Ka`u News Briefs April 16, 2013

Ka`u crew representing Ka`u Coffee and Ka`u as a visitor destination at Boston Convention Center over the weekend:
Ka`u Coffee Mill founder Ed Olson, coffee farmer Sammie Stanbro, Ka`u Coffee Mill general manager John Cross,
chief roaster Kalikoweo Keolanui-Daniele, harvest manager Lou Daniele, The Ka`u Calendar publisher Julia Neal and interns
William Neal and Lee Neal. Front and center is multiple SCAA coffee competition top 10 winner Bull Kailiawa.

KA`U COFFEE GROWERS, ROASTERS and marketers returned victoriously from Boston last night and today with two awards, showing regional excellence for Ka`u Coffee. Both Rusty’s Hawaiian 100 Percent Ka`u Coffee and Ka`u Coffee Mill placed in the top ten worldwide in the coveted Roasters Choice awards for 2013. The competition is sponsored by the Roasters Guild, which is the trade guild of the Specialty Coffee Association of America. The SCAA considers itself the world’s coffee knowledge leader and largest coffee trade association. The competition was held at the Boston Convention Center last weekend.

Rusty's Hawaiian representatives in Boston, Joan Obra and Miguel Meza.
Photo by Julia Neal

      The top 10 coffees were showcased with two mornings of tasting at the Brew Bar in the convention center on Saturday and Sunday. Winning coffees were three from Colombia, two from Ka`u and one each from El Salvador, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Ecuador.
      Chief roaster Kalikoweo Keolanui -Daniele represented Ka`u Coffee Mill at the event and said the top 10 entry was a collaboration with chief roaster Lee Segawa. Daniele said the win confirms that Ka`u has incredible coffee and that the mill, which was built by Edmund C. Olson to help farmers save time and distance for processing their coffee, is also gaining a reputation as a fine roaster.
      The tasting notes for the competition described the Ka`u Coffee Mill entry as coming from typica beans. The notes call it rich in flavor with piquant acidity and intriguing hints of sweetness and spice. Citrus and jasmine aroma. Fresh butter undertones, hints of lime, currant, bergamot and a long spiced finish.” The roast philosophy reported by Ka`u Coffee Mill is: “Delicate Hawaiian coffees are required to be lightly roasted to enhance their exquisite taste profiles. Therefore, our preference is to roast at the lower end of the roast spectrum to ensure our customers taste our crop in each cup!”
      The tasting notes described Rusty’s Hawaiian as having “crisp acidity, sweet, bright, fruit flavor. This gives a caramel and molasses note that is a very clean cup.” According to the roast philosophy, “We prefer to roast lighter to maximize the sweetness and aroma of the coffee.”
      Also attending the SCAA convention for the fourth year was Bull Kailiawa. His coffee is a multiple winner of SCAA awards.
      Also in attendance was Chris Manfredi, Ka`u Farm Bureau president and land manager for property  where Rusty's Hawaiian and many other Ka`u Coffees are grown. Manfredi is the person who first encouraged Ka`u Coffee growers to submit their coffees to the SCAA competition more than five years ago.

Pete Licata with Lorie Obra, of Rusty's Hawaiian
Coffee, at Ka`u Coffee Festival.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

PETE LICATA, who spends time in Ka`u and chose Rusty’s Coffee for previous competitions around the world, took first place in the 2013 United States Barista Championship held over the weekend in Boston. Competitors showed off their skills in making four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own creation – all within 15 minutes. Licata will represent the U.S. at the World Barista Championship in Melbourne, Australia May 23 – 26. Licata won the U.S. Barista’s Championship in 2011 with Rusty’s Hawaiian and was accompanied by Miguel Meza, of Rusty’s Hawaiian, for the world championships in Bogota, Colombia. Licata has also led the Ka`u Coffee Experience at the annual Ka`u Coffee Festival.

THE BOSTON BOMB TRAGEDY yesterday spared all of the 48 Hawai`i participants who reached at least the halfway mark in the Boston Marathon. Among those from the Big Island running the Boston Marathon were Jon Jokie, a Kaloko Honokohau National Historic Park ranger, and Lyman Perry, of Volcano. Perry told the Hawai`i Tribune-Herald that, after the explosion, he headed across Harvard bridge. “I was just thinking I wanted to get out of there, get away from the crowds,” he told reporter Tom Callis. See more at www.hawaiitribune-heraldcom.
      Near the finish line of the marathon, two bombs killed a child and two adults and maimed many spectators and runners. Public officials say it is unclear whether this is a domestic or international act of terrorism and are looking at many videos taken by spectators and runners to see if there is footage showing someone placing the bombs in the area.

