Ka`u News Briefs April 24, 2012

Five 2012 Chevy Volts will be unveiled today in Kona by Mayor Billy Kenoi as Hawai`i County's new hybrid vehicle fleet. Photo from hybridcars.com

HAWAI`I COUNTY UNVEILS its new hybrid vehicle fleet today. Mayor Billy Kenoi will plug in the first car during a ceremony at West Hawai`i Civic Center. The five 2012 Chevy Volts, which will be blessed, run on both electricity and gasoline.

Taking, possessing or selling Kona crab May through
August is illegal. Photo from hawaii.gov

THE SEASON FOR LOBSTER and Kona Crab ends one week from today. Hawai`i Administrative Rules prohibit the taking, killing, sale or offering for sale, or possession of any ula and ula papapa or slipper lobster from state waters during the closed season. It is also illegal to take, possess or sell Kona crab during May through August.
      “These rules are in place to protect lobsters and Kona crabs during the peak of their reproductive season and to help ensure their populations will continue to be sustainable,” said DLNR chairperson William Aila, Jr.

STUDENTS CAN ADOPT A BUOY through the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency. Sanctuary superintendent Malia Chow said the sanctuary is “excited to be a part of this important program that involves students in real-world science aimed at better understanding the ocean.” The Drifter program teaches the ocean’s role in earth’s climate, weather and living conditions. Schools “adopt” a drifter equipped with climate sensors. As the drifter, or 44-pound floating ocean buoy, moves in the ocean currents, it measures and transmits sea surface temperature by satellite. The currents carry heat from place to place, which affects climate. Each drifter is part of a global ocean array that students can follow online, along with the particular drifter they adopted.

Students deployed an adopted drifter yesterday in Hawai`i.  
Photo from adp.noaa.gov

      Drifters help forecast and record paths of approaching hurricanes, movement of ocean pollutants and wildlife migration. While satellite technology makes sea surface temperature measurements possible from space, drifters are needed to ensure accuracy. Without drifter observations to correct satellite measurements, these measurements can err due to dust and other elements in the atmosphere. As part of Earth Day, students in Hawai`i launched a drifter yesterday, and other students launched a drifter last November. “With these continued efforts to get students involved, we hope to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards and scientists,” Chow said.
      To sign up for future programs see Adopt a Drifter Program Earth Day at http://www.adp.noaa.gov/earthday; NOAA’s Earth Day at http://www.noaa.gov/earthday; Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
      Teachers can learn how to help their class adopt a drifter at http://www.adp.noaa.gov/earthday/media_photos.html.

Justin Viezbicke asks the
public to get involved. 

Photo from kohalacenter.org

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE National Marine Sanctuary holds a public meeting Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. A new management plan for the Sanctuary is underway, with a revised draft plan targeted for completion in early 2013 and a final plan completed in 2014. The public is encouraged to engage in the review process, which is designed to evaluate gaps in existing marine conservation efforts in Hawai`i and identify potential roles for the sanctuary in the future.
      Sanctuary staff members will review the process by discussing the steps that have been taken so far and where the process is going, including opportunities for community members to provide input. They hope to include Ka`u communities in the ongoing process so that residents can determine whether there is a role for the Sanctuary here.
      For more about the meeting, contact the Sanctuary’s Hawai`i Island programs coordinator Justin Viezbicke at 987-0765 or justin.viezbicke@noaa.gov. For more, see hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

Volunteer guides are needed for Niaulani Nature Walks.  
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

ENVIRONMENTALLY-MINDED VOLUNTEERS who can devote a minimum of two hours per month on Saturday or Monday mornings are sought to give Volcano Art Center guided tours through sections of native rain forest in Volcano Village.
      Before becoming a guide, volunteers attend a three-hour-long training session this Saturday at VAC’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. During the training, attendees are offered an intensive oral and written explanation of the concepts communicated to visitors, such as the natural history and cultural uses of Niaulani’s components. After attending more tours to gain field experience, trainees are then given the opportunity to guide visitors on a one-hour-long Niaulani Nature Walk, which have been running every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. since 2006. Guides may also help lead Saturday tours from 11 a.m. to noon starting May 19.
      Registration for the training is required, and space is limited. Call 967-8222 or email programs@volcanoartcenter.org.

