Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, July 21, 2016

National Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch for Ka`u as Darby edges toward Hawai`i Island.
See more below. Image from NOAA

HAWAI`I STATE LEGISLATURE, meeting in special session, yesterday overrode Gov. David Ige’s veto of Senate Bill 2077. The bill authorizes Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. employees on Maui to opt to receive either severance benefits or a special retirement benefit in lieu of exercising any reduction-in-force rights. The employees face position abolishment, reduction-in-force or workforce restructuring as a result of HHSC’s Maui Region facilities moving from state to private operation. HHSC also operates Ka`u Hospital.

HHSC operates facilities throughout the state. Map from HHSC

      “Our primary concern is and always has been the health and well-being of Maui’s residents and visitors as we work to privatize Maui region hospitals,” Ige said. “We are committed to a successful transfer and transition to a new Maui health care system for all stakeholders, which includes our employees.

      “However, this transaction must be done correctly for the common good. The concerns expressed in my veto message have not changed. Three areas of concern remain: the bill jeopardizes the Employees Retirement System’s tax exempt status; the bill does not appropriate funds for lump-sum cash payments for affected employees; the bill adds an additional unfunded liability of about $17.2 million to the ERS and $18.4 million to the Employer Union Benefits Trust Fund. This puts the state’s long-term financial position, along with its bond ratings in jeopardy. Bond ratings determine what the state pays in interest on borrowed funds.
      “The next steps for my administration include conferring with the attorney general to assess and evaluate the impact of the veto override, continuing to work in good faith with the UPW to bring resolution to the federal court injunction and to finalize the details, … (and) continuing to work on a smooth transition in order to provide a new system of health care for Maui.
      “This is an historic, complex multi-stakeholder transformation, and we are optimistic that we will resolve all unforeseen issues.
      “In the interim, I am confident that the existing Maui hospital staff and operations team will continue to provide quality health care services to the people of Maui.”
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Tropical Storm Darby tracking toward Hawai`i Island.
Map from NOAA

KA`U IS UNDER A TROPICAL storm watch. The National Weather Service issued the watch this morning, as Tropical Storm Darby edges closer to Hawai`i Island. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours. The watch follows a flash flood watch issued earlier this morning.

      At 11 a.m., Darby was 595 miles east of South Point and forecast to make landfall Saturday evening. Maximum sustained winds were near 65 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours.
      “Interests in the Hawaiian islands should monitor the progress of Darby,” Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported. “Remember, it is important not to focus too closely on the exact track and intensity forecasts because the average track error 72 hours out is near 100 miles, while the average intensity error is about 15 knots. In addition, the hazards of a tropical cyclone can extend over a broad area well away from the center.”
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Lava was visible at Kilauea's summit lava lake yesterday.
Photo from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

“A LONG, HOT HIKE WAS NOT NEEDED to see red lava” yesterday, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists reported this morning. Vigorous spattering from Kilauea Volcano's summit lava lake was visible from the Jaggar Museum Overlook in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The lava lake surface, measured at 82 feet below the vent rim, was high enough for spattering to be seen from afar.

      The 61G lava flow active on Kilauea’s south flank, which does require a long, hot hike to view, is currently .4 miles from the coastal emergency road and .5 miles from the ocean. Advancement is slow, with lava spreading out on the coastal plain.
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U.S. REP. MARK TAKAI lost his battle with cancer yesterday. He had recently announced that he would not seek re-election in his First Congressional District because of health issues. The district encompasses much of O`ahu and is one of the only predominantly Asian American districts in the United States.

The late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai
Photo from Office of Rep. Takai

      Takai served as a member of Hawai`i National Guard for 17 years. He deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009.

      Takai was a 20-year member of the state House of Representatives before being elected to Congress in 2014, where he served on Armed Forces and Small Business Committees.
      “I’m deeply saddened today as we mourn the passing of my friend, colleague and fellow soldier, Congressman Mark Takai,” U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. “I’m grateful to have known and worked with Mark for over a decade. With a servant’s heart, full of aloha, he dedicated his life to serving the people of Hawai`i and our nation, in the Hawai`i State Legislature, in the Hawai`i Army National Guard, and in Congress. I had the good fortune of serving with Mark in all three of these capacities and saw firsthand that no matter where he was, he always kept his service to Hawai`i’s people at the forefront of his actions. Mark’s smiling face and ready laugh will truly be missed, but the impact that he made through his life of service to the people of Hawai`i will always be remembered. My heart and prayers are with Sami, Matthew, Kaila and all of Mark’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
      “This is the deepest of losses and one that I feel very personally because of my friendship with Mark,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “Throughout his life, he was all about serving the people of Hawai`i. He gave so much and had so much more yet to give. My condolences to his wife Sami, his children, his parents and his whole `ohana, whose pride and support meant everything to Mark. This is a sad day for all of Hawai`i.”

