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Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Ka`alaiki Road is used by farmers, ranchers, visitors and trucks hauling heavy loads. Photo by Julia Neal

REPAIRING KA`ALAIKI ROAD from Makino about three miles above Na`alehu all the way to the old Pahala garage is an effort by ranchers and farmers Al Galimba and Phil Becker. Galimba said they are working with County Council member Maile Medeiros David to use some of her contingency funds and seeking other private and public donors. Commitments are coming in through money, equipment and labor from Taylor Built Construction, Wally Andrade, Forest Solutions, Kuahiwi Contractors, Edmund C. Olson Trust, Aikane Plantation Coffee Co., Bishop Estate and The Nature Conservancy. “Pacific Quest gave us the first $2,000 check, and we set up a special account at CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union for the fundraising,” Galimba said.
When Hwy 11 shuts down, Ka`alaiki is the emergency road, and it needs repair.
Photo by Julia Neal
      The road is an old sugar plantation cane haul road, left without funding for its care when Ka`u Sugar Co. shut down in 1996. It is used by the public, especially during emergencies when Hwy 11 is closed. It is being cared for by those who drive it. “It is one of the roads in limbo with not much public funding since there are not many houses along its 12-mile stretch. However, the county did pay for, through the Roads in Limbo program, for repaving the first three miles from Na`alehu,” Galimba explained.
      “We hope that the community and the county will come together again to make repairs along the other nine miles,” Galimba said. “In real need are repairs at the gulch crossings where water has damaged road surfaces and created huge potholes.” These roads are used by macadamia and coffee farmers, ranchers and families with horses and a small number of cattle. Increasingly, visitors are traveling the road for its views of the coast, the mountains and “the beauty of Ka`u,” Galimba said.
      It is the only emergency route when Kawa floods or a range fire crosses Hwy 11. Without Ka`alaiki Road, Ka`u’s only 24-hour Emergency Room, which is located in Pahala, would be inaccessible from Na`alehu when Hwy 11 is closed. It is also used as a heavy equipment haul road because some of the bridges along Hwy 11 are weak and need replacement. “There is a definite need to maintain Ka`alaiki Road and its bridges,” Galimba said.
     Checks can be made to Mauka Road Repairs and mailed to Phil Becker, PO Box 698, Pahala, HI 96777 or Al Galimba, PO Box 643, Na`alehu, HI 96772. For more information, call Galimba at 938-7472 or Becker at 808-927-2252.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Owners of this and other Ranchos lots plan to build ground-mounted
solar arrays on them. Photo by Sandra Shelton
OCEAN VIEW-AREA RESIDENTS CONCERNED about a proposed solar project makai of Hwy 11 urge interested parties to attend tomorrow’s meeting at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Ka`u's state Rep. Richard Creagan, County Council member Maile Medeiros David and Gov. David Ige's representative Susan Kim are expected to attend, along with Ka`u Community Development Planner Ron Whitmore.
      “This is a golden opportunity to impress representatives and officials who really matter,” said Ann Bosted. She listed goals for the meeting in a letter to neighbors:
  1. “Have a large crowd attend. Please come and bring your friends and neighbors. 
  2. “Impress upon them that we really do not want solar farms in our neighborhoods. This is very important. 
  3. “Ask them to change whatever laws allow this. 
  4. “Ask them to change Ranchos and other makai subdivisions from Agricultural to Rural zoning. This is essential if we are to stop this project and other undesirable projects from coming in. At the moment anybody can set up a hog farm in the middle of Ranchos. If we were zoned Rural, we can do more with our land. It will be easier to establish small businesses, including B&Bs and restaurants. The Ka`u Community Plan has already decided that HOVE (mauka of the highway) should be zoned rural, even though there are no power lines to upper HOVE. Ranchos and other makai subdivisions have good roads and power to all lots. Changing the zoning will not change your property taxes. If you want to be taxed as ag, you have to produce ag products. 
