Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, April 17, 2014

Melia Taganas, of Pahala, performing at the Moku O Keawe International Festival at Waikoloa, will compete in the Miss Aloha Hula contest at Merrie Monarch, to be televised on KFVE. Miss Aloha Hula begins at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium in Hilo. Taganas will perform hula kahiko, hula `auana and oli (chanting). Photo from Moku O Keawe International Festival

THREE FINALISTS FOR A WASTE A TO ENERGY PLANT to serve Ka`u to Hilo and beyond could be announced by Hawai`i County as early as next month. Instead of being placed in the Hilo landfill, which is rapidly filling up, unrecycled waste would be processed to make electricity. A Nancy Cook Lauer story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald this morning reports that possible bidders include Waste Management’s Wheelabrator Technologies Inc.; “Covanta Energy, builder of O`ahu’s HPower incinerator; Bodell Construction, builder of an expansion to the Puna geothermal power plant; and Anaergia Inc., the winning bidder for Maui County’s proposed anaerobic garbage digester facility.” Maui had 20 bidders and five finalists before choosing Anaegia.

Mayor Billy Kenoi

      The deadline for submitting bids for the Big Island plant was Tuesday, and a contract could be signed by April 2015. County officials recently provided a tour and orientation for interested companies.
     Hawai`i Tribune-Herald quoted Mayor Billy Kenoi saying yesterday that “we’re very excited that we got eight responses, and we’re looking forward to working with the finalists for our new facility.”
      Volcano resident Anne Lee, who chairs the county’s Environmental Management Commission and has been serving on the commission since 2011, previously told The Ka`u Calendar, “We definitely need a plan, and we need to solve the problem.”
      Lee said that the landfill problem on this island “is one of the most critical issues facing the County of Hawai`i. It’s one of the biggest projects the county and the council will have to take on and make a decision.”
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A PHYSICIAN'S RESIDENCY PROGRAM that could help fund doctors to serve Ka`u patients through Hilo Medical Center is on the line today at the state Legislature. A conference committee meeting is scheduled today for 3:30 p.m. in an attempt to come up with a compromise between the last House and Senate versions of HB 1700, the state budget.
      HMC requested $2.8 million in state funding to run the program. The House of Representatives approved the funding, but the Senate cut it from the budget.
      The program received accreditation in October and accepted its first class of resident physicians last month.

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U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono

YESTERDAY WAS THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY of the introduction of the U.S. Senate’s immigration reform bill. 

“One year ago, my Senate colleagues and I came together to introduce a comprehensive bill to address our broken immigration system, which we passed with overwhelming bipartisan support,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono. “Not only would our bill strengthen our economy and reduce the deficit, but it would also help real people by bringing millions of families out of the shadows, reunifying Filipino World War II veterans with their children and making DREAM Act students eligible for federal student aid. Each day House Republicans fail to act, families are suffering and are kept apart. It is past time for the House to take action on immigration reform.”

 

      The U.S. Senate’s only immigrant, Hirono worked closely with colleagues to shape the bill in the Judiciary Committee and on the Senate floor, attaching 11 amendments to the bipartisan bill that passed the Senate in June. Since the bill’s passage, Hirono has worked to support immigration reform by introducing legislation such as the Investing IN States To Achieve Tuition Equity (IN-STATE) for DREAMers Act, which would make the University of Hawai`i system eligible for federal funding as part of a new $750 million initiative to reward states like Hawai`i that offer in-state tuition and need-based financial aid to qualified students regardless of immigration status.

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Jay Taganas with his daughters Melia, at right, and Mahea.

MELIA KAU`IKEONALANI CARMEN TAGANAS, of Pahala, will compete in the Miss Aloha Hula contest at Merrie Monarch. She is the daughter of Jay Taganas, of Pahala, who works at Ka`u Hospital. She is a graduate of Kamehameha School in Kea`au. 

      Taganas has represented Ka`u in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA. 

      “Within these next few weeks I will be completing a dream that I’ve had for as long as I can remember,” Taganas shared on Facebook. “I mahalo everyone who has helped, supported, challenged and changed me for the better. As we do before going into any ceremony, we leave all of our pilikia behind. I walk into the future cleansed with nothing but positive mana`o. I look forward to what the future holds and am so excited to find out. I appreciate and cherish this entire experience and journey.” 

      The Miss Aloha Hula contest at Merrie Monarch is to be televised on KFVE beginning at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, April 24 from Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium in Hilo. Taganas, a member of Halau Na Le Hiwahiwa `O Ku`ualoha under the direction of Kumu Hula Sammye Ann Ku`ualoha Young, will perform hula kahiko, hula `auana and oli (chanting).

