Ka'u News Briefs Feb. 11, 2012

Vog hit the cattle industry hard during 2008 and 2009 in Ka`u, with recovery far from over. Photo by Julia Neal

THE VOG DISASTER DECLARATION for the Big Island has been renewed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Hardest hit has been the Ka`u District, where in 2008 McCall’s fresh flower business almost came to a halt in Wood Valley, the Ocean View protea flowers withered in the sulfur dioxide, macadamia and coffee blossoms fell off trees, Hester’s fresh vegetables suffered burns and ranches saw calves losing their health and fences rusting away. The new declaration acknowledges that vog, while less than during the initial months of intense emissions from Halema`uma`u Crater, carries on.

The protea business was one of hardest hit by
vog in Ka`u. Photo by Loren Heck

      The extension of the declaration allows farmers and ranchers to apply for disaster loans.
      Gov. Neil Abercrombie released a statement yesterday, saying that agriculture here “continues to have a difficult time with the cumulative effects of vog on their crops and livestock operations.”
      Hawai`i County agricultural producers can apply for emergency loans before August. For more information, contact the Hilo office of the USDA Farm Service Agency at 933-8381 ext. 2.

PROPOSED UNDERWATER CABLES to deliver geothermal, wind and other alternative energy from one island to another gained approval yesterday from the state House of Representatives committees on Energy & Environmental Protection and Water, Land & Natural Resources. Rep. Bob Herkes voted for the bill in both committees. Sen. Gil Kahele said he supports such a measure, particularly with the opportunity it could provide for geothermal on this island.
      The House bill drew testimony from Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who asked for legislation to establish financing and regulations for the interisland cable system. The bill says that the cables would “provide the islands with increased energy security and system efficiencies and enable the islands to provide each other with backup power.” It does not mention Lana`i or Moloka`i plans for windmills to create power for O`ahu, which drew some opposition on those islands during last year’s Legislature when a similar bill failed. However, it does mention geothermal, wind and solar as possible energy sources for the cable.
      The chair of the Public Utilities Commission, Mina Morita, supported the measure to “encourage the use of renewable energy with no preconceived notions. All potential renewable sources should be considered on the neighbor islands and O`ahu,” she stated. Also supporting the bill was Jeffrey Ono, the consumer advocate who often weighs in on PUC issues.
      However, two House members voted against the bill. They were two Republicans, Rep. Cynthia Thielen and Rep. Gil Riviere, who said that investing in such a cable system could drive electric rates even higher. According to a Honolulu Star-Advertiser story this morning by Alan Yonana, Jr., Thielen asked Ono, “Aren’t you the consumer advocate? Aren’t you trying to keep utility rates down?”

Geothermal hotspots on the Big Island and Maui (in
red) could provide energy to ship to other islands.
Map from the state Legislature

      The bill sets up a system by which the cable owner would charge a utility or energy provider a tariff to carry the electricity. The fee would be controlled by a commission, much like the PUC controls electric and shipping rates.
      The Office of Hawaiian Affairs testified that development of undersea cable “is of particular concern to OHA and our beneficiaries because any interisland power cable in the state would lie across submerged ceded lands and affect OHA revenue from the use of these lands.”
      OHA testimony states, “Many of our beneficiaries throughout the islands are greatly concerned about the potential impacts that these projects will have on their communities, sacred spaces, and ability to participate in traditional and customary practices.” OHA asked for outreach and dialogue on the costs and benefits of the cable system before the community considers accepting the project.

KA`U RED HATTERS’ annual bake and craft sale for Ka`u Hospital continues today until 5 p.m. at Punalu`u Beach Park.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR. Volcano Art Center hosts its annual Love the Arts fundraiser today at its Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. with gourmet Italian food and art presentations. Tickets are $60 at the door.

HANA HOU RESTAURANT offers early Valentine’s Day specials tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The menu includes prime rib, fresh ono, pork tenderloin and surf and turf combos. On Tuesday, the specials will be available from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 929-9717 for reservations. 

SOUTH SIDE SHAKA’S has Valentine’s Day dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday. The menu includes prime rib and crab. Call 929-7404 for reservations.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café is a three-course dinner with entertainment by Lito Arkangel. Seating starts at 5:30 p.m., and dinner is at 6 p.m. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for reservations.

TWO GUIDED HIKES are offered at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow.
      A moderately difficult hike crossing 2.5 miles of rugged terrain in the Kahuku Unit takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants should wear appropriate walking attire and bring water.
      Nick Shema leads a three-mile round-trip walk exploring the Mauna Ulu area in the Kilauea section of the park from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The hike is free to Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park members, and non-members are welcome to join in order to attend. Park entrance fees apply. Call 985-7373 or email admin@fhvnp.org.

See our major sponsors at www.kaucoffeemill.com and www.pahalaplantationcottages.com.

