Kaʻū News Briefs Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016

Swearing in ceremonies for Mayor Harry Kim, County Council member Maile David, Prosecutor Mitch Roth
and others drew hula for the celebration. Photo by Ann Bosted

Mayor Harry Kim begins his third term, after sitting out for two.
Photo by Ann Bosted

KAʻŪ’S ELECTED COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES ARE SWORN IN. They began their new terms yesterday in Hilo, with hula, speeches and Judge Ronald Ibarra administering the oaths.
     County Council member Maile David said after the ceremonies, “I am very, very happy and optimistic with the makeup of this new council. The feeling is that everyone is striving for the same thing, to help their communities and make this island better.” She described the council members as “diverse. With our backgrounds we  will bring a lot of creativity and problem solving.” She applauded incoming Mayor Harry Kim who talked about the diversity of the population of Hawaiʻi Island. “He said that we should be an example for the world in demonstrating what aloha is, and how we treat others. The reason we have aloha is because our whole state is a cosmopolitan state and we have learned how to work together and live together.”
     The mayor, beginning his third term after sitting out for two terms, talked about Mauna Kea, saying that he was saddened about the court case regarding the location of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the mountain. Kim said those involved should have talked about their problems “with their hearts.” While the audience sat spellbound, he said he believed the whole mountain could become a park for education. When interviewed after the ceremony, Kim stated that he would be in favor of the construction of the TMT, provided all Hawaiians can learn and benefit from it.

County Council member Maile David began her second

term yesterday, congratulated by Pāhala’s Phoebe and

Bobby Gomes and family. Photo by Ann Bosted

     County Prosecutor Mitch Roth began his address by introducing a dog he brought to the stage named Faith that helps out at the county prosecutor’s office. He said he had faith in the dog and named her so. He described the many obstacles he had to overcome in order for Faith to be accepted there. Problems included working with those allergic to dogs, those afraid of dogs, and then getting around rules that prohibit dogs in courtrooms and other places that Faith needs to go to do her job.
     Roth mentioned Cold Cases his department has reopened so that victims and families can have closure. He also said that he encourages his staff to treat both victims and defendants with respect, as though they are family.
     Musical entertainment kept the ceremony light and interesting for hundreds of people who attended. The vibrant Hawaiʻi County Band played the prelude and an opening processional and concluded the ceremony with a recessional. Alexandra Roth led the audience in singing The Star-Spangled Banner. She also led Hawaiian anthem Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī.
     Hula dancers from Waiakea High School entertained the audience with two numbers accompanied by Hawaiian chanting and drumming. After the ceremony, a spread of food was offered to attendees for lunch, as the newly inaugurated Mayor, Prosecuting Attorney and County Council members wandered through the exuberant crowd, posing for photos, accepting mountains of leis, countless hugs and endless congratulations.

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AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT for the entire Dakota Access Pipeline would be required and approval granted before further construction at Standing Rock, North Dakota, according to Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. She praised the Department of the Army and its Army Corps of Engineers for denying an easement for the pipeline route, at least until more studies are completed. While visiting the Standing Rock camp over the weekend, Gabbard said that only an Environmental Assessment has been conducted, “which is not anywhere near as comprehensive as the EIS.” Gabbard credited the chair of the Sioux tribe for pressing the Army for the EIS.

Congressswoman Tulsi Gabbard visited Standing Rock and praised
the denial of the right of way for the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Photo from Tulsi Gabbard

      Gabbard said the Sioux tribe, along with thousands of veterans and other supporters who traveled to Standing Rock, “are celebrating. They are joyful that their stance for water, as water protectors, has been successful.”
     The Guardian carried a story yesterday with a headline stating “Standing Rock is a modern-day Indian war. This time Indians are Winning.”  The subhead: “A historic growing movement for Indigenous rights is a key to protecting land and water and preventing climate chaos.” Reporter Martin Lukacs wrote that the Obama administration’s decision to refuse the Dakota Access Pipeline permission to complete its construction has shaken up an old story. ”Its old version was that Indigenous people have always been in the way of progress, their interests a nuisance or threat, their treaties a discardable artifact. The American heroes forged on these high plains of the west were never the Indians: they were the gold-diggers or gamblers, the cowboys or calvary.
     “But over the past months, it became impossible to watch peaceful Indigenous people and supporters attacked by snarling dogs, maced, and shot with rubber bullets and water cannons in freezing conditions, and still see in them a threat. It was impossible to look upon these young Indigenous men and women, in jungle dresses or on horseback, and not observe the courage that America desperately needs. It was impossible to listen to the cry of their slogan and not hear a rallying vision for all of us: Water is Life.” The writer further describes the Standing Rock drama: “This is not high-minded romanticism. It is hard-bitten reality.” See The Guardian To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