  5. “Concede that solar power is desirable, but big projects should be on big lots, not broken up into small parcels to fit through loopholes in the law. Communities should be able to veto large projects in their neighborhoods.” 
      Bosted asked that those wishing to speak do so clearly, concisely and to the point and stay on subject. She also suggested writing out a small speech ahead of time and delivering it clearly.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Solar Impulse pilot Andre Borschberg with Solar Impulse on O`ahu
Photo from solarimpulse.com
ALTHOUGH SOLAR IMPULSE PERFORMED WELL on its record-breaking oceanic flight from Nagoya, Japan to Hawai`i, the solar-powered airplane piloted by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg will stay in Hawai`i until early spring 2016.
      Following the longest and most difficult leg of the around-the-world journey, which lasted five days and five nights (117 hours and 52 minutes), Solar Impulse will undergo maintenance repairs on batteries due to damages brought about by overheating.
      According to Borschberg, during the first ascent on day one of the flight from Nagoya to Hawai`i, the battery temperature increased due to a high climb rate and an over-insulation of the gondolas. While the Mission Team was monitoring this very closely during the flight, there was no way to decrease the temperature for the remaining duration as each daily cycle requires an ascent to 28,000 feet and descent for optimal energy management.
      The University of Hawai`i, with support from the state Department of Transportation, will host the airplane in its hangar at O`ahu's Kalaeloa Airport. Post-maintenance check flights will start in 2016 to test new battery heating and cooling systems. The mission is scheduled to resume in early April from Hawai`i to the mainland.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Gov. David Ige
LIMITED ACCESS TO THE SUMMIT of Mauna Kea is now in place following Gov. David Ige’s signing of an emergency rule. The Board of Land & Natural Resources last week approved the rule that limits usage of the road between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. The rule, which also restricts nighttime activity and camping on the mountain, is in effect for 120 days. 
      “My administration believes firmly in the right of free expression,” Ige said regarding opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope that blocked the road beginning on June 24. “At the same time, we cannot let some people (to) put others at risk of harm or property damage. This temporary rule helps strike that balance. I respectfully ask everyone using the road to exercise caution and obey the law.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GOV. DAVID IGE YESTERDAY VETOED eight bills and sent his statements of objections to the house and senate leadership.
      HB540 would extend authority of University of Hawai`i to maintain separate accounting and financial management system. “The University of Hawai`i believes, and I agree, that this measure contains provisions that violate the Hawai`i state constitution regarding autonomy for University System management over university finances,” Ige said.
      HB553 would allow UH graduate student assistants employed by UH to collectively bargain their wages, hours and other terms. Ige said these concerns can and should be addressed internally.
      SB105 would require estimated future debt service for proposed capital improvement projects to be included in budget documents submitted to the Legislature. Ige’s rationale for vetoing this bill is that it would be difficult to implement given the uncertainty of capital finance markets.
      SB218 calls for clarification in the order of succession to the lieutenant governor’s office. Ige said the existing order of succession is adequate and appropriate and that these changes might leave a gap in succession that would be difficult to address in a state of emergency or disaster.
      SB265 changes wording in statute from “promoting prostitution in the first degree” to “sex trafficking.” The state Attorney General and three of four county prosecutors advised Ige that this bill may result in fewer prosecutions for these types of crimes. Ige asked the state attorney general and county prosecutors to propose a bill that would allow for prosecution of the full range of prostitution and sex trafficking offenses.
      SB349 would repeal ethanol facility tax credit and establish a five-year renewable fuels production tax credit. The state attorney general advised Ige that the definition of qualified taxpayers doesn’t allow for companies outside of Hawai`i to be qualified. “This potentially violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution and could subject our state to potential litigation,” Ige said.
      SB569 would increase the dollar threshold with respect to property or services, for theft in the second degree, from the current $300 to $750. County prosecutors advised Ige that increasing the threshold for felony theft would eliminate the deterrent effect within retail markets.
