Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015

HHSC East Hawai`i facilities, include Ka`u Hospital, are in preliminary acquisition talks. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HOSPITAL AND OTHER FACILITIES in Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.’s East Hawai`i region are discussing possible acquisition with Adventist Health. The California-based company operates Castle Medical Center on O`ahu and 19 other hospitals, 230 clinics and several home health agencies on the west coast and in Hawai`i, according to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 

      “There actually have been no discussions up until this point,” Rita Waterman, of Adventist Health, told reporter Kristen Consillio. “The initial conversation is taking place later this week, so it’s very preliminary discussions at a very exploratory stage. Any number of scenarios are possible, so I wouldn’t begin to characterize it at this stage. There are a number of different working relationships, and lots of different arrangements are being created. This is not particularly unique because it’s happening all across the United States.”
      HHSC’s East Hawai`i regional CEO Dan Brinkman told Gomes that Adventist is the first organization that has contacted the East Hawai`i hospitals about public-private partnership options.
      “Our finances have been shaky. The fundamental issues that caused that have not been resolved,” Brinkman said. “We’re very concerned there will be additional deficits in the coming years.”

Maile David

      East Hawai`i Region laid off 87 employees this year in the face of a $7 million budget deficit.
      See staradvertiser.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL YESTERDAY approved a resolution to amend Hawai`i County’s general plan, in accordance with the general plan comprehensive review process, relating to geothermal resources development. The resolution calls for the relevant Hawai`i County Planning Commission to have authority to regulate future geothermal development in Hawai`i County subject to state law. The resolution also states that additional development of geothermal resources should mitigate impacts to people by use of best available control technology and that additional development of geothermal resources that are not part of the previously approved production facilities should avoid urban areas zoned for residential use.
      Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reported that Ka`u County Council member Maile David drank water that one of many testifiers allegedly brought from a geothermal well or spring. “I’m doing this for me and my family because I respect my culture and I cannot refuse a gift,” David said. “I was taught that.”
      Callis said other council members “politely declined or didn’t respond.” He also said David didn’t seem to suffer any ill effects.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A TROPICAL DISTURBANCE 685 MILES south-southeast of Hilo has developed sufficient persistent deep convection around a closed circulation to be considered a tropical depression. This is the sixth tropical cyclone in the Central North Pacific basin for the 2015 season. Tropical Depression Three-C is moving over very warm water. It is expected to become a hurricane in about two days south-southwest of the main Hawaiian islands.

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

AS KA`U COFFEE PICKING SEASON BEGINS, statewide statistics from last year show record prices for Hawaii-grown coffee, but growers produced fewer beans and made less money. According to Andrew Gomes, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser, U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that growers received an average of $6.70 per pound, but the total for the season fell four percent from last year’s record amount.
      The report also said progress is being made in controlling coffee berry borers but warned that the pest still threatens the industry.
      See staradvertiser.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HVNP Chief Ranger John Broward

JOHN BROWARD IS THE NEW Chief Ranger at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. He will direct visitor and resource protection for the 333,086-acre park. 

      Broward has served the National Park Service since 1983 and has an extensive background in search-and-rescue, helicopter management, incident command and emergency medical response, in addition to visitor and resource protection. He first volunteered as an archaeological technician for Biscayne National Park in Florida before graduating from Florida State University with a degree in archaeology. He moved on to Everglades National Park, where he worked as a fee collector, a wildland firefighter and a law enforcement ranger. He spent several years as a backcountry area ranger at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon before becoming a law enforcement ranger at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in 2001.
      Since 2001, Broward worked his way up the ranks as the park’s emergency operations and search-and-rescue coordinator and eruption crew supervisor. He also worked as the supervisory law enforcement ranger and has served intermittently as Acting Chief Ranger.
      “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the National Park Service volunteer program,” Broward said. “Volunteering is how I got my foot in the door, and that door opened up into a lifelong career,” he said.
      Broward emphasized that planning ahead and preparation are the most essential elements to a great visit to a national park.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WHILE SEVERAL STATE AGENCIES OPPOSE the purchase of Hawaiian Electric by the NextEra company out of Juno Beach, FL, one state agency is asking that NextEra hand out no-layoff notices during the first four years, should it buy the company.
      Duane Shimogawa, of Pacific Business News, reports this morning that Mark Glick, administrator for the state Energy Office, recommended that the state Public Utilities Commission increase workforce commitments proposed by NextEra from two years to four years.
      See bizjournals.com/pacific.

