Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, April 6, 2017

The Storybook Theatre Dolphin came to Tutu & Me, Pahala Preschool and Boys & Girls Club on
Thursday to entertain and teach children about marine life. Photo by Julia Neal

MEMBERS OF HAWAI`I'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION REACTED TO THE MISSILE FIRING BY PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP on Thursday. Trump said that when he ordered Tomahawk missiles to be launched from U.S. Navy ships in the Mediterranean into Syria to destroy an Air Force base, he was responding to the Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad's recent killing of children and others with chemical weapons.
     Sen. Brian Schatz responded with the following statement: "The Assad regime's use of chemical weapons is abhorrent, but a military response is not the answer. The president has failed to articulate a strategy to end the Syrian civil war. A one-off strike may satisfy our desire to hold Assad accountable, but it risks deeper escalation without any sense of direction or objective. And unless this conflict ends, we will never defeat ISIL and prevent its return.

Sen. Brian Schatz said that the U.S. launch of missled
into Syria risks deeper escalation.

     "Regardless, Congress must debate and authorize any escalation of U.S. military involvement against the Syria regime, as it is well beyond the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. The United States must focus on leading a diplomatic effort among our partners and allies in the region to achieve a political solution that results in a post-Assad syrian government that brings stability to the region."
     Sen. Mazie Hirono released the following statement: “The repeated use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime against his own people is an atrocity and breach of international law, and the international community must hold him accountable.

      “The Civil War in Syria adds layers of complexity in a country and region where there are no easy answers and opportunities for missteps are great.

      “In light of this, President Trump must present a coherent strategy for addressing the ongoing situation in Syria, including our own responsibility in confronting the humanitarian catastrophe and refugee crisis.”

     Rep. Tulsi Gabbard released the following statement: “It angers and saddens me that President Trump has taken the advice of war hawks and escalated our illegal regime change war to overthrow the Syrian government. This escalation is short-sighted and will lead to more dead civilians, more refugees, the strengthening of al-Qaeda and other terrorists, and a possible nuclear war between the United States and Russia.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard called the missle strike "wreckless."

      “This Administration has acted recklessly without care or consideration of the dire consequences of the United States attack on Syria without waiting for the collection of evidence from the scene of the chemical poisoning. If President Assad is indeed guilty of this horrible chemical attack on innocent civilians, I will be the first to call for his prosecution and execution by the International Criminal Court. However, because of our attack on Syria, this investigation may now not even be possible. And without such evidence, a successful prosecution will be much harder.”

      Gabbard visited Lebanon and Syria in January and met with Assad. She returned with a renewed
vow to stop regime change wars that lead to innocent people being killed. She plans to be in Kona and Hilo starting next week with Town Hall public meetings on local issues, as well as foreign policy. She will be in Kona on Tuesday, April 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Kealakehe Intermediate School and in Hilo on Tuesday, April 18 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Waiakea High School. 

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THE U.S. SENATE CHANGED ITS VOTING RULES on Thursday when it became clear that Pres. Donald Trump's nominee, Judge Neil Gorsuch, would fail to receive the minimum 60 votes to be confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement:

     “Today, Senate Republicans destroyed a process that has been in place for years to accomplish their goal. of confirming a far-right Supreme Court Justice. Last year, they wouldn’t even give President Obama’s nominee Merrick Garland a hearing. And today, they changed the rules in order to ram through a nominee who cannot garner even 60 votes to sit on the highest court of the land, the Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch would preserve the 5-4 conservative majority on the Roberts Court that favors corporate interests over individual rights." The new rules enacted by Senate Majority Leade Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) broke  tradition and changed Senate rules, bypassing the first-ever successful opposition to a Supreme Court nominee.
     The new rules will require a simple majority vote to confirm the Gorsuch confirmation, which is expected by the end of the week.

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A GUIDE TO SELLING LOCAL PRODUCE TO SCHOOLS has been made available by the Kohala Center on its Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program webpage. It explains that The USDA Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program  provides federal funds to low-income elementary schools to serve fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks between meals during the school day. The Kohala Center has created a number of resources for schools and farmers on buying and selling local for the FFVP in order to support local farmers, deepen students' understanding of local agriculture, and provide students with fresh, healthy snacks. For more information, view Kohala Center's  FFVP webpage, which includes our FFVP Implementation Report and our FFVP Hawai`i Local Buying Guide with tips for farmers on supplying fresh produce for the FFVP and other child nutrition programs.