GOV. DAVID IGE RESPONDED TO QUESTIONS ABOUT DIVISIVENESS that emerged during and after the recent presidential campaign. Regarding what it means for Hawaiʻi, he released a statement yesterday, saying, “This is Hawai‘i’s opportunity to lead by example. We celebrate diversity better than any other state because we encourage people to be proud of who they are and where they came from and to share that with others. With our Native Hawaiian gift of aloha, this is our chance to show how a multi-cultural community can work.” To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Rep. Richard Creagan hosts forum on Dec. 19.

REP. RICHARD CREAGAN HAS ANNOUNCED AN OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY FORUM for Monday, Dec. 19 at Ocean View Community Center at 6 p.m. Creagan represents District 5 in the Hawaiʻi House of Representatives and chairs the Committee on Agriculture. District 5 includes Honuʻapo to Nāʻālehu, to Ocean View, to Miloliʻi to Capt. Cook, Kealakekua and parts of Kailua-Kona. A statement from his office says that in his new chairmanship, Creagan “is excited to help the Big Island and all of Hawaiʻi increase agriculture for all farmers across the State.” The forum is designed for discussion on all issues related to Ocean View and Kaʻū in preparation for the 2017 Hawaiʻi Legislature which convenes in January.   To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: Virunga National Park is the topic tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Travel writer and Virunga advocate Kimberly Krusel offers a virtual visit to what has been called the most biologically significant park in Africa. The park located in the Congo was created in 1925 as the first national park on the continent of Africa. It was founded primarily to protect mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Mountains. Today Virunga is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KAPA MAKING, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. -Noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell demonstrates the making of the traditional kapa (paper mulberry bark) cloth used by native Hawaiians for clothing. Free, park entrance fees apply.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEER meeting, Thursday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. Help prepare Ocean View for community emergencies. Volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. Hannah Uribes, 929-9953

ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, this Friday Dec. 9-11. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, Saturday, Dec. 10, 8-11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Dominic Yagong joined Pahala Preschool 

in the 2011 parade. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE IS THIS SUNDAY. The parade is in its 38th year, travels through the streets of Pāhala, with Santa and his helpers handing out candy to kids. A traditional stop is Kaʻū Hospital where long term patients come outdoors to see the decorated trucks cars and floats, marching groups and costumed characters. Participants begin gathering at the old Pāhala Armory at noon and the parade starts at 1 p.m. The parade ends at the Catholic Church on Pikake Street for refreshments. Organizer for almost four decades is Eddie Andrade. For more information, call Andrade at 928-0808.

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday. Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council. Anyone wishing to donate prize items or make a monetary donation should contact Nāʻālehu Elementary vice-principal Christina Juan or student council adviser Amberly Keohuloa at 323-4000.

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber.
     The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com.

Christmas in the Country at Volcano Art Center daily.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222gallery@volcanoartcenter.org . Free; park entrance fees apply.

BASKETBALL CAMP for children, first through eighth grades, is planned by Ocean View Baptist Church for February. Location is the Kahuku County Park, Feb. 20 - 24 from 3:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. Organizers are looking for advance registration. Campers will learn skills of basketball and important fundamentals in an atmosphere that is fun and enjoyable. Space is limited. Call 333-0212.

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

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Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, Dec. 5, 2016

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbrd at Standing Rock with more than 5,000 veterans, local Sioux and other Native American leaders.
On Sunday, the Department of the Army denied an easement for the pipeline.
Image from MSNBC

STANDING ROCK SNOW was the location of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Saturday night and Sunday, as she joined thousands of veterans and water protectors, who oppose the Dakota Access Pipeline being constructed to carry fracked oil between North Dakota and Illinois. The water protectors won a reprieve on Sunday morning when the Department of the Army announced that it denied an easement required for the $3.8 billion project to cross under Lake Oahe near Standing Rock in North Dakota. Instead, it will conduct an Environmental Impact Statement to examine the impacts and explore alternative routes, according to the statement.
    However, Sioux Indian leaders warned that the pipeline company could ask for the decision to be overturned.
    Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell praised the decision to deny the right of way, saying it “underscores that tribal rights reserved in treaties and federal law, as well as nation-to-nation consultation with tribal leaders, are essential components” of discussions in infrastructure projects.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard addressed veterans who joined Sioux tribal
leaders at Standing Rock Photo from Democratic Underground