Noe Noe Kekaualua 
      SB1324 provides authority for Employees’ Retirement System to make direct payments of benefits to a non-member former spouse of a member on order of court judgment, order or divorce decree. Ige said this can be accomplished without state law by working with the Employee Retirement System Board and administration.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NOE NOE KEKAUALUA presents Hula Arts Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Aloha Friday free cultural events are supported in part by a grant from of Hawai`i County’s Department of Research and Development and Hawai`i Tourism Authority. Park entrance fees apply.

KDEN SUMMER PRODUCTION of The King and I continues Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 for seniors and students and $10 children 12 and under. Available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and at the door. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com 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.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.
See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.





Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 14, 2015

A photo showing SPI's ground-mounted solar arrays, which the company plans to install on lots makai of Hwy 11 in Ocean View, is on the company's website, enspisolar.com.
THE COMMERCIAL SOLAR PROJECT proposed in Ocean View has drawn a petition resisting the plan. A meeting on the issue is scheduled for this Thursday at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. 
      A Petition to Stop Industrial Solar in residential Ocean View is being circulated in the community by an ad hoc group of residents. It says, “We, the undersigned, are opposed to the introduction of industrial-scale solar PV power generation into Ocean View subdivisions, as exemplified by the plan of SPI-Solar to install over 30,000 panels on 26 lots in Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, Kulakai View Estates and 21-acre lots between these two subdivisions, located in Ka`u District, Hawai`i County. Our concerns include safety, property values, views and quality of life.”
    Dominic Lopez, project manager, wrote in an email to a Ranchos resident that “Solar Hub and SPI will be installing ground-mount solar PV on 26 sites throughout the Ocean View area. Each site will roughly be using two acres per site. Each site will have 1,172 panels per site.”
     During the June 17 meeting, a map presented by the solar developers showed 18 lots in Ranchos and eight 21-acre parcels on the western edge of Ranchos, all makai of Hwy 11. The larger parcels would be leased from the Doolittle Trust.
      Sandra Shelton, a resident of Ranchos, said she and other residents have a personal concern that large stands of `ohi`a trees will be cut down and that homes will become surrounded by industrial solar.
     Other companies involved with the project include Ohana Solar Power, LLC, Solar Power Holdings, Solar Power, Inc., Solar Hub and Solar PV Projects.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u Learning Academy plans to begin classes on July 29.
Photo from bigislandgilligans.com
LAST WEEK, HAWAI`I’S CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION approved recommendations of charter commission staff to extend the deadline for Ka`u Learning Academy to meet opening requirements. 
      By this Thursday, July 16, KLA must provide the commission with either copies of Certificate of Occupancy, satisfactory fire inspection report and necessary building permits or a letter from a county department that has jurisdiction stating that the facility is safe for students and staff and that the school is allowed to operate in the facility. KLA must also provide evidence that its governing board intends to hire key leadership positions. Also, its Pre-Opening Assurances document must be signed and certified by all governing board members.
      Because the commission will not meet before the deadline, the commission has given its executive director authority to determine if the school is compliant and able to open. Classes are scheduled to begin at Discovery Harbour’s golf clubhouse on July 29 and follow the public school calendar.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI`I REOPENED the access road to Mauna Kea summit yesterday. It had been closed since June 24, when opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope blocked access with rocks scattered on the road.
      “The state seeks to provide safe access to Mauna Kea summit by all lawful users,” Gov. David Ige said. “Unfortunately, the destructive actions of several individuals temporarily rendered the mountain road unsafe since June 24. I am pleased UH has reopened the road following its damage assessment and repairs.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Lance Mizumoto is new chair of Hawai`i's Board of Education.
Photo from UH
LANCE A. MIZUMOTO is Gov. David Ige’s choice for Board of Education Chairmanship. Ige’s appointment is effective immediately.
