Ka`u News Briefs April 11, 2012

Ka`u could soon have the first green powered coffee mill according to Olson land manager John Cross. Photos by Julia Neal

HYDROELECTRIC plans for Ka`u are reviewed in a new story by Big Island Video News. David Corrigan reports, “the infrastructure is being laid for a sustainable future.” Corrigan, hydroplant developer Edmund C. Olson and Olson land manager John Cross, traveled up the mountain above Wood Valley Road to Keaiwa Reservoir recently to examine the site where the hydro project is under construction involving the 13 million gallon Keaiwa Reservoir built in 1920. It has the potential to power the nearby Ka`u Coffee Mill, macadamia nut husking operation and about 400 homes in Pahala, said Olson and Cross. Cross said that the Ka`u Coffee Mill could be “the first coffee mill that is totally green powered, no fossil fuels used to process and dry and roast the coffee.”

Keiawa, 13 million gallon, reservoir above Wood Valley Road.

      The alternative energy with a 400 kw power plant will be used to help husk a million and a half pounds of macadamia nuts grown nearby.
      The water to create the energy and electricity comes from tunnels, many of them installed in the time of the sugar plantations. “Now everything is being upgraded. Its a massive project, requiring work on steep cliffs and muddy hillsides,” Corrigan reports. He noted that “Local farmers are helping Pahala and Wood Valley transition from the defunct plantation era economy to a new model – rooted mostly in gourmet coffee – giving new life, and hope, to Ka`u's agricultural way of life.”
      “As a brand, Ka`u coffee has been blazing a path towards global recognition, with continued victories at world renown cupping competitions. As a name, Ka`u is even giving the celebrated Kona-brand a run for its money,” the Big Island Video News story reports. “The region has reinvented itself with its new found coffee industry, making local agricultural celebrities out of hard working farmers like Bull and Jamie Ka`ili`awa. The success is punctuated every year with the popular Ka`u Coffee Festival.” For more see bigislandvideonews.com.

Mayor Billy Kenoi says geothermal could power the island. 
Photo by Teresa Tico

GEOTHERMAL’S FUTURE was touted by Mayor Billy Kenoi last night at a talk story meeting. According to West Hawai`i Today this morning, the mayor and other county officials visited Ormoc City in the Philippines where he said three workers run a geothermal plant that is clean and provides 220 megawatts of power. “To put that in perspective, if everybody gets home, 6 p.m. turns on the lights, peak power – 180 megawatts, is what it takes for this entire island,” the Big Island, said the mayor. The story by Erin Miller reports that the mayor said he would like to see additional geothermal in West Hawai`i. During the same talk-story, held in Kona, County Council Chair Dominic Yagong said he supports geothermal but is concerned about plans to depend on geothermal to power up the other Hawaiian islands through sending the electricity along a cable between the islands, the West Hawai`i Today story reports.

KA`U HIGH & PAHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS invite the public to do a walk-through tomorrow. To reserve, call 928-2088.

THE DEADLINE FOR KEN WICKS SCHOLARSHIP has been moved to May 1. Anyone entering or re-entering the work force or the higher education system may apply. For more visit kauchamber.org.

Photo of banded spiny lobster from reefguide.org

LOBSTER & CRAB SEASON ENDS MAY 1 and applies to all forms of harvesting, by hand, by net or trap. The taking of female spiny lobsters and female Kona crabs has been illegal in any season since 2006. In order to take spiny lobsters their heads must be 3-1/4 inches in length. Spearing of spiny lobsters is prohibited. Slipper lobsters must be 2-3/4 inches in tail width and spearing of slipper lobsters is prohibited. See more on the regulations at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS and those interested in becoming volunteers are asked to meet tomorrow at 7 p.m. at H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. in Ocean Views. For more call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

`IKE HANA NO`EAU cultural programs are scheduled this week from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center. Today, Sam and Edna Baldado discuss the cultural uses of kalo, the taro plant. Ka`ohu Monfort teaches how plants and Hawaiian culture are used to heal and nourish. Ranger Adrian Boone and volunteer Ed Shiinoki demonstrate and make traditional three-holed bamboo nose flutes, and praise and worship leader Rupert Tripp, Jr. shares his love for music.
      Tomorrow, Boone and Shiinoki again demonstrate nose flutes. Master lei artist Patricia Kaula shares na lei, the art of traditional and modern lei making, and the Makuakane `Ohana celebrate Merrie Monarch, sharing the arts and music of Hawaiian culture tomorrow and Friday.
     The programs are free, and park entrance fees apply.