    The water protectors claim the pipeline would have led to pollution of freshwater and, overall, is a step backward toward the goal of clean and safe energy for many Indian tribes, clean energy that will also help the broader population of Americans. They claim treaties between the U.S. government and the tribes gave congress and the president a path to stop the pipeline and stated that they plan to hold the U.S. government accountable to the treaties. They say the agreements give Indian nations ownership of the Missouri River and other waters in the path of the pipeline. Another concern, the water protectors claim, was that the pipeline was rerouted away from urban Bismark, North Dakota because of pollution concerns, and redirected to a path that could pollute Indian nation natural resources.
   The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had given those gathered at Standing Rock a deadline of today to clear out of the way of the pipeline construction. The water protector group has been camped there since April.

“Water is life,” is the mantra that
Gabbard emphasizes
during talks on Standing Rock.
Photo from Democratic
Underground

   Gabbard, a Lt. Colonel in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard, talked about veterans arriving at Standing Rock from all over the country from “all different generations.” She described them as “strangers essentially but brothers and sisters in arms who have come here answering this higher call to put service before self, once again, to come and stand in peace and prayer to protect water. They understand that this is not just about the potential water contamination for the people of Standing Rock but for millions of people in surrounding states, who would also be impacted.” She talked about Standing Rock being symbol of “how essential it is to protect water as a matter of life.”
     Gabbard said that “the best thing that could happen is that the president would announce that the easement that this pipeline needs to continue would be denied.”
      She also talked about congress. “There are very few members of congress who are even paying attention to what is happening here at Standing Rock.” She contended that little will happen unless congress “pays attention to and looks and hears and sees what is actually happening here and understands the potential impacts.” She said they could include, “damaging and contaminating water resources, not only for the Standing Rock Sioux but for millions of people in the surrounding areas. We’ve got to recognize that this is not a choice between economic opportunity and jobs versus water. Without water there is no life, there is no economy, there is no jobs.
     “There is a right way to go about doing things that has not occurred here.”
      Gabbard said that the thousands of people gathered at Standing Rock “are here to say ‘water is life that must be respected and protected.’”
     Phyllis Young, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe who met with Gabbard, said the group plans an international peace ceremony today. “There is going to be a white horse exchanged that will forever cement the peace between the United States military” and the Sioux, she said, noting that she expects the federal government to protect the Indian tribes.

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

LIVE ON CHANNEL 55 IS INAUGURATION FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS today, Dec. 5 at noon. The swearing in and celebration will take place in Hilo at Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono St. Kaʻū’s County Council member Maile David, Mayor Harry Kim and county Prosecutor Mitch Roth are among those to be sworn in by Judge Ronald Ibarra. Hawai‘i County Band and Waiakea High School students will perform. Na Leo O Hawaiʻi will televise the inauguration live on Channel 55.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, today, Monday, Dec. 5, 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

HAWAIʻI COUNTY COUNCIL, Monday, Dec. 5, 3 p.m. & Wednesday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See hawaiicounty.gov for agendas and live-streamed and archived meetings.

KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 6 from  6-8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. The next Ka‘ū Coffee Festival, current picking season and harvest will be discussed.

Bukima Camp in the foothills of Mikeno Mountain,

home of the Congolese mountain gorillas at Virunga.

Wikipedia photo

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: Virunga National Park, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Travel writer and Virunga advocate Kimberly Krusel offers a virtual visit to what has been called the most biologically significant park in Africa. The park located in the Congo was created in 1925 as the first national park on the continent of Africa. It was founded primarily to protect mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Mountains. Today Virunga is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KAPA MAKING, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. -12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell demonstrates the making of the traditional kapa (paper mulberry bark) cloth used by native Hawaiians for clothing. Free, park entrance fees apply.

WINTER JAM BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the new Kaʻū District Gym. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

VOTING FOR JAMI BECK at Facebook.com is available to help her win Miss Photogenic in the Miss Teen Hawaiʻi pageant. Voting online ends on Dec. 12. The pageant is in Honolulu on Dec. 17. Beck, a graduate of Kaʻū High School, won the swimsuit competition and tied for first in talent in the 2016 Miss Kaʻū Coffee pageant held at Kaʻū Coffee Mill.
She is a youth ranger at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and interested in modeling and acting. She attends college at University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo with a major in administration of justice.

