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Monday, September 21, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Sept. 21, 2015

Ocean View woodworker Mats Fogelvik won Best of Show at Hawai`i's Woodshow with Roots of Inspiration. See story below.
Image from show catalog provided by Ann Bosted

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Steering Committee meeting will be held this Thursday, Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Topics will be shoreline setback policy, the land use policy map and “easy fixes” to the Draft CDP. The meeting is open to the community, and public testimony is welcome.
     Background information prepared to inform and guide the meeting is available at http://www.hawaiicountycdp.info/kau-cdp/steering-committee/steering-commitee-meetings/september-22-2015-steering-committee-meeting-1
Ka`u CDP Steering Committee will review land use maps on Thursday.
Map from meeting background information
      A meeting originally scheduled for tomorrow at Na`alehu Community Center to make final recommendations for CDP revisions and adoption has been moved to Tuesday, Oct. 27. 
      

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT for Ka`u and all of the Big Island until 6 p.m. today. National Weather Service reported that abundant moisture upstream of the island will support heavy rain. Periods of heavy rain and saturated soils from recent rainfall will increase the risk for flash flooding.
      A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Residents should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

A flash flood watch covers Ka`u and all of Hawai`i Island.
Map from NWS
KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN has released the final results for all competitors, with 38 runners in the half marathon, 37 in the 10K and 79 in the 5K. The race, sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou, was held Saturday at Ka`u Coffee Mill and drew people from around the island and across the ocean. The eldest finisher, who participated in the 5K 90-plus division, was Bill Spangrud, of Waimea, who is 91. 
      Here is a list of local participants, including their placements, age groups and times.
      Half-marathon: 11. Shawn Mishler 50-59 Volcano 2:28:26; 12. Alex Wood 50-59 Volcano 2:30:03; 18. Suz Field 50-59 Pahala 2:41:12 12:18; 33. Sharlee Cotter 50-59 HVNP 3:15:03; and 38. Eldridge Naboa 30-39 Na`alehu 4:32:43.
      10K: 7. Meggie Olson 20-29 Na`alehu 1:02:48; 9. Michael Mcgee 30-39 Na`alehu 1:04:30; 14. Jacob Gross 30-39 Volcano 1:08:19; 19. Cliff Field 50-59 Pahala 1:12:34; 20. Don Zimbeck 70-79 Ocean View 1:13:08; 24. Lindsey Paulekas 30-39 Na`alehu 1:14:35; 30. Anne Farahi 30-39 Volcano 1:29:21; and 35. Joanne Gallaher 50-59 Ocean View 1:36:12.
      5K: 4. Mark Wasser 30-39 Volcano 26:46; 5. Megan Denny 40-49 Pahala 27:32; 12. Justin Denny 19-under Pahala 32:20; 15. Amy Kuhar 20-29 Volcano 33:52; 24. Maiki Cofer 30-39 Ocean View 37:53; 26. Justin Denny 40-49 Pahala 38:26; 27. John Poetzel 40-49 Ocean View 38:35; 35. Tanya Henderson 30-39 Volcano 41:25; 37. Robin Stratton 60-69 Ocean View 41:37; 40. Corey Maesaka 40-49 Volcano 42:23; 44. Fred Strehler 50-59 Na`alehu 44:36; 49. Alida Gandy 60-69 HVNP 46:17; 50. Molly Denny 19-under Pahala 47:49; 57. Bryan Everett 30-39 Volcano 52:13; 58. Asia Addlesberger 30-39 Volcano 52:18; 59. Meghan Jerolaman 30-39 Volcano 52:19; 60. Kieran Maesaka 19-under Volcano 52:28; 61. Raymond Gandy 60-69 HVNP 53:38; 66. Kayo Munnerlyn 40-49 Pahala 1:02:33; 70. Lisa Archuletta 60-69 Ocean View 1:04:00; 71. Kuulei Kekuewa 30-39 Volcano 1:08:42; 73. Janet Schleifer 60-69 Na’alehu 1:09:10; 74. Karen Dusenbery 50-59 Na`alehu 1:09:11; 77. Irma Ockerman 60-69 Volcano 1:12:55; and 78. Joanna Florence 30-39 Hilo 1:19:54;
      For full results, see okaukakou.org/trail-run-family-day.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Mats Fogelvik
PROFESSIONAL WOODWORKER MATS FOGELVIK, Ocean View, won Best of Show at Hawai`i’s Woodshow held at Honolulu Museum of Art’s School Gallery. The winning piece was a hall table titled Roots of Inspiration that Fogelvik created to resemble a bridge on Maui. He used wood from about seven species of trees, including koa. The piece retails at $10,900. 
      The show is sponsored by Hawai`i Forest Industry Association to celebrate the art of woodworking and the positive role of forests in our culture, economy and ecology. About 48 artists entered more than 100 pieces.
      Fogelvik has an outstanding reputation among discerning decorators for his furniture. When not creating wood masterpieces, he volunteers as President of Ranchos Road Maintenance Corporation.
      Born in Sweden, Fogelvik said he grew up in an Arts & crafts family. “We still have a living tradition of woodworking in Sweden,” he said, “and I was surrounded by old and new furniture in my youth. I have a rich inspirational source to draw from in the Scandinavian heritage and traditions. I am attracted to simplicity, beauty and function in a form. 
      “I believe a lot of furniture nowadays is ‘over designed.’ There is a fine balance between beauty, function and sculptural value in a piece, and I am not afraid of using old, well-proven designs in my work to achieve that. It doesn’t take much of a change, or detailing, to add the ‘personal touch’ to a piece. Too much, and the balance is thrown off.”
      Hawai`i’s Woodshow continues through Friday, Oct. 11.
      See more of Fogelvik’s work at fogelvik.com and facebook.com/fogelvik.  
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Thirty Meter Telescope opponents' hale remains standing after DLNR removed
a tent erected next to it. Image from DLNR video
OFFICIALS CONFISCATED A TENT
 last night that Thirty Meter Telescope opponents had erected across from Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station. It was the third law enforcement operation by Department of Land & Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources under a 120-day emergency rule passed in June by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. 
      Nineteen officers from DOCARE, with support from four Hawai`i Police Department officers and a ranger with the Office of Mauna Kea Management, conducted the operation.
      DOCARE officers disassembed, loaded and took as evidence the large tent. In an understanding reached last week, protesters agreed to vacate the tent. A written warning notice was posted to it last Wednesday. Officers confiscated it after its rightful owner failed to claim it and take it down. A hale adjacent to the tent was not removed.
      Unlike two previous law enforcement operations, no one was arrested during this third sweep. Officers did not spot anyone camping in the restricted area.
      According to DLNR, law enforcement operations on Mauna Kea can happen at any time. The emergency rule prohibits camping in the restricted area between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