The late U.S. Rep. Mark Takai with Gov. David Ige
Photo from Office of Gov. Ige

      “I affectionately called Mark my younger brother,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “We shared so many of the same values and supported each other during challenging times. Mark’s passing is a tremendous loss for all of us who loved him and for the state of Hawai`i. But he said it best: ‘As often happens, we find ourselves on a different journey than we had planned.’ While we find that our journey is not as bright without Mark, we will continue his work to make Hawai`i a better place. My thoughts and aloha go to his wife Sami, his children Matthew and Kaila, and the Takai `ohana.”

      “Mark humbly and effectively served the people of his state House and Congressional districts,” Gov. David Ige said. “In the often tumultuous world of politics, he has been a shining example of what it means to be a public servant.
      “While we will deeply feel the loss of Mark Takai in the public arena, we cannot forget that he was a family man first. His wife, children and extended family will miss him every moment from this day on. Dawn and I extend our deepest sympathies to Sami, Matthew and Kaila. Your husband and father was a man of principle and goodwill. Thank you for sharing him with the citizens Hawai`i.”

Explore Mauna Loa's Southwest Rift Zone Saturday.
Photo from NPS

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EXPLORE MAUNA LOA’S Southwest Rift Zone Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. After a short hike to an overlook on the Upper Palm Trail in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, rangers orient participants to numerous prominent geologic features of the many eruptions in the area. Learn about the fascinating natural processes that create these features and the cultural traditions associated with them.

      Pack a lunch to enjoy during the program.
      See nps.gov/havo.

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

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Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Hawai`i Regional CEO of HHSC Dan Brinkman and board chair Kurt Corbin acknowledge retirees
Harry Yada and Gary Yoshiyama. See more below. Photos from HHSC

A BROAD COALITION OF ENVIRONMENTAL, consumer and business parties praised Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission’s rejection of the proposed merger of Hawaiian Electric utilities and NextEra Energy. Groups cited NextEra’s unwillingness to transition to a clean energy utility of the future as a primary reason why they opposed the merger. Hawai`i is leading the national trend toward more clean energy investments, with the goal of getting to 100 percent renewable by 2045. “Instead of envisioning a 21st century grid that enables customer options like rooftop solar, NextEra wanted to double-down on its ‘build more, pay more’ monopoly business,” said Hajime Alabanza, Executive Assistant with Hawaii Solar Energy Association. “The Commission understood this isn’t the right direction for Hawai`i’s customers.”

Earthjustice attorney Isaac Moriwake

      “NextEra made this a no brainer,” said Isaac Moriwake, Staff Attorney with Earthjustice. “Outright rejection of the takeover was the only realistic option. NextEra refused to provide its plans for Hawai`i, other than to give us a ‘bigger HECO.’ Based on its opposition to clean energy in Florida and failure to chart a different path in this state, NextEra is not what Hawai`i wants or needs.”

      “Utility executives need to understand that innovative technologies like rooftop solar, just like cellphones before it, are the wave of the future,” said Robert Harris, spokesperson for the Alliance for Solar Choice. “Simply selling out for a golden parachute is not a viable option for HECO executives, nor is fighting against customers trying to do the right thing for their households and the planet. Utilities need to move toward a 21st century grid that empowers customers to save money and produce cleaner power.”
      “Hawai`i is committed to a 100 percent clean energy future,” said Marti Townsend, Director of the Sierra Club of Hawai`i. “We need partners that will help advance our critical economic and environmental goals, and not businesses focused solely on their short-term gain.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANIES yesterday withdrew their applications for approval of a liquefied natural gas contract with Fortis Hawai`i Energy Inc. The decision follows termination of HECO’s proposed merger with NextEra Energy.

Sierra Club of Hawai`i director Marti Townsend

      A condition of the LNG contract was approval of the proposed merger with NextEra Energy. On Monday, NextEra Energy announced it would no longer pursue the merger after the application was dismissed by Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission.

