Ka`u News Briefs March 10, 2012

Basking sharks are the second largest fish on the planet, after whale sharks. One was tracked by satellite in
Hawaiian waters in February. Photo by Dr. Greg Skomal

AN UNDERSEA CABLE to move electricity between the islands is being debated in the state House of Representatives after approval by the Senate this week. The measure is supported by Ka`u Sen. Gil Kahele as well as Gov. Neil Abercrombie. Sen. Bill 2785 passed 23 - 1, with eight senators saying aye, with reservations. Geothermal and wind from Hawai`i Island and Maui are considered the potential sources for the energy to be shipped around the state.
      Lawmakers, including representatives of Hawai`i County, are set to visit Ormac in the Philippines this year. Its geothermal plant has been sending electricity between islands for years. According to a Sophie Cocke story in Civil Beat, Sen. Kalani English testified on the Senate floor: “In the larger scheme of things, this cable is one of the keys to our renewable future… without this, our renewable energy future does not exist.” A similar bill garnered opposition last year when it was tied to establishing windmills on Lana`i and Moloka`i, largely for electricity on O`ahu.

      According to Civil Beat, Hawaiian Electric Co. has backed off the idea of a cable to Lana`i, which was specifically for wind and excluded solar and geothermal. According to Civil Beat, “Language in the bill says wind farms would only proceed on those islands if there was “community support for them.”
      Some citizen groups, such as I Aloha Moloka`i and Friends of Lana`i, however, said they want more assurance that their islands won’t be forced to host windmills to serve the urban areas of Hawai`i.
      Undersea cables are not new to Hawai`i. Pacific Missile Range Facility has underwater cables to track war games off Kaua`i. A fiber-optic submarine telecommunications cable system between the islands was put into operation by the telephone company in 1994. A legend has it that King Kalakaua suggested laying underwater cables to bring geothermal electricity to O`ahu from the Big Island back in 1881 when he visited Thomas Edison in New York.

BASKING SHARKS are traveling between California and Hawai`i, if one of the giant fish picked up by satellite last month is any evidence of a trend. The shark was tagged near San Diego last year, and the ping from the transmitter was picked up by satellite when the basking shark surfaced near Hawai`i in February.
      According to National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration biologist Heidi Dewar, this is the first time “that anyone has demonstrated a direct connection between basking sharks in the eastern Pacific and the central Pacific.” The more than 2,000 miles from California to Hawai`i is the farthest basking shark trek recorded in the Pacific. Basking sharks only swim about three miles per hour, usually with their giant mouths hanging open as they filter in plankton soup – their main food. They are the second largest fish in the sea, second only to whale sharks.

To qualify for LEED Silver certification, the Ka`u Gym & Shelter Draft EA suggests minimizing parking lot size by
 sharing spaces at other buildings & using shielded outdoor light fixtures like those at Pahala Public & School Library.

A GOAL IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION of the Ka`u District Gym & Shelter is to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver Certification, according to the Draft Environmental Assessment, for which comments are due March 23. The LEED Green Building Rating System promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. The intent is to promote healthful, durable, affordable, and environmentally sound practices in building and design and construction. LEED for new construction and major renovations is based on a system of 100 base points, with six possible points for innovation in design and four regional priority points. The four levels are Certified, 40-49 points; Silver, 50-59 points; Gold, 60-79 points; and Platinum, 80-100 points.
      Ka`u gym and disaster shelter designers Mitsunaga & Associates are considering a broad range of measures from the various LEED strategies available, including:

· Create and implement an erosion and sedimentation control plan for all construction activities associated with the project.
· Minimize parking lot size. Consider sharing parking facilities with adjacent buildings and grass parking.
· Divert demolition and new construction waste by 50 percent that would normally go to landfill. Use materials that are re-used, rapidly renewable, of recycled content and of certified manufacturers.
· Reduce the heat island effect of roof and non-roof components by selecting reflective or low-heat gain materials.

· Reduce light pollution by providing shields and reflectors on exterior light fixtures. 

