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Wednesday, June 01, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Megan Yarberry, of Hilo, leads a Blue Zones fitness activity during Tropic Care at Ocean View Community Center.
Tropic Care health screenings continue through Saturday at noon in Ocean View and at Ka`u High School.
Photo by Sue Dela Cruz/Blue Zones Project
HAWAI`I ISLAND’S MARINE DEBRIS is concentrated in Ka`u, on the southeastern tip of the island, particularly around Kamilo Point.
      A recent imagery analysis identified a total of 2,200 pieces of marine debris on the Big Island’s coasts, and the most common type, at 52 percent, was plastic.
      The state Department of Land & Natural Resources and North Pacific Marine Science Organization commissioned the aerial survey of all coastlines of the eight Main Hawaiian Islands. The study, Japanese Tsunami Marine Debris Aerial Imagery Analysis and GIS Support in the Main Hawaiian Islands, was funded by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan as part of the Japan Tsunami Gift Fund awarded to western states, including Hawai`i.
Kamilo Point collects marine debris that rides
currents from other shores. Photo by
Megan Lamson/HWF
      “In order to characterize the potential ecological consequences of tsunami and other debris, it’s important to quantify it,” said Kirsten Moy, DLNR’s Marine Debris Coordinator in the Division of Aquatic Resources. “Understanding the types, sizes and locations of debris accumulating on Hawaiian coastlines is crucial in developing plans to streamline removal and mitigate negative impacts.”
      Aerial surveys were conducted between August and November 2015. The study found that 38 percent of the total debris identified in aerial surveys of the Main Hawaiian Islands is on Ni`ihau, likely due to its position in the island chain and the particular ocean currents surrounding it. All other islands had 14 percent or less of the debris identified, with O`ahu having the least density at only five percent. “This could be a reflection of continuous beach clean-ups conducted by local residents and conservation organizations,” Moy said.
      DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “This survey found a very limited amount of debris associated with the Japan tsunami. Most of what was mapped is common, everyday items that someone haphazardly tossed onto the ground or directly into the water. These items get caught up in ocean currents, and unfortunately much of it eventually lands, mostly on north and east facing shores. Hawai`i is recognized around the world for our beautiful beaches. Unfortunately, we cannot say they are pristine, because they’ve been so seriously impacted by our trash.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND and The Nature Conservancy in Ka`u celebrated together late last month, with a small group of conservation partners. The event marked HWF’s 20th anniversary of protecting native wildlife and coastal habitat and TNC’s opening of their new office at Honu`apo.
      “It was great to come together to celebrate this important milestone with TNC,” said Megan Lamson, HWF’s Hawai`i Island Program Director. “Our nonprofits have similar missions, and we are thankful for such continued opportunities to collaborate for native wildlife.”
Hawai`i Wildlife Fund and The Nature Conservancy staff celebrate
last month. From left are Nadine Robertson, Bill Gilmartin, Nohea
Ka`awa, John Replogle, Shalan Crysdale and son Jack, Linda
Schubert, Megan Lamson, Stacey Breining and son Nico.
Photo by M. Robertson/HWF
      HWF’s next Ka`u Coast Cleanup at Kamilo is on Saturday, July 9. A video featuring HWF’s Kallie Barnes during a visit to Kamilo Point where Hawai`i Island students work with California scientists to promote single-use plastics reduction is available at wildhawaii.org.
      Email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com for more information about the cleanup and to register.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A BILL THAT WOULD BAN STYROFOAM food service items is on Hawai`i County Council’s agenda this week. Kohala council member Margaret Wille’s Bill 140 would prohibit food vendors from dispensing prepared food in disposable polystyrene containers effective July 1, 2018. It would exempt ice chest and coolers, county facility users and food vendors with approval by the Environmental Management Director, and county facility users and food vendors procuring supplies during an event declared as an emergency by the mayor.
      The council’s Environmental Management Committee passed the bill with a 5-4 vote in May.
      The council meets Friday at 9 a.m. Committees meet tomorrow. Governmental Relations & Economic Development’s meeting is at 9 a.m.; Human Services & Social Services, 10 a.m.; Planning, 11 a.m.; and Finance, 1:30 p.m.
