Ka`u News Briefs June 27, 2013

Ninety acres at Punalu`u make up one of several parcels in the Mahi`ai Match-up, a statewide business plan contest for
farmers and entrepreneurs looking to establish an agricultural business in Hawai`i.

LEHMAN BROTHERS has taken over ownership of some 5,800 acres in Ka`u in foreclosure proceedings. The property includes oceanfront land at Waikapuna, pastures mauka of Honu`apo, the Moa`ula coffee lands and more pasture near Pahala. It also includes the old Becky’s Bed and Breakfast house in Na`alahu and the next door residence as well as various small land parcels from Pahala to Na`alehu. The final confirmation sale was conducted today at the First Circuit Court Building in Honolulu on the fourth floor. Judge Bert Ayabe presided over entertaining additional bids for the property in foreclosure, but no one came forward. On hand was Edmund C. Olson, who says he is interested in purchasing the coffee lands portion of the properties at Moa`ula, and representatives of The Nature Conservancy, who are interested in the coastal lands of Waikapuna. Also on hand was realtor Charlie Anderson representing E.W. Moody who owns a large swath of property south of Honu`apo and Chris Manfredi who managed Waikapuna, Moa`ulu and pasturelands that changed hands in the auction.

Various properties were bundled in the sale of some 5,800 Ka`u acres.

      The various properties were bundled in the sale, preventing bidders from acquiring individual parcels of their particular interest.
      Much of the land foreclosed upon is used for cattle ranching. More than 300 acres is the location of most of the famous Ka`u Coffee orchards under the care of more than 30 farmers whose leases have expired after having been set up in this new local economy through the old plantation that shut down and sold off the land, through government programs and through their own hard work.
      The foreclosure was against WWW Hawai`i Holdings, which borrowed more than $45 million against the 5,800 acres from Lehman Brothers and owed some $60 million with interest due.
      During the foreclosure auction on May 21, Lehman Brothers Holdings bid higher than the only other bidder,  Olson, who offered $12 million. Lehman, which bid $12.246 million, was allowed to use credit against the money owed by WWWK Hawai`i Holdings, in order to take ownership of the property.
      Gloria Camba, president of Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative, said that the farmers hope to keep the land, whether through long-term leases or fundraising and purchase that would allow the farmers land security for their successful enterprise.

Rodney Takaki and his grandson, Skyler Torres, captured
 the state record and perhaps the world record with this
151-pound sailfish. Photo by Lisa Edwards

A KA`U FISHERMAN HAS BROKEN the record for the largest sailfish caught, and the record may be worldwide, according to the International Game Fish Association. 

      Fishing captain Rodney Takaki and his grandson, Skyler Torres, both of Pahala, recently caught a 151-pound sailfish, capturing the state record; the previous record was 119-pounds. The gigantic fish was caught using a hand line on Saturday, May 4, with Takaki launching out of Punalu`u on a 1973 18-foot boat. Ben Wong, of TV’s Let’s Go Fishing, said he will air the accomplishment on his show.
      According to records kept online for the International Game Fish Association at wrec.igfa.org, Takaki’s fish may also be a world-record holder. IGFA lists the current world record at 141 pounds, caught in Luanda, Angola in 1994.

KA`U AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE SURVEYING of old tunnels and water distribution routes will begin in July. The group has been working for about a decade on restoring plantation water sources for agriculture between Kapapala Ranch, Wood Valley, and above Pahala, across lands, including Makanau and Hilea, as well as property above Na`alehu and to Wai`ohinu.
      Old sugar plantation tunnels and waterline routes will be surveyed by the Sam Hirota company, of O`ahu, which is sending a crew to begin its work in July. Millions of dollars of funding were approved by the state Legislature for the irrigation project being managed by the state Department of Agriculture.
      The crew will survey water tunnels built by the plantations a century ago on what is now state land. The purpose during plantation days was to carry sugar cane by water in flumes from the fields to the mill. Renovations will put the water in pipes to create a new agricultural irrigation system, the cooperative promises. Hirota will survey from the tunnel openings to the end of state land, along with access from public roads to the irrigation system.
      The Hirota crew plans to meet with representatives of each water system area to understand what needs to be surveyed. The first trip will concentrate on the Keaiwa system, up Wood Valley Road, with the remaining systems to be surveyed in following visits.