Photo from Lava Moon

IN CELEBRATION of National Library Week, John Keawe presents a Tribute to Slack Key this Friday. He performs at 12:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and again at 2:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. Call 939-2442 or 928-2015 for more information.

A FREE HOUSE CONCERT takes place at Pahala Plantation House Saturday. Ka`u High graduate Carlotta Leina`ala Kailiawa and her group Lava Moon perform, along with Keoki Kahumoku. The potluck event begins at 6 p.m.

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

Ka`u News Briefs April 23, 2012

Ka`u Coffee farmers with Coffees of the Year organizers. Willie Tabios (left), was top in the U.S., and Lorie Obra (center) and Trini Marques (right) followed, all three taking spots in the top ten in the worldwide competition.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS wrapped up their visit to Portland, Oregon on Sunday. They represented Ka`u Coffee in the Specialty Coffee Association of America annual convention. Representatives of Ka`u took roasting classes, supported Rusty’s 100 Percent Hawaiian Ka`u Coffee, Ka`u Coffee Mill, Aikane Coffee and the brands of Willie Tabios, Trini Marques and Bull Kailiawa. Ka`u Coffee winners have been placing in the top ten year after year. This was the first year that three landed in the top ten. They were the coffees of Tabios, Obra and Marques. Their coffees were sponsored by Chris Manfredi, of Ka`u Farm & Ranch, and the travel and accommodations for Tabios, Marques, 2011 winner Bull Kailiawa and Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative president Gloria Camba were sponsored by Edmund C. Olson of Ka`u Coffee Mill.

Map from hawaiiscenicbyways.org

KA`U SCENIC BYWAY has been added to Hawai`i’s Scenic Byway website. The page provides a map with points of interest marked, along with descriptions of each one. The route, called the Slopes of Mauna Loa, includes points of interest on the western, southern and eastern slopes of the volcano, following Highway 11 from Manuka State Park to the main entrance to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and some side trips. See hawaiiscenicbyways.org.

THE HAWAI`I LEGISLATIVE SESSION ends next week. Legislators must finalize bills in conference committee by this Thursday in order for them to move forward. See www.capitol.hawaii.gov for information and to provide testimony.

Brenda Ford Photo by
Chuck Greene

Bradley Westervelt Photo by
Chuck Greene

AT FRIDAY’S CANDIDATE FORUM at Ocean View Community Center, County Council candidates were asked what they could do to provide public, vehicular access to Pohue Bay. 

MARIE BURNS said that “an ancient trail is our public access. We have a right via this mauka-makai trail.”

MAILE DAVID said, “Opening the road is the job of the adminstration. The mayor needs to work to resolve the issue.” She said that public rights and native rights have to be established.

BRENDA FORD said, “I’ve always supported rights of access to Pohue Bay.” She suggested that it may be necessary to buy right of entry.

LEE MCINTOSH said he would have to research the issue and get back with an answer.

BRADLEY WESTERVELT said, “It’s a paradox, and I don’t have an answer.”

Pahala Swimming Pool will be closed for safety upgrades
beginning this Saturday. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS at Pahala Swimming Pool are scheduled to begin Saturday, April 28. The pool will be closed for approximately ten days while the Department of Parks and Recreation replaces drain covers with newer, safer versions that meet mandated federal standards to address potential entrapment issues. Call 928-8177 for updates. 

FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES hold a book sale this week at Pahala Public & School Library. The hours today, Thursday and Friday are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND sponsors a cleanup of an anchialine pond in Ka`u tomorrow. Volunteers can sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or meg.hwf@gmail.com.

Linda Pratt Photo from NPS

ENDEMIC HAWAIIAN FLOWERS is the topic at After Dark in the Park tomorrow. Isolated by thousands of miles of ocean and cut off from the rest of the world for thousands of years, Hawai`i boasts one of the highest rates of endemic species. U.S. Geological Survey botanist and author Linda Pratt’s program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Two-dollar donations support park programs.

IN CELEBRATION of National Library Week, John Keawe presents a Tribute to Slack Key this Friday. He performs at 12:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and again at 2:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. Call 939-2442 or 928-2015 for more information.

LAVA MOON, featuring Ka`u High graduate Carlotta Leina`ala Kailiawa, offers a free house concert Saturday, April 28 at Pahala Plantation House. The potluck event begins at 6 p.m.

