About The Kaʻū Calendar

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Sunday, July 24, 2016

Downed grass marks the high level of a gulch along Wood Valley Road that filled with runoff from heavy rains
brought to Ka`u by Tropical Storm Darby. Photo by Julia Neal
WATERFALLS APPEARED. Streams and gulches continued to gather runoff this morning following a night of heavy rain. The center of Tropical Storm Darby made landfall in Ka`u at 2 p.m. yesterday, pushing rain-laden clouds into Ka`u mountains, where they dropped their payloads yesterday afternoon and evening and early morning hours today. 
Water flows in a gulch along Wood Valley Road
following heavy rain overnight.
Photo by Julia Neal
      John Weiss reported that his Wood Valley rain gauge received 12 inches starting about midnight. People were unable to enter or leave sections of the valley for several hours. Pahala was spared, with little wind and moderate amounts of rain, as the band played on at a baby luau under the shelter of tents on Saturday night.
     Alice Yonemitsu, of Na`alehu, reported that her rain gauge recorded four inches. From South Point ranch lands, Teri Martindale reported 2.7 inches of rain overnight.
      According to Hawai`i County Civil Defense, the tropical storm warning for Hawai`i County was cancelled as of 5 a.m. as Darby continued to move away from the Big Island. The high surf has also been cancelled. A flash flood watch remains in effect as rain bands around Darby could continue to bring showers and thunderstorms through this afternoon.
      A brown water advisory has also been issued for Hawai`i County due to heavy rains. The public is advised to stay out of floodwaters and storm water runoff due to possible contamination. If the water is brown, stay out.
      At 5 a.m. Civil Defense reported that Hwy 11 at Kawa had reopened after being closed due to flooding.
      Hele-On Bus has resumed its regularly scheduled service. Solid waste transfer stations and landfills are open as normally scheduled.
      County parks and recreational facilities reopen today. County lava viewing will resume tomorrow.
      Emergency shelters closed at 8 a.m. this morning.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI`I Board of Regents last week approved a tuition increase for the ten-campus system over a three-year period that starts with a zero percent increase in the first year. The tuition increase is for the 2017–18 through the 2019–20 academic years and ranges from one to two percent in years two and three.
UH students get a reprieve from tuition hikes until 2018-19.
Photo from University of Hawai`i
      “I reviewed all the testimony this week and the testimony from this morning, and I am struck by the request that we dig more deeply from within,” said President David Lassner, when he proposed the change. The regents accepted the proposal and asked for the administration to report back within a year.
      UH leadership stressed that money raised through the increase will only be used for projects that modernize student spaces, classrooms and laboratories.
      “The priority is to follow the UH strategic directions to build a 21st century university that provides the absolute best and most modern environment for our students – an environment designed for interdisciplinary collaboration that supports modern teaching, learning, innovation and scholarship,” said Risa Dickson, UH Vice President for Academic Planning and Policy.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