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Kiva and Hawai`i Food Producers Fund Microlans allow individuals to loan and borrow small amounts of money
to help finance food production in Hawai`i. Photo from kiva.org

HAWAI`I FOOD PRODUCERS FUND MICROLOAN PROGRAM will fund 50 percent of loans sought through KIVA. The loans are 0 percent interest to Hawai`i food producers. The Kohala Center, with support from the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture and County of Hawai‘i, created the Fund to increase thapital available to local food producers and stimulate local food production. Hawai‘i food producers are Hawai‘i-based farmers and food processors utilizing at least one Hawai‘i-grown ingredient. Visit Hawai‘i Food Producers Fund page for more information.

       Kiva is an international nonprofit, founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco. It connects people through lending to alleviate poverty. Lenders and offer as little as $25 to help with loans. 

See www.kiva.org. The Hawai`i Food Producers Fund matches the Kiva funding for producing food on the island.

       Internationally, Kiva has severed 2.4 million borrowers in 83 countries with a repayment rate of 97 percent, after lending more than $965 million, the organization reports. According to the Kiva website, its philosophy is that "lending alongside thousands of others is one of the most powerful and sustainable ways to create economic an dsocial good. Lending on Kiva creates a partnership of mutual dignity and makes it easy to touch more lives with the same dollar." See www/kiva.org

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A dolphin was beached at Pahala Preschool today as Storybook
Theatre came to town. Photo by Julia Neal

STORYBOOK THEATRE OF HAWAI`I came to Pahala on Thursday with performances at Tutu & Me, Pahala Preschool and Boys & Girls Club. Storybook founder Mark Jeffers brought his giant, inflatable dolphin and taught children about marine mammals and the health of the oceans. Children were able to also sit within the belly of the dolphin for storytelling. 

      Jeffers will also make presentations at Kamehameha and other schools in the region through next week. See www.storybook.org.

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Storybook Theatre founder Mark Jeffers teaches
children inside the belly of the dolphin.
Photo by Julia Neal

Stewardship at the Summit, April 7, 14, 22, 29; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers clear ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Tropical Flower Arranging, Fri, April 7, 1 – 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Kaipo Ah Chong helps participants welcome spring. $45 plus $20 supply fee. 967-8222

Pancake Breakfast, Sat, April 8, 8 – 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Atlas Recycling at South Point U-Cart, Sat, April 8, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Pele & Hi‘iaka, Sat, April 8, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Jazz in the Forest, Sat, April 8, 4:30 & 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Jeannine Guillory with Jean Pierre Thoma & the Jazztones present high-caliber jazz up-close & personal. Tickets at volcanoartcenter.org, VAC’s office & VAC Gallery.

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Shane Trupin's Lava Ocean Adventures has received a special permit from the U.S. Coast Guard to
enter the Safety Zone set by the U.S. Coast Guard extending 984 feet from the lava entry, according
to Big Island Video News. Photo from www.lavaocean.com

COAST GUARD REOPENS WATERS NEAR LAVA ENTRY off Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. That's the news in a statement from Lt. Cmdr. Nicholas Jarboe, chief of waterways management, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. Tour boats meeting Coast Guard requirements must apply for special permission to sail closer than 984 feet from the place the lava enters the ocean near Kamokuna Lava Delta. The Safety Zone was established on March 25 when the Coast Guard noted the instability of the sea cliff near the lava flow, the danger of collapse of the lava delta being formed, as well as fumes and other hazards. Tour boat operators said they could lose their businesses. if prohibited from sailing closer than 984 feet from lava flowing into the ocean.

        "The Coast Guard Captain of the Port has outlined the requirements to request entrance to the Kilauea lava ocean entry temporary Safety Zone," said the statement issued Tuesday. "The Coast Guard is clarifying the process for requesting entry to the temporary Safety Zone for all waterway users,” said Jarboe. “Sound risk management, contingency planning and response, and regulatory frameworks help us ensure the safety of life at sea and that the maritime sector remains safe, secure, and resilient.” 