LINDA ROWELL STEVENS’ signs copies of Uncle Kawaiola’s Dream, the latest book she illustrated, tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The event is free and park entrance fees apply. Call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org for more.

Photo of puaiohi by Michelle Smith, KBCC

A KEAUHOU BIRD CONSERVATION CENTER tour still has openings for next Monday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The center, located in Volcano, is one of two operated by San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Captive propagation and release techniques aim to reestablish self-sustaining populations of critically endangered birds in the wild. Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is offering the tour. `Alala, Hawaiian crow; palila, a finch-billed honeycreeper; Maui parrotbill, an insectivorous Hawaiian honeycreeper; and puaiohi, small Kaua`i thrush, are among birds cared for at the center.
      “Since the tour is during breeding season, we may even have the unique chance to see chicks being fed,” said Julie Mitchell, manager of Friends. Program cost is $20 for Friends members and $30 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are half-price. Email institute@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373. Visit fhvnp.org.

Ka`u News Briefs April 10, 2012

Top U.S. winners in Coffees of the Year, Bull Kailiawa in 2011 and Willie Tabios in 2012, join a large contingent from
Ka`u at the Specialty Coffee Association of America international convention in Portland next week.
Photo by Julia Neal 

NO BACKYARD BURNING or face as much as $10,000 a day in fines, says the state Department of Health. It amended its rules to make illegal open fires to heat water for bathing, burning trash and fires for anything but cooking. Fires in backyards have been banned on O`ahu since 1973 but are commonly seen throughout villages in Ka`u. The Department of Health says such fires give off air pollution with possible health effects and create fire hazards.

      Farmers and ranchers can burn green waste with an Agricultural Burning Permit from the Department of Health. The rules are available at http://gen.doh.hawaii.gov/sites/har/AdmRules1/11-60-1.pdf. See more on clean air at http://hawaii.gov/health/environmental/air/cab/index.html.

Brandy Shibuya is Miss Aloha Hawai`i after
winning Miss Ka`u Coffee and will vie for
Miss Hawai`i. Photo from Miss Hawai`i

KA`U COFFEE GROWERS, Miss Ka`u Coffee and local coffee marketers are headed for Portland, Oregon next week to celebrate three local coffees winning top ten spots in the international Roasters Guild Coffees of the Year competition at the Specialty Coffees of America annual convention. Veteran winner Willie Tabios, whose coffee scored top in Hawai`i, with Lorie Obra and Trini Marques, who celebrate their first Coffees of the Year awards, will represent Ka`u.

      Others attending from Ka`u include Miss Ka`u Coffee Brandy Shibuya, who also earned the Miss Aloha Hawai`i title and is headed for the Miss Hawai`i official competition for the Miss America Pageant. Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative president Gloria Camba; Ka`u Coffee Festival chair Chris Manfredi, of Ka`u Farm & Ranch; Phil Becker, of Aikane Coffee; Joan Obra and Ralph Gaston, of Rusty’s 100% Hawaiian Ka`u Coffee; U.S. Barista champion Pete Licata, who now lives at Punalu`u; Malian Lahey, of Ka`u Specialty Coffees; John Cross, Lee Segawa, Richard Loero and Edmund Olson, of Ka`u Coffee Mill; and Bull Kailiawa, who placed in the top ten internationally at SCAA in 2011, will represent Ka`u in this largest international coffee convention on the planet.

GROWN IN HAWAI`I TEA may get extra protection from false labeling. The state Senate committees on Agriculture, Economic Development and Technology are requesting passage of Resolution SR42 to establish the Hawai`i-Grown Tea Working Group to come up with labeling rules and regulations for camellia sinensis, the species commonly used to make true beverage tea. The University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture would lead the committee of eight and assist in marketing Hawai`i-grown tea. Ka`u has tea growers in Wood Valley, Volcano and other areas of the district.

Tea Hawai`i supports protection of labeling for Hawai`i-
grown teas. Photo by Jack Wolford

      Among the supporters of the resolution are former Ka`u County Council members Bob and Julie Jacobson, who own Hawai`i Rainforest Tea; Eva Lee, owner of Tea Hawai`i & Co. in Volcano; and Sen. Gil Kahele, who co-sponsored the resolution. The resolution says that the global tea market is a multi-billion dollar industry and that the specialty tea market is projected to double in the next five years. “Making tea a specialty crop for the state would mean increased employment and revenue for the state at a time when both are sorely needed…. It is important to ensure that tea grown in Hawai`i is properly identified and protected by strict labeling requirements, just as coffee made from coffee beans grown in Hawai`i is properly identified and protected by strict labeling requirements.” 