HO`OMALU KA`U, THE LOCAL NONPROFIT whose major goal is to build Ka`u Heritage Center, holds its first free Native Dryland Plants Workshop on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kahuku Park pavilion in Ocean View. The workshop is designed to educate local residents, especially lot owners throughout Ka`u, about the environmental and cultural values and uses of native Hawaiian dryland plants, many of which have grown here for thousands of years. 
      Ho`omalu’s Secretary/Treasurer Wendy Vance said, “For too many new owners of raw land, the first thing that is suggested to them is that they bulldoze their properties in preparation for building. The question then becomes, 'What should we plant?' We’re advising that many of the plants now growing there are extremely well-suited to Ka`u’s climate and environment and can be used to great effect as landscape features. 
      “Bulldozing is, of course, an effective way to clear land, but selective bulldozing is the key. We would very much like to encourage identifying and inventorying what's growing on your lot before clearing, and then planting native plants.”
      Participants receive Ho`omalu’s recently published booklet, Native Plants of the Ka`u Dryland Forest, a catalog of 15 native species found on the 15 acres in Manuka that were donated to Ho`omalu in 2011 for the purpose of building a Ka`u Heritage Center.
      Workshop presenters showcase several dryland species in their plant forms as well as in artifacts and discuss their cultural values and historical uses. There will also be a session about la`au lapa`au, medicinal uses of selected dryland species, and another session on propagation techniques that participants can use to grow plants on their land. Potted native plants will be available for purchase. 
      For more information about the booklet, the workshops and Ho`omalu Ka`u, call 929-8526, email hoomalukau@gmail.com, or contact them at PO Box 384, Na`alehu HI 96772.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

RANGERS SHARE THE TRADITIONAL ART of `ohe kapala, bamboo stamping, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Kilauea Visitor Center’s lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.
      For more information, call 985-6011.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_September2015.pdf.






