sat.): Pa`auilo Hongwanji, 7:30 p.m., graveside service at 6 p.m. service, bon service at 6:30 p.m. (776-1369) 
• July 11 (Sat.): Kohala Jodo Mission, following 6 p.m. service (775-0965) 
• July 11 (Sat.): Hilo Meisho-in, 8 p.m., following 7 p.m. service. Obon service on Sunday, July 12, at 10 a.m. (935-6996)
• July 13 (Mon.): Pahala Hongwanji Mission, obon service only at 3 p.m. (928-8254) 
• July 13 (Mon.): Na`alehu Hongwanji, obon service only at 6 p.m. (966-9981) 
• July 17-18 (Fri./Sat.): Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service, food booths available (961-6677) 
• July 18 (Sat.): Honoka`a Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. community memorial service; 4 p.m. graveside service at Kukuihaele Cemetery; 4:30 p.m. graveside service at Honoka`a Cemetery (775-7232) 
• July 18 (Sat.): Ke‘ei Buddhist Church (Kona Hongwanji), 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service; cemetery service at 5 p.m. (323-2993) 
• July 25 (Sat.): Kona Hongwanji, 6:30 p.m., following lantern parade at 6 p.m.; Hatsubon service on Sunday, July 26, at 9 a.m. (323-2993) 
• July 25 (Sat.): Papa`aloa Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (962-6340) 
• July 25 (Sat.): Hilo Hongwanji Mission, 7:30 p.m., following 6 p.m. service Obon service on Sunday, July 26, at 9:30 a.m.; Toro Nagashi at Wailoa Harbor on Sunday, July 26, at 7 p.m. (935-8331). 

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

INTERESTED KA`U RESIDENTS should sign up for Kahuku `Ohana Day by next Thursday, July 2 to be included in the free lunch count. The event takes place Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Manuel Rego, of Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, teaches how to ku`i, or pound, kalo.
      Register at 985-6019.

A paniolo wrangles a cow during a KRRA rodeo in Na`alehu.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION'S 38th annual Fourth of July Rodeo is next weekend. The paniolo tradition of ranchers and other rodeo riders gathering together with families will fill the Na`alehu Arena grounds with events designed for keiki, wahine and kane on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5.
      Slack Roping begins Saturday at 8 a.m. Cowboy Church is on Sunday at 10 a.m. with Thy Word Ministries-Ka`u Pastor Bob Tominaga. Rodeo Shows start at 12 p.m. both days.
      Rodeo Queen contestants are Ku`ukamali`i Bishop of Na`alehu, Arena Jospeh of Kea`au and Chrissy Perez of Honoka`a. Residents can support the young ladies by buying rodeo tickets for $6. Tickets are $7 at the gate.
      All spectators, guests and contestants can buy $1 raffle tickets and win prizes. Prizes will be advertised at the rodeo. All proceeds from the raffle drawing will be donated to American Cancer Society’s Hilo Relay for Life by KRRA.
      Special guests are Miss Rodeo Hawai`i 2015 and Nebraska Queen, who will be signing autographs.
      Events scheduled at the rodeo include Open Team Roping, Kane/Wahine Dally Team Roping, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Kane/Wahine Ribbon Mugging, Wahine Mugging, Tie Down Roping, Wahine Break Away, Po`o Wai U and Bull Riding.
      Dummy Roping, Goat Undecorating, Calf Riding and Youth Barrel Racing events are set for youngsters.
      For more information, call Tammy Kaapana at 929-8079.

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_June2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, June 26, 2015

Maunakea Visitor Information Station is closed due to safety issues on roads leading to the summit. Photo from MKVIS

BOULDERS AND ROCK STRUCTURES have been removed from the gravel road leading to the summit of Mauna Kea. The obstructions caused workers trying to restart construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope to turn around Wednesday. The Office of Mauna Kea Management worked collaboratively with volunteers to ensure the rocks were safely and properly cleared from the roadway.

