Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Ka`u famers and ranchers support a bill at the state Legislature that would keep state water available until long-term leases are provided. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

KA`U FARM BUREAU MEMBERS who ranch and farm are seeking protection for their sources of water that originate on state land, testifying that they could lose their revocable leases. Kapapala ranchers Lani Cran, Jon Cran and Bill Petrie told Sen. Russell Ruderman, during his public meeting in Ka`u last week, that they should be excluded from any canceling of water permits that originated through now defunct sugar plantations across the state that took water and diverted the natural flow of streams to use for their crops.

      A case on Maui involves returning water diverted by a Maui sugar company back to its natural course for wildlife and more traditional farming. The Ka`u agriculturalists say their situation is different.

      Between Kapapala and Na`alehu, the old plantation water system was not a matter of diverting streams from their natural flow. It was created by workers hired by the sugar companies to dig horizontal tunnels into the volcano where large amounts of rainwater percolate through the lava and into a lens of water deep in the volcano. As the water drips down within Mauna Loa, the tunnels catch some of it. The tunnel water, which was used in the past to carry sugar cane to the mills, more recently has been used for irrigation and watering livestock.

Ka`u sources of water to flume cane are being restored
for irrigation. Photo from Olson Trust

      Kapapala ranchers said they had been called by Hawai`i Farm Bureau to help with the issue by testifying before the state Legislature on House Bill 2501, which would allow for extension of revocable permits if long-term lease applications are pending. They flew to Honolulu and testified with Kuahiwi rancher Michelle Galimba; John Cross, who represents Olson Trust, which grows coffee and macadamia in Ka`u; and Randy Cabral, a retired macadamia plantation manager in Ka`u who also has a small ranch here and is state president of Hawai`i Farm Bureau. All have been working for the last decade to restore old sugar tunnels for agriculture water, and state funding has been appropriated.

      In written testimony given prior to the hearing, Cabral said the Maui case “is of special interest to agriculture as many of our farms and ranches depend on diverted waters for irrigation. Without water, there can be no agriculture. The Maui case involves one of the largest contiguous active agricultural lands in the state. The farm families and organizations along with their communities are at risk if an interim solution is not identified. We believe the proposed measure provides a good option. As stated, it is clearly an interim measure and not a means to get around the law. It provides time for the law to be interpreted and implemented in the best interest of the people and environment.”

       Michelle Galimba wrote, “My family operates a cattle ranch in Ka`u district on Hawai`i Island. We live and work in a remote area where there is very little public infrastructure. We have a revocable permit that allows our ranch and several other ranches in the area to use water that originates from a water tunnel dug by the sugar plantation early last century. We only use the excess water left over after the County Department of Water Supply takes water for residential use. This water would otherwise simply be dumped on the ground. This excess water is used on our ranch, and other neighboring ranches, to create food, income, and jobs for local people, in an area where jobs are scarce.
      “Sometimes there is water for our ranches, and sometimes, during droughts such as we are presently experiencing, there is little to no water available from our water permit. We do not divert water from streams, as there are no permanent streams in the district of Ka`u.
      “We do our best to obey the regulatory requirements as defined by the state. We would have preferred to have been allowed a long-term water lease, however we understand how complex permitting is and have patiently worked with what tenure has been available to us. Now even the short-term tenure that these water permits offered are at risk. HB2501 will allow us all to work through the complex issues of water permits and leases without causing immediate harm to our agricultural businesses and homesteads here in Ka`u. I hope that you will vote in its favor.”

      See future Ka`u Calendar News Briefs for testimony in opposition to the bill.

Donald Trump

      Track progress of this and other bills at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

DONALD TRUMP, MARCO RUBIO AND JOHN KASICH all talked to local news shows this morning in advance of the Republican caucuses to be held around the state today between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Nineteen delegates are up for grabs toward selecting the Republican candidate for the U.S. Presidency.
      In 2012, 10,000 Republicans voted during Republican caucuses in Hawai`i. Anyone who lives in Hawai`i and is 18 years of age can register to vote at the caucus site tonight, if not already signed up. Caucus locations in South Hawai`i are Na`alehu School cafeteria and Yano Hall in Captain Cook.