Protesters at the Democratic Party's rally in November 2012 carried letters
spelling out "ABOLISH PLDC." Photo by Julia Neal

THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES yesterday unanimously passed HB1133, SD2 that repeals the Public Land Development Corporation. The bill now heads to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for his consideration. Abercrombie has said he is willing to consider repeal of legislation that created the agency in 2011.
      The PLDC was created to develop state lands through public-private partnerships and generate revenues for the Department of Land and Natural Resources. However, growing public concern over the corporation’s broad exemptions from land use laws, county zoning laws and construction standards erupted into strong, statewide opposition and calls to repeal the PLDC.
      “In the wake of PLDC, I am only willing to trust new public-private partnerships only when they are limited in scope, cautious in implementation, clearly defined and controlled, and for the highest public purposes,” said East Ka`u Sen. Russell Ruderman. “Also, they should be legislated in a transparent, fair process with the opportunity for public input on the actual subject of the bill.”

OCEAN VIEW WELL COULD BE BACK in service by early to mid-next week, reports Kanani Aton, of the Department of Water Supply. The contractor handling emergency repairs has located a pump and motor that suit specifications of the well.
      “Great news,” said Ocean View resident Rell Woodward. “I’m impressed how well and rapidly DWS has handled the problem. Good work.”
      The well broke down April 1, and fill stations closed April 7 after the storage tank was depleted.
      Until repairs are complete, alternate water spigots are available at Ho`okena and Wai`ohinu.
      For more information, call Daryl Ikeda at 961-8790.

LIFE OF THE LAND HAS SUBMITTED questions to the state Consumer Advocate regarding the proposed contract being considered by the Public Utilities Commission for `Aina Koa Pono to grow feedstock and refine biofuel in Ka`u and sell it to Hawaiian Electric Co. and Hawai`i Electric Light Co. 

       Life of the Land asks for more information about the Consumer Advocate’s testimony that “the entire cost premium differential should be borne by Hawaiian Electric Co. ratepayers” on O`ahu and that “Hawai`i Island has had the slowest economic recovery:”
      “Are there sectors of the County of Hawai`i (Big Island) which are in economic recovery and/or are earning above the average Honolulu income?
      “Are there sectors of the City and County of O`ahu (Honolulu) which are in economic recession and/or are earning below the average Big Island income?
      “Why should financially better off sectors of the County of Hawai`i be subsidized by economically challenged communities on O`ahu?
      “What is the spread (variation, standard deviation) among economic incomes on the Big Island?
      “Should O`ahu ratepayers pay part of the cost of the Auwahi wind farm, the Hu Honua biomass project, and the PGV Geothermal expansion, etc.? Even if some of these projects are below avoided cost, shouldn’t HELCO ratepayers (Hawai`i Island residents) get some kind of financial relief or support from O`ahu ratepayers?”
      Life of the Land’s and other parties’ information requests are available at puc.hawaii.gov. Responses to the questions are due Friday, May 10.

The current Pahala Public & School opened its doors on March 2, 1963.

PAHALA PUBLIC & SCHOOL LIBRARY celebrates its 50th year of service this Friday during National Library Week. The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Communities Matter at Your Library.” 

      Beginning at 10:30 a.m. and continuing throughout the day are performances by local hula halau and students of Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary School. Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u offers craft demonstrations.
      As a special treat, at 1 p.m., there will be an airbrush artist doing tattoos.
      At 2 p.m., students of Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary who entered and won the Haiku Poetry writing contest read their poems and receive prizes. Winners of contests running this week will also be announced.
      Throughout the week, the Friends of the Ka`u Library are having a Book Sale. Donations of good used books are welcomed. Funds raised help support both Pahala Public & School Library and Na`alehu Public Library with programs and materials. Donations can be dropped off at both libraries.
      Pahala P&S Library is currently open three days a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plans are in the works to open the library five days a week and longer hours.
      “Continue to support Pahala Public & School Library by using it often,” said Debbie Wong Yuen. For more information, call 928-2015.