Ka'u News Briefs Feb. 10, 2012

The new Ka`u Disaster Shelter and Gymnasium is to be built in the open, grassy field makai of the school offices
and next to the Pahala tennis courts. Photo by Julia Neal

THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT notice for the new Ka`u Disaster Shelter and Gymnasium is expected to be posted on the state Office of Environmental Quality Control website soon. OEQC publishes such notices twice a month. The public is expected to be able to review the EA from Feb. 23 through March 23. More than $17 million was approved for the disaster shelter and gymnasium to be built in the open, grassy field makai of the high school offices and next to the Pahala tennis courts.
      Questions during public meetings included whether there will be equipment to clean the air in the gym during bad vog days, whether there will be photovoltaic panels for power in case the disaster shelter is cut off from the power lines coming into Ka`u, and whether it will be necessary to pave the entire field and install parking lot light posts around the shelter and gym.
      Ka`u is known for its dark, starry skies and is a place where endangered bird populations unbothered by lights are able to survive.
      The disaster shelter and gym will be managed for both the school and the community by the county Department of Parks & Recreation which has been working on the design with a Honolulu engineering and architectural firm.

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE and working with Family Support Services and the counselors to end it is a goal that needs more cooperation from the community. An Erin Miller story in West Hawai`i Today this morning quotes Heidi Koop, Child and Family Services Hawai`i Island Programs director saying that families should not be afraid to contact the agency to ask for help. The older system of punishing parents was “much more punitive,” she said, explaining that the first goal is to heal the family and end the abuse. It “has to stop. Children have to be safe in the community. A recent study by the Joyful Heart Foundation reported 20 percent of adults served on the Big Island said that they had been abused as children. The survey also found that people were afraid to report child abuse because they feared becoming involved in the case, worried that children would be taken from their parents, and would suffer from family revenge and cause problems for the family being reported, the story reports. Koop said that these fears are largely “old history” and that “family preservation is really highly ranked right now.” See more at www.westhawaiitoday.com.

A CHANCE TO LIVE LIKE AN ASTRONAUT? University of Hawai`i and Cornell University are seeking participants for their 120-day Mars exploration analogue mission, Hawai`i Space Exploration Analogue & Simulation, or HI-SEAS, which is scheduled to take place in early 2013 on Hawai`i Island. The study is designed to simulate the working and living experience of astronauts on a true planetary mission and to compare two types of food systems: pre-prepared vs. crew-cooked. Six prime and two alternate crewmembers will be selected. The study seeks participants with qualifications comparable to those required by NASA. In addition to round trip travel, food and lodging expenses, crewmembers and alternates will receive $5,000 for completed missions.
      Applications are due on Feb. 29, 2012. For requirements, applications and more information about the program visit http://manoa.hawaii.edu/hi-seas/.

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE are from the Big Island Chapter of the Hawai`i Association of Public Accountants. Two $1,000 grants are for study at four-year institutions, and two $750 grants are for two-year colleges. Competition is open to Big Island high school seniors, graduates of local high schools, and enrollees at University of Hawai`i-Hilo or Hawai`i Community College. Applicants must be full-time students this fall. For more, see www.hawaiiassociationofpublicaccountants.com.

A hike at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park focuses on the area's human history. Photo from HVNP

TWO GUIDED HIKES are offered at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday.

      People & Land of Kahuku takes place at the Kahuku Unit from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The moderately difficult hike crosses 2.5 miles of rugged terrain and focuses on the area’s human history. Participants should wear appropriate walking attire and bring water. The Kahuku Unit entrance is between miles 70 and 71 on Hwy 11. Call 985-6011.

      Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hold their Sunday Walk in the Park, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Kilauea section of the park. Nick Shema leads this three-mile round-trip walk exploring the Mauna Ulu area. Group size is limited. The hike is free to Friends members, and non-members are welcome to join in order to attend. Park entrance fees apply. Call 985-7373 or email admin@fhvnp.org.

VOLCANO ART CENTER hosts its annual Love the Arts fundraiser tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. with gourmet Italian food and art presentations. Tickets are available at VAC Gallery, the Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village, and online at www.volcanolovethearts.org. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door.

KA`U RED HATTERS’ annual bake and craft sale for Ka`u Hospital takes place today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Punalu`u Beach Park. Call Barbara Beatty at 929-9072.

See our major sponsors at www.pahalaplantationcottages.com and www.kaucoffeemill.com.

Ka'u News Briefs Feb. 9, 2012

The state hopes to double the number of priority watershed preserved, like this one, already under management of The Nature Conservancy at Kaiholena between Pahala and Na`alehu in Ka`u. Photo from TNC

IMMEDIATE PROTECTION OF PRIORITY WATERSHED FORESTS is the aim of a Department of Land & Natural Resources senate bill, SB 2782, discussed in Honolulu this week. It is part of Hahai No Ka Ua i Ka Ulula’au, The Rain Follows the Forest initiative to double protected watersheds within the next 10 years. Conservation Council for Hawai`i Executive Director Marjorie Ziegler says, “this is one of the most important things the DLNR and the legislature can do for our people and generations to come. If you drink water and bathe, you should care.” Testimony can be sent to the Senate Committee on Water, Land and Housing and the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment via http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2782&year=2012.