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See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

THE FOLLOWING KA`U HIGH & MIDDLE SCHOOL students in grades 7 – 9 have earned a place on the third-quarter honor roll: 

Grade 9
      3.80 - 4.00: Chloe Gan, Jenny Mauricio-Henriquez, Augustina Sanchez, Travis Taylor
      3.50 - 3.79: Sheanale Agpaoa, Ashley Amaral, Jamal Buyuan, Monica Lynn Covarrubio, Brandi Louis, Isaiah Santiago, Mason Takaki-Garcia, Trevor Taylor
      3.0 - 3.49: Pete Dacalio, Tristan Davis, Cedrick Felipe, Charisma Felipe, Malika Maynard, Chadwick Pajimola Jr
Grade 8
      3.80 - 4.00: Rowlie John Flores, Sierra Yeager
      3.5 - 3.79: Junel Candaroma, Sheri Lynn Freitas, Zachary Ishii, Junialla Manantan, Junially Manantan, Zaylee Pascubillo, Revis Petitt, Ezra James Ramones, Alexia Tudela, Ammon Pomaikaihoaka Walters
      3.0 - 3.49: Shyanne Akiona, Analei Emmsley, Sheena Marie Flores, Daryl Moreira Jr
Grade 7
      3.80 - 4.00: Aaron Delos Santos, Scandy Echeilam, Jim Esquida, Ian Hargrove, Malie Ibarra, Kaiola Liu, Brennen Nishimura, Kaimi Pono Palakiko Leffew, Naython Perry, Jennifer Sanchez, Madito Tamayo, Junior Wajar
      3.5 - 3.79: Jennifer Abalos, Jordan Delenia-Tabbada, Noah Engichy, Monique Hughes, Zyrae-Jawn Kailiawa, Kayla Kainoa-Aukai, Randall Patton Jr, Justin Subica-Kawakami
      3.0 - 3.49 Ryan AhYee, Malia Nicole Corpuz, Seazon Gouveia-Makuakane, Daedrie Kai, Brynae Makuakane, Mories Moses, Melia Okimoto, Terree Oyama, Justine Rosario, Chaunalisa Velez, Jake Villa, Kalena Yeager.

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FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES’ book sale at Pahala Public & School Library continues today until 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.).
      For more information, call 987-7448.

KA`U AG WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT’S meeting today at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchards field office in Pahala has been cancelled.
      For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

VOLUNTEERS HELP REMOVE invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

CATHY AND TYSON BLACK demonstrate coconut leaf weaving tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the porch at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Tsuneo Taniuchi offers a paper sculpture workshop Saturday.
Photo from Volcano Art Center

A PAPER SCULPTURE WORKSHOP with Tsuneo Taniuchi takes place Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s 

Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Students should bring basic scissors, a glue stick, transparent tape and a stapler. $18 for VAC members; $20 for nonmembers. Register at 967-8222 or volcanoartcenter.org.

HAWAI`I FARMER’S UNION UNITED holds a meeting Saturday at 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center for those interested in forming a Ka`u chapter. Speakers include Vincent Mina and Bob Shaffer. This meeting of is a potluck; farmers are encouraged to use their local ingredients.
      For more information, contact Malian Lahey at 503-575-9098 or malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.

AT A JUNGLE PARTY at Kilauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday at 7 p.m., participants dress in jungle attire and dance to the tunes of DJ Tiki. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. for more information.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER HOSTS A Night of Improv Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The Alohahas perform a series of improvisation games with audience suggestions and participation along with original comedy sketches written and performed by members. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Call 938-2091 or email thealohahas@gmail.com.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Al Gore and Barbara Boxer were in Hawai`i yesterday and praised Hawai`i's efforts to sunset traditional energy sources in favor
of wind, solar and other alternatives such a those at South Point in Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

A BOND HAS BEEN APPROVED to fund the new Volcano Recycling Center. According to Jeffrey Mermel, who has worked for years on the issue with Volcano Community Association and other groups, the effort included seven years of meetings, petitions, emails, letters, testifying and “more meetings.” He wrote to volunteers yesterday that “it appears your good efforts and persistence is about to pay off.” Mermel, who chairs Volcano Community Association’s Environmental Committee, said that “special thanks must go to Councilors Brittany Smart and Brenda Ford, who along with Volcano’s own Anne Lee, Chair of the Environmental Management Commission, succeeded in getting a bond passed through the Council to fund this project.”

     Greg Goodale, of the county Department of Environmental Management Solid Resources Division, notified Mermel late last week that a county engineer has scheduled a preconstruction meeting with a contractor and work could begin before the end of this month.
     To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

The largest parcel include in the proposed Kaunamano purchase extending
from Hwy 11 to the Ka`u Coast, is outlined in red.

PRESERVATION OF KAUNAMANO IS PROGRESSING after Hawai`i County Finance Committee yesterday voted unanimously to send a resolution authorizing purchase of the Ka`u land to the County Council with a positive recommendation. 