     Those wishing to enter the Safety Zone are required to submit a written request to the Captain of the Port Honolulu. According to the statement, "factors that may be considered include: the vessel’s material condition, safety equipment, redundancies, general safety practices and procedures, specific safety practices and procedures for operating near the lava ocean entry, familiarity with the surrounding waters, and mariner’s experience operating as a Coast Guard-credentialed mariner."              
     Requests can be mailed to U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, 400 Sand Island Parkway Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 or email to D14-SMB-SecHonoMarineEventPermits@uscg.mil.

     The Coast Guard was able to establish the temporary Safety Zone under Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 165.T14-0172 . The regulations state that the Safety Zone may not be entered without the prior permission of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Honolulu. 

        According to Big Island Video News, "Shane Turpin’s Lava Ocean Adventures tour was one of the first to be granted entry after the Safety Zone was established. Turpin said he was impressed by how the Coast Guard Captain of the Port and his crew handled the situation."

     The Coast Guard statement advises, "All waterway users should ensure they have the most up-to-date information from the U.S. Geologic Survey before embarking on a voyage in the vicinity of the lava flow entry: https://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php 

     

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KA`U`S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER MAILE DAVID stood up for Equal Pay Day on Tuesday, which was proclaimed by Mayor Harry Kim for the County of Hawai`i. American Association of University Women members brought the proclamation to the council. Women are paid 84 percent of pay provided to men in Hawai`i. On the mainland, women are paid 80 percent of the pay that goes to men.

Mail David  (back row, fourth from right) joined members of the
County Council and American Association of University Women
to celebrate Equal Pay Day on Tuesday.
Photo from Big Island Video News

   The Mayor's proclamation points out that "More than 50 years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act, women, especially minority women, continue to suffer the consequences of unequal pay." It notes that "women working full time in Hawai`i year round in 2017 will typically earn 84 percent of what men earn, indicating little change or progress in pay equality." The resolution says the gender pay gap is evident one year after college graduation, even after controlling for occupation, hours worked and college major.
     "We must pass the Paycheck Fairness Act" to close loopholes in the  the Lilly Lebetter (equal pay) law's effectiveness. "A lifetime of lower pay means women have less income to save for retirement and less income counted in the social security or pension benefit formula," states Kim's proclamation.

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KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK has announced free guided hikes, Coffee Talks and 'Ike Hana No`eau Hawaiian cultural programs for April through June. Visitors can also explore Kahuku on their own on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.    

Hikers experience sister deities. Hi`iaka and Pele converge in
Kahuku. NPS Photo

       'Ike Hana No'eau (Experience the Skillful Work) is a new program of Hawaiian cultural demonstrations at Kahuku on the third Friday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. On April 21 learn how to make tī leaf lei; on May 19, learn to make a miniature kāhili (feather standard); and come weave a small decorative fish out of niu (coconut fronds) on June 23. Programs are free.
     Coffee Talk offers conversations on a wide variety of topics at Kahuku the last Friday of the month. Ka'ū coffee, tea and pastries will be available for purchase. Coffee Talks are offered free on April 28, May 26, and June 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
     Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered April 23, May 28, and June 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Salmon colored ohia lehua at Kahuku. NPS photo

   Pu'u o Lokuana is a short 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu'u o Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka'ū. This hike is offered May 20 and June 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
     Hi'iaka & Pele. Discover two fascinating Hawaiian goddesses, sisters Pelehonuamea (Pele) and Hi'iaka, and the natural phenomena they represent. Visitors will experience the sisters coming alive through the epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku on this easy 1.7-mile walk on the main road in Kahuku. The Hi'iaka and Pele program is offered April 8, May 7 and June 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
     People and Land of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands –from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is offered April 9, May 21 and June 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  

Ti leaf lei-making. NPS photo

     Realms and Divisions of Kahuku. Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult two-mile, two-hour guided hike on the Kahuku Unit's newest trail, Pu'u Kahuku. Explore the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku. Bring a snack for the "talk story" segment of this hike. Offered April 15 and May 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
     'Ōhi'a Lehua. Learn about the vital role of 'ōhi'a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the 'ōhi'a tree, and the new disease of Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile (or less) walk. The 'Ōhi'a Lehua program is offered April 16, May 14 and June 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.    