      Six names are on the ballot, including Jeb Bush and Ben Carson, who have already dropped out of the race. The other four are Ted Cruz, John Kasich, Marco Rubio and Donald Trump.

Sen. Marco Rubio

      Trump told Hawai`i News Now this morning that Rubio has never been here and never made any jobs here. Said Trump, “I own a big hotel, Trump International Hotel.” The candidate said it might be “your most highly rated hotel” in Hawai`i. He pointed to the people he employees and said he educates them and takes care of their health care. He said his Hawai`i hotel has “very low debt and tremendous cash flow.”
      News anchor Grace Lee quoted former Hawai`i congresswoman Pat Saiki, who just ended her term as chair of the Republican Party. Saiki said that “Donald Trump has made of a mockery of the presidency of the United States. I think he’s torn us apart. He really has made us seem as though we don’t care about people. ... If any of my five grandchildren used the language that he has used or shown such disrespect for not only people but for the government, I’d wash their mouths with soap.”

      Trump retorted, “She is backing another candidate. ... I can understand this.”

Gov. John Kasich

      The Hawai`i News Now reporter asked about Trump’s questioning of Pres. Barack Obama’s place of birth, asking whether he was really born in the U.S. Lee said that many people in Hawai`i were offended since Obama was born here and there are birth certificates to prove it. “The president has never released his records, and that's his prerogative,” said Trump. “I don’t have his records. I haven’t seen his long-form birth certificates.” The reporter stated that the state Department of Health and Obama did release Obama’s birth certificates. Trump also stated that he doesn’t talk about the birther issue anymore.
      Trump said that he has helped the Republican Party. “Because of me, the primaries have received millions and millions of additional votes.”
      Lee asked him, “Do you really want to be President, or is this about winning?” Trump replied, “No, I want to make America great again.”

Sen. Ted Cruz

      KHON reporter Diane Ako interviewed Florida's U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. He talked about winning the Republican delegates in Puerto Rico and said he could do the same here, helping the Hawai`i Republican Party. Regarding his advertising and interviews in Hawai`i, Rubio said he is the only one campaigning here. He talked about defunding federal contributions to Planned Parenthood and giving the money to federally licensed women health care programs.
      He said states should run schools without interference from the federal government. He said he also has a plan to help students with school loan debt.
      Hawai`i News Now reporter Chris Tanaka interviewed Ohio Gov. John Kasich. He said, “You don’t want to take the low road to the highest office in the land,” referring to course language from other candidates. Regarding the Hawaiian sovereignty movement, Kasich said, “We’re Americans, and I don’t understand the call for a nation within a nation. It’s not something that I would look too favorably on.” Admitting that it isn’t a subject he is very familiar, Kasich said some sort of federal recognition could possibly be considered.

      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Making ahu la`i, or ti-leaf capes, is demonstrated tomorrow.
Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK rangers demonstrate how to make ti-leaf capes tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

      Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES students present Dina Kageler’s original musical Archipelago! Thursday at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      Free; park entrance fees may apply.

FOOTPRINTS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE is the destination of a Photography Tour, Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mary Goodrich leads the tour in conjunction with the current Sightlines exhibit at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants meet at the gallery and carpool to the site. Registration required at 967-7565.

KA`U'S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER Maile David meets with her constituents Monday, March 28 at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. David will answer questions about local issues.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March_2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Monday, March 7, 2016

Researchers have discovered a ghost-like cephalopod in Hawaiian waters. See more below. Image from NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration & Research, Hohonu Moana 2016

KUA O KA LA PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL’S online virtual academy in Miloli`i took second place in the middle/intermediate school division of the ninth annual E Ola Pono statewide initiative. The annual campaign rewards student-led efforts to increase peace, kindness and belonging. As a cultural response to bullying and other negative behaviors in schools, student groups are encouraged to actively “Grow Pono” to create a more welcoming and safe environment for everyone at their school.​

      In the academy’s Aloha `Aina and Kapu Aloha Project, “we wanted to show that our projects within the community showcase peace and pono at its highest, focusing on our fishing projects, `aina-based projects and projects that talk about the body, mind and spirit — pono through fishing, pono through `aina and pono through our kino (body), teacher Kaimi Kaupiko said. “We wanted our community to learn that we can return to a way of balance, peace and prosperity. Our program has eight students, however, our campaign impacts our entire school of 170 students and 20 staff, and it also impacted our community of Miloli`i with more than 300 people who live and call Miloli`i home.”