      All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo. Videoconferencing is available at Na`alehu State Office Building. Meetings are streamed live, and agendas are available, at hawaiicounty.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A storm in the East Pacific is expected to strengthen as it moves
west-northwest. Map from NWS
HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS TODAY, and a weather system that could develop into a hurricane is brewing in the East Pacific, the breeding ground for many storms that threaten Hawai`i.
      Showers and thunderstorms associated with a broad area of low pressure located about 1,000 miles south of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula have become a little better organized over the past day or so, but the low does not have a well-defined center of circulation, the National Weather Service reported. Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for additional development of this system during the next several days, and a tropical depression is likely to form later this week as the disturbance moves west-northwest at about 15 miles per hour. Formation chance through 48 hours is 60 percent, and 90 percent through five days.
      Track the storm at www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE starting today for the 21st Mealani’s Taste of the Hawaiian Range at Hilton Waikoloa Village on Friday, Sept. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Students work alongside professionals during a class
at Taste of the Hawaiian range.
      Attendees will enjoy delectable dishes using pasture-raised beef, pork, lamb, goat, mutton and wild boar, plus a cornucopia of fresh island fruit, veggies, honey, spices and beverages. Past events have featured products from Ka`u, including Kapapala Ranch and Kuahiwi Ranch.
      The annual agricultural showcase will again sprawl both inside and outside at Hilton Waikoloa Village’s conference center. Culinary adventure seekers can taste and enjoy cuts of pasture-raised beef expertly prepared by Hawai`i chefs. Enjoy familiar cuts like chuck and ground beef, plus infamous Rocky Mountain oysters.
      Local food producers will offer samples and displays at friendly booths. While “grazing,” attendees can enjoy exhibits presenting topics related to local agriculture and food sustainability, including the University of Hawai`i at Manoa’s Mealani Research Station—where Taste began.
      Pre-sale tickets are $45 and $60 at the door. Entry to Cooking 101 with sampling is $10, while a 1 p.m. class geared for culinary students and food service professionals is free.
      Watch for ticket giveaways on Facebook at Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Twitter #TasteHI.
      For general event information, call 322-4892.
      See tasteofthehawaiianrange.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Army Reserve personnel bring Tropic Care to Ka`u this week.
Photo by Sue Dela Cruz/Blue Zones Project
A WIDE RANGE OF MEDICAL SERVICES is available this week. Tropic Care 2016 continues through Saturday at Ka`u High School and Ocean View Community Center with free medical screenings, school sports physicals, dental services, eye exams, hearing screenings, nutritional services, veteran services, prescription eyeglasses and more.
      Bring water, snacks and current glasses and medications.
      Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily except Saturday, when closing is at 12 p.m.
      Bus transportation is available daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to and from Ocean View Community Center at Princess Kailulani at Lotus Blossom, Kahuku Park and Hele-on Park & Ride.
For more information about Tropic Care, call 808-874-6035.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT continues Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers meet at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to clear invasive ginger from park trails.
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Hannah's Makana `Ohana, led by Ka`u Kumu Hula Hannah Uribes, surround Mark Yamanaka, who won
his tenth Na Hoku Hanohano Award last weekend. See more below. Photo by Julia Neal
HAWAI`I COUNTY DEPARTMENT of Water Supply is now delivering Water Quality Reports via the Internet. The change takes advantage of technology, reduces paper consumption and helps preserve the environment.
      See hawaiidws.org, click on the About the Water link, then Water Quality Reports, and select the appropriate system.
      Paper copies are available by calling 961-8670 or emailing dws@hawaiidws.org.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

MINA MORITA, FORMER HAWAI`I Public Utilities Chair, attempts to break down Hawai`i electric system’s complexity in a series of articles at minamoritaelergydynamics.com.
      Morita suggests that interested residents watch an online presentation by PUC Commissioner Mike Champley at March’s Maui Energy Conference where, as a panelist on “The Hawai`i Renewable Energy Experience – What Can Be Replicated Nationally and Internationally,” he asked, “What metric do we look at?”
Champley compared islands' renewable capacity vs energy penetration.
Graph from Mina Morita
      According to Morita, “Champley said it was important to understand two competing metrics, renewable capacity versus energy penetration, or capacity factor, and walked the audience through each of his slides depicting our renewable progress, current challenges, future challenges and new considerations that come into play regarding key technical and economic tradeoffs. …
      “For example, if we make further investments in increasing wind and solar capacity, corresponding investments will need to be made in grid modernization, renewable integration and bulk storage. Therefore, will new investments be made in nascent storage technology or pump storage to store and dispatch solar at evening peak? Or will it be made in smaller and flexible fossil generators with the ability to ramp up and down with the variability of wind and solar during the day and be available to address system peak? Which solution will be less risky? Or do we do both? What solution can we afford and have the greatest system and customer benefits? Can we move forward with a no-regret solution/strategy?