Surveying of old tunnels and KAWCD water distribution routes begins
next month. Photo from state Department of Agriculture

      During the last Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District Board of Directors meeting on June 20, ranchers, farmers and orchard and coffee growers represented areas where there are sources for irrigation and ranch water for livestock. Ha`ao Springs/Mountain House Agricultural Water Cooperative was represented by Mel Davis, Kapapala Ranch was represented by Lani Petrie, and Wood Valley Water and Farm Cooperative was represented by Jeff McCall. Eight members of the steering committee also represented these and other areas.
      Petrie reported that a landslide outside the Makakupu tunnel has made access between the tunnel entrances dangerous. While the legal access is along the pipeline from the Kapapala side, the other tunnel entrance will need to be accessed from the Wood Valley side, she said.
      McCall reported that Melanie Bondera met with the Wood Valley board to discuss conflict resolution training for water co-op members. She and Lori Beach will work with the board on training and interviewing the membership.
      Regarding Ha`ao Springs/Mountain House Agricultural Water Cooperative, an agreement is being sought with Kahua Ranch. Petrie said that she has been talking with Tim Richards about allowing access. A field trip with Ralph Kaapana was proposed to show Kahua the good intentions of the water cooperative.
      Regarding Moa`ula, where the famous Ka`u coffee is grown, a waterline has been installed down to the main cane haul road. Work on the incorporation documents is continuing.
      Regarding Hilea, cattleman Tyler Johansen met with Melanie Bondera to begin work on the documents.
      The water cooperative board of directors has set the next meeting for Wednesday, July 24 at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchards Macadamia Field Office on the corner of Pikake and Maile Streets in Pahala. The public is invited. For more information, call McCall at 937-1056.

MORE FOOTBALL PLAYERS ARE NEEDED for Ka`u High School to launch a season this fall. 

      Athletic director Kalei Namohala said, “We will need to have more than 30 players attending daily by Aug. 5. If we do not have more than 30, we will not have football. The forfeiture rate for football is $1,500 per game. So we will need to declare by the 5th.” Summer conditioning is ongoing Mondays through Fridays, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Contact Coach DuWayne Ke. Those trying out can meet at the weight room at Ka`u High School. The official day of tryouts is July 22. In order to participate in tryouts and conditioning, students will need a current physical and participation form. All student athletes will have to see the athletic director for concussion baseline testing during tryouts, Namohala said.
      Football coaches are head coach Kainoa Ke, defensive coach Brian Dopp and offensive coach Greg Rush.

NINETY ACRES OF LAND AT PUNALU`U make up one of several parcels in the Mahi`ai Match-up, a statewide agricultural business plan contest for farmers and entrepreneurs looking to establish an agricultural business in Hawai‘i. Winners receive an agricultural lease from Kamehameha Schools with rent waived for up to five years and a cash prize from Ke Ali`i Pauahi Foundation to help make their winning agricultural business plan a reality.
      After year five, contingent on the winners successfully implementing their plans per milestones to be mutually agreed upon by lessee and KS, the land will be leased for a longer term at normal KS agricultural lease rates.
      Registration deadline is Monday, July 1.
      See more at pauahi.org/mahiaimatchup.

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY that low-income families can sign up for assistance in paying their electric bills at the Old Pahala Clubhouse on Maile Street from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents can also sign up Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hawai`i Economic Opportunity Council office in Na`alehu office behind the Community Center.