      Mizumoto has 25 years of experience with financial institutions in Hawai`i. Currently he is president and chief banking officer of Central Pacific Bank, where he oversees the organization-wide strategic direction and management of all lines of business, including commercial banking, commercial real estate, retail banking, residential mortgage and wealth management. Previously, he served in various capacities of increasing responsibility at Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, Bank of Hawai`i and International Savings and Loan. He serves on the Chamber of Commerce board and is a member of the Chaminade University’s Board of Regents.   
      “Lance is committed to creating a better future for Hawai`i’s students,” Ige said. “He believes that focusing on students and empowering principals, teachers and staff is the best path to success in our public education system. He is committed to school-based decision making. Lance will be a collaborative leader, one not afraid to tackle the tough issues that get in the way of student achievement.”
      Mizumoto said, “I appreciate the confidence and support of Gov. Ige. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and continuing the efforts to improve public education in Hawai`i.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Mazie Hirono spoke about renewable energy solutions
at a Senate committee hearing. Image from youtube.
THIS MORNING, SEN. MAZIE HIRONO spoke about the importance of finding renewable energy solutions for island states and communities like Hawai`i at a Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing on Islanded Energy Systems in Alaska, Hawai`i and the U.S. Territories. Hirono heard from stakeholders from Hawai`i, Guam, Alaska and the U.S. Virgin Islands on the unique challenges of meeting energy needs of island communities. 
      “It’s incredibly important that we are holding this hearing on island energy systems,” Hirono said. “The people of Hawai`i understand the unique challenges that come with living on our islands, but our energy challenges loom especially large. Families and businesses in Hawai`i are well aware that they face the most expensive energy costs in the country.”
      Witnesses at the hearing included Hawai`i State Energy Office Administrator Mark Glick and Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Esther Kia`aina.
      Hawai`i currently meets 21 percent of its energy needs through renewable sources, and has pledged to increase that goal to 100 percent by 2045.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

INDIVIDUALIZED CAREER ACHIEVEMENT NETWORK begins a program this month at Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council’s facility in Na`alehu behind the community center.
      The iCAN program offers preparation to achieve the National Career Readiness Certificate, academic planning and personal advising, a clear transition plan for further education, resume and cover letter preparation, job search and interviewing skills and classes to improve reading, writing, math, computer skills and workplace skills
      The course is 10 weeks or 120 hours. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. There is no cost for participants 18 to 64 years of age.
      For more information, contact Jay Ihara at 934-2700 or jihara@hawaii.edu.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Chip Fletcher
CHIP FLETCHER, ONE OF THE NATION’S foremost experts in climate change and its effects on coasts, will be the featured speaker on Friday, Aug. 14 at `Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Environment Hawai`i celebrates its 25th anniversary with a dinner, live music by JazzX2 and a silent auction featuring works by local craftspeople and artists from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
      Fletcher will speak on the topic, Climate Crisis: Review and Update. He is associate dean for academic affairs and full professor at the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology at the University of Hawai`i-Manoa. Books he has authored include Living on the Shores of Hawai`i and Climate Change: What the Science Tells Us.
      For more than 25 years, Environment Hawai`i has brought its readers environmental investigative reporting in the state, as attest its many awards from the Society of Professional Journalists. The monthly non-commercial newsletter is supported by subscriptions and donations from readers.
      Reservations are needed by Tuesday, Aug. 11. Cost is $65 per person.
      For more information, call 934-0115, email ptummons@gmail.com, or see http://www.environment-hawaii.org.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE TOPIC AT AFTER DARK IN THE PARK this evening at 7 p.m. is How Do We View Kilauea? Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua and historian Philip K. Wilson discuss Kilauea’s place in Hawaiian culture and scientific history, and where the two perspectives intersect and encounter one another. The program takes place at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

Tom Peek is author of Daughters of Fire. Photo from VAC
TOM PEEK PRESENTS Writing on the Wild Side Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. 