“WHAT AN EXCITING TIME for Kilauea volcano-watchers!” Hawaiian Volcano Observatory exclaims in the current issue of Volcano Watch.
      “Simultaneous eruptions at the summit and along the East Rift Zone of Kilauea might be old news, but a change in late May has created some excitement: a new vent opened on the eastern flank of Pu`u `O`o and is now sending lava down the south flank of Kilauea and across the coastal plain for the first time since 2013.
Coastal lava viewing under a clear night sky.
Photo by NPS Volunteer Eric Fandrick
      “At Kilauea’s summit, the sloshing, splashing lava lake within the Halema`uma`u Crater vent has been high enough at times that spatter (bits of molten lava) is occasionally visible from the Jaggar Museum overlook in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. At night, spectacular views of reddish glow against the dark sky and Milky Way have enthralled visitors.
      “The new Pu`u `O`o lava flow has been informally named ‘61g,’ as it is the seventh flow (g) in the 61st episode of the ongoing Kilauea East Rift Zone eruption, which began in 1983. The flow now extends roughly 10 kilometers (six miles) from the vent and is advancing to the southeast along the eastern border of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      “Closer to the vent at Pu`u `O`o, molten lava moves downslope beneath a newly solidified lava surface through a system of lava tubes. It then streams over Pulama pali, a lava-mantled fault scarp, where, at times, the lava produces impressive `a`a channels on the steep slopes. On the more gentle gradients of the coastal plain, the flow advances as slower-moving pahoehoe lava lobes and sheets.
      “The lava flow front remains active but has made little forward progress toward the ocean in the past two weeks. As of July 20, the flow front remained about 720 meters (0.4 mi) from the emergency road and 850 m (0.5 mi) from the ocean. A few hundred meters (yards) upslope of the flow front, breakouts of pahoehoe lava continue to widen the flow margins.
      “Visitors hoping to view the flow should consult access and critical safety information before attempting the long hike. Lava-viewing information is available from both the National Park (http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm) and Hawai`i County  (http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lava-viewing/).
      “At this point, we cannot say with certainty if or when lava might reach the ocean. If it does, a different set of hazards – from steam explosions to collapsing lava deltas – will impact lava-viewing opportunities. Staying informed will help you stay safe.
      “To keep up with recent Kilauea activity, you can sign up for daily updates via email and text message through the free USGS Volcano Notification Service (http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vns/). You can also visit the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website (hvo.wr.usgs.gov) for daily updates, recent photos, maps, and other resources.”
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Quilting is the topic of a film screening tomorrow.
Photo by Jesse Tunison from VAC
VOLCANO ART CENTER SHOWS the award-winning PBS documentary, The Art of Quilting, at Hale Ho`omana in Volcano Village tomorrow at 7 p.m. The program celebrates contemporary quilt artists as they transcend classic quilts by taking the finest traditions of the past to create new traditions for this American art form. 
      The showing is in connection with VAC’s first annual quilt show now open through Aug. 6, except Sundays and Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
      Over 20 quilters display 40 of their finest work, some for the first time in public. A number of designs are on display, inspired by dramatic scenery in the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      The presentation and exhbit are free; donations are gladly accepted.

KA`U FOOD PANTRY, INC.’S next distribution is Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., or earlier if food runs out, at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church on Paradise Circle-Mauka in Ocean View. The organizations asks recipients to arrive at least one hour before doors open and to respect church grounds. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed, beginning at 9 a.m. on distribution days.
Ka`u Food Pantry distributes food on the last
Tuesday of each month.
      To apply for the program, bring a photo ID. New recipients can register and receive food that same day. Proxies are also available for people unable to pick up food themselves.
      The Pantry tries to hold a fundraising event every month at Ocean View Swap Meet near Malama Market, selling home-baked goods.
      Ka`u Food Pantry is staffed entirely by volunteers and is a nonprofit agency whose mission is to feed the hungry of Ocean View. It is currently feeding up to 120 families. The program is designed to provide one to three days worth of nutritious food to help people who run short of money, benefits and/or food by month’s end. As a nonprofit, the Pantry is able to purchase food from Hawai`i Food Basket at 18 cents per pound. One dollar buys half a case of food.
      Donations of non-perishable food items and funding are welcomed. Donate funds via St. Jude’s by writing a check with Food Pantry in the memo area. Checks may be written directly to the Food Pantry as well. Make payable to the Ka`u Food Pantry, Inc., PO Box 6184, Ocean View, HI 96737. There are also donation change cans at businesses in Ocean View. Monetary and food donations may be deductible.
      “Mahalo nui loa for all your support,” President Karan Pucci said.
      For further information, contact Pucci at 510-778-5500 or kaufoodpantryhi@gmail.com.

SALT PRODUCTION SITES are discussed during After Dark in the Park Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Archaeologist Summer Roper reveals the importance and history of pa`akai along the park’s rugged coastline. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/news/news.html.