      “We’re committed to transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy in the most cost-effective way possible while ensuring reliable service,” said Ron Cox, Hawaiian Electric vice president of power supply. “We’ll continue to evaluate all options to modernize generation using a cleaner fuel to bring price stability and support adding renewable energy for our customers. 

      “Hawaiian Electric remains focused on the path it has continued to pursue throughout the merger process: to stabilize and reduce energy costs while becoming more innovative and taking advantage of new technologies to deliver greater customer value and choice.”

      “We are celebrating HECO’s decision to withdraw its proposal to import fracked gas to the Hawaiian Islands,” said Marti Townsend, director of Sierra Club of Hawai`i. “Importing fracked gas would not save consumers money, reduce environmental impacts or get Hawai`i closer to its 100 percent renewable energy goals. 

      “Overwhelming public opinion and PUC guidance all favor the self-reliance, savings and environmental benefits that come with locally produced, renewable energy. Importing fracked gas is a major distraction from achieving this future for all of us.
      “Gov. Ige gets this. He deserves praise for his early and consistent opposition to the distraction that was HECO’s LNG proposal.
      “The focus now should be on the specific steps we need to take to upgrade our electrical grid to ensure that everyone can enjoy the benefits of our 100 percent renewable energy future. We do not need a white knight to save us. We have everything we need right here to achieve our renewable dreams right now.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Rae Yamanaka

EAST HAWAI`I REGIONAL BOARD of Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation, which operates Ka`u Hospital, announced the retirement of two long-serving members. Gary Yoshiyama served for seven years in a variety of committee leadership positions, including a two-year term as Board Chair. “Gary brought to our Board a lifetime of experience and understanding of labor perspectives from his career as Division Chief of the Hawai`i Government Employees Association, Big Island,” said Kurt Corbin, current board chair.

      Also retiring is Harry Yada, who served as secretary/treasurer, among other committee  assignments, and who recently concluded his career at UH-Hilo, where he was director of Real Property. “Harry brought to us a broad expertise in facilities management of state-owned properties – absolutely critical given our sprawling campus and facilities across the East Hawai`i Region,” Corbin said. “The board and our community will sorely miss their contributions and the wisdom that they brought to the discussion on plans to ensure high quality, accessible healthcare for all residents.”

James "Kimo" Lee

      In anticipation of their transitions, the board has been engaged in identifying and recruiting the next generation of leaders. Recognizing the importance of organized labor constituents, the board announced the appointment of Rae Yamanaka, a retired teacher and educator, who has served the past eight years as the Hilo Director for Hawai`i State Teachers Association.

      “Effective relationships are integral to the success of any organization,” Yamanaka said. “I am committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholder groups to bring high quality healthcare and services to the Big Island community.”
      In recognition of the growing population and healthcare needs of the Puna District, the Board reached out to James “Kimo” Lee, Director of Development for W.H. Shipman. According to Corbin, “The Board and Administration have undertaken a strategic initiative to address the current and future needs for the district in addressing access to emergency services, primary care and other socio-economic issues related to healthcare. Kimo will help us better understand the demographics and planning aspects of that equation.”

Brenda Ho

      The board also welcomed back Brenda Ho, executive director of Hospice of Hilo. “Brenda served on our Board for the maximum of two three-year terms and was required by state statute to sit out for two years,” Corbin said. “We are enormously grateful for her return, for both the knowledge and expertise that she gained during her earlier service, and because she is a recognized leader in healthcare, not just in our community, but across the state.”

      “It was with great humbleness and honor that I had the opportunity to serve on the inaugural East Hawai`i Regional Board from 2007 to 2014,” Ho said. “To be given this opportunity again is even more profound and appreciated.”
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DURING THE WEEK OF JULY 11 through July 17, Hawai`i Island police arrested 21 motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in traffic crashes. Three of the drivers were under the age of 21.
      So far this year, there have been 591 DUI arrests compared with 540 during the same period last year, an increase of 9.4 percent.
      There have been 778 major accidents so far this year compared with 829 during the same period last year, a decrease of 6.2 percent.
      So far this year, there have been 11 fatal crashes on Hawai`i Island (one of which had multiple deaths), resulting in 12 fatalities, compared with 10 fatal crashes (two of which had multiple deaths), resulting in 13 fatalities during the same period last year. This represents an increase of 10 percent for fatal crashes, and a decrease of 7.7 percent for fatalities.
      DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue islandwide.