      Participants tap the power of intuition to explore their creative minds and discover their unique voice. Social media correspondents, bloggers, storytellers, journal writers and poets will find Peek’s stimulating techniques and exercises empowering. Learn to silence your inner critic and unleash your expressive potential in this fun, fast-paced and provocative writing workshop. No previous writing experience needed.
      Call 967-8222 to register. Fee is $75 or $65 for VAC members.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.
See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.






Monday, July 13, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, July 13, 2015

Participants in Science Camps of America's Land and Sea session studied Hawai`i Island's geology earlier this month.
Photo from Michael Richards
A PROPOSED SOLAR PROJECT in Ocean View is on the agenda of a meeting Thursday at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan and County Council member Maile Medeiros David plan to attend.
      In March 2013, Ka`u News Briefs reported that photovoltaic installations were planned for Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, according to Jeremy Staat, of Ohana Solar Power, LLC. Staat said at the time that his company had invested $10 to $12 million in fee-simple properties in Hawai`i, technology and proposals to the electric utilities. He said he was waiting for approvals from the state Public Utilities Commission and Hawai`i Electric Light Co. for the Ranchos project.
 Staat said his company planned solar on three islands and owned 20 lots in Ranchos. Filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Solar Hub Utilities showed that building permits were issued for all 20 lots in early 2012.
Jeremy Staat, of Ohana Solar Power, LLC
     Company names currently involved in the project include Solar Power Holdings, Solar Power, Inc., Solar Hub and Solar PV Projects.
      According to Sandi Alexander, of Ocean View Community Association, Hawaiian Electric Light Co. announced at a community meeting a month ago that it plans to build a 10-megawatt substation across Hwy 11 from Ocean View Market to handle power coming from the two-acre solar arrays to be built on three-acre lots.
    During the meeting, residents expressed concerns about having solar arrays spread throughout the residential area, possible bulldozing of old-growth `ohi`a on the lots, heat generated by solar panels and possibility of theft, since developers have no plans for monitoring of their equipment. Residents also asked if the development would limit the amount of net-energy metering, where surplus energy goes back to HELCO to lower electricity bills, available to residents.
      Alexander said the purpose of the meeting is to try to come to some consensus about what residents want regarding the project.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL on Mauna Kea yesterday arrested an individual for criminal property damage after she allegedly struck the vehicle of an Office of Mauna Kea Management ranger with her own car. The individual allegedly drove up to a ranger and two sheriffs at 2:30 a.m. and argued with them for not allowing her to ascend the mountain. She then advanced her car into the OMKM rangers vehicle, causing minor damage. No one was injured.
      The incident follows the state Board of Land & Natural Resources’ implementation of emergency rules restricting access on Mauna Kea from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Science Campers visit Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Photo by Michael Richards
THE SECOND SESSION of this year’s Science Camps of America based at Pahala Plantation Cottages continues through July 18. According to founder Michael Richards, the Big Island of Hawai`i is the ideal location for experiencing the air and space sciences and the world’s greatest laboratory for Earth science. 
      Air and Space Camp gives students the chance to learn about Earth’s atmosphere and climate and about space. Participants visit observatories and the centers where astronomers work. They also learn how scientists study concentrations of substances in the atmosphere, see alternate energy development in action and gain a better understanding of climate change and how to be better prepared to participate in solutions to challenges they will face.
      During Land and Sea Camp, the focus was on volcanoes (geology) and the ocean (oceanography). Students visited Kilauea, the world's most active (and easily studied) volcano. They saw footprints in hardened ash that are over 200 years old, along with one of the world’s greatest mineral collections and beaches made entirely of minerals. They learned not just about the events that take place in the natural world but experienced first-hand how they affect plants, animals and humans. 
      For next year, Science Camps of America offers scholarships to local students. For more information, see sciencecampsamerica.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Crews make repairs to Solar Impulse II on O`ahu.