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



Saturday, July 23, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Saturday, July 23, 2016

Punalu`u, where junior lifeguard training is taking place this month, is closed today due to Tropical
Storm Darby approaching Ka`u and Hawai`i Island. Photo from Brenda Iokepa-Moses
TROPICAL STORM DARBY continues to threaten Ka`u. At 11 a.m., the storm was 60 miles east of South Point and moving west-northwest at 10 miles per hour. 
      As Darby approaches, some parts of Hawai`i Island will see sustained winds over 39 mph with gusts over 60 mph. Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported that north-northeast winds were gusting over 50 mph in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park late this morning. Winds are forecast to reach 45 miles per hour today and fall below tropical storm force by early tomorrow afternoon.
      Increasing shear and gradually cooling water temperatures will lead to a slow but steady weakening. CPHC’s intensity forecast assumes that Darby will be able to maintain some organization as it interacts with the terrain of Hawai`i Island and no longer considers an alternative track scenario.
Central Pacific Hurricane Center said Tropical Storm Darby will
cross Hawai`i Island today. 
Map from NOAA
      National Weather Service’s tropical storm warning for South Hawai`i continues until further notice. A flash flood advisory expires tomorrow at 6 p.m.
      Hawai`i County Civil Defense reported that Hele-On bus service is suspended, and solid waste transfer stations and landfills are closed today. Also closed are all county and state parks.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

GOV. DAVID IGE SIGNED a pre-landfall emergency proclamation as the state prepares for Tropical Storm Darby. The proclamation authorizes expenditure of state monies for quick, easy and efficient relief of disaster-related damages, losses and suffering resulting from the storm.
      “Our top priority is to protect the health, safety and welfare of Hawai`i’s residents and visitors,” Ige said. “I urge residents and businesses to follow emergency instructions, prepare for the storm and take steps to protect your families, employees and property. The state is standing by to assist the counties — particularly Hawai`i and Maui Counties — which are expected to be the first to feel the impact of Tropical Storm Darby.”
      The disaster emergency relief period began yesterday and continues through July 29.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

MAYOR BILLY KENOI ALSO SIGNED an emergency proclamation in anticipation of the Tropical Storm Darby's arrival. The proclamation allows easier access to county emergency resources, along with suspension of certain laws as needed for emergency purposes.
      “We want to make sure we are doing everything possible to protect the public,” Kenoi said. “This proclamation improves the county’s ability to respond quickly to any potential impacts from the impending storm.”
      The disaster emergency relief period for the proclamation began at noon yesterday and will continue for 60 days.
      The latest Hawai`i County Civil Defense message can be found at HawaiiCounty.gov. Recommended preparedness actions may be found on the Hawai`i Emergency Management Agency website at scd.hawaii.gov. Residents are also encouraged to enroll in local notification systems and monitor local radio and television broadcasts.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Archaeologist Roland Reed, center, discusses the proposed wastewater
treatment site with community members, including Raina Whiting,
at left, and Keoni Fox, at right. Photo from Raina Whiting
HAWAI`I COUNTY HELD A MEETING about and site visit of the property proposed for Na`alehu’s wastewater treatment plant Friday. Among those attending were County Council District Six candidate Raina Whiting.
      “There are many reasons to take a step back and have more community input on the type of wastewater treatment plant, location and environmental and cultural impact we are willing to allow in our community,” Whiting said. “The proposed location is not only encroaching on Na`alehu town and our elementary school but also could have a significant impact on the makahiki grounds and iwi kupuna directly in this area. 
      “This project needs to be done correctly the first time. The county has made no progress since 2006 (the last public meeting) and has renewed its grant funding six times, said Dora Beck, of Department of Environmental Management’s wastewater division. It is not acceptable to now come down to the line and the community be forced to swallow a less than stellar project with only a slightly better environmental impact than we currently have with the gang cesspools and with great impact on makahiki and burial grounds.”
      Dates and times for a future public meeting are to be announced, according to department director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Sen. Hirono, second from left, observes U.S. Navy jet fighter landing 
aboard U.S.S. John C. Stennis. Photo from U.S.S. John C. Stennis
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO JOINED international partners and Hawai`i community leaders aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier U.S.S. John C. Stennis to observe the ongoing Rim of the Pacific Exercise – the world’s largest naval exercise. Hirono met with the U.S.S. Stennis Strike Group leadership about the U.S. Navy’s vital role to the Indo-Asia-Pacific rebalance, the unmatched capability of U.S. aircraft carriers and observed air operations below and from the deck of the supercarrier. 
      Hirono also met with U.S. Ambassador to China and former Sen. Max Baucus, where they discussed China’s participation in this year’s RIMPAC and recent events involving China in the Pacific region.
      “The Rim of the Pacific Exercise is a critical opportunity for the United States and our partners to simulate real-world scenarios in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” Hirono said. “While on board the Stennis, I interacted with sailors, many of whom were young men and women, but they were all highly trained and skilled. I was impressed with the level of discipline and professionalism of all the sailors. Today’s experience helps me in my role as Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