      “The logical, economic solutions are there, but it will take the goring of some sacred cows to lay a solid foundation and cost-effective strategy to get to 100 percent.
      See Champley’s presentation at vimeo.com/163314542.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Yamanaka performed at Pahala Plantation House last fall for Uhane
Na Moku O Hawai`i, drawing a spontaneous outbreak of hula.
Photo by Julia Neal
MARK YAMANAKA TOOK HOME his tenth Na Hoku Hanohano award last weekend. Yamanaka, known for his falsetto voice and guitar skills, frequently shares his music at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and has accompanied halau at Pahala Plantation Cottages, fundraising for the Uhane Na Moku O Hawai`i nonprofit group.
      During the Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts Na Hoku awards in Honolulu on Saturday, he won Best Christian Album of the Year for A Gift of Heart, recorded by Yamanaka and the group Kupaoa.
      Jimmy Borges, 80, a famous Hawaiian jazz singer, took home five Hoku awards.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Sen. Brian Schatz joined Gov. and Mrs. Ige at a Memorial Day
ceremony. Photo from Office of Sen. Schatz
MEMBERS OF HAWAI`I’S CONGRESSIONAL delegation representing Ka`u honored members of the military over Memorial Day weekend.
      On Sunday, Sen. Brian Schatz spoke at the Pacific American Foundation Annual Roll Call of Honor Ceremony to honor the sacrifice of Pacific American soldiers.
      “Together, we remember with deep appreciation our Pacific Veterans and all of America’s men and women who answered the call to protect liberty,” Schatz said.
      Yesterday, Schatz joined Gov. and Mrs. Ige at a Memorial Day ceremony on O`ahu.
      Sen. Mazie Hirono paid tribute to service members, veterans and their families on Memorial Day.
Sen. Mazie Hirono attended a ceremony at West Hawai`i
Veterans Ceremony. Photo from Office of Sen. Hirono
      “Hawai`i is the home to generations of service members, from the Civil War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Hirono said. “Memorial Day is an opportunity to celebrate these service members, remember those who gave their life in service to our country, and reflect on legacy they left behind. On this solemn day, we not only honor the sacrifices made by our service members and veterans, but also reaffirm our lifelong commitment to support them and their families.”
      Hirono spent Memorial Day on Hawai`i Island, attending a remembrance ceremony hosted by the West Hawai`i Veterans of Foreign Wars post at West Hawai`i Veterans Cemetery. Hirono paid tribute to Waimea native Lance Corporal Christopher Camero, who was killed in Afghanistan, and other Hawai`i service members.
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met veterans on Maui.
Photo from Office of Rep. Gabbard
      Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, at Makawao Veterans Cemetery, delivered remarks to honor America’s fallen heroes at an observance hosted by Maui Veterans Council. She joined fellow veterans, their friends, families and the community in honoring heroes from Hawai`i and across the nation who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. In her remarks, Gabbard documented the lives lost in recent conflicts. She implored they be honored by ensuring our troops are not sent into harm’s way unnecessarily and that missions be worthy of their great sacrifice.
      “We have lost too many of our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters in these counterproductive interventionist wars,” said Gabbard, a twice-deployed Major in the Hawai`i Army National Guard. We owe it to those we’ve lost, and those who have followed in their footsteps, to learn from the mistakes of the past and not repeat them in the future. Let us remember our friends, our family, our nation’s heroes, by being grateful for all that we have, honoring their memory, and by taking action. Forging ahead, making them proud, making sure that their sacrifice was not in vain. Let us be inspired by their example and show through our actions, every day, that they will never be forgotten.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

TROPIC CARE 2016 BEGINS today and continues through Saturday at Ka`u High School and Ocean View Community Center with free medical screenings, school sports physicals, dental services, eye exams, hearing screenings, nutritional services, veteran services, prescription eyeglasses and more.
      Bring water, snacks and current glasses and medications.
      Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily except Saturday, when closing is at 12 p.m.