Amy Shoremount-Obra

TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR Hawai`i International Music Festival. After opening its inaugural season at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Concert Hall in Honolulu, the special concert at Pahala Plantation House on Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. honors the 20th anniversary of Ka`u Coffee. The concert will help raise awareness for donations for Hawai`i Public Radio's efforts to bring a stronger and more reliable signal to this community and the entire state. 

      The concert features Amy Shoremount-Obra (soprano and daughter-in-law of Lorie Obra from Rusty’s Hawaiian), Eric Silberger (violin), Daniel Lelchuk (cello), Ian Parker (piano), and Mikayla Sager (soprano). Carlin Ma is artistic program director.

      Tickets for $25 may be purchased at himusicfestival.bpt.me. To make a larger donation to HPR, contact 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

TOMORROW IS FAMILY READING NIGHT at Ocean View Community Center. Participants meet at 5 p.m.

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

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Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, July 19, 2016

As lava continues to flow near the ocean at Kalapana, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution honoring the 100th
anniversaries of Hawai`i Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks. See more below. Photo from NPS

GOV DAVID IGE RESPONDED to the state Public Utilities Commission’s rejection of Hawaiian Electric Company’s and NextEra Energy’s proposed $4.3 billion merger. Ige expressed opposition to the deal early in the proceedings.

Gov. David Ige

      “I want to thank the Public Utilities Commission and stakeholders for their participation in this historic process,” Ige said. “This ruling gives us a chance to reset and refocus on our goal of achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. The proceeding helped define the characteristics and parameters of Hawai`i’s preferred energy future. We look forward to creating a process to find the best partner in the world.

      “No matter who owns the company, the energy vision for Hawai`i remains very clear – 100 percent renewable energy with a transformation to a customer-centered utility focusing on smart meters, smart grid, distributed local solutions, and as much consumer choice as possible.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ, A MEMBER of the Senate Commerce Committee, has called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the commercial use of the rapidly expanding short-term lodging rental market. His letter urges the FTC to study the commercial manner in which individuals or firms are using online services such as Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO and FlipKey to profit from short-term rentals.

FTC Chair Edith Ramirez

      “We are concerned that short-term rentals may be exacerbating housing shortages and driving up the cost of housing in our communities,” Schatz wrote. “We have also read troubling reports of racial discrimination on some short-term rental platforms.                       “Furthermore, we are concerned that communities and consumers may be put at risk through violations of sensible health, safety, and zoning regulations under state and local law. In order to assess the use and impact of the short-term rental market, we need reliable data on the commercial use of online platforms. We believe the FTC is best positioned to address this data gap in an unbiased manner, and we urge the commission to conduct a review of commercial operators on short-term rental platforms.”

      The letter to FTC Chair Edith Ramirez also raised concerns about recent data which revealed that commercial users in New York made up an outsized share of the revenue from short-term rentals, and a vast majority of units violated state and local laws. According to Schatz, the subpoenaed data along with recent housing disputes with these companies in cities like Honolulu and San Francisco underscore the immediate need for further study of this issue.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

THE U.S. SENATE PASSED a resolution authored by Sen. Mazie Hirono honoring the 100th anniversaries of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park. Hirono’s resolution recognizes Aug. 1 as Hawai`i Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks Day.

      “For the last century, residents of Hawai`i, the United States and the world have visited Haleakala National Park and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and gained a greater appreciation for the natural environment, the history of Hawai`i and Native Hawaiian culture,” Hirono said. “I thank my colleagues for joining me in this effort and encourage as many people as possible from across the nation to come to Hawai`i to visit these national treasures.”
      Hirono’s resolution recognizes the economic, scientific and cultural value of Hawai`i’s national parks. In 2015, visitors to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park spent over $151 million in areas around the park and supported nearly 2,000 local jobs.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Flags are at half-staff through sunset on Friday.

AT THE DIRECTION OF THE PRESIDENT of the United States, national and state flags are at half-staff at the State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai`i National Guard in the State of Hawai’i as a mark of respect for victims of the attack on police officers on Sunday, July 17 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

      The flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday, July 22.

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VOLCANIC EFFECTS ON LICHENS are discussed in Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s current issue of Volcano Watch.