      Six schools in three school divisions are receiving recognition and monetary awards for their winning student-led campaigns — $1,000 for first place and $500 for second place.
      To learn more and get involved, see www.growingponoschools.com​.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Deep waters off Necker Island are home to the octopod.
Map from NOAA

AN OCTOPOD SEEN IN DEEP WATERS of the Hawaiian Archipelago “is almost certainly an undescribed species and may not belong to any described genus,” said Michael Vecchione, of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association. Vecchione reported that the sighting occurred on the first operational dive of Okeanos Explorer’s 2016 season, which explored depths of over 4,000 meters northeast of Necker Island, or Mokumanamana. At-sea and shore-based science teams are making some of the first deepwater observations in Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.

      According to Vecchione, “the appearance of this animal was unlike any published records and was the deepest observation ever for this type of cephalopod.” A distinctive characteristic of the cephalopod was that its suckers were in one instead of two rows on each arm. It also lacked pigment cells and it did not seem very muscular, Vecchione said. “This resulted in a ghostlike appearance, leading to a comment on social media that it should be called Casper, like the friendly cartoon ghost.”
      The Okeanos Explorer mission continues through March 18. The expedition will provide a foundation of publicly accessible baseline data and information to support science and management needs in and around the monument. The effort also provides critical information about emerging regional issues like deep-sea mining and the potential U.S. Extended Continental Shelf.
      See oceanexplorer.noaa.gov.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Former PUC Chair Mina Morita
Photo from Energy Dynamics

MINA MORITA, FORMER CHAIR of Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission, defended Hawaiian Electric Company’s recent decision to pull out of large solar projects with SunEdison. On her blog at minamoritaenergydynamics.com, she cited a recent Bloomberg news article that she said “captures SunEdison’s financial situation succinctly.”

      As Morita quotes Bloomberg: “The world’s biggest clean-power developer was expected to have about $1.2 billion at the start of the year, an amount that may drop to $270 million if a pending court case doesn’t go its way, according to an estimate by Patrick Jobin, an analyst at Credit Suisse Group AG. …
      “SunEdison has tried to run too quickly – seeking hyper growth at the same time capital markets are challenged – constraining their balance sheet, Jobin said in a research note.”
      “It appears HECO had good reasons to get out when it could,” Morita said. “SunEdison’s missing contractual milestones gave HECO solid justification to exit a situation that would be untenable in the future if it chose to overlook the situation (damned if you do, damned if you don’t). This decision gave HECO a better chance of controlling the unfinished project and unused reserved capacity rather than be tied up in bankruptcy court holding the bag with unfinished SunEdison assets.”
      Morita said the purpose of her blog is to educate and share information to understand and discuss the dynamics of Hawai`i’s clean energy transformation. “I started Energy Dynamics because I am concerned that the significance of Hawai`i’s energy transformation and paradigm shift, with its challenges, have not been adequately discussed with the general public and electricity customers who must, inevitably, pay for these costs,” she said.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TOTAL CLIMATE COVERAGE on broadcast networks decreased in 2015, according to a report by Media Matters for America.

Major networks' coverage of climate change dropped last year
after after three years of increased coverage.
Graph from Media Matters

      Combined climate coverage on ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox networks decreased five percent from 2014 to 2015, the report stated. In 2015, ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox collectively aired approximately 146 minutes of climate change coverage on their evening and Sunday news shows, which was eight minutes less than the networks aired in 2014.
      “This five percent drop occurred even though 2015 was a year full of significant actions to address climate change, including the EPA finalizing the Clean Power Plan; the first-ever federal limits on carbon pollution from power plants; President Obama rejecting the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline, citing the need to fight climate change; Pope Francis releasing the first-ever papal encyclical on climate change; and leaders from 195 countries agreeing to a landmark accord to lower greenhouse gas emissions at the United Nations climate summit in Paris,” the report stated.
      Researchers Kevin Kalhoefer, Denise Robbins and Andrew Seifter also reported that PBS NewsHour aired more climate coverage than all other nightly news programs combined. It aired 58 climate-related segments in 2015, while ABC aired eight and NBC and CBS each aired 20. Also, PBS NewsHour’s climate coverage increased from 2014, when it aired 45 climate-related segments.
      “With the little time devoted to climate change, these Sunday shows continued to mislead their audiences by including climate denial as part of the discussion,” U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said. “The facts are clear. Scientists, governments and major corporations around the world have accepted the facts about climate change and are having real debates on solutions. In this consequential election year, it’s time for news broadcasters to do the same.”