      Bus transportation is available daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to and from Ocean View Community Center at Princess Kailulani at Lotus Blossom, Kahuku Park and Hele-on Park & Ride.
      For more information about Tropic Care, call 808-874-6035.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in Hawai`i County Council meetings this week. The council holds a special meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m. for the second and final readings of operating and capital improvement budgets.
      Committees meet Thursday. Governmental Relations & Economic Development’s meeting is at 9 a.m.; Human Services & Social Services, 10 a.m.; Planning, 11 a.m.; and Finance, 1:30 p.m.
      The full council meets Friday at 9 a.m.
Megan Tardif-Woolgar
      All meetings take place at Council Chambers in Hilo. Videoconferencing is available at Na`alehu State Office Building. Meetings are streamed live, and agendas are available, at hawaiicounty.gov.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A FREE CLASS ON FREEDOM Release Technique takes place at Margo’s Corner on Wakea Street in Discovery Harbour on Sunday, June 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.​
      Megan Tardif-Woolgar is a certified Freedom Release Technique Practitioner and a registered Medical Herbalist from Nova Scotia, Canada. She helps facilitate healing by connecting to an individual’s higher self and releasing past traumas and negative experiences stored within the cellular memory. She also helps facilitate the connection between the human and plant world, allowing plant allies to come forward and offer their healing and support.
      For more information, see sacredspiralherbals.com.
      RSVP to 929-9614 or 1-902-824-0547 or sacred.spiral.herbals@gmail.com.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.



Monday, May 30, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Monday, May 30, 2016

Marian Berger's exhibit Up Close continues through Sunday, June 5. See more below. Image from Volcano Art Center
A NEW CHAIR LEADS the Hawai`i Democratic Party, and Na`alehu School teacher Raina Whiting was the nominator at yesterday’s convention on O`ahu. Tim Vandeveer won narrowly. He is an environmental law student at University of Hawai`i Richardson School of Law, known for his Keep Country Country activities. He is a former union shop steward and unexploded ordnance technician. Vandeveer bested Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, a labor union lobbyist and executive of Hawai`i Construction Alliance; Jacce Mikulanec, a lobbyist for HMSA; and Florence Kong Kee, of United Public Workers union.
      Vandeveer will attend the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, July 25-28, as a super delegate and is committed to vote for Bernie Sanders.
      Whiting, 28, also a Sanders supporter, attended the state convention as a delegate from Ocean View and will also travel to the Democratic National Convention. In the state Democratic Party, she is District V Council Vice Chair, Precinct 5-02 President (Ocean View), Congressional District II (Rural O`ahu/Neighbor Islands) National Convention Delegate and an Environmental Caucus At-Large Officer.
Tim Vandeveer is the new Chair of Hawai`i Democratic Party, being
elected after Raina Whiting, of Ocean View, at right, nominated him
at the state convention. Jana Vandeveer and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono
also attended. Photo from Bob Martin 
      State Rep. Richard Creagan, who attended the state convention as a delegate, said, “People are really feeling the Bern, and that is why Vandeveer won.” He described Whiting: “Raina is clearly a rising star in our Democratic firmament.”
      When nominating Vandeveer before about 1,000 delegates attending the state convention, Whiting said:
      “When I look around the room, I am so incredibly proud to be a part of this movement and to be surrounded by so many people who are inspired to be part of making change and growth a reality. I am especially proud that so many neighbor island folks made a 'yuge' financial commitment to travel to the convention.
      “This year, we are seeing many new, first-time candidates run for office. This is a perfect opportunity to bring Sen. Bernie Sanders’ political revolution to life and for the people to take back the power in our county, state and federal offices. I encourage you to seek out these newcomers and support them in any way you can.
      “Right now, we are making the decisions that will help shape the impact we have in our state and across the nation. We must elect a Party Chair that will be just, honest and a strong supporter of the issues that matter most to us, including who becomes our next president. We need a Chair that can help raise funds and help us hold our Democratic politicians to our Democratic Party platform. We need a chair who will take the resolutions we tirelessly work on and see that they go beyond our conventions.
      “Tim Vandeveer is the honest, kind and compassionate leader we need. He has the skill set necessary to lead our party into the future that we have all been working so hard to create.
      “When I met Tim, he was leading a group of community organizers on a North Shore outreach campaign to stop further development on the last pristine section of coastline on O`ahu. I was impressed with his tireless advocacy then and have known him to be dedicated to public service to this day. He focuses on the critical issues in our state and is an inspiring environmental activist. I know that when he is elected we can count on Tim to be out in front leading the movement for a better future.