At Na`alehu Farmers Market on Saturday, the public
can sign a sheet thanking U.S. troops.
Image from Peter Anderson

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO SIGN UP to participate in the Na`alehu Fourth of July Parade and be eligible to win prizes. Two prizes will be awarded for the most creative entry and the most patriotic entry. Those who decide to join the parade after tomorrow will not be eligible for prizes, said organizer Debra McIntosh. 

      Businesses, organizations, and individuals who wish to participate in the parade or donate can call McIntosh at 929-9872.
      The parade starts at Na`alehu Elementary School at 11 a.m. Saturday. Before the parade, free pancake breakfast takes place at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
      Following the parade, `O Ka`u Kakou will sponsor keiki activities at Na`alehu Park with a water slide, bouncy apparatus and climbing wall.
      Free hot dogs and shave ice will also be distributed at the park. Music and kani ka pila will entertain participants. Seniors can enjoy a free lunch at the Na`alehu Community Center, which will be followed by senior bingo and prizes.
      Assembly of God Church also offers free hot dogs, chili and a concert after the parade.
      There will also be a Support Our Troops  booth at Na`alehu Farmers Market Saturday.
      “Anyone can stop by and sign a sheet thanking our troops at Pohakuloa Training Center for their dedication to our safety,” said organizer Peter Anderson. “There is no obligation attached to signing the sheet; its purpose is just a simple thank you to our servicemen and women.”

Financial aid is available for Likolehua Summer Art Camp.
Photo from Volcano Art Cetner

SPOTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR LIKOLEHUA SUMMER ART CAMP, which starts July 8 at Volcano Art Center and runs for two weeks, Monday through Friday. “This fun and creative camp is a great opportunity for keiki on the Big Island,” said VAC’s Britten Traughber. “Join creative instructors in an exciting camp that focuses on visual, cultural and performing arts for ages 6 through 12.” Fees are $355 or $320 for VAC members. 

       Financial aid is available; applications are due tomorrow. Call 967-8222 to register or 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.

Ka`u News Briefs June 26, 2013

DLNR asks boaters to notify authorities if they see a dead whale floating at sea so that it can be taken care of before washing onto shore. This sperm whale found between Honu`apo and South Point in March is not the first to wash
up in the last year. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service are asking boaters to notify authorities immediately if they see a dead whale floating at sea. Each year, approximately one to four sperm whale carcasses drift ashore in Hawai`i, particularly in May and August, according to DLNR.

      Data also suggests sperm whales are coming into Hawaiian waters from east and north directions, which results in most carcasses landing on the windward side of islands.
      “Early reporting allows us to locate, then tow a floating carcass away from the islands. This is often much easier and less expensive than removing it once it comes aground on a shoreline or reef,” said David Schofield, NOAA’s Regional Marine Mammal Health and Response Program manager. “We know that sperm whales are the deepest diving and one of the largest ranging of all cetaceans, but we still don’t know why we see these stranding peaks in the summer. It could have something to do with migration patterns, but scientists still have a lot to learn.”
      To report a floating whale or any marine mammal incident, call USCG channel 16 or NOAA’s marine mammal hotline at 1-888-256-9840.

Sen. Josh Green

GOV. ABERCROMBIE HAS SIGNED TWO BILLS to improve Hawai`i’s 13-year-old medical marijuana program – the first updates to pass the Legislature since the program began. 

      HB 668 CD1 moves oversight of the program from the Department of Public Safety Narcotics Enforcement Division and to the Department of Health. HB 668 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2015, giving time for the transition between departments to occur.
     SB 642 CD1, co-introduced by Ka`u’s Senators Josh Green and Russell Ruderman, among others, increases the amount of medical marijuana a patient or caregiver can grow and possess. Lawmakers also added a provision requiring that only a patient’s primary care physician can certify them for eligibility, but later clarified that people covered in the federal system and those seeing specialist physicians will still have access to Hawai`i’s medical marijuana program. This measure also takes effect in 2015 – one day later than HB 688.
      Local polling firm QMark Research was commissioned to conduct a statewide, statistically significant poll of 600 Hawai`i voters between Nov. 19 and Dec. 4, 2012.
      Among its findings:

• 81 percent of Hawai`i voters support access to medical marijuana by sick and dying people under a doctor’s care; 
• 78 percent of Hawai`i voters support a dispensary system for medical marijuana. 