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






Sunday, September 20, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015

Removal of invasive ginger opens up space for native plants such as `ohelo. Participants can help during Stewardship at the Summit
 on National Public Lands Day this Saturday. See story below. Photo from NPS
KA`U RESIDENTS COMPETING IN THE KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN finished in high places on Saturday. Susan Field, of Punalu`u, the nurse practitioner at Ka`u Hospital and karate teacher, took first in the Half Marathon among women in age group 50-59. Cliff Field, the Ka`u Hospital physician and karate sensei, who lives at Punalu`u, took first in the half marathon for men 50 - 59. Randy Kai took first in the 5K for men 70 - 79. Maggie Olson was the overall women’s winner in the women’s 10K. Don Zimbeck took 1st in the 10K men’s 70-79 division. Robin Stratton took first in the women’s 5K for ages 50-59.
And they're off! Runners start their treks through coffee fields and forests
at yesterday's Ka`u Coffee Trail Run at Ka`u Coffee Mill.Image from video
 by Vernon Harvey at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXqHWIHqwFM.
      Here are other Ka`u winners.
      In the Women’s 10K: ages 30-39 Lindsey Paulekas 3rd place; 50-59 Joanne Gallaher 3rd place.
      In Men’s 10K, ages 30-39 Michael McGee 2nd place.
      In the Women’s 5K: Megan Denny 2nd place overall and Maiki Cofer 3rd place. For ages 30-39, Karen Dusenbery 3rd place.
      In the Men’s 5K ages 19 and under Justin Denny III 2nd place; ages 40-49 Justin Denny 2nd place, John Poetzel 3rd place; and ages 50-59 Fred Strehler 3rd place.
      The second annual Ka`u Coffee Trail Run was held at Ka`u Coffee Mill on Wood Valley Road yesterday and raises money for the community group `O Ka`u Kakou.
     See a Phantom Drone Helicopter video of the race by Vernon Harvey, of Ocean View, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXqHWIHqwFM.     Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

HAWAI`I COUNTY WINDWARD Planning Commission will consider two Ka`u contested case proceedings concurrently during its meeting Wednesday. One case filed by Arrow of Oregon/Hawai`i, LLC involves an application for an amendment to a Special Permit that was approved to allow a cinder and rock quarry operation on 5.003 acres of land situated within the State Land Use Agricultural District. The amendment would add 8.009 acres for a total of 13.012 acres of land. The properties are located northwest of Mahimahi Drive between Lurline Lane and Liliana Lane Ocean View.
      According to the meeting agenda, David and Laura Rodrigues filed a contested case regarding the application for a Special Permit to allow a cinder and rock quarry operation on the 5.003 acres of land located on the northeast and southeast corners of Kailua Boulevard and Lurline Lane.
Support Ka`u libraries by purchasing tote bags.
      The meeting takes place at Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo at 9:30 a.m. Statements from the public are accepted.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