      “We are hungry for change. We need to be less concerned with corporate sponsorship and more concerned with strengthening the safety net for our kupuna, giving students a debt-free education and making sure that all of our brothers and sisters are paid a living wage. Grassroots support is the way we must do this.
      “Vote for Tim, our only Chair candidate who supports Bernie Sanders, because he knows Bernie is the right man for the job. Vote for Tim to unify our party and keep our progressive democratic revolution alive.”
      Whiting is running for Hawai`i County Council against incumbent Maile David.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Students can look forward to healthy, free meals at school
this fall. Photo from Hawai`i Department of Education
FREE BREAKFASTS AND LUNCHES will be served this summer at some of the larger schools on Hawai`i Island. Ka`u public schools are not included in the Department of Education program.
      Free meals next school year for all students will be offered at Pahala Elementary, Intermediate and High School and Na`alehu School. The two Ka`u campuses are among 30 statewide where meal money will be no longer collected from students.
      The program is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state Department of Education. It is called the Community Eligibility Program and is offered to schools where 40 percent or more of students are eligible for free or reduced priced meals through the National School Lunch Program. The USDA reimburses the state $3.85 for each meal.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SUPPORT FOR THE $4.3 billion NEXTERA/Hawaiian Electric Light Co. merger is falling, Life of the Land Executive Director Henry Curtis reported. Curtis reviewed poll numbers from Ward Research, Inc. and Merriman River Group.
      “Numbers can be manipulated, and polling is inherently dangerous, especially when done with an effort to steer the results,” Curtis said. “The margin of sampling error needs to be explicitly stated. …
      “HECO and NextEra proposed merging on Dec. 3, 2014. The following month, Ward Research, Inc. conducted a poll (asking): 'NextEra Energy, a Florida-based company, proposes to buy Hawaiian Electric. Do you think this acquisition would be good for Hawai`i?'
      “Almost one-third (32 percent) of respondents were in support. The margin of sampling error was plus or minus 5.5 points.
      “One year after the merger was announced, and just after the first of three rounds of the Evidentiary Hearing, Ward Research, Inc. conducted a poll (asking): 'NextEra Energy, a Florida-based company, proposes to buy Hawaiian Electric. Do you think this acquisition would be good for Hawai`i?'
      “The percent supporting the sale had dropped to 26 percent.
      “One could rightfully claim that the numbers had not fallen. That is to say, the first poll indicated that the percentage of people supporting the merger was 32 percent plus or minus 5.5 percent (26.5 percent to 37.5 percent), while the second poll showed 26 percent plus or minus 4.7 percent (21.3 percent to 30.7 percent), and thus the two polls could have reflected the same support for the merger, although the odds were against that.
      “But the third poll (by Merriman River Group) clearly showed that support for the merger was dropping. Support for the merger was 16 percent plus or minus 3.2 percent, or 12.8 to 19.2 percent.
      “Thus, the most likely explanation was that one in six supported the merger, but with the margin of error, the actual number of supporters could range from one in eight to one in five.
      “This latest poll could also simply reflect that a minority of the population is pro-business and supports anything proposed by businesses. That is to say, no matter what is proposed by business, a certain percentage will always say yes.
      “Similarly, a certain percentage will always oppose what big business is supporting.
      “But in between, for the vast majority of those with an opinion that may be swayed, the numbers in opposition are growing.”
      See www.ililani.media.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

TROPIC CARE 2016 BEGINS tomorrow and continues through Saturday, June 4 at Ka`u High School and Ocean View Community Center. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily except Saturday, when it closes at 12 p.m.
      Free medical screenings, school sports physicals, dental services, eye exams, hearing screenings, nutritional services, veteran services and prescription eyeglasses are among services offered.
      Bring water, snacks and current glasses and medications.
      Bus transportation is available daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to and from Ocean View Community Center at Princess Kailulani at Lotus Blossom, Kahuku Park and Hele-on Park & Ride.
      For more information about Tropic Care, call 808-874-6035.

UP CLOSE, MARION BERGER’S exhibit of her paintings featuring portraits of Hawai`i’s native birds, closes on Sunday, June 5. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
      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
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.
See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar/May2016.pdf.