      Pam Lichty, president of the Drug Policy Action Group, said, “The emergence of legislative champions for medical marijuana like Sens. Will Espero and Josh Green and Rep. Della Au Belatti shows that lawmakers recognize the broad public support among voters. We look forward to working with the 2014 Legislature to establish state-regulated dispensaries and to make additional patient-centered improvements to the Hawai`i program.”

Gov. Abercrombie has signed a bill empowering county fire chiefs to
enforce fire codes. Photo from Office of the Governor

GOV. ABERCROMBIE HAS ALSO ENACTED SIX BILLS relating to issues that range from regulation of Professional Employer Organizations to the Hawai`i State Fire Code. 

      The governor released the following statements regarding these measures passed by the 2013 Hawai`i State Legislature:
      Regarding HB144 (Relating to Professional Employer Organizations): “A result of collaboration involving the industry, state legislators, and this administration, HB144 represents consensus on regulating Professional Employer Organizations, or PEOs, moving forward.”
      Regarding SB1077 (Relating to the Owner-Building Exemption): “SB1077 clarifies the owner-building exemption to ensure that it is used in accordance with its intended purpose. Many owners have been learning too late the risks and responsibilities they are assuming after being advised to obtain an owner-builder permit in order to hire or contract with an unlicensed person. This bill addresses this loophole used by those who have been trying to skirt the law.”
      Regarding HB668 (Relating to Health) and SB642 (Relating to Health): “HB668 rightly frames marijuana as a health issue, and SB642 acknowledges that it is the role of competent physicians and medical personnel to decide the best course of action with regard to the use of any measure to relieve pain or advance healing.”

      Regarding SB682 (Relating to Fire Protection): “The existing fire statute hasn’t been touched in over 30 years. Since then, building occupancies and classifications have changed. This bill further empowers county fire chiefs to enforce the fire code in their counties, which improves safety throughout our state.”
      Regarding SB680 (Relating to Homeland Security): “Long-overdue, this bill modernizes state statutes regarding Civil Defense and homeland security in light of federal changes. It aligns state and federal best practices.”
      Since it may take a few days for the state Legislature to post new acts on its “Acts” webpage, the Office of the Governor provides a list of most recently signed bills at governor.hawaii.gov (click on “Recently Signed Bills”). Bills are removed from this page once they are posted on the Legislature site, capitol.hawaii.gov.

Dr. Linda-Jane Irwin, at right, with HILT representative
Janet Britt. Photo by Tim Britt 

DR. LINDA-JANE IRWIN HAS DONATED a perpetual conservation easement of over 32,000 square feet of her property located along Wright Road in Volcano to Hawaiian Islands Land Trust. This small parcel is part of a larger effort by HILT and community members in Volcano to protect kipuka, or small oases of intact forest canopy in an area that is increasingly being developed. These oases provide green corridors for birds, butterflies and other insects to use while moving around the forest and onto adjacent protected lands such as Hawai`i Volcano National Park, Kahauale`a Natural Area and Ola`a Forest Reserve. Irwin’s donation brings the total number of conservation easements secured by HILT in its Kipuka Mosaic Project to four. 