· Utilize native and/or water efficient landscaping.
· Optimize energy performance through design of AC and lighting systems.
· Improve indoor environmental quality by providing a construction management plan, specifying low emitting materials, providing daylight for 75 percent of spaces and views of 90 percent of spaces.
      The Draft Environment Assessment is available at Pahala and Na`alehu Public Libraries and hawaii.gov/health/environmental/oeqc/index.html.
      Comments, due by March 23, can be sent to Tammy Kapali, Planner, PBR Hawai`i & Associates, Inc., 1001 Bishop Street, Suite 650 Honolulu, HI 96813 or faxed to 808-523-1402. Comments can also be sent to County of Hawai`i Department of Public Works, Attn: David Yamamoto, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7, Hilo, HI 96720 or faxed to 808-961-8630.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE rate hikes that were scheduled this month were delayed yesterday by the state Legislature until at least the end of this year. According to legislators, the delay could save businesses in Hawai`i a total of $107 million.

A GUIDED HIKE in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. explores the area’s human history. The 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike crosses rugged terrain. Call 985-6011 for more information.

KA`U `OHANA DAY takes place next Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Kahuku Unit. Activities include `oli, mo`olelo, GPS, compass and pacing. Sign up by Wednesday, March 14 at 985-6019.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS AT WWW.PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND WWW.KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

Ka`u News Briefs March 9, 2012

One down, 36 to go in tearing down the old windmills at South Point. Photo by Peter Anderson

THE MOBILE MEDICAL VAN will be blessed tomorrow, March 10 at Kona Community Hospital before taking the road to serve Ka`u and later South Kona. It will be open to the general public on Friday, March 30 at Pahala Community Center.
      The van has been given the name Ka`a Ho`ola, which means a vehicle of revitalization and well-being. It is a longtime project of Rep. Bob Herkes, who will give the opening remarks at noon at Kona Community Hospital, along with program manager Debra Barra. Danny Akaka, Jr. will give the blessing tomorrow. The public is invited.
      The 32.5-foot van is the culmination of nearly ten years of research, work and cooperation by Herkes, the state Legislature, Kona Community Hospital, and Hawai`i Medical Service Association.
      Providing health care to Hawai`i Island residents, particularly school-aged children in rural areas, is a persistent challenge with the island’s size and low population density. Ka`a Ho`ola is intended to remedy that problem. The theme is Growing Rural Healthcare. “This mobile medical van will greatly improve access to medical care for people in rural areas of the Big Island,” Herkes said. “When needed, the mobile medical van will be able to reach people in remote areas, provide care, and indeed, save lives.”

      The program manager said the van and staff will first work with public schools. The mobile medical facility has a spacious exam room, indoor and outdoor reception, a lab, and refrigerated storage. Students can receive vaccinations, immunizations and school physicals, and staff members will be able to offer screenings and health education. Wireless tele-health capabilities will enable attention from specialists.
      Ka`a Ho`ola was built using $350,000 in state funds approved by the 2009 Legislature. Kona Community Hospital will use its medical expertise and staff, and own and operate the van. For the first two years, HMSA will provide nearly a half million dollars in funding.
      During that time, Kona Community Hospital will work with the Department of Health and the Department of Education to serve public schools. The goal is to achieve a sustainability model within two years, meaning that it will eventually pay for itself through health insurance and other programs as HMSA direct funding ends.
      Jennifer Diesman, vice president of Government Relations for HMSA, said that “HMSA is committed to providing access to quality, affordable care, and we’re confident that this effort, coupled with our online care program, will help.”

Candidates can now sign up to run for Ka`u's two state Senate
and two House Districts.

CANDIDATES FOR STATE HOUSE AND SENATE can make it official. The state Reapportionment Commission voted 8-0 last night to approve the new maps laying out the voting districts. Those maps cut Ka`u in two, giving it two Senate and House Districts starting at Punalu`u. One Senate District, now held by Josh Green, will go from Honu`apo to Kona Airport. The other, being sought by Rep. Bob Herkes, will extend from Punalu`u to Kea`au and include most of Puna. The House District, with no announced candidate, will run from Punalu`u to Kea`au,  excluding Puna makai. The other House District will go from Honu`apo to Kona, and incumbent Denny Coffman said he will run to represent west Ka`u. 

PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSIONER Michael Champley won state Senate confirmation yesterday to become a member of the Public Utilities Commission after being appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. “Champley’s extensive professional experience in the energy industry, commitment to public service and proven leadership throughout his career are all important characteristics that make him an asset to the PUC,” said Sen. Roz Baker, who chairs the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee that recommended Champley’s confirmation. 

Michael Champley

      Champley worked as a Maui-based senior energy consultant focused on clean energy resource integration in Hawai`i. He has over 40 years of experience analyzing, integrating and managing complex economic, public policy and technical issues confronting an evolving regulated energy utility industry. 

      Champley holds both electrical engineering and MBA degrees with emphasis in finance and public utility economics and regulation. He was earlier appointed temporarily to the PUC and was a decision-maker in the recent `Aina Koa Pono case, which would have established a biofuel refinery and plantation in Ka`u.

A DEADLY CAR CRASH on Kama`oa Road in 2008 that left a 12-year-old boy dead and two others injured is going to a June trial in Third Circuit Court. Judge Ronald Ibarra has set the date, according to a report in West Hawai`i Today. The 21-year-old driver, who was 17 when the crash occurred, pleaded not guilty to negligent homicide and injury charges after being indicted by a grand jury in February. During the accident, the driver lost control of the car and crashed into a utility pole, before the vehicle flipped. No one wore seatbelts, according to police reports. A negligent homicide conviction carries a fine of up to $25,000 and prison for up to five years.

WITH BOOKS BEING SHIPPED from all over the state to Ka`u libraries, patrons may want to keep them a little longer than usual before they go back off island. Readers can renew online from their own computers their books and other materials except for Hot Picks, DVDS, and videotapes. 

      One renewal per item is allowed and may be declined if another person is waiting in line for it. Renewals are available by going to www.librarieshawaii.org and clicking on My Account. Enter the library card number and PIN. Access your Items Out list. Select item to renew; click on box on left side; click on the “Renew” box. A new due date appears, or a prompt explains why item could not be renewed.
      Write new due date on the actual book’s due date slip as a reminder. Renewals can be also done at the library in person.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND’S Ka`u Beach Cleanup takes place tomorrow. Volunteers meet at Wai`ohinu Park and carpool to the site. Call 769-7629 or email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

THE FIVE TIBETAN RITES are the topics at a workshop tomorrow from 10 a.m. to noon at the Old Pahala Clubhouse. Certified Kripalu Yoga teacher Jo Caron explains the background of the Rites and their effects on health, as well as postures. Tea and fruit will be served after the workshop. All levels, including beginners, are welcome. Pre-registration is $25, or $35 at the door. Call 443-6993 or email jocaron7@mac.com.

A GUIDED HIKE in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. explores the area’s human history. The 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike crosses rugged terrain. Call 985-6011 for more information.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

Ka`u News Briefs March 8, 2012

Opihi populations have tanked in nearshore waters and could be protected with new legislation.  
Photo from Ho`i I Ka Pilina Kai

THE BILL TO PROTECT OPIHI and set up limitations and seasons for collecting the limpets, which cling to rocks along shorelines with frequent wave action, has passed two state Senate committees and is headed for the floor of the Senate. The language of the measure states: “In the past century, the amount of opihi available in markets has declined ten-fold and in the past forty years, the average opihi amount has reduced by half.” The public, opihi harvesters, university scientists, and marine resource managers agree that the popularity of opihi as a delicacy has led to statewide over-harvesting and the decline of natural populations, the legislation states. See more by searching for opihi at www.capitol.hawaii.gov.