RAISE MONEY for Ka`u Libraries by purchasing a tote bag at Pahala or Na`alehu Library. Come to Ka`u Plantation Days on Saturday, Oct. 17 and fill up the bag for free with books. Price is $7 per bag.
      Hours at Pahala Public & School Libarary are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
      Hours at Na`alehu Library are Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientists explain how they determine alert levels in the current issue of Volcano Watch. HVO changed the Volcano Alert Level and Aviation Color Code for Mauna Loa Volcano from NORMAL/GREEN to ADVISORY/YELLOW on Thursday. The change reflects HVO’s determination that the volcano is showing persistent signs of low-level unrest. It does not mean, however, that an eruption is imminent or certain. 
      “This decision followed many months of a higher than normal rate of earthquakes and ground deformation as magma accumulated in shallow storage reservoirs, pressurizing and stressing its summit and upper rift zones,” the article states.
      “What do these Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes mean, and how does HVO decide to change them?
      “The USGS Aviation Color Code system has roots in Alaska. During the 1989-90 eruption of Redoubt Volcano near Anchorage, the Alaska Volcano Observatory determined that airlines needed a shorthand way of understanding threats posed by a restless or erupting volcano. So, USGS developed a simple, four-color scheme similar to a traffic light to convey the message.
      “In this way, pilots, dispatchers and air traffic controllers would not need to sift through long text descriptions to evaluate their risk of flying near or downwind of a volcano: GREEN meant all clear; YELLOW meant the volcano is restless, be aware; ORANGE meant pay very close attention, the situation may be escalating or there may be volcanic ash up to about 25,000 feet above sea level; and RED meant danger, you may need to reroute or cancel the flight!
      “For a number of years, this color code system was only used in Alaska where each year one or two eruptions send potentially dangerous ash into trans-Pacific jet flight routes.
HVO raised Mauna Loa's alert level last week. Graph from USGS HVO
      “Then, in 2006, the U.S. Geological Survey’s five volcano observatories adopted a single system of communicating volcanic threats across the nation. As part of this unified approach, USGS added the terms NORMAL, ADVISORY, WATCH and WARNING to reflect the danger primarily to people and infrastructure on the ground. These Volcano Alert Level terms were chosen in part to mirror those used by NOAA’s National Weather Service for severe storms and flood.
      “Most often, the Volcano Alert Level and Aviation Color Codes terms move together. Thus, the two-word USGS Volcanic Activity Alert Notification System — for example, ADVISORY/YELLOW — came to be.
      “Assigning alert levels and color codes requires that we can measure the activity level of a volcano — from quiet to full-bore eruption. This, in turn, requires that the volcano be monitored around the clock with seismometers, cameras, satellites and other instruments that can detect signs of magma moving underground or lava and ash actively erupting. With such infrastructure in place, we can, over time, define a background state of typical activity (NORMAL/GREEN) so that sustained departures from background are caught in the act (YELLOW/ADVISORY).
      “Alert level changes are announced in a USGS Volcanic Activity Notice which explains the reasoning and what to expect next with as much precision as possible. As has been the case for Kilauea, sometimes the alert level designation stays the same for many years. For other volcanoes with different styles of eruption, changes may occur quite often.
      “While the decisions to change Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes may seem a bit mysterious, any ambiguity or inconsistency reflects the fact that we still have much to learn about how volcanoes work. Not every eruption, even at our well-studied Hawaiian volcanoes, follows exactly the same pattern. Each episode of unrest and eruption —or unrest without eruption — adds to a growing body of knowledge that helps scientists to issue more accurate warnings.
      “In summary, the USGS Volcanic Activity Alert-Notification System communicates the degree and, in some cases, the time frame of a particular volcanic threat. With this information, public safety and emergency managers, individuals and families and businesses can take appropriate and timely steps to keep our communities safe.”
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

KA`U HIGH SENIOR EVAN MANOHA scored one for the team in the fourth quarter of Senior Night’s losing battle hosting Kohala. He also added two points on the conversion, making the final score 8-30. Other seniors honored yesterday were Kamaehu DeRamos, John Kaawa-Kaluau, Isaac Kailiawa, Evan Manoha, Trieson Pascubilio, Duane Santiago, Kalamakoa Waiwaiole and Gregory Ysawa. 
      Teammates wore yellow ribbons in memory of senior Kobie Biving. The Trojans also signed a Number 21 jersey – his Pop Warner number – for his parents.
      The Trojans host Pahoa Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK invites everyone to volunteer and help protect the native Hawaiian rainforest on National Public Lands Day this Saturday, Sept. 26. Everyone gets in for free, and volunteers will receive a free pass to use on another day of their choosing.
      In honor of National Public Lands Day, the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States, the park is offering the Stewardship at the Summit program from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants meet volunteers Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center, then head into the forest to remove Himalayan ginger from the summit of Kilauea.
Invasive ginger crowds out native plants in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from NPS
      While pretty and fragrant, Himalayan (also called kahili) ginger is one of the most invasive plants in the park and on earth. It is listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as one of the 100 World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species. The park strives to protect the rainforest habitat of native birds and plants, but Himalayan ginger takes over the native rainforest understory, making it impossible for the next generation of forest to grow, and it crowds out many native plants, including pa`iniu (a Hawaiian lily), `ama`u fern and others. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, sunscreen, raingear, snacks, and water. Loppers/gloves are provided. No advance registration required. 
      For more information, see nps.gov/havo or call 985-6011.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST: Evening of the Jazz Divas offers two shows today at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. If not sold out, tickets will be available at the door. Tickets for the 4:30 p.m. matinee are $15 for VAC members ($20 non-members) and for the 7:30 p.m. evening show are $20 for VAC members ($25 non-members).
      For more information, see volcanoartcenter.org.