Flags are at half-staff to honor the late Nancy Reagan.

      See mediamatters.org.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NATIONAL AND STATE FLAGS are at half-staff at the direction of the President of the United States at the State Capitol and at all state offices and agencies. President Barack Obama issued the order as a mark of respect for the memory of former first lady Nancy Reagan, who died Sunday at her home in California.

      Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NA`ALEHU SCHOOL CAFETERIA is the Ka`u site for tomorrow’s Republican Party caucus. Residents can vote for their presidential candidate from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Other polling locations, which do not include all standard voting sites, are listed at gophawaii.com.

The Flower of Life is a valued image
for Altogether: We Are One.

ALTOGETHER: WE ARE ONE, presented by the Sisterhood of All Women on Earth and the Brave Brothers, begins tomorrow at 2 p.m. and continues into the evening at Hawai`i Nature Retreat in Wood Valley. Fee is $25.

      See altogetherweareone.com    or facebook.com/events/142146472838551.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK rangers demonstrate how to make ti-leaf capes Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      Free; 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/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Sunday, March 6, 2016

Guided nature walks in an intact old-growth forest are offered tomorrow and each Monday at Volcano Art Center's Nialulani Campus in Volcano Village. See more below. Photo from VAC

KA`U AND MILOLI`I ARE NO LONGER risk areas for dengue fever, Hawai`i Department of Health reported on Friday. Previously, areas of Na`alehu, Ocean View and Miloli`i were in categories ranging from some risk to high risk.

Although dengue fever risk sites continue to dwindle, Civil
Defense warns that the outbreak is far from over.
Map from Hawai`i DOH

      Although the number and frequency of new confirmed cases of dengue fever appears to be on the decline, Hawai`i County Civil Defense reported that the outbreak is not anticipated to be considered over anytime in the near future. On Friday, the state reported that no new cases of dengue fever have been reported and none are infectious. The total number of confirmed cases remained at 260.

      To prevent mosquito bites, wear clothing that minimizes exposed skin, use mosquito repellent on skin that cannot be covered, and avoid areas of high mosquito concentration during the early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest.
      Persons who suspect that they may have dengue should remain indoors to prevent the possibility of being bitten and infecting mosquitoes. They should also contact a health care provider. Community health centers are working with DOH to see patients who suspect they may have dengue regardless of ability to pay.
      Residents are asked to help reduce potential mosquito breeding areas around homes and businesses. Remove all standing water, and take unused tires to county transfer stations.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I ISLAND LED THE STATE with 48.7 percent of customer electricity use coming from renewable resources in 2015. Maui County, including Moloka`i and Lana`i, recorded 35.4 percent, and O`ahu achieved 17.2 percent of electricity used from renewable energy.

      Hawaiian Electric Companies reported the data in the annual Renewable Portfolio Standard report filed with Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission. The consolidated RPS for Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawai`i Electric Light combined was 23.2 percent, an increase from 21.3 percent for 2014.

Alan Oshima Photo from HECO

      According to HECO, the achievement far exceeded Hawai`i’s 2015 RPS goal of 15 percent and came from use of a diverse mix of renewable sources, including waste-to-energy, biomass, geothermal, hydro, wind, biofuels and solar, both utility-scale and customer-sited rooftop systems.

      The RPS reported to the PUC represents the calculation for the entire year. However, Hawai`i Island hit a renewable high of 68 percent in December 2015. Maui County hit 63 percent in April 2015, and O`ahu reached 42 percent in May 2015.
      “These are achievements that everyone in Hawai`i can be proud of,” said Alan Oshima, HECO president and CEO. “Integrating renewable energy resources for the benefit of all customers is a top priority, and these results highlight Hawai`i’s nation-leading commitment.
      “A balanced portfolio of renewable resources is critical to our successful transition from imported oil. Energy conservation and storage, rooftop and grid solar, wind power, geothermal and demand response programs will all continue to help us reach that goal while providing value to our customers.”