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

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD is willing to run for vice president next year, according to Ryan Kazmirzack, of the Garden Island newspaper on Kaua`i. “The question that I’ve always asked myself is, where can I be in a position to make the most positive impact? That’s what motivated me to run for office at 21,” Gabbard answered in response to a question asked during an address to Kaua`i Chamber of Commerce. Gabbard said no one has asked her to run for vice president.

      See thegardenisland.com.

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

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO co-introduced the Middle Class Creating Higher Education Affordability Necessary to Compete Economically Act, a bill to increase access to affordable post-secondary education for low- to moderate-income students. The bill would address the significant loss in value of Pell Grants by adjusting them for inflation, reinstate year-round Pell Grants, and increase the number of eligible semesters to 15.
      “As college tuition increases across the country, students and families are struggling to make ends meet,” Hirono said. “Unfortunately, the Pell Grant program has not grown at the same rate as rising college tuition. More than 23,000 Hawai`i students rely on Pell Grants, and those students deserve to know they can count on Pell Grants to help pay for college, regardless of their schedules, work or family commitments. Investing in education is one of the best investments we can make to grow our middle class.”
      According to the state Higher Education Executive Officers Association and the College Board, the burden of paying for college has shifted to students as tuition continues to increase and state funding continues to decrease. More than 23,000 Hawai`i students rely on the Pell Grant, and more than 1,600 students used year-round Pell Grants before they were cut in 2011.
      The Middle Class CHANCE Act will support students by increasing the individual maximum award to $9,140, bringing the maximum amount to the average in-state tuition costs at public four-year institutions; restoring year-round Pell Grants, allowing students to receive additional Pell dollars for courses taken during summer or intercession; and allowing Pell Grant recipients to use awards for 15 semesters instead of the current 12 semesters.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Paul and Jane Field invite Ka`u residents to join Stewardship at the Summit.
Photo from NPS

KA`U SUMMER BASKETBALL League championships are free to the public at Ka`u High School Gym today. The women’s game begins at 6 p.m., and the men’s at 7 p.m. 

DURING STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, volunteers help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from trails. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center. Free; park entrance fees apply.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and the lehua flower Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on this easy, one-mile or less walk.
      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.

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015

Portions of the Ka`u Coast are critical monk seal habitat under new federal rules. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COAST SHORELINE SETBACKS continue to be undecided in the Ka`u Community Development Plan. After much input from residents and discussion among CDP Steering Committee members last night, members voted on a motion regarding setbacks, but it did not receive a necessary majority. According to CDP documents, “the affirmative vote of a majority of voting members shall be necessary to take any action.”

Ka`u residents discuss options regarding shoreline setbacks with Ka`u CDP
Steering Committee members. Photo by Nalani Parlin