IN KA`U HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS, Ka`u plays Waiakea today, 3 p.m. at Pahala Ball Park. Trojan tennis team heads for Kamehameha School in Kea`au for the BIIF Championships starting Thursday. Also for the Big Island championships - all on Saturday, track starts at 9 a.m. at HPA in Waimea, boys volleyball against Christian Liberty starts at 10 a.m. at home and judo begins at 9 a.m. at Waiakea.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u News Briefs April 15, 2013

Opponents say they will continue to protect Mauna Kea from development following Friday's approval by the BLNR
of the Thirty Meter Telescope project. Image from Wikimedia Commons

REOPENING OF KULANI PRISON is being considered by the state Legislature and Hawai`i County Council. House Bill 200 HD1 SD1, relating to the state budget, appropriates almost $4.7 million for the prison over the next two fiscal years. A conference committee in the Legislature is considering this and other appropriations during budget negotiations this week. 

      A resolution on this week’s Hawai`i County Council meeting agenda urges the 2013 Hawai`i State Legislature to support funding and pass the legislation.
      The Council resolution says reopening Kulani will create up to 90 new jobs. It also supports a proposal to integrate a program which would incorporate Hawaiian cultural traditions in preparation for reintegrating prisoners to be released from prison, such as the Pu`uhonua Alternative Program.

Samuel Kaleleiki, president of Ohana Ho`opakele
Photo from bigislandvideonews.com

      Samuel Kaleleiki, president of Ohana Ho`opakele, described Pu`uhonua as “places open to all, not just Kanaka Maoli, where the traditional ho`oponopono process of making right will be used to help heal individuals, families, and communities. We believe Pu`uhonua centers are for the good of all Hawai`i’s people and can provide real hope in saving money, reducing recidivism, crime prevention and long-term positive change.”
      County Council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. Ka`u residents can participate via videoconference at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle. The videoconferencing system is available until 3 p.m. or later if public witness testimony has not been completed. For more information, call 961-8536 or edistrict6@co.hawaii.hi.us.

FOLLOWING FRIDAY’S DECISION by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources to allow plans for the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea to move forward, opponents vowed to continue to protect the mountain from further development.
      “We’re not going to go away because of one bad ruling,” Nelson Ho, co-chair of the Mauna Kea Issues Committee from the Sierra Club’s Hawai`i Chapter, told Latinos Post. “We’re in the early rounds of the boxing match, and this is a twelve-rounder.”
      According to the story in Latinos Post, the Sierra Club and a handful of other environmental and Native Hawaiian culture organizations assert the TMT will severely damage the area of the volcano, which Native Hawaiian traditions hold as sacred, a gateway to the afterlife that once only high chiefs and spiritual leaders were allowed to visit.
      The story also states that at least one ancient burial site is confirmed on the mountain and that naturalists say it is “one of the last pristine environments in Hawai`i, let alone the world.”

      An entry on the Protect Mauna Kea page of Facebook page by Pua Case, one of the petitioners in the contested case for the construction permit, states, “The BLNR was not as strong as we had hoped they would be…. We would hope BLNR would defend our `Aina. But the truth is the bureaucracy that is BLNR can’t do it; we must do it; we must protect what we love. We cannot wait for the bureaucracy to (do) anything. We do it by standing for what we love, we do it by refusing to accept what is unacceptable, we do it by saying no to things that are a`ole pono.
      “We must not be disheartened by this decision and must not lose hope — we must keep raising the standard of aloha for our `aina, the poe and the world.…
      “We must also remember that when we began over 10 years ago, we were facing off with NASA — a giant entity. The TMT is no different, but what is more important to remember is that we did prevail. The UH and others have not been able to build any telescopes for over 10 years, so we must remember and not forget.”
      In another entry, Case calls for opponents of the project to remain united:
      “Mahalo to all who are posting in support of the mauna, our sacred and beloved Mauna A Wakea. Let us move forward as we have been directed to by the ancient ones … in love and light for the mountain and extend our highest and strongest heartfelt connection to her now more than ever.
      “Pono will prevail, my friends, my relations. We will need you to stand with us for the mountain. We are all in this together. It is a significant time to be on this Earth to be a steward, a warrior, a protector in total consciousness. Stand strong as a mountain and fuel your fire with the light of our beloved Hawai`i from the mountain to the sea.”
      The consortium developing TMT announced that construction is scheduled to begin next April, with site preparation taking place before the end of this year.