Ka'u cattle ranchers receive help from the USDA
Rural Development program.  Photo by Julia Neal

THE HAWAI`I CATTLE PRODUCERS COOPERATIVE has won a grant for its 50 ranch members statewide for transportation, marketing and other services. Ka`u ranches that are members of the co-op include Kapapala and Kuahiwi. Funding comes from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant Program. The cooperative helps members transport their cattle and sell their beef. The grant totals more than $58,000.

ENERGY CONSERVATION EDUCATION and installation of solar water heaters and photovoltaics also received funding from Rural Development. This money went to the Hawai`i Economic Opportunity Council here on the Big Island and totals $1,218,791.
      Sen. Dan Inouye said, “This grant provides multiple opportunities for Hawai`i Island families to save money by using the power of the sun to heat their water, a cost-effective way to manage their utility bills while lessening Hawai`i’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. Hawai`i’s high energy costs are a burden on many segments of our society, and any effort to enhance energy efficiency should be encouraged and supported. I am very pleased that the Obama administration recognizes Hawai`i’s role as the clean energy leader and continues to support our efforts with federal investments.”

Sen. Dan Inouye supports solar.

      Sen. Dan Akaka said, “Solar water heaters are a great investment, and I encourage businesses and homeowners to look into this cost-saving technology. This program—along with the support and ingenuity of people across Hawai`i—will help us continue to move forward as a leader in clean energy.”
      Rep. Mazie Hirono said, “The people of Hawai`i pay the highest electricity costs in the country – close to $170 per household per month. I know first-hand how a solar water heater unit can help ease those costs, as my family has used one for years in our home on O`ahu. This is the type of program that puts people to work installing solar heating units and helps Hawai`i families save money, especially our rural communities on Hawai`i Island. This also keeps our island state on the path to reaching our goal of becoming energy self-sufficient.”
      Chris Kanazawa, USDA Rural Development Hawai`i State director, said, “The High Energy Cost Grant Program assists rural residents and businesses in Hawai`i to upgrade energy infrastructure and make other energy efficiency improvements. These grants are another example of how USDA Rural Development in Hawai`i works to help local rural communities overcome economic obstacles and create opportunity.”
       To sign up, applicants go through an energy audit of the home, attend an energy education workshop and sign assurances to comply with guidelines.
       While the program is set up for families living in poverty, households at 200 percent or above the poverty level can participate in a cost-sharing arrangement. The project covers 80 percent of costs and homeowners pay the remaining 20 percent. Call 322-3428.

Constance Lau, CEO  of HEI

HAWAI`I ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES MADE $128.2 MILLION IN PROFITS LAST YEAR as electric rates reached historic highs. In a statement, HEI President and CEO Constance Lau said, “Our improved earnings help us fund the upfront investments necessary to support Hawai`i’s move to clean energy. We are continuing to reinvest earnings in an aggressive infrastructure program to modernize the electric grid for reliability and to prepare it for significant amounts of renewable energy.” She said HEI invested $200 million in infrastructure in 2011.
      A hearing will be held at the state Legislature tomorrow to consider taking HEI out of the electricity producing business, opening up competition for lower rates to consumers. HEI would be tasked with distributing the electricity through its power lines and charging customers for that service only.


THE HAWAI`I MEDICAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION has granted the American Lung Association in Hawai`i $25,000 for its Ma`opopo Oli Hano (Understanding Asthma) program. The mission is asthma education and management for Native Hawaiian children, their families, and caregivers. School programs provide asthma education and management skills to teachers. Another HMSA grant goes to the National Alliance on Mental Illness Hawai`i to help families understand and cope with a family member who has a mental illness. This program also helps people with a mental illness avoid becoming homeless.

KA`U RED HATTERS host an annual bake and craft sale for Ka`u Hospital tomorrow and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Punalu`u Beach Park. Call Barbara Beatty at 929-9072.

VOLCANO ART CENTER hosts Love the Arts Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are available at VAC Gallery, the Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village, and online at www.volcanolovethearts.org. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door.

Park visitors hike to Mauna Ulu (top right). Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

TWO GUIDED HIKES are offered at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park this Sunday.
      People & Land of Kahuku at the Kahuku Unit is a moderately difficult hike across 2.5 miles of rugged terrain. Wear appropriate walking attire and bring water. The tour, starting at 9:30 a.m., focuses on human history and ends around 12:30 p.m. The Kahuku Unit entrance lies between miles 70 and 71 on Hwy 11. Call 985-6011.
      Sunday Walk in the Park is offered by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., in the Kilauea side of the park. Nick Shema leads this three-mile round-trip exploration of the Mauna Ulu area. Group size limited to 15. Free to Friends members; non-members welcome to join in order to attend. Park entrance fees apply. Call 985-7373 or email admin@fhvnp.org.

Thank you our news briefs sponsors: Ka'u Coffee Mill and Pahala Plantation Cottages.