      Members present voted on a motion by Michelle Galimba to place the setback at a minimum of 1/4-mile or a distance determined by a science-based assessment. Galimba made an exception of Punalu`u, where the distance would be determined with community input, she said. Galimba said the policy is still open for more discussion and that her motion was to help the process “move forward.”
      The majority of residents at the meeting testified in favor of some form of setback. Retired oceanographer Phil Sharkey said he presently cannot access areas at Pohue Bay to research hawksbill turtles.
      Lehua Lopez Mau said almost everyone she has spoken with approves setbacks and that plans by Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo for pavilions and a small structure at Honu`apo would be acceptable under the CDP.
      John Replogle said he was speaking for the “fish, reefs and people yet to come” to Ka`u. He said he spoke to many people who favor setbacks, which would “keep Ka`u their place” where they can walk on the coastline, unlike other shores in the state. He said he recognized that some residents are against setbacks, but, “in the end, it will be good, and they will be happy.”
      Chris Manfredi said he does not support houses on the Ka`u Coast but questions the CDP’s definition of development. “The devil is in the details,” he said. He said setbacks could affect parks, trails and other public uses.
      Guy Enriques questioned the appropriateness of setbacks, especially at Punalu`u, where past nearshore development has provided employment for local residents. “We have some opportunities here to do some really good things,” he said. Enriques favored site-specific setbacks that would be individual to different locations rather than a “blanket” setback for the entire Ka`u Coast.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A system in the Central Pacific could become a tropical depression.
Map from NOAA

AS HURRICANE SEASON CONTINUES, a broad area of nearly stationary low pressure about 915 miles south-southeast of Hilo could slowly develop into a tropical depression during the next couple of days. According to Central Pacific Hurricane Center, formation chance is 60 percent. 

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

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS INCORPORATED input from Hawai`i into new rules aimed at further protection for the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal by focusing protection on areas most important for foraging, pupping and resting, including some portions of the Ka`u Coast. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Services recently finalized the rule that identifies coastal areas in the Main Hawaiian Islands as critical habitat. This was in response to a petition by a local advocacy group, KAHEA, the Hawaiian Environmental Alliance and two other environmental organizations. Hawaiian monk seals face extinction and are one of most endangered marine mammals in the world with about 200 monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands.
      “Hawai`i has a responsibility to protect our natural and cultural heritage, Department of Land & Natural Resources Chair Suzanne Case said. “A part of that is making sure that our very special, unique, native Hawaiian monk seals have safe places to thrive. It is a shared responsibility among the people, the state and the federal government. Monk seals are protected under state and federal law even without critical habitat, and this habitat rule will not impact most activities, like swimming, surfing, boating, fishing and gathering.

This monk seal was born in Ka`u in 2013. Photo by Julie Steelman

      “We look forward to enhanced state and federal co-management of monk seals throughout Hawai`i. Critical habitat helps manage federal activities to avoid habitat destruction. Most fishermen and other ocean users will never even notice this rule has been implemented. Critical habitat designation is an important tool in the larger effort to recover this valued native species, found nowhere else in the world.”

      While the final critical habitat rule identifies areas on most of the Main Hawaiian Islands, NOAA reduced the area from its initial proposal. Marine water protections have also been tailored to include the key for aging depths on the sea floor, rather than all surface waters. Activities most likely to require some modifications include dredging, coastal construction, water pollution permits and military activities.
      A resolution adopted unanimously by the Legislature this year directs DLNR to strengthen rules governing protection of indigenous marine wildlife, particularly spinner dolphins, marine mammals and sea turtles and to increase collaboration with federal partners on rules related to spinner dolphins, marine mammals and sea turtles.
      Critical habitat designation does not make lands federal, restrict public access or forbid activities or developments. It identifies areas where federal government projects must give extra consideration and minimize destruction and degradation of the coast.
      “Protecting coastal and marine habitat for the Hawaiian monk seal is also good for Hawai`i’s people, culture and economy,” said Marjorie Ziegler, executive director of Conservation Council for Hawai`i. “The critical habitat rule does not restrict public access — people can still swim, surf, snorkel, fish and gather.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ocean View resident and math and science enthusiast Madalyn McWhite-Lamson
 urges Ka`u fifth-grade girls to register for GEMS. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U’S FIFTH-GRADE GIRLS ARE INVITED to attend the annual Girls Exploring Math and Science program at Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. Registration forms will be sent to public and private schools on Aug. 24, and the deadline for forms to be postmarked is Sept. 25. This event is sponsored by the American Association of University Women, Kona Branch, whose mission is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education and research. This annual day of discovery features hand-on workshops and exhibits led by local women volunteers who work in math- and science-oriented careers and who show the girls how they use math, science and technology in their daily work. The program is designed to stimulate interest and bolster confidence of girls in these fields, as well as provide positive female role models. It may also stimulate a girl’s interest in a new career goal. As many as 30 girls from Ka`u have attended in previous years. 

      Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee is $20 per girl. Scholarships are available, and no girl will be turned away for financial reasons. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. Girls should register early to get their first choice of workshops.
      For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS opened their regular season in Honoka`a yesterday. Junior Varsity lost 2-1 in a hard-fought, three-set match. Honoka`a Varsity took two straight sets to win on their home court, 25-20 and 25-8.

      Ka`u hosts Laupahoehoe Friday at 6 p.m.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ADVOCATS OFFERS a spay and neuter clinic today until 7 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 for more information.

EVENTS AT OCEAN VIEW Community Center tomorrow include Family Reading Night at 5 p.m. and OVCA Board Meeting at 6 p.m. Call 939-7033 for more information.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA`U meets tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. Call 929-9731 or 936-7262 for more information.

KA`U SUMMER BASKETBALL League championships are free to the public at Ka`u High School Gym tomorrow. The women’s game begins at 6 p.m., and the men’s at 7 p.m. The Summer League started in July with six men’s teams and four women’s teams. Playoffs leading up to the championship games wound up Monday.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015

Community feedback and potential revisions related to coastal development are on Ka`u CDP Steering Committee's agenda for a meeting today at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Image from draft Ka`u CDP documents

LEINA`ALA ENOS, CHAIR of Ka`u Community Development Plan’s Steering Committee, explains the CDP process to countywide readers in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald today. Enos told Ivy Ashe that committee members continue after nearly eight years “because many of us are very passionate about the process and what the outcomes can mean to our community. … The end result is a document that hopefully our community is going to be proud of because they had a lot of say about it.”

Leina`ala Enos

      Enos told Ashe that the committee welcomes more input from the community as the process reaches its final stages. “If (people) look at the document and see something — or don’t see something — we would still like people to be part of the whole process and let us know,” Enos said.
      The committee’s series of topic-focused meetings continues today at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center, focusing on community feedback and potential CDP revisions related to Coastal Development. Background information is available at http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/steering-committee/steering-commitee-meetings/august-18-2015-steering-committee-meeting/CoastalDevInfoPacket.pdf/view.
      The meetings are designed to quickly bring the committee and others present up to speed and focused on key issues and decisions. Members of the public in attendance will be able to participate in a review of the trade-offs associated with alternative CDP strategies and revisions. Public comment on agenda items is welcome.
      For more information, contact Steering Committee members or Community Planning Assistant Nalani Parlin. Contact information and the agenda are available at kaucdp.info.

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

Photo of burglary suspect from Hawai`i
Island Police

HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ask for the public’s help in identifying a person wanted in connection with a burglary complaint that occurred on a property located on the 2800 block of Anuenue Drive in Ocean View. 

      On Friday, Aug, 14 between 1:50 p.m. and 2:05 p.m., an unidentified person entered the property without permission and removed a green acetylene torch with cylinder, a red Honda generator and a red 10-gallon metal gas container. The suspect may have been operating a lifted, older model white Toyota extra cab pickup truck with large off-road tires. Images of the suspect and the truck he was driving were captured on surveillance video.
      Police ask anyone with information about this case or the identity of the person in the photo to call Officer James Lorenzo at 939-­2520 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.
      Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A NEW PACIFIC ISLANDS CLIMATE STORYBOOK created by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other partners details community experiences in addressing impacts of a changing climate in Pacific Island countries. The storybook reflects broad community engagement over a two-year period and incorporates experiential knowledge and scientific data. With emphasis on the vital need for climate early warning, the stories highlight the use of or need for climate services to increase community resilience to a changing climate. 