Photo from solarimpulse.com
SOLAR IMPULSE TWO IS GROUNDED on O`ahu. During the record-breaking oceanic flight of five days and five nights (117 hours and 52 minutes) from Japan, the solar-powered airplane suffered battery damage due to overheating. The damage to certain parts of the batteries is irreversible and will require repairs and replacements that will take several weeks to work through. 
      Solar Impulse’s crew does not see the possibility for any flights before two or three weeks at the earliest. The next leg of its around-the-world journey will take it to Phoenix, AZ. Regular updates will follow at solarimpulse.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.


SEN. MAZIE K. HIRONO WILL PARTICIPATE in the National Defense Authorization Act Conference Committee. NDAA is an annual bill that lays out the Department of Defense’s budget and strategic plan for the military in the next year.
      Both the House and Senate have passed different versions of NDAA. Under the Constitution, Congress has to agree on the same text of a bill in order to send it to the President for signature. Conference Committees serve as a way for the House and Senate to reach agreement on legislation which must then be passed again by both the House and Senate. As an NDAA conferee, Hirono will collaborate with members of the Senate and House to come to a bipartisan and bicameral compromise on the nation’s military spending.
      “The NDAA should reflect the United States’ national security priorities by supporting our men and women in uniform, sustaining a 21st century fighting force and investing in long-term initiatives like the Rebalance to the Asia-Pacific,” Hirono said. “As a conferee, I will work to see that Hawai`i continues to play a vital role in these efforts. I continue to be concerned about the impact of the sequester, which harms our economy and our national security. I look forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues to address these issues and find bipartisan solutions that will keep our military strong.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Pele and Hi`iaka by Avi Kiriaty
AVI KIRIATY EXHIBITS KUMU PELE at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday, July 18 through Aug. 23. This exhibition of original paintings and prints will be on display daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public; park entrance fees apply. A special opening reception with the artist is on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the gallery. 
      Kiriaty was born in Israel, the son of a dabbling artist, and spent his youth as a keen observer of nature and people. He met his wife on a kibbutz and soon after moved to New Hampshire where they had their first child. Soon after, the budding family moved to the South Pacific in search of a warm, peaceful place amid nature. The original plan was that Hawai‘i would be one of the stops along the way, but upon arrival they couldn’t resist the beauty they experienced and decided to stay. They spent the first year on Kaua`i, where Kiriaty experimented for a time with oil painting. From there he moved to the Hamakua. His son was born on an old Hawaiian homestead there. Kiriaty then moved to the Puna rainforest and began to live the life of an artist. His first works were sold at Hilo Farmers Market, where his wife had been selling tie-dyed T-shirts. Kiriaty included a few works for sale and to no one’s surprise, they were an immediate success.
      Since that time, Kiriaty has continued to capture the Hawai‘i landscape and his observations of its people in joyful paintings and prints. For a deeper study into Polynesian culture, Kiriaty and his family traveled to 19 different islands in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, and his work has been profoundly influenced by the journey. One example is Kiriaty’s unique collection of Storyboards. Throughout the South Pacific many cultures create Storyboards as a form of art that documents their oral tradition and their cultural history. They have been made in many different forms, including woodcarvings and tapa cloth designs. Kiriaty has developed his own style of Polynesian storyboard using oil paint on linen canvas. The texture, and partially the style, of these works is similar to that of his lino-block prints. His daughter works with him in the studio on these pieces in an apprentice fashion, filling in the layers at his direction. This working relationship has developed a line of paintings that have a unique style while still being clearly Avi Kiriaty originals.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Philip K. Wilson
OBON SEASON SERVICES take place today at Pahala Hongwanji at 3 p.m. (928-8254) and Na`alehu Hongwanji at 6 p.m. (966-9981). 

THE TOPIC AT AFTER DARK IN THE PARK tomorrow is How Do We View Kilauea? Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua and historian Philip K. Wilson discuss Kilauea’s place in Hawaiian culture and scientific history, and where the two perspectives intersect and encounter one another. 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.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.
See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.