      HECO reported that electricity generated using renewable energy sources increased by 39,153 megawatt-hours in 2015. The total amount of electrical energy generated from customer-sited, grid-connected sources increased by an estimated 128,060 megawatt-hours, a 24.9 percent increase compared to the previous year.

      HECO is preparing updated power supply improvement plans for achieving Hawai`i’s future RPS goals of 30 percent by 2020, 40 percent by 2030, 70 percent by 2040 and 100 percent by 2045.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS within Kipuka `Ainahou and Mauna Kea Forest Reserve are closed, Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife reported.

      The license agreement allowing DLNR to manage these lands for public hunting and wildlife management purposes has expired and has not been renewed. The lands were closed to public access as of March 1 and will remain closed until further notice. Pu`u O`o Trail within this area that is managed by DLNR’s Na Ala Hele trails and access program also remains closed until further notice.
      For further information on this closure, contact DOFAW in Hilo at 974-4221.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ co-introduced bipartisan legislation addressing the future impact of new technology known as the Internet of Things. The bill, known as the Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things, or DIGIT Act, builds upon the senators’ resolution that called for a national strategy on the Internet of Things. This resolution passed the Senate last March, putting the U.S. Senate on record supporting a strategy to maintain U.S. global competitiveness in the digital age. It also called for a modern framework around innovation, recognizing the importance of consensus-based best practices and the need for innovators to drive the future development of the Internet of Things.

Sen. Brian Schatz calls for a national strategy on
the Internet of Things. Image from Wikipedia

      According to Wikipedia, “the Internet of Things is the network of physical objects - devices, vehicles, buildings and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity - that enables these objects to collect and exchange data. The Internet of Things allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit.”

      “With more and more devices connecting to the Internet every day, we have a unique opportunity to continue leading this technological revolution,” Schatz said. “Our bill recognizes the enormous potential the Internet of Things holds and will give us the tools to make sure our policies help promote its growth.”
      The DIGIT Act directs the Federal Communications Commission to complete a report assessing spectrum needs required to support the Internet of Things. It also convenes a working group of both federal and private entity stakeholders that would provide recommendations to Congress. These recommendations would focus on how to plan for, and encourage, the growth of the Internet of Things in the United States.
      The rapidly developing market of health wearables, connected homes and other novel solutions represents an expanding industry of consumer products.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GUIDED NATURE WALKS through the rain forest at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village are offered tomorrow and every Monday at 9:30 a.m. The one-hour, free guided walks introduce individuals, families and groups to the most diverse, intact and accessible, old-growth `ohi`a/koa rain forest remaining in the state. No reservations are required for groups of five or less. Free; donations are appreciated.
      For further information, email programs@volcanoartcenter.org.

IN SPORTS, CHLOE GAN took first place in girls 400-meter dash yesterday at Konawaena with a time of 1:05.07. She also placed fifth in 100-meter dash at 13.75 seconds. Ka`u girls 4x400-meter relay team placed fourth at 5:08.48.

      Trojan boys volleyball team began regular season play on Tuesday, March 1. Kealakehe junior varsity and varsity each overcame Ka`u in two sets. On Saturday, March 5, Hilo teams also won in two sets.
      The teams travel to Kamehameha on Wednesday for matches beginning at 6 p.m.

      For further information, email programs@volcanoartcenter.org.

ALTOGETHER: WE ARE ONE, presented by the Sisterhood of All Women on Earth and the Brave Brothers, takes place Tuesday at Hawai`i Nature Retreat in Wood Valley. The organization's website describes the event as “a journey of exploration, expansion and focus of the energy that flows through us all, creating a golden grid of love and light across the island of Hawai`i to usher in a new age of civilization.” 

      The event begins at 2 p.m. and continues into the evening. Fee is $25.
      See altogetherweareone.com or facebook.com/events/142146472838551.

NA`ALEHU SCHOOL CAFETERIA is the Ka`u site for Tuesday’s Republican Party caucus. Residents can vote for their presidential candidate from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Other polling locations are listed at gophawii.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.