       The road has been temporarily closed until further notice. The Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan authorizes the University of Hawai`i to close the road in the event of hazardous conditions and emergencies.
      The Maunakea Visitor Information Station is also closed until further notice.
      Gov. David Ige said he plans to ensure lawful access on Mauna Kea. “We are a patient people in Hawai`i,” Ige said. “We listen to and understand differing points of view, and we respect the many cultures of this land, especially that of the host culture. I have done my very best to follow this process in the case of Mauna Kea and set forth a way forward that I believe is reasonable.
       “We expected there to be a protest when construction resumed, and there was. We hoped we would not have to arrest people but were prepared to do so, and we did when they blocked the roadway. We also saw, in what amounts to an act of vandalism, the roadway blocked with rocks and boulders. We deployed to remove the rocks and boulders, but the protesters wisely chose to remove them themselves.
       “And then we saw more attempts to control the road. That is not lawful or acceptable to the people of Hawai`i. So let me be very direct: The roads belong to all the people of Hawai`i, and they will remain open. We will do whatever is necessary to ensure lawful access. We expect there to be more types of challenges, good and bad days, and we are in this for the long run. We value TMT and the contributions of science and technology to our society, and we continue our support of the project’s right to proceed.
      “We are currently working to find ways to enable the TMT project to proceed safely without putting workers, protestors and the general public at risk.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Dr. Sarah Park

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S Epidemiologist Sarah Park asked physicians to be on alert for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. In a letter sent to health care providers, Park said, “The risk of MERS-CoV (Coronavirus) infection for Hawai`i residents is low; however, given the speed and frequency of global travel, we must continue to monitor for any potential cases and be prepared to manage them.”
      Large numbers of military personnel travel between Hawai`i and South Korea. Hawai`i is seeing increasing numbers of visitors from Korea, which is currently experience a major outbreak of MERS. In a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Kristen Consillio reported that South Korea had 100 cases last week and quarantined more than 5,000 people. 

      Toby Clairmont, director of emergency services at the Healthcare Association of Hawai`i, told Consillio the disease can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes directly on someone. “That’s why people that have been affected largely have been health care workers,” he said.
      “It doesn’t pose a great threat to Hawai`i, but we want to make sure if a suspect case does get here we work closely with DOH and the military to manage the case safely and effectively,” he added.
      Park told physicians that to date, there has been no evidence for sustained human-to-human transmission in the community. “Stringent adherence to basic infection control principles is critical to preventing disease transmission,” she said. 

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

MARRIAGE EQUALITY IS THE LAW of the land. Today, the U.S. Supreme Court made it legal for same-sex couples to wed across the country. Until today, such marriages were still illegal in 14 states. 

      In its 5-4 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the 14th Amendment requires all states to allow marriage between same-sex couples and to recognize marriage between same-sex couples when their marriages were lawfully performed out-of-state.  Obergefell combined four cases with same-sex plaintiffs seeking to marry in Michigan and Kentucky, as well as same-sex plaintiffs seeking to have their out-of-state marriages recognized in Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky.

The U.S. Supreme Court today made same-sex marriage legal across the country.
Photo from Office of Sen. Brian Schatz

      “In 1993, Hawai`i galvanized the national conversation on the right of same-sex couples to marry,” Gov. David Ige said. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said that ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.’ I was proud to be part of that arc when I voted for marriage equality in Hawai`i in 2013 as a state Senator. Hawai`i has truly led the way. Now more Americans than ever support marriage equality, and our nation’s highest court has affirmed that it is a fundamental right for all Americans. This is a great day for Hawai`i and for our country. I echo President Obama’s words this morning when he said that ‘we have made our union a little more perfect.’”
      Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “Today’s ruling is a moment for celebration, an opportunity to thank everyone who fought tirelessly to make today a reality, and a chance to reflect on the great strides that have been made.
      “Fighting for equality and tolerance has been central to my work as a public servant. In 1998, I was the only statewide elected official in Hawai`i to stand up and oppose an anti-same sex marriage amendment that would deny rights to gay and lesbian couples.
      “It is an honor and privilege to represent the state of Hawai`i, where we welcome all. In 2013, we were one of the first states to sign marriage equality into law.
      I hope you join me in standing up for equality and celebrating this historic day.”

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote the Supreme
Court's majority decision approving
same-sex marriage.