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

Ka`u News Briefs April 22, 2012

Candidates for Hawai`i County Council District 6 and Prosecuting Attorney met with the public Friday at
Ocean View Community Center. Photo by Chuck Greene

“THERE’S MUCH TO CELEBRATE on this Earth Day,” said U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, “as we recognize the robust efforts in our island state to protect Hawai`i’s environment while working toward fuel and food sustainability.
      “Hawai`i continues to show great leadership when it comes to promoting renewable energy and creating green jobs. Our hotels and resorts are installing solar photovoltaic panels for energy, while recycling the water used in their air conditioning systems. Our military partners continue to push toward their goals of having Hawai`i’s installations becoming more energy self-sufficient.
      Hirono has introduced legislation that would support partnerships between community colleges and businesses to help train people for jobs in Hawai`i’s growing green sector. She said it would enhance the quality of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs in high schools and community colleges.
      “On this Earth Day, we can appreciate the work being done in the spirit of laulima – all of us coming together to protect our water, air, and `aina.”

PacIOOS helps ensure safe marine transit near Hilo Harbor
with this Waverider buoy. Photo from PACIOOS

HAWAI`I WILL RECEIVE close to $2.5 million to support efforts to gather and monitor ocean data and develop appropriate forecasting models. The money will be used to support the Pacific Integrated Ocean Observing System, a federal partnership between National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and University of Hawai`i. 

      The system collects and manages oceanic data to create forecasting models and operational strategies that help improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment.
      Sen. Dan Inouye said, “For an island archipelago situated in the middle of the Pacific, we must improve our understanding of the ocean. We are especially susceptible to rising tides, tsunami, fishery depletions and marine debris fields. We can never have enough data about how the ocean operates.”
       “NOAA and the University of Hawai`i have partnered to provide critical information on ocean conditions that enhance public safety and benefit the military, fishermen, commercial shippers, paddlers, and surfers,” said Rep. Hirono. “Before setting out on a voyage, ocean-users can check conditions at their destination, potentially saving lives and money. Congratulations to the University of Hawai`i for earning the continued support of NOAA for vital services they provide all ocean users.”

Lincoln Ashida Photo by
Chuck Greene

CANDIDATES FOR HAWAI`I COUNTY Prosecuting Attorney met with the public at Ocean View Community Center Friday evening. One question asked by an audience member was: How would you keep our schools safe from drug use and criminals?

COUNTY CORPORATION COUNSEL Lincoln Ashida replied that “not the prosecutors alone, and not the police alone” can solve this problem. “It takes everyone involved, and we must bring the community together,” he said. He stressed that police have to be provided with resources. “Kids are a vulnerable population. We need to do everything we can to keep them safe,” he said.

Paul Dolan Photo by
Chuck Greene

LAWYER PAUL DOLAN, of Ocean View, said, “It starts in the home. You have to be a role model.” He mentioned programs he started that educate young people about law. 

DEPUTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Mitch Roth said, “We have to build partnerships.” He mentioned programs to educate young people with mock lessons showing judicial procedures. He also considers it important to provide activities designed to keep young people out of trouble, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, of which he is vice president. He also stressed the need to prevent domestic violence, which he said is “a precursor of crime.”

Mitch Roth Photo by
Chuck Greene

FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES hold a book sale next week at Pahala Public & School Library. The hours on Monday, Thursday and Friday are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND sponsors a cleanup of an anchialine pond in Ka`u on Tuesday. Volunteers can sign up with Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or meg.hwf@gmail.com.

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY botanist and author Linda Pratt discusses Hawai`i’s native flowering plants at After Dark in the Park Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Isolated by thousands of miles of ocean and cut off from the rest of the world for thousands of years, Hawai`i boasts one of the highest rates of endemic species. Two-dollar donations support park programs.

JOHN KEAWE PRESENTS a Tribute to Slack Key on Friday in celebration of National Library Week. He performs at 12:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Public Library and again at 2:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library. Call 939-2442 or 928-2015 for more information.

LAVA MOON, featuring Ka`u High graduate Carlotta Leina`ala Kailiawa, offers a free house concert next Saturday, April 28 at Pahala Plantation House. The potluck event begins at 6 p.m.

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