Pāhala Holy Rosary Choir sings every year in the 

Pāhala Christmas Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE IS THIS SUNDAY. It welcomes community groups, churches, sports teams coffee farmers, classic vehicle drivers and more to travel through the village. The Dec. 11 parade, in its 38th year, travels through the streets of Pāhala, with Santa and his helpers handing out candy to kids. A traditional stop is Kaʻū Hospital where long term patients come outdoors to see the decorated trucks cars and floats, marching groups and costumed characters. Participants begin gathering at the old Pāhala Armory at noon and the parade starts at 1 p.m. The parade ends at the Catholic Church on Pikake Street for refreshments. Organizer for almost four decades is Eddie Andrade. For more information, call Andrade at 928-0808.

FRIEND-RAISER IS NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S Winter Fest theme for Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Make New Friends,” declares the poster, which also reports on opportunities to enjoy shave ice, drinks, hot dogs – all for $1. Games are 50 cents. Also featured is a bounce house, raffle, bake sale, splash booth, jail, face painting and information vendors. Winter Fest is sponsored by the Nāʻālehu School Council. Anyone wishing to donate prize items or make a monetary donation should contact Nāʻālehu Elementary vice-principal Christina Juan or student council adviser Amberly Keohuloa at 323-4000.

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber.
     The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org . Free; park entrance fees apply.

BASKETBALL CAMP for children, first through eighth grades, is planned by Ocean View Baptist Church for February. Location is the Kahuku County Park, Feb. 20 - 24 from 3:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. Organizers are looking for advance registration. Campers will learn skills of basketball and important fundamentals in an atmosphere that is fun and enjoyable. Space is limited. Call 333-0212.

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

See www.kaucalendar.com

Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016

Cutting back trees that fall on power lines is one expense listed in HELCO’s new rate hike proposal. Above, power
was knocked out when Hurricane Iselle hit Wood Valley in 2014. Photo by Anne Celeste

HELCO’s  6.5 to 12.5 PERCENT RATE HIKE PROPOSAL IS OPEN FOR COMMENT. Hawai’i county residents may see a hike in Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company electric bills by as early as summer 2017.

      The public can offer testimony at two Public Utilities Commission hearings.  The first hearing will be on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Hilo High School Cafeteria on Waiʻanuenue Ave. in Hilo.  The second hearing will be on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Hawaiʻi County Council Chambers in West Hawaiʻi Civic Center on Keohokalole Highway in Kailua-Kona. Both meetings are expected to be well-attended.

     HELCO’s 8,000-page rate case application to the PUC comes in 18 volumes, or on 991 megabytes. It is supported by 26 witnesses, who are offering over 400 exhibits. This is the third HELCO rate case since 2009.

    HELCO is asking the PUC for two alternative rate hikes – either a 12.5 per cent rate hike if the proposed purchase of a power generating plant is approved by the PUC, or a 6.5 per cent rate hike if the purchase is not approved.   

Tawhiri wind power at South Point has helped to make Hawaiʻi Island
less oil dependent. Photo by Ann Bosted

     To attempt to justify the proposed 6.5 percent rate increases, HELCO cites long-term integration of alternative energy sources. The company notes that its alternative energy portfolio has increased renewables from 35 percent in 2010 to 49 percent, to include more hydroelectric, wind (including Tawhiri windmills at South Point), solar and geothermal replacing oil. HELCO also points to increasing energy security by investing in on-the-ground improvements such as spending $14 million to down and trim Albesia trees that fell and knocked out power during tropical storms in recent years. This leads to fewer power outages, HELCO points out. 

     HELCO attempts to justify a 12.5 percent rate increase to include buying a source of energy it is leasing. It seeks both a permanent, and a temporary, rate increase to acquire the naphtha fossil fuel-burning $84.5 million plant in Hamakua. The electric company requires a separate approval for the purchase. In 2015 HELCO signed a purchase agreement for the 60-megawatt Hamakua Energy Partners generating plant from an affiliate of ArcLight Capital Partners LLC of Boston. The PUC must approve the agreement.

     HELCO Pres. Jay Ignacio issued a letter to the public in September saying that electric bills have gone down due to the drop in oil prices. In January of 2015 a bill for a family using 500 kilowatt hours was $189.62. This September it was $161.85. If the 6.5 percent rate hike is approved, the bill would go up to $171.16, still less than the 2015 bill. However, if oil prices rise to their former levels, electric bills will rise again. 