      Sen. Brian Schatz said, “Today’s Supreme Court decision is a big win for gay rights, for civil rights and for human rights. Every committed couple, whether they are gay or straight, deserves to be treated equally under the law. With this historic ruling, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed what most Americans already know – the Constitution protects the rights of every American, regardless of who they love.”
      Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “I applaud the Supreme Court’s ruling today. Some countries in the world are theocracies. Fortunately, the United States of America is not one of them. Therefore, as long as the government is involved in marriage, it must do so with fairness — treating all Americans equally. Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court is an important victory to this end.”

      On his Facebook page, Ka`u state Sen. Russell Ruderman quoted from Justice Anthony M. Kennedy’s decision: “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right. The judgment of the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit is reversed. 

      “It is so ordered.”

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KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER Cooperative District meets tomorrow at 8 a.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456. Following tomorrow’s meeting, KAWCD members are invited to a conflict resolution workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. 

      Scott Enright, Chair of Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, will present an update on water access through state agencies.

VISITORS TO THE KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park can join free guided walks this weekend.
      Participants learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower on an easy one-mile walk tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.. Free. Call 985-6011 for more information.
      The Birth of Kahuku on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. explores Kahuku’s rich geologic history, traversing the vast 1868 lava flow. Participants see different volcano features and formations and identify many parts of the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa on this guided, easy-to-moderate hike.

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_June2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, June 25, 2015

Hawai`i Tourism Authority reported that the number of visitors to Hawai`i Island continues to increase.
Photo of South Point Blowhole by Peter Anderson

EAST KA`U’S STATE SENATOR may run for mayor, West Hawai`i Today reported this morning. According to reporter Bret Yager, Sen. Russell Ruderman confirmed that he is considering running for the office being vacated by Mayor Billy Kenoi. Ruderman was elected as state senator in 2012, and his four-year term in the Senate ends next year.

Sen. Russell Ruderman is considering a run for Hawai`i County Mayor.
Photo by Julia Neal

      Yager said former Hawai`i County Council member Pete Hoffmann is also considering running for mayor. Hoffmann told Yager his decision won’t be based other candidates entering the race because he doesn’t see himself as running against other candidates or the current administration.
      “I want to run for effective solutions going into the future,” Hoffmann said.
      Both candidates told Yager it could be months before they make final decisions.
      Candidate can file for the August 2016 primary election from Feb. 1 through June 7.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I DIVISION OF CONSERVATION and Resources Enforcement yesterday arrested eleven adults during a protest to stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea. Hawai`i County Police made one arrest.
      “The arrests are unfortunate,” said Gov. David Ige, “but the state’s number one priority is the safety of the people on Mauna Kea – from TMT workers to protestors who are exercising their first amendment rights to peaceably assemble and protest in a civil manner.

Human blockades prevented the restart of Thirty Meter Telescope
construction yesterday. Photo from Big Island Video News

      “We are disappointed and concerned that large boulders were found in the roadway leading to the summit of Mauna Kea. This action is a serious and significant safety hazard and could put people at risk.
      “Because of this, we are making an assessment to determine how to proceed. We will be working to clear the roadway tomorrow. Therefore, construction is on hold until further notice.”
      “This is a difficult day for Hawai`i and TMT,” said Henry Yang, Chair of TMT’s International Observatory Board. “As we attempted to begin our work today, we were met by protests that regrettably resulted in some arrests. Boulders blocked our access to the construction site, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources deemed it unsafe for us to proceed. For the safety of our team, we made the decision to bring them off the mountain, and we are planning to resume when the issue is resolved.
      “We want to thank the state and county police officers for protecting the safety of our team and the protesters and extend our gratitude to them, as well as to all of our supporters in Hawai`i.
      “We want to acknowledge and reach out to those who disagree with our project. We respect their views and, looking toward the future, we hope we can work together to find common ground.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act in a decision today.
Photo from wikipedia

THE U.S. SUPREME COURT SHOWED its support for the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, in a decision today. At question was whether or not subsidies for the program apply to health insurance in states that do not operate exchanges that allow people to compare and purchase insurance plans. In those states, people use a federal exchange to buy insurance. 