      “The saying ‘Annie alga and Freddy fungus took a lichen to each other’ can invoke groans or giggles from students of environmental science,” the article states. “This mnemonic helps us remember that a lichen is formed by two (or sometimes three) organisms from different biological kingdoms living in a mutually beneficial relationship with each other.
      “In the case of lichens, Annie (algae) can photosynthesize and provide nutrients for Freddy (fungi). In turn, Freddy provides shelter so that Annie can survive in harsh conditions in which algae would not otherwise thrive.
      “Lichens are tough organisms adapted to life in extreme environments. They can survive heat, cold, drought, or an abundance of rain. They live on bare soil, tree bark, woody debris, and rocks, as well as on rusty metal, plastic, tombstones, and old abandoned cars.
      “Lichens can create a furry appearance on rock surfaces, look similar to crusty paint chips, or masquerade as plants with leafy or shrubby forms. They frequently grow in habitats not occupied by more dominant seed plants.
      “On the Island of Hawai`i, lichens are important colonists of young lava flows, particularly `a`a lava. Lichens contribute to the accumulation of soil by supplying organic matter, and nitrogen-fixing lichens may add nitrogen to the environment. This helps set the stage for future development of plant communities.
      “Certain types of lichens found in Hawai`i are also important pioneers of young volcanic landscapes in other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, the Azores, La Reunion Island, the Canary Islands, and Africa. 

This nitrogen-fixing lichen, Stereocaulon vulcani, is frequently abundant
on `a` lava flows, particularly in wet environments.
Photo from HVO courtesy of Tim Tunison

      “Although able to tolerate environmental extremes, some lichens are quite sensitive to air pollution. Lichens retain the chemicals they absorb from air and water over periods of tens to hundreds of years. Since the mid-19th century, when the industrial revolution began producing increased levels of air pollution, observers have noted the scarcity of lichens growing in urban settings. 

      “Lichen species differ in their sensitivity to air pollution, and the presence or absence of different lichens in an area has been used to map concentrations of pollutants. Hundreds of studies around the world have used lichens to assess air quality.
      “Lichens are particularly sensitive to sulfur dioxide gas (SO2), a pollutant produced by coal- and oil-burning power plants, industrial processes, automobiles, and volcanoes, such as those here in Hawai`i. SO2 dissolved in water is acidic, is readily absorbed by lichens, and damages Annie alga’s chlorophyll and ability to photosynthesize.
      “Without sugar, which is produced through photosynthesis and fuels the lichen’s life, the organism will fail to thrive and may eventually die. For some species, SO2 also inhibits the ability of lichens to reproduce.
      “When Kilauea Volcano’s summit eruption began in 2008, huge amounts of SO2 were released, and lichens in the area suffered. One might expect that the significant decline in emissions measured since 2008 could be reflected in a partial recovery of these lichens. Astute observers may be able to detect positive changes in the lichen population over time.
“Lichens can also accumulate trace elements present in volcanic emissions. Studies at Kilauea, as well as at Mount Etna and Vulcano in Italy, show that in downwind areas heavily impacted by volcanic plumes, lichens contain a higher concentration of volcanic pollutants. These include fluoride, bromide, and metals, such as copper, lead, zinc, gold, mercury, and antimony.
      “Even under especially adverse conditions, lichens can grow in pockets of protected areas. For example, trees, shrubbery, and walls can provide shelter that encourages lichen growth adjacent to these areas.
      “Heavily vegetated areas can intercept SO2, effectively ‘scrubbing’ the air to provide a microclimate that is more hospitable to lichens. Interestingly, some Hawai`i residents have noted that they are less irritated by volcanic pollution, or vog, in heavily forested areas than in adjacent exposed areas.
      “Hardy lichens are ubiquitous in our environment. They play a critical role in populating new lava flows and help pave the way for the development of complex ecosystems. Tough as they are, lichens can be extremely sensitive to contaminants in our environment, and serve as indicators of both anthropogenic and volcanic pollution. 

      “For additional information, see the U.S. Forest Service National Lichens and Air Quality Database and Clearinghouse at http://gis.nacse.org/.”

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.

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Kanaka Tree performs tomorrow evening. Photo from NPS

KANAKA TREE PERFORMS tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kiliona Moku Young, T.R. Ireland, Kalei Young and the Young `ohana blend the classic sounds of Hawaiian music with fresh rhythms and melodies.

      Free; park entrance fees apply.

MAKE PAPER MASKS TOMORROW from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. VAC’s and the `Alala Project’s event is open to all ages; keiki must be accompanied by an adult.
      Free; park entrance fees may apply.

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

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See kaucalendar.com/news/news.html.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.