PARENTS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER received an $8.8 million federal grant from the Administration for Children and Families to fund its Early Head Start and Head Start programs on O`ahu and Hawai`i Island. 
      “Research shows the many short and long-term benefits of early education, including increased academic development and achievement, reduced child abuse, neglect, and crime rates, increased income equality, and more,” Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. “I've visited preschools and Head Start classrooms across Hawai`i and have seen how these early childhood education programs have an incredible impact on our keiki and our communities. PACT has a decades-long history of strengthening our local families and communities and creating opportunities for those most vulnerable. This grant will enable PACT to expand access and opportunity to those who need it the most.”
      “We are excited and grateful to continue to provide these important services to communities on O`ahu and Hawai`i Island,” said Ben Naki, PACT’s vice president of early education. “We will be able to serve over 800 children and their families with high quality, comprehensive, early childhood services that are so needed by our community.”
      Founded in 1968, PACT provides a wide array of educational social services to families in need. Assisting more than 18,000 people across the state annually, PACT helps families identify, address and successfully resolve challenges through its 16 programs. Among its services are developmental screening, early childhood education, child abuse/neglect and domestic violence prevention and intervention, mental health support, youth activities, and community and economic development.
      For more information, see http://www.pacthawaii.org/.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Margaret Barnaby's woodblock print is part of
of Endemic Understanding. Image from VAC
LOCAL ARTISTS ARE FEATURED in Endemic Understanding, which opens today at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The multi-media exhibit, which showcases the extraordinary biodiversity found within Hawai`i Island’s five national parks, will be on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Aug. 28.
      The artists, including Margaret Barnaby, Heide Cumes, Lanaya Deily, Jack Jeffrey, Susan Litteral, Liz Miller and Karen Schuster were selected from the 2015 Hawai`i Nei exhibition celebrating native species and asked to further investigate the plants, animals and environments found within Hawai`i Island’s national parks yet found nowhere else. Through a series of educational events, the artists gathered information that helped them craft three to five works each, based on their unique artistic perspective.
      “The exhibition title Endemic Understanding refers to the ecological state of the species being unique to a defined geographic location, in this case Hawai‘i Island’s national parks,” gallery manager Emily Weiss said. “Through the exhibit, we hope to honor the centennial celebration of the National Park Service and its role in helping to protect and understand our natural resources.”
      The exhibit is open to the public and free of charge. Park entrance fees apply, with the exception of Aug. 25-28 when fees are waived to celebrate National Park Service’s Birthday Weekend.

EVERYONE IS INVITED to Bon Dance practices beginning tomorrow at Pahala Community Center. They are scheduled from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the next four Sundays leading up to Pahala Hongwanji’s first Bon Dance since 1999, set for Sunday, Aug. 21.

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

Click on document to enlarge.

See kaucalendar.com/news/news.html.