LIFE OF THE LAND HAS SUBMITTED questions to the state Consumer Advocate regarding the proposed contract being considered by the Public Utilities Commission for `Aina Koa Pono to grow feedstock and refine biofuel in Ka`u and sell it to Hawaiian Electric Co. and Hawai`i Electric Light Co.

       In previous testimony, the Consumer Advocate stated, “I am informed, therefore, I believe, that the Edmund Olson Trust that owns the 12,000 acres of land on which the AKP project is to be located has made available portions of that land for food crop production, but very few farmers have actually taken advantage of that offer. Furthermore, if this project is approved, then the Olson Trust will make available a portion of the 12,000 acres for food crop production.”
      Life of the Land asks several questions pertaining to this statement:

      “Do agricultural issues generally fall outside the scope of the Consumer Advocate’s statutory jurisdiction?
      “Of the 12,000 acres owned by Edmund Olson Trust In the Ka`u area, how many acres are currently leased for (a) food production (b) ranching (c) other diversified agricultural production?
      “How many existing leases exist for land owned by the Edmund Olson Trust that is slated for biofuel production? How many of these leases are currently in (a) food production (b) ranching (c) other diversified agricultural production?
      “How many of the leases would be ended to make way for biofuel production?
      “How many of the lessees did the Consumer Advocate talk with? Please document the date and contact person for each discussion.
      “How many have taken advantage of the offer, how many have not, and how many have been told to wait until the biofuel operation is approved before their application will be considered?
      “If this project is approved, will the Olson Trust make more or less of its land available to farmers and ranchers, as compared to the amount of land they currently make available?
      Life of the Land’s and other parties’ information requests are available at puc.hawaii.gov. Responses to the questions are due Friday, May 10.

TOMORROW, KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER, dressed in period costume, portrays Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas A. Jaggar during A Walk into the Past. The program takes place in the Whitney Vault, a 16’ x 12’ underground laboratory that still has original equipment and is located under a mound in front of Volcano House.
      Performances are every other Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center. The program is free, and park entrance fees apply.

A bamboo trumpet hula implement by Greg West. Photo from VAC

ARTIST AND HAWAIIAN CULTURAL practitioner Greg West teaches different Hawaiian cultural art techniques and offers insight into the deeper meaning of Hawaiian arts and crafts Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The program is free. Call 967-8222 for more information.

ENTRIES FOR TRIPLE C RECIPE CONTEST, an event of the Ka`u Coffee Festival, are due one week from today on Monday, April 22. The event featuring cookies, candies and crackers infused with a Ka`u Coffee flavor takes place Sunday, April 28 at 2 p.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Professionals, Amateurs, and Students are welcome to submit a recipe for each category.
      Entry forms are available at kaucoffeefest.com.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

Ka`u News Briefs April 14, 2013

Hawai`i's 2013 state Legislature is moving into its final weeks.

HAWAI`I’S 2013 STATE LEGISLATURE is moving into its closing weeks. On April 25 and 26, bills must be in their final forms and made available to members of the Legislature for 48 hours prior to being voted on for passage. Adjournment day is May 2.

Rep. Richard Onishi

A GMO LABELING RESOLUTION introduced by several lawmakers including East Ka`u Rep. Richard Onishi was unanimously approved by the state House of Representatives yesterday. The resolution requests the U.S. Congress to support legislation requiring the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration to come up with a nationwide system for monitoring, labeling and enforcing the labeling of all whole and processed genetically engineered foods. 

      According to the resolution, polls have indicated that ninety percent of Americans favor labeling genetically engineered foods in order to make informed choices about whether or not to purchase or eat these foods. It also says that, as of this year, twenty-five states have introduced legislation to require the labeling of genetically modified or engineered foods.

Russell Kokubun 

      The resolution states that transparency and accuracy regarding the genetic and nutritional composition of food we eat is a right that should be protected by law.
      Testimony from Russell Kokubun, chair of the state Board of Agriculture, said the Department supports this measure. Kokubun said that while, in recent years, there has been a push to mandate the labeling of genetically engineered foods at the state level, “the enormity of such a task is beyond the scope and expertise of the various state agencies and would be better served if done at a national level. Furthermore, a national standard for labeling would provide consistent application across the states, making it easier to monitor and enforce and creating a level playing field for all food producers from farmers to processors.