Ka`u Andrade Contracting began
staging for the tear down of the
old South Point windmills.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE OLD WINDMILLS AT SOUTH POINT are coming down. Wally Andrade and his Ka`u Andrade, Inc. crew began staging bulldozers and other machinery this week to take down the thirty-seven 82.5-foot tall windmill towers with higher reaching blades. They went into operation close to South Point Road in 1987. The windmills fell into disrepair in recent years, with the last of them shutting down in 2006. The old Mitsubishi turbines were capable of producing 9.3 megawatts.
       Fourteen new General Electric turbines, their towers 215 feet tall and built closer to the pali, are capable of producing 20.5 megawatts at the point of interconnection. The new blades are more than 100 feet long. The new windmills went online in April of 2007. Tawhiri Pakini Nui Wind Farms CEO Steve Pace said that these windmills with their newer efficiencies can produce enough power for all of Ka`u’s homes and he looks forward to providing more energy to the grid. The metal from the old windmills is expected to go to the scrap market and be recycled. The overall contractor is Ishimoto Contracting.

ELECTRIC RATES rose in March to 41.3 cents per kilowatt-hour for the Big Island in March. This compares to 36.3 cents per kilowatt-hour on Maui and 32.6 cents on O`ahu. Only Kaua`i has higher electric rates at 42.6 cents, according to an analysis published this morning by the Honolulu Star Advertiser. The utilities blamed the increase on higher oil prices, pointing to the continuing dependence on imported oil that is burned to make electricity across the state.

BIG ISLAND STEVEDORES called stop work meetings to discuss their union issues this afternoon, which shut down Matson locations at Kawaihae and Hilo after 11:45 a.m. Container yards and auto lots are closed today from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

KA'U COFFEE FESTIVAL is looking for sponsors. The organization is offering commissions to those who bring in sponsorships. The event is set for May 12 in Pahala. For more information about sponsorship pricing, call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550 or email info@kaucoffeefestival.com. For more on the event see kaucoffeefest.com.

Keiki ocean art submission to Ocean Guardian Kids Club.
Photo from NOAA

KEIKI, GRADES K-8, are invited to submit ocean artwork, poems, and short stories to the 2012 Humpback Whale Month Ocean Contest before March 15. The contest is sponsored by Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Participants are asked to become a member of the NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries Ocean Guardian Kids Club, a program designed to form a sense of personal connection to the ocean by encouraging students to explore their natural surroundings. For more see the sanctuary's website, http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/education/oceancontest.html.

A YOGA WORKSHOP IN PAHALA, offered by Volcano resident Jo Caron, will be held at the Old Pahala Clubhouse this Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Caron is a certified yoga teacher from Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massachusetts. "The workshop is an introduction to five simple physical exercises that help balance the energy in the body that sustains our well-being. It enhances strength, health, vitality, flexibility in the body, but also in the mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. Making us feel great at all levels. Health for the body, the mind and the spirit," says Caron.
        Participation is $25 with pre-registration, $35 at the door. No experience necessary. Caron says the workshop is "Good for all levels. Don't be intimidated, it's very gradual and adaptable." Call 443-6993 or email jocaron7@mac.com. Caron is also available for private sessions.

Photo from Kanu

A BEACH CLEANUP EVENT, hosted by Hawai`i Wildlife Fund, is this Saturday. The tentative cleanup location is from Ka'alu'alu Bay south to Mahana Bay (Green Sands). Volunteers are asked to meet at Wai`ohinu Park at 7:45 a.m. and are expected to return to the park around 3 p.m. Sturdy footwear, sun and wind protection, a bag lunch and a re-fillable beverage container are necessary. Gloves, bags, and extra water are provided. The road to the cleanup site requires 4WD. Those in need of a ride to the site are asked to notify Megan Lamson in advance. Call 767-7629 or email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

Bluegrass comes to Volcano

PILI GRASS MET BLUEGRASS again at Ka`u High School yesterday with a free concert sponsored by Keoki Kahumoku and Pahala Plantation Cottages. The fiddle, guitar and mandolin players will perform at Kilauea Military Camp Theater at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, March 17 at 7 p.m. The event, sponsored by Volcano Art Center, is called an Evening of Green, Hawaiian Style with Brittni Paiva, Kahumoku and the Aloha Bluegrass Band. See volcanoartcenter.org.





Visit our sponsors at kaucoffeemill.com and pahalaplantationcottages.com.