THE HAWAII WILDLIFE CONSERVATION STAMP and Hawai`i Game Bird stamp art contest is open for entries through May 7. The state Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Forestry & Wildlife hosts the competition. Art will be used on the Wildlife Conservation Stamp required to validate Hawai`i State hunting licenses and the Game Bird Stamp required to hunt game birds. Productions of the stamps will be available to wildlife stamp collectors. See www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw for entry form and rules. DOFAW encourages submission of paintings that depict the species of each category in the setting of its typical Hawai`i habitat or within its range of habitat.

The state bird illustrated the conservation stamp
back in 1996-1997.

      Winner will receive a maximum stipend of $1,000.
      Funds from sales of the Hawai`i Wildlife Conservation Stamps go into the state Wildlife Revolving Fund to support game animal populations and habitat, and to manage hunting in the state.
      Activities and projects supported by this fund have included surveys of game bird and mammal populations, land leasing for hunting, predator control, and maintenance of wildlife watering units. Planting native shrubs and trees, controlled burns, removal of invasive plants, and other wildlife habitat improvement and restoration projects are supported by the funds. Questions regarding the contest can be emailed to Edwin.D.Johnson@hawaii.gov or directed to 808-587-4185.

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN update will be held tonight at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. The public is invited. For more information, contact Ron Whitmore at 961-8137 or rwhitmore@co.hawaii.hi.us.

ERUPTION CYCLES AT KILAUEA are discussed at After Dark In The Park this evening at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Geologist Don Swanson explains how Kilauea’s eruptive cycles were recently recognized, what they mean in terms of how the volcano works and hazards implied by long explosive periods. The program begins Two-dollar donations support park programs, and park entrance fees apply.

Ranger Adrian Boone demonstrates the bamboo nose flute.
Photo from NPS

`IKE HANA NO`EAU cultural programs are scheduled this week from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center. Tomorrow, Sam and Edna Baldado discuss the cultural uses of kalo, the taro plant. Ka`ohu Monfort teaches how plants and Hawaiian culture are used to heal and nourish. Ranger Adrian Boone and volunteer Ed Shiinoki demonstrate and make traditional three-holed bamboo nose flutes, and praise and worship leader Rupert Tripp, Jr. shares his love for music. 

      On Thursday, Boone and Shiinoki again demonstrate nose flutes. The Makuakane `Ohana celebrates Merrie Monarch, sharing the arts and music of Hawaiian culture on Thursday as well as Friday.
      The programs are free, and park entrance fees apply.

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

Ka`u News Briefs April 9, 2012

The fingers do the talking with the art of ancient Hawaiian string figures illustrating the history of the islands at
the opening of Merrie Monarch. Photo from Unukupukupu/Hawai`i Community College

MERRIE MONARCH WEEK kicked off yesterday with Lori Lei Shirakawa and her Wai`ohinu Hula Studio representing Ka`u at the opening celebration. Merrie Monarch, the world’s most prestigious hula event, continues all week with cultural displays and hula competition in Hilo. Lori Lei’s keiki and kupuna performed Kona Kai`opua, Holoholo Ka`a, Noho Nani Mai, Lil`u e, Hiliawe and Sophisticated Hula. After their final song, Majesty, they offered blessings and aloha to the audience by giving out leis. Lori Lei’s students perform every year at Merrie Monarch.

Kupuna and keiki from Lori Lei's Wai`ohinu Hula Studio open up the
Merrie Monarch Festival yesterday.

      The Hawai`i Community College halau, Unukupukupu, led by Kekuhi Kanahele, Taupouri Tangaroa and Manalakalani Kalua, opened the celebration. The group chanted, moving their hands and fingers to create string figures to illustrate creation of the islands and Kanaloa, the god of the ocean. After opening rituals they shared hula, including Ka Uluwehi O Kei Kai, by the late Edith Kanaka`ole. The dancers distributed salt and awa to the audience. The group from HCC comes to Pahala several times a year to retreat and prepare for their outreach. Halau from Japan will stay in Pahala during Merrie Monarch Week.