     The electric company also wants the PUC to approve adding performance incentives and adjustments to the energy cost adjustments rules.

      The state’s Consumer Advocate has filed 85 pages of questions on the proposed rate increase in the case docket.  HELCO must answer these questions before the Consumer Advocate can take a position on the case.

     Members of the public can weigh in on one or both scenarios. Comments can be e-mailed to the PUC using the address, puc.comments@hawaii.gov.  The docket number 2015-0170 should be in the subject line.  Written testimony (reference Docket No. 2015-0170) can be sent by postal mail to Public Utilities Commission 465 South King Street #103 Honolulu, HI 96813.

     Organizations, agencies or individuals proposing to intervene or participate in the rate case must make file their motions by Tuesday, Dec. 27.

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

NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS FOR HAWAIʻI? The “Forbidden Topic” of building nuclear power plants in Hawaiʻi is to be discussed at the Maui Energy Conference, set for March 22-23, according to reporter Duane Shimogawa of Pacific Business News.
 The issue is a topic for a panel on “emerging trends in energy policy — debating the role of nuclear power.”
     There is new interest in all sides of whether to build nuclear power plants, Shimogawa reports, as the State of Hawaiʻi seeks the goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2045.
     Generating electricity with nuclear power is forbidden by the Hawaiʻi state constitution: “no nuclear fission power plant shall be constructed or radioactive material disposed of in the state without the prior approval by a two-thirds vote in each house of the Legislature.”






    The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission describes Hawaiʻi as having no nuclear power reactors and no facilities undergoing decommissioning. Its website at www.nrc.org says that “Hawaiʻi is not an Agreement State.”
     A preview of the panel discussion states: “[Join] us as we discuss what has been the ‘forbidden topic’ in Hawaiʻi, the appropriate role of nuclear power in reducing carbon emissions, what is allowed under Hawaiʻi law, what is the status of fusion and how are rate structures on the Mainland subsidizing nuclear plants based on carbon reductions.”

Next year's statewide energy conference will take up the pros and cons of
nuclear power. Photo from Maui Energy Conference

     
The Friends of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiʻi Authority cites reasons beyond state law that have kept nuclear power plants out of Hawaiʻi: the small size of the Islands, the geographic isolation of the state, waste disposal issues and losing self-sufficiency.


Shimogawa added: “Around the world, 30 countries operate 444 reactors to generate electricity with 63 new plants underway in 15 countries, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute. Nuclear energy provides about 11 percent of the world’s electricity. However, at least one nation, Germany, plans to phase out its nuclear power plants by 2022 and focus on renewable energy.”

     For more information on the energy conference called All Things Energy: Pursuing New Opportunities for Electricity and Beyond, go to www.mauienergyconference.com. Also see Pacific Business News.

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

Kaʻū Hospital Foundation is raising money
to upgrade its lanai to accommodate people
in wheelchairs and hospital beds.

Photo from Kaʻū Hospital Foundation

KAʻŪ HOSPITAL FOUNDATION is raising funds for its long-term care garden-lanai accessibility project for hospital residents. Ursula D’Angelo, who is managing the project for the Foundation, said that Kaʻū Hospital is long-term residents’ “forever home, and many have expressed their desire to regularly enjoy the outdoors again.” Currently, the garden-lanai area is not totally accessible to people in wheelchairs and hospital beds. “The Foundation needs $35,000 to complete the garden/lanai project, to provide all long-term care residents with access to the outdoors,” she said.
     In November, the foundation raised approximately $11,000, and “we are well on our way to seeing this dream come true. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated and is tax-deductible,” said D’Angelo.
 Donate to Kaʻū Hospital Charitable Organization,
PO Box 773, Pahala, Hawaii 96777. Donate through kau-hospital-foundation-inc.networkforgood.com . For more information, email Ka’uHCF@gmail.com .

Pu`u O Lokuana hike is this morning at Kahuku Unit of
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from HVNP

PUʻU O LOKUANA HIKE today at 9:30 a.m. at the Kahuku unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, is a short, moderately difficult 0.4-mile walk to the top of the grassy cinder cone. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Kaʻū. Enter the Kahuku unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the mauka  side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.

HAM RADIO OPERATOR'S POTLUCK and gathering today at Manuaka Park. Call Dennis Smith 989-3028.

BEGINNING HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES are today at 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Youth Center, taught by Jeannette Howard, followed by kanikapila with songs of Ka`u. Call Beverly Byouck at 936-7262.