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Steering Committee meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22 to make final recommendations for CDP revisions and adoption has been moved to Tuesday, Oct. 27 due to addition of another meeting on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. The focus then will be on the shoreline setback policy, the land use policy map and “easy fixes” to the Draft CDP. The meeting is open to the community, and public testimony is welcome.
      See kaucdp.info for more.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_September2015.pdf.


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









Saturday, September 19, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015


Runners head through coffee tree fields and into the forest during this morning's Ka`u Coffee Trail Run.
Image from video by Vernon Harvey at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXqHWIHqwFM.
KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN saw worldwide competition today with Half Marathon winner Kevin Stover finishing in 1 hour, 37 minutes and 44 seconds. Half Marathon women’s winner is Elda Carreon, who finished in 2 hours, 10 minutes and 41 seconds.
Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria Miranda, with former Queen Amery Silva and
current First Princess Joyce Ibasan, reigned over the Ka`u Coffee Trail Run.
Photo by Kalikoweo
      After a week of heavy rains with road closures, waterfalls pumping and streams overrunning their banks in Wood Valley and all around race headquarters at Ka`u Coffee Mill, event emcee Guy Enriques said, “We were blessed today. We had the right amount of clouds, right amount of sun, right temperature.”
      Enriques said that many of the runners in  the inaugural event last year, who returned, were very impressed with improvements, calling courses “more fun and more challenging.” He said the Ka`u Coffee Trail Run is one of the more challenging half marathons in the state. “The 5 and 10 Ks are also tough.”
      He said that despite the downpours earlier this week, “we were able to send the runners into the rainforest. The good weather yesterday, overnight and this morning dried things out. It was just a perfect day.”
      With a break in the weather, a slew of people of all ages showed up early this morning to expand the number of racers from the 137 who pre-registered. Racers came from as far away as Austria, Germany, France, Japan and Alabama.
Ed Olson
      Ka`u Coffee Mill founder Ed Olson said, “We had a very good crowd and happy everyone turned out. Mr. Weatherman cooperated with us 100 percent, A very successful day.”
     Ka`u Coffee Trail Run raises money for the community group `O Ka`u Kakou. Entertaining were local hula groups and musicians. Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria Miranda started the race and was accompanied by First Princess Joyce Ibasan and 2014 Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva.
      See a Phantom Drone Helicopter video of the race by Vernon Harvey, of Ocean View, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXqHWIHqwFM.
      Here are the times for the winners in the adult divisions.
      Half Marathon winner is Kevin Stover in 1 hour 37 minutes, 44 seconds. Second is Topher Fast, 1 hour 57 minutes, 24 seconds. Third is Mike Sibalsky in 2 hours, 29 seconds.
      Winner of the Men’s 10K is Michael Webster in 52 minutes, 59 seconds. Second is John Swanson in 54 minutes, 56 seconds. Third is Kyle Sullivan in 57 minutes, 20 seconds.
      Winner of Men’s 5K is Danilo Padilla, 23 minutes 39 seconds. Second-place finisher is TJ Kuhn in 25 minutes 46 seconds. Third is Mark Wasser, 26 minutes, 45 sec.
      Winner of the Women’s Half Marathon is Elda Carreon, 2 hours, 10 minutes, 25 seconds. Second is Vicki Daniel, who won last year. She came in this year in 2 hours, 18 minutes, 38 seconds. Third is Sally Marrack in 2 hours, 21 minutes, 37 seconds.
      Winner of the Women’s 10K is Meggie Olson in 1 hour, 2 minutes, 48 seconds. Second is Abigail Rotholz, 1 hour, 4 minutes, 43 seconds. Third is Mona Lichtblau in 1 hour, 5 minutes and 2 seconds.
      The Women’s 5K winner is Hope Saxtun who finished in 26 minutes and 41 seconds. Second is Megan Denny, 27 minutes, 32 seconds. Third is Jesse Gunnels in 28 minutes, 19 seconds. There were other age divisions. See more in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL VOTED not to reprimand Mayor Billy Kenoi for inappropriate use of his county-issued purchasing card. Kenoi’s use of his pCard for personal purchase came to light through an investigation by West Hawai`i Today reporter Nancy Cook Lauer. 
      In her testimony on a resolution introduced by Kohala Council member Margaret Wille, Jesse Marques, of Pahala, said, “I understand and respect the difficult task that the County Council members have regarding Mayor Kenoi’s inappropriate use of the pCard. I also understand and respect the law and due process relative to the circumstances.
Maile David
      “What I don’t understand is that in spite of this matter being turned over to the Department of the Attorney General, which is an enforcement agency, to conduct its investigations, make a determination of any violations of the law, holding Mayor Kenoi legally and also publicly accountable for inappropriate use of the pCard, why is the County Council ignoring the law and due process and prematurely introducing this resolution? By introducing this resolution, it bypasses the due process for which the Department of the Attorney General investigation and determination has not been rendered. …
      “To me this resolution raises more questions about the council’s understanding and respect of the law and due process and the purpose of this resolution.”
      Ka`u’s County Council member Maile David agreed with testifiers who said it is not the council’s role to reprimand the mayor. “From the beginning my position has always been this is a jurisdictional matter,” David said, “and I respect the law, and I respect that our job, as legislators, is to uphold that process. … 
      “I feel (the resolution) affects the due process that the mayor - regardless if he’s the mayor or a regular citizen - he’s entitled to due process. So, just discussing all of these issues and all of these matters today, I’m really concerned about the harm to due process that he’s entitled to.
      David said the council should focus on its role of “creating laws to benefit our community.”
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAMS continued their winning ways yesterday in Honoka`a. Junior varsity scores were 26-24 and 25-13. Varsity won in three games, 25-22, 15-25 and 25-14.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