Kupuna from Ka`u ready to perform.
Photos by Johnny Waller

MERRIE MONARCH CONTINUES today with performances at noon at Hawai`i Naniloa Volcanoes Resort and at 1 p.m. at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. The Arts and Crafts Fair opens Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and features numerous Ka`u artists and crafters Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 4 p.m. Wednesday is the free Ho`ike at Edith Kanaka`ole beginning at 6 p.m., an international event with hula. The competitive events are sold out but televised each evening on KFVE television and live-streamed on www.kfve.com.
       Thursday is Miss Aloha, Friday is the Group Hula Kahiko for ancient dance and Saturday is the Group Hula `Auana for modern dance, followed by awards ceremonies.
      From Ka`u, Thy Word Ministries and the Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative, along with KAHU Radio, will participate with floats and marching groups in the annual Merrie Monarch parade this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in Hilo.

Lori Lei keiki yesterday at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER PAUL DOLAN will run for Hawai`i County prosecuting attorney in the primary election in August. Dolan is an Ocean View resident, with decades of experience as a defense trial lawyer in Hawai`i. After serving as a public defender in Los Angeles County, he passed the Hawai`i Bar exam and moved to Maui in 1984. He also lived and practiced law in Honolulu. 

      Dolan said he wants to serve as prosecuting attorney to bring justice to the court system. He said he is the best candidate because of his vast experience in court, as opposed to candidates that may have spent most of their careers in more administrative matters. As county prosecuting attorney it would be his duty to make sure the agency and prosecutors act within the values of “beyond a reasonable doubt” and “presumption of innocence.” He said the courts are clogged with too many cases where people are assumed guilty before trial. He also called for more preventive work by prosecutors and police.

Paul Dolan

      However, he said he has no tolerance for drug pushers and would want them sentenced to permanent ban from this island for the rest of their lives, in and out of jail. Dolan, himself, lost a daughter to the Hollywood club and drug scene that exploits innocent young women, he said.

      Dolan is married to Kahea Aipia, of the Mokuhali`i family, with roots as traditional canoe builders in Ka`u. They have six children who all attend school in Ka`u. Kahea is an announcer at KAHU Radio. Both Kaeha and Paul Dolan work on the community campaign for public access to Pohue Bay.
      Before becoming an attorney, Dolan earned a degree in criminal justice administration, which, he said, makes him most qualified to run the prosecuting attorney’s office. He said he would lobby the state to reopen the courthouse in Na`alehu. It is poor planning to make people drive all the way to Kona from Ka`u when modern technology allows interactive courtrooms, said Dolan.
      Dolan is running against Lincoln Ashida and Mitch Roth, who both work at the county prosecutor’s office.

Volunteers celebrate the cleaning of invasive plants from
 the pond at Punalu`u.      Photo by Katherine Okamura

MORE THAN 80 NON-NATIVE SPECIES, previously unrecorded, have been identified by the Big Island Invasive Species Committee, which traveled along 3,000 miles of Hawai`i Island roadways, collecting samples. A report in West Hawai`i Today quotes botanist Jimmy Parker as saying, “The invasive plants, which push out native species, have long been considered a detriment to the state’s ecosystem.” About a dozen of the newly discovered non-natives have been identified as invasive, he said. After gathering data for four years, the committee plans to target those plants considered most potentially damaging to the island. Program manager Jan Schipper told West Hawai`i Today reporter Tom Callis, “We need every property owner on board.” Permission is needed from owners to allow the removal of invasive species.

SIXTY VOLUNTEERS AT PUNALU`U on Saturday helped clean invasive species from the pond at Black Sand Beach. `O Ka`u Kakou, Pacific Quest and Southside Volleyball joined in to corral the floating plants and drag them on to shore for removal. About half of the pond was cleared.

KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN’S Steering Committee meets tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Planner Ron Whitmore gives a project update. Contact him at 961-8137 or rwhitmore@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Rupert Tripp, Jr.

TOMORROW’S AFTER DARK IN THE PARK topic is Eruption Cycles at Kilauea. Geologist Don Swanson explains how Kilauea’s eruptive cycles were recently recognized, what they mean in terms of how the volcano works and hazards implied by long explosive periods. The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Two-dollar donations support park programs, and park entrance fees apply. 

`IKE HANA NO`EAU cultural programs are scheduled Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center. Sam and Edna Baldado discuss the cultural uses of the kalo, the taro plant. Ka`ohu Monfort teaches how plants and Hawaiian culture are used to heal and nourish. Ranger Adrian Boone and volunteer Ed Shiinoki demonstrate and make traditional three-holed bamboo nose flutes, and praise and worship leader Rupert Tripp, Jr. shares his love for music. The programs are free, and park entrance fees apply.

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