     Birth of Kahuku. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku. Traverse the vast 1868 lava flow, see different volcano features and formations, and identify many parts of the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. This guided easy-to-moderate hike is offered April 22, May 27 and June 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
     Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship (He Pilina Wehena 'Ole). Hike the Palm Trail and be inspired by a place where hulihia (catastrophic change) and kulia (restoration) can be observed as

Inside Pu`u o Lokuana. NPS photo

the land transitions from the 1868 lava flow and its pioneer plants, to deeper soil with more diverse and older flora. Learn about native plants and their significance in Hawaiian culture. This moderate hike is about two miles and takes two hours. The Nature & Culture program is offered April 29, May 13 and June 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

     To reach the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, enter on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes. Entrance and all programs are free.

     Keep up with Kahuku events and visit the calendar on the park website, https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm, and download the Kahuku Site Bulletin: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/2013_11_05-Kahuku-Site-Bulletin.pdf.

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Hawai‘i Wildlife Center Presentation, Thu, April 6, from 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. HWC representatives focus on the center’s history, mission and vision. Free; donations accepted.

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch meeting, Thu, April 6, at 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-2442 & 928-2015

Ka`u News Briefs, Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Hand drawn and colored maps of lands in Ka`u and other Hawai`i Islaand regions will be discussed during
a presentation called The Value of Plantation-Era Archives in Today's World, April 18 at Hawai`i Volcanoes
National Park. See story below. Photo from HVNP

THE TINY HOMES BILL FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND goes to a hearing at the Capitol on Wednesday. Launched as a way to provide more farm worker housing; and to allow more farmers to live on the land to protect crops, animals and machinery from theft,  the bills HB2, HD2 and SD1 have drawn opposition from the Hawai`i County Planning Department and state Department of Agriculture chief Scott Enright.  It has also received numerous support letters from farmers and tiny homes advocates.

     The legislation "authorizes tiny homes of less than 500 square feet for farm workers in agricultural districts in a county with a population of more than 180,000 but less than 250,000," which means that the tiny homes would be allowed only in the County of Hawai`i.

Tiny houses, less than 500 square feet would be allowed on farms.  Photo by Julia Neal

         The Department of Agriculture chief testified that the measure "may result in adverse consequences and said, "The Department is concerned that these 'tiny homes' do not become defacto residential dwellings if the County is unable to adequately monitor and enforce the farm worker/family occupancy requirement for these 'tiny homes.'"
     County of Hawai`i Planning Director Michael Yee testified, "We appreciate the intent of this bill to authorize the construction and use of 'tiny homes' as affordable housing for farm workers to encourage the healthy and productive farming. Unfortunately, we see treat potential that this provision, should it be adopted, will lead toward unintended abuse of of the very agricultural lands we are entrusted to protect by the State Land Use Law and our local zoning code.

Tiny House from Habitats Hawai`i.
See www.habitatshawaii.com

     "As currently written, this bill will allow 'farm workers or their immediate family members' to occupy agricultural land provided that the 'farmer' has a business license and is engaged in agriculture.
     "Anyone can easily obtain a business license and there is no level of specified engagement in agriculture within the bill that would justify a 'tiny home.' A person could just obtain a business license, plan and maintain a single tree, and generate no income whatsoever, and would thereby qualify for a tiny home on agricultural land. Secondly, a maximum number of tiny homes permitted on any given agricultural lot is not specified. This could potentially turn agricultural lands into affordable housing communities with no clear expectation of any increase in agricultural productivity," stated the Planning Director. He asked the legislature to "carefully weigh the potential deleterious effect this bill, if adopted, would have upon our ability to protect our agricultural lands."
     The State of Hawai`i, Office of Planning wrote testimony contending that the Office of Planning "fully supports effort to help local farmers and grow the State's agricultural economy, but this is not an issue that can be sol, said the bill "has the potential to place farm labor families at risk of exposure to dust and pesticides and other public health and safety concerns. It also provides another pathway for non-agricultural residential use in the State Agricultural District, which could contribute to further use of these dwellings for transient accommodations, increases in agricultural land values, and exurban sprawl without attendant public facilities and services."