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



Friday, July 22, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Friday, July 22, 2016

Tropical Storm Darby is expected to make landfall on Hawai`i Island tomorrow morning. Ka`u is expected
to be affected by tropical storm wind and rain later today. Map from NOAA
SOUTH HAWAI`I ISLAND is under a tropical storm warning and flash flood and high surf watches issued by the National Weather Service as Darby approaches from the east-southeast. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours. In some areas of Hawai`i County, winds could be as high as 50 to 60 mph with gusts to 70 mph.
A tropical storm warning and flash flood and high surf watches
are in effect for South Hawai`i. Map from NOAA
      Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported that Darby’s track has shifted southward slightly, indicating landfall over Hawai`i Island. The storm’s center is expected to pass over Hawai`i Island tomorrow morning, but tropical storm conditions are forecast to arrive later today.
      Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion today. Residents are urged to complete storm preparations before nightfall.
      In a tropical cyclone, conditions can change quickly. Evacuate if directed to do so by local officials, or if homes are vulnerable to high winds or flooding. Persons living near the shore should be prepared to evacuate quickly should building surf threaten. Secure or bring indoors any loose outdoor objects that could become destructive projectiles in strong winds.
      Stay calm and keep informed. Closely monitor local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for warnings or changes to the forecast.
      Tropical storms can bring very heavy rain, leading to flash flooding. People near streams, rivers, and low-lying flood-prone areas are urged to be especially alert to flash flooding.
      As of 11 a.m., Tropical Storm Darby was 310 miles east of South Point and moving west at 12 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds are 60 miles per hour with higher gusts.
      For updates on Tropical Storm Darby, see http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/tc_graphics/latest_w.php?stormid=EP052016.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.


Ka`u High School opens as a shelter at 4 p.m. today. Local families
stayed their when Iselle hit Ka`u in August 2014.
Photo by Ron Johnson
HAWAI`I COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE reported that all camping and pavilion reservations at county and state parks are cancelled today through Sunday. County lava viewing and swimming pools close at 12 p.m. today. Beginning tomorrow, all state and county park facilities will be closed until further notice. 
      Civil Defense urges residents and visitors to shelter in place or with family and friends if possible and safe. Pet-friendly emergency shelters open today at 4 p.m. at Ka`u and Konawaena High Schools. Bring bedding, food, water and any personal items needed.
      For updates, see http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/civil-defense/.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.


TO KEEP VISITORS AND EMPLOYEES SAFE as Tropical Storm Darby approaches, officials will close all backcountry areas and certain roads in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park at 5 p.m. today.
Namakanipaio Campground is among areas of Hawai`i VolcanoesNational Park
closed in advance of Tropical StormDarby's impending arrival. Photo from NPS
      Park closures include Kulanaokuaiki Campground and Namakanipaio Cabins and Campgrounds, Kahuku Unit, Mauna Loa Road after Kipukapuaulu, Hilina Pali Road, Chain of Craters Road at Crater Rim Drive intersection, lava viewing area and Coastal Ranger Station, and the entire backcountry, including all coastal sites, Napau and Mauna Loa.
      Closures will remain in effect until Darby has passed and conditions are safe. Additional closures may be warranted as the storm gets closer and any damage is assessed. Volcano House and Kilauea Military Camp will remain open for registered guests.
      “Although we aren’t closing Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in its entirety, we strongly encourage visitors to consider changing their plans if they were planning to visit Friday afternoon or this weekend,” Chief Ranger John Broward said.

      Popular visitor areas at the summit of Kolauea will remain open, including Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube), Kilauea Visitor Center and the Jaggar Museum and observation deck. Visitors can check nps.gov/havo for the latest information on openings or call 985-6000.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Hawai`i Island Food Basket is preparing for Tropical Storm Darby.
Photo from Hawai`i Island Food Basket
HAWAI`I ISLAND FOOD BASKET is preparing for potential effects of Tropical Storm Darby. 
      The agency has prepared by safely storing needed items should mobilization become necessary.
      “Through the generosity of the community, we are well stocked with water and other necessities should the storm hit the Big Island full force,” Executive Director En Young said. “We learned many lessons from Tropical Storm Iselle, and The Food Basket staff and our partner agencies are much more knowledgeable and coordinated. While none of us can predict the effects of the storm, you can be assured that we are ready and able to assist in the event of an emergency in your area.”