      Hawaiian Islands Land Trust has been working with a group of landowners to preserve as much of the forest canopy as possible for the use of native birds and other species that move back and forth along the flank of Mauna Loa. The Kipuka Mosaic Project is a grassroots conservation initiative that has brought together many small landowners, professional resource managers and HILT to help ensure the survival of rare flora and fauna, especially native birds, along the southern flanks of the massive Mauna Loa Volcano. Data indicate the presence of native Hawaiian birds including the endangered `apapane and `oma`o, as well as the more common birds such as amakihi, `elepaio and `io, the Hawaiian Hawk. Three large protected areas – Hawai`i Volcano National Park, Kahauale`a Natural Area preserve and the Ola’a Forest Reserve – are divided by huge and partially undeveloped subdivisions that have the potential to fragment the connections between these important protected areas. HILT’s Kipuka Mosaic Project aims to secure numerous conservation easements within these potentially fragmenting subdivisions that will help provide a continuum of habitat for native and endemic flora and fauna.
      Regarding the conservation transaction, Irwin stated, “When I purchased the property next to my home in 2004, I immediately knew that this wonderful native `ohi`a forest should be preserved in perpetuity. Finally, the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust’s Kipuka Mosaic Project has become a reality, and I am delighted to add my parcel to this beautifully conceived idea.”
      Ted Clement, HILT’s executive director, said, “On behalf of the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, I want to thank Linda-Jane Irwin for helping us create lasting good by adding another perpetual green patch to our conservation quilt.” Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the first nationally accredited land trust in Hawai`i, has conserved over 17,500 acres to date. To learn more, see hilt.org.

AIKIDO AT PAHALA COMMUNITY CENTER is a new class being offered by Alan Moores at 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. The family class is for individuals from six years of age through adult. About 14 people have joined, and the instructor said that he will create two classes if the group grows much larger . Moores said Aikido is called “the Art of Peace.” Aikido means “the way of harmony.” The goal is to defend oneself with the least harm to the aggressor. For more information, call Moores at 928-0919 or contact him at artbyalan2011@gmail.com.

LOW-INCOME FAMILES can sign up for assistance in paying their electric bills Friday at the Old Pahala Clubhouse on Maile Street from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents can also sign up Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hawai`i Economic Opportunity Council office in Na`alehu office behind the Community Center.

Hawai`i County Band will again march in Na`alehu's Independence Day
Parade Saturday. Photo by Peter Anderson

NA`ALEHU FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION is Saturday. The parade starts at Na`alehu Elementary School at 11 a.m. Before the parade, free pancake breakfast takes place at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. 

      Following the parade, `O Ka`u Kakou will sponsor keiki activities at Na`alehu Park with a water slide, bouncy apparatus and climbing wall. Free hot dogs and shave ice will also be distributed at the park. Music and kani ka pila will entertain participants. Seniors can enjoy a free lunch at the Na`alehu Community Center, which will be followed by senior bingo and prizes.
      Assembly of God church also offers free hot dogs, chili and a concert after the parade.
      Businesses, organizations, and individuals who wish to participate in the parade or donate can call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872. Two prizes will be awarded for the most creative entry and the most patriotic entry. To be eligible to win, entries must be received by Friday.

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 June 25, 2013

Science Camp attendees conduct research in the field. Photo from Michael Richards

LIFE SAVED AT SOUTH POINT: Local resident Jackie Kailiawa recently helped a newcomer in distress who fell off a cliff at South Point near the lighthouse. The newcomer hit his head and wasn’t able to climb on shore. Kailiawa jumped off the point with this boogie board, fins and other gear and paddled to the man, whose name is Jacob, from Montana. Jacob is the father of one, with another baby on the way. Kailiawa, a noted waterman who grew up in Pahala and now lives in Volcano, brought the man back to shore. It is his third save in recent years.

Jackie Kailiawa with his boogie board and the Montana
man sitting on the rocks after the rescue at South Point.
Photo by U`i Makuakane

      A Facebook post by U`i Makuakane says, “Thank God of the gift of life! As we were down at South Point today, a guy that recently moved here from Montana was swept out to sea by the light beacon (lighthouse)! If it wasn’t for a local from Pahala who jumped into the ocean without hesitation and saved this fellow, it would’ve been a devastating day for his family! Very thankful for the locals that risk their lives to save others on a daily basis....”

GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS SIGNED Senate Bill 1093, a first step to transform early education in Hawai`i and ensure that all island keiki have access to preschool.

      “In my 2013 State of the State, I described any failure to address early learning development as one of our state’s greatest unfunded liabilities; this bill breaks from the status quo and provides our first down payment on ensuring Hawai`i’s keiki are prepared to enter kindergarten ready to learn,” Abercrombie said. “No other piece of legislation this year was more important. I firmly believe that giving keiki a strong early childhood education foundation is the best, most effective way to empower their success in life.”


      Abercrombie also announced the appointment of GG Weisenfeld, Ed.D, as director of the Executive Office on Early Learning. Weisenfeld will take over for Terry Lock, the state’s former early childhood coordinator, who the governor appointed as director when the office was first established. Lock has accepted a position with the University of Hawai`i at Manoa College of Education, where she will focus on the professional and leadership development of current and future early childhood educators.


      “Terry joined my administration in 2011 and has been a steadfast leader for our youngest citizens,” the governor said. “She and her team have made significant progress and established a strong foundation for early learning and development in Hawai`i, including completing the strategic plan ‘Taking Action for Hawai`i’s Children.’ As we enter this next phase of implementation, it means a great deal to me that Terry recommended GG to lead our efforts forward.”



Gov. Abercrombie is joined by keiki during his signing of the school
readiness bill. Photo from Office of the Governor

      A key component of the governor’s legislative package, SB1093 (enacted as Act 151) establishes the Preschool Open Doors Program as the statewide school readiness program administered by the state Department of Human Services. The new voluntary program will provide access to school readiness services that address children’s physical, cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional development. The program will serve four-year-old children, with priority extended to underserved or at-risk keiki and those who are not eligible to attend public school kindergarten in the school year they turn 5 because their birth date occurs after the kindergarten eligibility date.


      The bill also requires each provider to conduct school readiness assessments, give priority to children from low- and moderate-income families and prepare children for school through either English or Hawaiian language.


      The measure includes appropriations of $720,000 in fiscal year 2013 and $440,000 in fiscal year 2014 to fund three temporary positions and contract services, as well as an additional $6 million for program subsidies in fiscal year 2014.

NA LEO `O HAWAI`I IS SIMULCASTING `Olelo’s pre-recorded and live shows debating the topic of genetically modified organisms through Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Channel 54. 

      Program listings can be found at www.naleo.tv.

Dean Okimoto is on the pro-GMO panel. Photo from ctahr.hawaii.edu 

      `Olelo Community Media has gathered people from both sides of the GMO debate for four nights of signature programming that aims to delve more deeply into this often divisive issue. “The subject of GMOs is clearly one that many people in our community feel passionately about,” says Roy Amemiya, president and CEO of `Olelo. “We hope that GMO Week will help all of us gain a better understanding of both the pros and cons of GMO so that our community can create solutions that are in the best interest of Hawai`i.”
      The shows will also available for online viewing through `OleloNet On Demand at olelo.org.
      GMO Week started yesterday and continues today with pre-recorded shows from panels that convened earlier this month. This evening’s show presents a continuation of what aired yesterday – 30 minutes of programming from the pro-GMO panel, followed by 30 minutes from the anti-GMO panel. Tonight, the order switches, with 30 minutes from the anti-GMO panel first, followed by the pro-GMO panel.

Gary Hooser is on the anti-GMO panel.