      In its six-to-three ruling, the court affirmed that subsidies are available for insurance purchased through any exchange, whether state or federal. “The Act indicates that state and federal exchanges should be the same,” according to the decision. “But state and federal exchanges would differ in a fundamental way if tax credits were available only on state exchanges — one type of exchange would help make insurance more affordable by providing billions of dollars to the states’ citizens; the other type of exchange would not. Several other provisions in the Act … would make little sense if tax credits were not available on federal exchanges.”
      “After two Supreme Court victories, we can confidently declare that the Affordable Care Act is no longer just a law to be debated – it is woven into the fabric of our society and how we care for each other,” said Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Chair of the Democratic National Committee. “As a breast cancer survivor, I know what it means to have the peace of mind that you can afford needed treatment and won't be turned away down the road for having a pre-existing condition. As a mother, I know I can rest assured that my children will have a safety net in place as they go out into the world, starting their own careers and families without having to worry about whether they will be able to get the care they need.”
      Sen. Brian Schatz said, “This decision is a victory for all Americans across the country. Because of the Affordable Care Act, more people have access to quality health care, the number of uninsured is falling, and health care costs are growing at the slowest rate in a generation. It is clear that the ACA is a success, and today’s Supreme Court ruling will ensure every American will continue to have access to the quality, affordable health care they deserve. The debate is over. It’s time for Congress to come together and work to build on the successes of the ACA.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TWO WEEKS REMAIN TO APPLY for Section 8 housing. Citing a waiting list of more than 7,000 applicants and a waiting period of more than five years, Hawai`i County will put a freeze on applications for the federally subsidized rental assistance program as of Friday, July 10, according to a story by Nancy Cook Lauer in West Hawai`i Today. 

      Hawai`i Island currently has 715 units in 20 public housing projects. The county receives approximately $2.5 million annually for Community Development Block Grant projects. This year, funds are allocated for housing rehabilitation, renovation of rental units for seniors and rental assistance similar to Section 8, Cook Lauer reported.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

STEADY GROWTH IN EXPENDITURES is a positive sign that this year will be another successful one for tourism, Hawai`i Tourism Authority President and CEO George Szigeti announced. Year-to-date, visitor spending has contributed $121 million more into the state’s economy compared to last year, and state tax revenue reached $660 million, up two percent year-over-year.

George Szigeti

      For the first five months of 2015, visitor arrivals are up across the Hawaiian Islands compared to the same period last year. “We continue to focus on distributing visitors statewide through increased direct air access and highlighting the unique attributes of each of the islands as visitors look for authentic experiences,” Szigeti said.
      The depreciating Japanese yen and drop in outbound travel from Japan has been affecting the state’s largest international market. However, Szigeti expects that pre-clearance at Narita Airport and Gov. David Ige’s recent trip to Japan will help to boost travel from the market to neighbor islands. Ige met with Japan’s Prime Minister and key tourism stakeholders on his trip last week.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I’S ANNUAL SEAT BELT SURVEY begins tomorrow. Sponsored by the state Department of Transportation, the survey is conducted by the University of Hawai`i’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning.
      Hawai`i County Police advise motorists to be on the lookout for survey teams standing along major streets and highways tomorrow through Tuesday, June 30.
      The survey involves stationing trained observation team members to monitor seat belt use at various sites around the island. Team members will park and situate on the side of the road to ensure continual traffic flow and safety. They will be wearing safety vests and helmets.
      In conjunction with the survey, police remind motorists that the driver is responsible for all other vehicle occupants. If the driver is stopped and any passenger is not using a seat belt, car seat or booster seat — whether in the front seat or back seat — the driver will be the one cited.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER Cooperative District meets Saturday at 8 a.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456 

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER Cooperative District members are invited to a conflict resolution workshop Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. The workshop, sponsored by The Kohala Center, presents skills that current and future board members need in conflict prevention, management and resolution in order for co-ops to be effective.
      Scott Enright, Chair of Hawai`i Department of Agriculture, will present an update on water access through state agencies.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower on an easy one-mile walk Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free. Call 985-6011 for more information.

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_June2015.pdf