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

KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN FAVORS relocating the proposed massive solar project proposed in Ocean View. Green wrote a letter supporting the Consumer Advocate’s opposition to the project and suggesting that the project be relocated closer to Kona on “true agricultural land.”
      Green’s letter is one of 90 so far sent to the Public Utilities Commission objecting to Hawaiian Electric Light Co.’s application for the construction of an overhead transmission line that would serve the controversial project. Ocean View residents are objecting to the location of 27 solar sites among homes, as they fear it will industrialize their town.

Sen. Josh Green
      Consumer Advocate Jeffrey Ono recommended that the line be placed underground – an option that would make the project more expensive for the developer, SPI Solar, a corporation headquartered in Shanghai and registered in the Cayman Islands. Ono has made other mitigating recommendations – such as having the developer pay for maintenance of the line and substation for 20 years and their removal, together with removal of the solar installations.
      “I fully support the Consumer Advocate, Mr. Jeffrey Ono, and his position in this matter,” Green wrote. “Mr. Ono has shown a remarkable grasp of the situation and forethought. The developers’ choice to locate their industrial development among homes demonstrates that they care little for the town or its residents.
      “Yet, although Mr. Ono has recommended every measure in his power to mitigate the effects of the project, I encourage the commission to look behind the curtain and determine if the project itself is in the public interest. I support Mr. Ono, but would prefer to see the project cancelled.
      “There are many objections listed in other letters to the docket, which, I trust, the commission will take seriously.
      “I want to make it clear that while we support solar and energy plans, they need to fit the true spirit of our zoning intentions. I believe that the legislative intent was not for solar projects to be in residential areas.
      “May I earnestly and very respectfully request that the Commission revoke the FIT permits on the grounds that the permits were issued based on information that has since proved to be untrue. I refer to the fact that the project is not shovel ready, the developer did not have site control (both basic requirements), and they combined twenty-seven 250kw permits to create a 6.75-megawatt project to circumvent the limits for a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Further, they have made no attempt to bring the project on line quickly, which was a basic goal of the FIT program.

A proposed solar project in Ocean View would require a new
substation, as depicted here. Image from HELCO
      “If, however, the commission is unable or unwilling to cancel the FIT permits and end the project, may I respectfully suggest a compromise solution? May I suggest that SPI Solar be allowed to relocate the 16 permits that were issued for housing lots in the Ranchos subdivision onto true agricultural land, closer to the “load?” No doubt HELCO will object that this is against the FIT rules. However, when one considers that HELCO’s enforcement of the rules has resulted in a town being threatened, project completion dates ignored, permits issued based on false information being sold for a profit, PPA rules circumvented, and an unwanted project with no public benefit, perhaps the rules should be managed differently going forward.
      “If this avenue were explored, I think you would find favor in many quarters. I understand that the SPI Solar has concerns about working in a hostile environment and that the spokesman, Mr. Ian Craig, has been the subject of verbal threats at a town meeting. If offered a chance to relocate, he would likely jump at it in order to avoid threats of sabotage. SPI Solar could sell the land and recover those costs. I also understand that the Independent Observer, Mr. Harry Judd, has no objection to some of the permits being relocated. Certainly my constituents in the Ranchos subdivision of Ocean View, the primary victims of the ill-considered project, would favor relocation, as would other residents of Ka`u.”
      Ka`u residents continue to email letters of objection to the PUC. In July, 17 thumbs-down letters were sent by Janeen Marie, Ed NeSmith and Victoria Elford, Peter and Ann Bosted, Tim and Linda Schutt, Paul Montague, Anna Towner, Greg Guithues, Loren Heck, Dan Snyder, Rosemarie and John O’Connor, Bob and Sue Werner, Janice Hazen, Jim and Tammie Ewers, Kerstin Mueller, Sandra Shelton, Stanley and Kassy Kemp, and Verna & Frank Loosli.
      Public comment can be emailed to puc.comments@hawaii.gov with docket number, 2015-0229 in the subject line.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.


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



See kaucalendar.com/news/news.html.

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