KA`U HIGH’S EIGHT-MAN football team hosts Kohala today at 2 p.m. The game, originally set for Na`alehu Park, has been moved to Pahala Field. It will also be the Senior Game.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE about your `ohana as you were growing up in Hawai`i? Write an essay in a letter format and enter to win in the third annual Letter to My Parents Contest. 
      The contest is open to Hawai`i residents ages 15 to 22 years who would like to express their experiences and feelings towards their parents or legal guardians. Participants are encouraged to submit work illustrating examples from personal life, reflecting family relationships and interactions. Suggested topics include:
  • What do my parent(s)or guardian(s) mean to me? 
  • What would I like to do for my parent(s)? 
  • How have my parents’ experiences and influence affected or shaped the person I am today? 
  • How can I improve relationships in my `ohana? 
      Submit entries to www.LetterToMyParents.com by Oct. 23. Entries can be in any language used in the state, but an English translation is required. Contestants 17 years old and under must submit a parental/guardian consent form.
      Finalists will be selected and will be invited to present their letters during the final presentation to judges scheduled on Sunday, Nov. 22.
      For more information, contact Rose Churma or Toshiro Obara at 808-358-2868 or info@lettertomyparents.com.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOLDS a Ka`u Coast Cleanup tomorrow. Volunteers meet HWF staff at Wai`ohinu Park at 7:45 a.m. to carpool to Kamilo for this event, part of the international Get the Drift & Bag It
      Register at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST: Evening of the Jazz Divas offers two shows tomorrow at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. If not sold out, tickets will be available at the door. Tickets for the 4:30 p.m. matinee are $15 for VAC members ($20 non-members) and for the 7:30 p.m. evening show are $20 for VAC members ($25 non-members).
      For more information, see volcanoartcenter.org.
 
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_September2015.pdf.


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