The One Island Sustainable Living movement endorses
the bill for tiny houses on ag land. See www.oneisland.org.

     Marc Montgomery, of the Hawai`i Island Food Alliance, testified that tiny houses can be built with locally sourced materials - for example albizia. He said that allowing tiny homes on ag land would help to encourage smaller producers as well as large farms to meet housing/office needs on site. "Our food system is cripled by a lack of housing for farmers. In order to attract more farmers to farm, we need to provide decent housing on the farm."
     He testified, "We will never change our dependency on imported foods -never - if we don't let farmers lower their cost of living by allowing them to live on the land they farm."
     Stephen Shrader, wrote that "climate and lifestyle of Hawai`i encourages an indoor/outdoor lifestyle. It is also one of the best settings in the world to implement green building and energy efficient practices. Many farmers are wanting to down size the scale of their indoor living spaces, lower their cost for housing, be on farm to monitor their crops, lower farmworker rental housing and transportation/commute costs, spend more time farming and lower the environmental impact of their housing." He noted that he is a member  of the One Island movement, convening Tiny House Community Conversations around the Big Island.  See www.oneisland.org.

      The bill passed the state House of Representatives and is before the Senate on Wednesday for a third reading. For more testimony and to weigh in, see http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2&year=2017

Flumes that carried water in old sugar plantations are in the
photography preserved in Olson Trust archives.

SUGAR ARCHIVES ILLUMINATE HISTORY: The Value of Plantation-Era Archives in Today’s World is the topic at After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, April 18. From the 1850s to the 1990s, big sugar plantations dominated the agricultural landscape of Hawai‘i Island. The Edmund Olson Trust Archive is home to an extensive array of maps, records and documents from these plantations, and traces an powerful part of island history. John Cross, of Olson Trust, leads a visual journey through these irreplaceable historic resources and the era called “Big Sugar.” The free program begins at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘I Volcanoes National Park.

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KUMULAU`AU – TREES is the featured category in the call to artists for the 2017 Hawai‘i Nei juried art competition celebrating the native flora and fauna of Hawai‘i Island. The annual exhibition is sponsored by Three Mountain Alliance, Natural Area Reserves System and Wailoa Center.    

Hawai`i Nei art contest brings artists to Ka`u to
the Kahuku Unit of hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
to observe the Ohi`a Lehua trees and such wildlife as this
`Io, Hawaiian hawk. Photo from HVNP 

     Amateur and professional artists of all ages are invited to submit works of art celebrating the native plants, animals and habitats of Hawai‘i Nei. A statement from the organizers says: “This year, artists can explore the foundation of the Big Island’s native forests. Trees are a crucial component of a healthy watershed. They often are referred to as kumu and even kupuna of the forest, being the base or trunk for multitudinous life but also teachers and grandparents.”
     Rules set by the organizers include: “Artwork in any medium or combination of media is welcome. Native species found only on other islands will not be accepted. All species found from ridge to reef on the Big Island are acceptable. Subjects from beyond the reef, including the deep ocean, will not be accepted. Artwork made from native species is strongly discouraged.”                      Submissions must be original, created in the past two years, not previously shown in any other exhibition, gallery or website.
     Artwork will be displayed from Nov. 3 to Dec. 15 at Wailoa Center. All residents of Hawai‘i Island are eligible to participate. All artwork must be registered online by Oct. 19 at www.hawaiineiartcontest.org. A photo of the artwork and entry fees are required with registration. Artwork drop-off dates, times and locations are 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at Donkey Mill Art Center in Holualoa and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Oct. 28 at Wailoa Center.  See  www.hawaiineiartcontest.org.

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Open Mic Night, Wed, April 5, from 6 – 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Sign up at 967-8365 after 4 p.m.

Hawai‘i Wildlife Center Presentation, Thu, April 6, from  9 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. HWC representatives focus on the center’s history, mission and vision. Free; donations accepted.

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch meeting, Thu, April 6,  at 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-2442 & 928-2015