INAUGURATION FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS IS TOMORROW. Monday, Dec. 5 at noon in Hilo. Location is Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium, 323 Manono St.  Kaʻū’s County Council member Maile David, Mayor Harry Kim and county Prosecutor Mitch Roth are among those to be sworn in by Judge Ronald Ibarra. Hawai`i County Band and Waiakea High School students will perform.

Na Leo O Hawaiʻi will televise the inauguration live on Channel 55.

HAWAIʻI COUNTY COUNCIL, Monday, Dec. 5, 3 p.m. & Wednesday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See hawaiicounty.gov for agendas and live-streamed and archived meetings.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, Monday, Dec. 5, 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS monthly meeting is this Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 6-8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: Virunga National Park, Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Travel writer and Virunga advocate Kimberly Krusel offers a virtual visit to what has been called the most biologically significant park in Africa. The park located in the Congo was created in 1925 as the first national park on the continent of Africa. It was founded primarily to protect mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Mountains. Today Virunga is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Free; park entrance fees apply.

VOTING FOR JAMI BECK at Facebook.com  is available to help her win Miss Photogenic in the Miss Teen Hawaiʻi pageant. Voting online ends on Dec. 12. The pageant is in Honolulu on Dec. 17. Beck, a graduate of Kaʻū High School, won the swimsuit competition and tied for first in talent in the 2016 Miss Kaʻū Coffee pageant held at Kaʻū Coffee Mill.

    She is a youth ranger at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and interested in modeling and acting. She attends college at University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo with a major in administration of justice

KAPA MAKING, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. -12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell demonstrates the making of the traditional kapa (paper mulberry bark) cloth used by native Hawaiians for clothing. Free, park entrance fees apply.

NEXT FRIDAY IS ALYSHA & PETE 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL WINTER JAM tournament . It will be held at the new Kaʻū District Gym, Dec. 9-11 with opportunities for adults and youth of all ages. Age groups are ten and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, boys, girls and co-ed. Men and women are also invited to compete. The tournament raises money to help fund Trojan Senior basketball players Pete Dacalio and Alysha Gustafson to travel to the mainland with coach Jen Makuakane to look at colleges who may provide them with sports scholarships. To donate, call Summer Dacalio at 498-7336, Pete Dacalio at 498-3518 or Alysha Gustafson at 339-0858.

Tutu & Me at Pāhala Christmas Parade, next Sunday.
Photo by Julia Neal

PĀHALA’S CHRISTMAS PARADE welcomes community groups, churches, sports teams coffee farmers, classic vehicle drivers and more to travel through the village on Sunday, Dec. 11. The parade, in its 38th year, travels through the streets of Pāhala, with Santa and his helpers handing out candy to kids. A traditional stop is Kaʻū Hospital where long term patients come outdoors to see the decorated trucks cars and floats, marching groups and costumed characters. Participants begin gathering at the old Pāhala Armory at noon and the parade starts at 1 p.m. The parade ends at the Catholic Church on Pikake Street for refreshments. Organizer for almost four decades is Eddie Andrade. For more information, call Andrade at 928-0808.

DEADLINE FOR THE DIRECTORY, to sign up for listings and advertising for businesses, community groups, churches and agencies is Dec. 15. The annual business and community resource guide is sponsored by Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce and produced by The Kaʻū Calendar. It includes photography and art by Kaʻū residents, a calendar of events, listings and feature stories including winners of the recent Beauty of Kaʻū art show, sponsored by the Chamber.
     The Directory raises scholarship money for students from Kaʻū throughout their higher education in trades, college and university studies. Printed each January, 7,500 copies of The Directory are distributed throughout Kaʻū and Volcano. To sign up, contact geneveve.fyvie@gmail.com.

Lava Entering the Ocean by Peter Bosted, of Ranchos, earned Honorable
 Mention in photography at the recent Ka`u Chamber of Commerce art show.
 It was taken shortly after sunset with enough light to illuminate the clouds.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY holiday exhibit daily through Jan. 2 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Featured at Christmas in the Country is the 17th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, with prizes awarded for the best wreaths. To participate, contact Emily Weiss at 967-8222 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.

BASKETBALL CAMP for children, first through eighth grades, is planned by Ocean View Baptist Church for February. Location is the Kahuku County Park, Feb. 20 - 24 from 3:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m. Organizers are looking for advance registration. Campers will learn skills of basketball and important fundamentals in an atmosphere that is fun and enjoyable. Space is limited. Call 333-0212.

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