      Chad Blair, of Civil Beat, served as the moderator for a pro-GMO panel that featured Dr. Dennis Gonsalves, director of the USDA Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo; Dean Okimoto, owner of Nalo Farms and president of the Hawai`i Farm Bureau; and Adolph Helm, project manager for Dow AgriSciences’ Moloka`i, Hawai`i Mycogen Seeds, and the Seeds and Traits Research and Development Project, as well as a board member of the Hawai`i Crop Improvement Association.
      Beth-Ann Kozlovich, of Hawai`i Public Radio, served as the moderator for the anti-GMO panel. That panel featured Walter Ritte, manager and teacher at Keawenui Fishpond and Learning Center of Moloka`i; Gary Hooser, Kaua`i County councilmember and chair of the Agriculture and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee; and Scott Cooney, an adjunct professor of sustainability at the Shidler College of Business at UH Manoa.
      Tomorrow and Thursday, the public statewide is encouraged to participate in two live discussions on GMOs through live tweets or pre-submitted comments by phone. Questions or comments by phone should be submitted by calling 834-5303 no later than 4 p.m. Thursday. To submit questions via Twitter, use the hashtag #olelogmo. Olelo’s web page on this topic is olelo.org/gmo.
      Questions submitted by the community will be among those discussed by the gathered experts. The pro-GMO position in both live shows will be represented by the individuals who participated in the pre-recorded panel earlier this month.
      For more information, visit olelo.org.

Science Camp attendees explore Hawai`i Island, one of nature's greatest
laboratories, according to camp founder Michael Richards.
Photo from Michael Richards.

LAND AND SEA, THE FIRST SESSION of a new Science Camp, has begun in Ka`u. The session gives teens entering grades 9 through 12 a chance to examine volcanoes, geology, beaches, reefs and the ocean. So far, the campers have been to Punalu`u, The Nature Conservancy preserve and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Today they go to `Imiloa. Home base is Pahala Plantation Cottages. 

      Science Camps of America takes the learning outdoors, offering first-hand experience in environments ranging from beaches and rainforests to volcanoes and snow-covered mountaintops. “The idea is to get teens outside and into the field to truly experience science,” Michael Richards, camp founder and executive director, said. “We need to find new ways to engage students and nurture their interests, and in this particular case, we want to focus on science because we have one of nature’s greatest laboratories in our backyard.” 

      The second session, Air and Space, will be held July 1 to 10 and exposes campers to topics including the atmosphere, weather systems, climate change and innovative technologies that address the ever-changing world.
      Science Camps of America chose the Big Island “for its unique and incredible environment, climate, geology and people,” said Richards. He described this island as “a science lab unto itself, with active volcanoes, one of the tallest mountains in the world, home to incredibly sophisticated astronomy facilities and natural energy laboratories, eleven of thirteen global climate zones and a native cultural heritage of discovery and innovation. This thriving scientific community is a great resource. One of the goals stated in the Hawai`i County General Plan is to ‘promote and develop the island of Hawai`i into a unique scientific and cultural model.’ I look forward to making Science Camps of America a contributor to that goal,” he said.
      Registration fees include meals and transportation to and from Kona or Hilo airports. The organization also offers scholarships to Ka`u youth.
      Find out more at ScienceCampsAmerica.com or 678-619-0974.

Ka`u resident Peter Anderson took this photo of
the supermoon.

A SUPERMOON OCCURRED SUNDAY EVENING when the Moon had its closest encounter with Earth this year, creating the largest full moon of the year. A supermoon is the coincidence of a full moon with the closest approach the Moon makes to the Earth on its elliptical orbit, resulting in the largest apparent size of the lunar disk as seen from Earth. The technical name is the perigee-syzygy of the Earth-Moon-Sun system. 

      Supermoons occur about once every 14 full moons in a full moon cycle. The next supermoon will occur Aug. 10, 2014.

TONIGHT’S AFTER DARK IN THE PARK features Megan Lamson, marine biologist and Hawai`i Wildlife Fund project coordinator, discussing the unique natural and cultural resources of Ka`u’s Wai`ohinu coastline, sharing progress of HWF’s conservation work and presenting opportunities to participate in upcoming volunteer events. The program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply.

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.