THE STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES yesterday also approved SB858 with an amendment to add a gender equity section introduced by Rep. Cindy Evans that asks appointing authorities for boards and commissions to strive to achieve the goal of equal gender representation. The bill was originally written to clarify that members of boards and commissions whose reappointment to a second consecutive term has failed to receive the consent of the Senate are prohibited from serving as holdovers. 

Rep. Cindy Evans

      The section on gender equality reads: “The governor or relevant appointing authority, as far as practicable, shall strive for the goal of equal gender representation when appointing members to boards and commissions and shall give priority to achieving the goal of gender equity when appointing members to vacancies, at-large positions, and as alternates.”
      Evans said the amendment is a “policy statement requesting the appointing authority to strive to achieve gender equality; it is not a mandate. While I realize that qualified individuals need to sit on boards and commissions, the glaring discrepancies in the makeup of these boards and commissions need to also be recognized and addressed.”
      “Half of our state’s population is female and working. Yet there exists great disparities on several boards and commissions responsible for overseeing our industries and institutions that play significant roles in Hawai`i.”
      Evans cited examples: University of Hawai`i Board of Regents has 12 male members and three females; Hawai`i Tourism Authority has 10 males and two females; and the Land Use Commission has eight males and one female.
      “We need to be mindful of under representation and strive to correct it where it occurs,” Evans said.

Brenda Ford

IN COUNTY BUDGET DISCUSSIONS regarding mass transit, Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford suggested dedicating money to the agency from an increase in highway taxes. 

      Can we do that?” Ford asked deputy Finance director Deanna Sako. Sako said the county could do that, and gave, as an example, the Department of Public Works considering making a request to increase the fuel tax to increase the pool of funds for highway and road repair around the island.
      Erin Miller, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reports that, according to Tiffany Kai, Mass Transit Agency acting administrator, it currently costs $5.87 per passenger to run the county public transportation system, and, because of added costs, that number is expected to rise to about $7 per passenger in the fiscal year beginning July 1. Passengers pay $1 per ride, with students, seniors and people with disabilities riding free.
      A County Council public hearing on the budget will be held in Kona at West Hawai`i Civic Center this Tuesday.
      The entire county budget for 2013-2014 proposed by the mayor would be $370.8 million.

Dogs and other pets are not allowed in many areas of Hawai`i Volcanoes
National Park, remind park managers. Photo from NPS

MANAGERS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK remind the public that dogs and other pets are not allowed in many areas of the park for safety reasons and for the protection of threatened and endangered species.
      “During my career in national parks, I have witnessed dogs go over the sides of cliffs chasing birds, and in the past year at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, we have had incidents of dogs off leash in nene areas, and most recently, falling into steam cracks, all while seemingly under control of their owners,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “Pets are like our family, and the best way to protect them is to not expose them to the unnecessary hazards and risks prevalent in a national park,” she said.
      Pets are prohibited in the following areas of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park:

• All undeveloped areas of the park, including designated wilderness areas; 
 
• All trails, including backcountry trails; 
 
• All backcountry campgrounds, including Kulanaokuaiki;
 
• `Ainahou, Kipuka Nene and all of Hilina Pali Road. 

      Authorized service animals are permitted, but may be prohibited from certain areas if their presence is detrimental to park management programs, such as nene recovery.
      All pets and service dogs in the park must be leashed at all times. Recently, hikers have reported being bitten by dogs off leash on park trails. In 2012, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park law enforcement officers cited, warned and responded to 24 dog incidents in the park.
      Dogs are used by the park to support ungulate control programs and by law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties, in accordance with federal and state laws.

Ka`u resident Dick Hershberger portrays Thomas Jaggar
this Tuesday and every other Tuesday. Photo from NPS

ON TUESDAY, A WALK INTO THE PAST features living history presenter Dick Hershberger, dressed in period costume, bringing back to life Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, founder of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and a prominent figure in the history of volcanology, the study of volcanoes. 

      The program takes place in the Whitney Vault, a 16’ x 12’ underground laboratory that still has original equipment, and is located under a mound in front of the Volcano House.
      Performances are every other Tuesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center.

ARTIST AND HAWAIIAN CULTURAL practitioner Greg West teaches different Hawaiian cultural art techniques and offers insight into the deeper meaning of Hawaiian arts and crafts Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The program is free. Call 967-8222 for more information.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.