      In American Samoa, for example, lessons learned from a devastating drought considerably lessened the impacts of a later, even more severe drought. In Vanuatu, a guidebook and innovative animation are translating science from climate early warning systems into useable strategies for farmers and others especially vulnerable to climate variability. Planting taro deeply, for instance, allows roots to better reach water reserves.
      The stories are an outcome of an extensive dialog process that joined those developing climate products and services for the Pacific Islands with those who will actually use the information to plan and adapt.
      The storybook incorporates technical material, process guides and activities that were used to conduct dialogues and build the stories. It conveys an approach that is easy for decision-makers to understand and apply, and may serve as a model for governments and other organizations that seek to engage communities in adapting to a changing climate.
      See http://pacificislandsclimate.org/storybook/Pacific_Islands_Climate_Storybook.pdf and http://pacificislandsclimate.org/csstories/.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Mazie Hirono

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO, A MEMBER of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, supports the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that regulates Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Congress is currently considering the plan announced recently by Pres. Barack Obama. 

      “Since receiving President Obama’s proposed deal to end Iran’s nuclear program, I have attended and participated in classified briefings, meetings and hearings with national security and foreign policy experts, with supporters and critics of the deal, with military leaders, with ambassadors and representatives of the other five nations involved in the negotiations and with my constituents,” Hirono said. “After careful consideration, particularly weighing the risks involved in Congress approving or rejecting the deal, I have concluded that supporting this agreement means that Iran’s nuclear weapons program, which was on the verge of success, will be disabled for many years. The agreement requires Iran to affirm that ‘under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop or acquire nuclear weapons.’ This section of the agreement will enable the U.S. and the international community to take appropriate action, including military action, should Iran violate this unequivocal pledge.
      “My support of this plan of action stems from the following points: 

1. Iran is currently on the verge of successfully developing numerous nuclear bombs. This agreement, with its stringent inspection regime, will halt Iran’s development of nuclear weapons by requiring Iran to give up its capacity to produce nuclear weapons. 
2. If Iran fails to meet the restrictions this agreement provides, sanctions can be put back into place or ‘snapped back.’ The U.S. and our international partners retain the ability to use military action if Iran seeks to obtain a nuclear weapon in violation of this agreement. 

       “A rejection by the U.S. of this deal will not bring our partners back to negotiate another deal. In fact, at a recent meeting of leaders from our partner nations, I specifically asked the Ambassadors to the U.S. from China, the United Kingdom and Russia whether their countries would come back to negotiate again should the U.S. walk away from the deal. They unanimously said, ‘No,’ that there was already a deal – the one before Congress.
      “While this agreement is not perfect, it has gained broad national and international support, including 29 top American nuclear scientists, of which six are Nobel laureates. This agreement is the best option to halt Iran’s nuclear weapon program.
      “At the same time, this deal does not solve all the concerns we have about Iran’s activities, particularly, Iran’s support for terrorism. I will support increased efforts, along with our allies, to counter Iran’s destabilizing and malign actions within and outside the Middle East.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ADVOCATS OFFERS a spay and neuter clinic tomorrow from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 for more information.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo. The meeting is streamed live at hawaiicounty.gov. Click on Council Meetings. Agenda is also available on the website. 

      Na`alehu State Office Building offers videoconferencing as a means for Ka`u residents to testify without traveling to Hilo.

Halau O Mailelaulani performs tomorrow. Photo from NPS

HULA AND HAWAIIAN MUSIC are featured tomorrow from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, with Hilo-based Halau O Mailelaulani under the direction of kumu hula Mailelaulani Canario. 

      Free; park entrance fees apply.
      For more information, call 985-6011.

KA`U EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL BEGINS regular-season play on Saturday, Aug. 29 at Kohala. Due to a lack of eligible players with three days of conditioning and 10 days in pads, the team had to cancel its preseason game against Hilo Junior Varsity this Friday, according to Athletic Director Kalei Namohala.

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

BUSINESS SPACE IS AVAILABLE for rent at the open location where Kama`aina Kuts and Styles by Elise are located in Na`alehu. Call Corrine at 937-1840 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_August2015.pdf.