      West Hawai`i Today reported Lehua Lopez-Mau saying, “Now is the time to purchase land for future use and future needs. We have a willing seller.” Lopez-Mau, former executive director for Ka `Ohana O Honuapo, said that if the purchase goes through, it would create the largest beach park in the state.
      Reporter Erin Miller said Joseph David Richardson, representing EWM Enterprises, LP, of Las Vegas, is ready to negotiate with the county on a purchase price of the 1,264 acres, which include the iconic and often-photographed slope to the ocean below Honu`apo lookout.
      She also reported that the Trust for Public Lands is willing to help the county raise funds to purchase the lands.
      While the property is currently listed for sale at $10.8 million, county records show a market value of $3.085 million and a net taxable value of $530,900.
      Miller reported that several testifiers at the meeting cited a 2004 archaeological inventory survey that identified “444 sites with more than 3,900 features, including enclosures, mounds, platforms, walls, salt pans, walled terraces and trails.”
      The Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission listed the property as its fourth-highest priority in 2012, when a 50-lot subdivision was being considered there. See hawaiitribune-herald.com. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PRAISE FOR HAWAI`I’S LEADERSHIP in addressing climate change issues came from the chair of the U.S. Senate’s Environment & Public Works Committee Barbara Boxer at a conference yesterday sponsored by University of Hawai`i’s Sea grant Program and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz. She pointed to the state’s goal of 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 and the requirement for solar water heaters on every new house.
      Regarding climate change, the California senator said, “All we need is the will” to take action. She called it a “horrific problem” but said, “We’re getting the tools to solve it.”
      The conference was called Ascent: Developing a New Social Contract for Public Investment in a Green Future. Boxer said that people who deny climate change are holding up a better future for the U.S. and the planet.

Sen. Brian Schatz co-sponsored a conference featuring
speakers Al Gore and Sen. Barbara Boxer.

      According to a story in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser this morning, “Boxer compared climate change deniers to tobacco company supporters who, even in the 1990s, swore off scientific evidence showing that cigarettes were highly addictive and posed health concerns.”
       However, “The American people and elected officials eventually got on board … and agreed that nicotine and smoking cause cancer, and we took steps together — together — to encourage tobacco cessation. … When we agree to move, we can make a tremendous difference,” Boxer declared, according to the Star-Advertiser story by Sarah Zoellick.
      “When something is doing such great harm, you’ve got to put a price on it; it’s just as easy as that,” said Boxer. She also stated that “a healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand in hand,” reported the Star-Advertiser.
      The conference was held on O`ahu.
      See more at staradvertiser.com.

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“HAWAI`I IS IN A UNIQUE PLACE to see the vulnerabilities we are all facing globally,” said Al Gore last night in his keynote address at University of Hawai`i. The former vice-president and guru of climate change activism called the Hawaiian Islands “a great place to see the opportunities” when it comes to challenges of addressing climate change. According to the story by Timothy Hurley in this morning’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Gore credited Hawai`i for solar and wind energy. “I’m incredibly impressed with what Hawai`i is doing,” he said. Gore noted that the affordability and availability of solar energy are spreading across the planet. Gore addressed about 9,000 people at the end of the conference sponsored by Sea Grant and Sen. Brian Schatz.
     See more at staradvertiser.com.

     To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION is endorsing Gov. Neil Abercrombie for a second term. HFFA represents nearly 3,100 active and retired firefighters throughout Hawai`i. 

      “Gov. Abercrombie has stood by our side for over 40 years,” said HFFA president Bobby Lee. “We first endorsed him in 1974. Since that time, he’s consistently supported us on labor issues and fire and public safety matters. There’s no one more qualified to lead this state to a brighter future.”
      “I’m grateful to the men and women of the HFFA for their support,” Abercrombie said. “Their commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of our community is truly inspiring. It’s because of the sacrifice of people like the firefighters that I continue to push for issues that benefit the middle class.”

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HAWAI`I HEALTH CONNECTOR HAS EXTENDED the grace period for individuals to complete the enrollment application process for health insurance until April 30.
      According to Hawai`i Health Connector, that is the absolute cut-off date for individuals seeking to get coverage from the open enrollment period that ended March 31.
      Those who do not complete enrollment by April 30 will be subject to tax penalties and will have to wait until the 2015 open enrollment period that begins on Nov. 15 to apply, unless there are special circumstances such as changes in marital status or employment.
      Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. in Pahala is partnering with Hawai`i Health Connector to help extend health insurance to Ka`u’s uninsured through a $125,000 grant.
      For more information, see hawaiihealthconnector.com, call 928-0101 or email krhcai@yahoo.com.

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An international exhibit opens at Hale Ho`omana in Volcano Village tomorrow.

FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES' book sale at Pahala Public & School Library continues today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.). 

      For more information, call 987-7448.

KA`U AG WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchards field office in Pahala. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

NINE ARTISTS FROM VARIOUS CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS and experiences, all currently active and working in Japan or Hawai`i, put on an international art exhibit beginning tomorrow at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The collective work encompasses a broad spectrum of materials including paint, paper, clay, fiber and objects. The opening reception for this special event, which runs through May 2, is tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 7 pm.

KANIKAPILA JAM SESSIONS at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village are open to all musicians. Bring your own instrument and enjoy garage-style jamming Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Donations accepted. Call 967-8222.

DURING STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT on Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., volunteers help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. 

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY BOY’S VOLLEYBALL team fell to the Waiakea Warriors last night at Waiakea Gym. Scores were 13-25, 14-25, 18-25. The Trojans host the Honoka`a Dragons on Saturday, Apr. 19 at 10 a.m. at Ka`u High School gym.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Photographers from Ka`u traveling to Mauna Kea last night to view the total lunar eclipse received reports of clear, calm weather at home after braving the long drive and wind on the mountain that made it hard to keep their tripods in place. These images were captured by Peter Anderson, of Discovery Harbour, after his long trek up Mauna Kea.

A FAIR & HONEST COFFEE LABELING RESOLUTION was passed by the Big Island legislative committee of the Hawai`i Democratic Party at its meeting last weekend in Kamuela. Originating from the local Democrat’s District Chair, Malian Lahey, of Wood Valley, it says, “Coffee created by Hawaiian farmers at great expense has become renowned and therefore valuable and able to bring economic benefit to rural communities in Hawai`i.” It says that the industry supports “the independent success of many humble people who instead of worsening their lot have bettered it through persistence and ingenuity in difficult circumstances.” 

      The resolution attributes the success of the regional coffee to the coffee farmers’ “skill and commitment to excellence” and states that “these same people have made the name of their regions recognized for quality internationally and in the state of Hawai`i.” The resolution states that “some businesses have contrived to gain economically from the toil of these courageous people, by using their region names to sell a product that is 90 percent obtained from other origins.” The resolution points out that “the origin name is given a significant place on the product label, leading consumers to believe that the product they consume has a strong association to the locale named on the label, when in fact the association is weak, or that the economic benefit to the farmer is significant, when it fact it is minimal.”

Vincent Mina Photo from tedxmaui.org

      The resolution points out that a state legislative bill, HRS 486-120.6 “permits the use of the ‘Kona’ name on packages of a ‘coffee blend’ having as little as 10 percent coffee from Kona and 90 percent from unidentified foreign countries.” The resolution also contends that the Hawai`i Legislature has made a factual finding that “existing labeling requirements for Kona coffee causes consumer fraud and confusion and degrades the ‘Kona Coffee’ name.”
      The proposed resolution says that “the state of Hawai`i should be concerned with the economic activities that support its citizens in their efforts to lift themselves out of poverty. ... The farmers’ betterment of their economic status is dependent on their ability to sell a relatively small amount of coffee for excellent prices, which in turn depends on the excellence of their reputation and their consumer’s trust in their regional brand.”
      The resolution proposes that the Legislature be urged to pass legislation “requiring a minimum of 51 percent origin product in all coffee labeled with that origin, and that any subsequent origin be named on the product label; additionally that all regional names of Hawai`i be protected by law providing for penalties to companies or individuals that violate these conditions.” It urges that legislators to amend HRS 486-120.6 “to put a stop to the deceptive misuse of the identity of specialty coffee of Hawai`i origin and to prevent the continuing damage to the reputation of Hawaiian-grown coffee.”
      Lahey is working to organize a Ka`u chapter of Hawai`i Farmers Union United. HFUU president Vincent Mina will be in Ka`u this week and meeting with those interested at Pahala Community Center this Saturday, April 19 at 5 p.m. He said the purpose of the national organization, founded in 1902, is to support family farms. See hawaiifarmersunionunited.org.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Russell Ruderman

HELP FOR RELEASING FUNDS FOR VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES came from many sources, said state Sen. Russell Ruderman. He said this morning that Mike Kido in the office of Gov. Neil Abercrombie helped facilitate the release of the $618,000 that was appropriated by the Legislature but could have expired this June without the governor’s signature. 

      Ruderman said his own staff in the Senate “worked really hard on the issue, writing letters and making phone calls.” Ruderman congratulated the community, the school staff and the children for their efforts in raising funds and going to the Legislature.
      Planned, with a lot of volunteer labor from contractors and skilled and unskilled community members, are 15 new classrooms on the old Keakealani Outdoor Education Center campus on Haunani Road in Volcano Village. The Department of Education has provided a 60-year lease on the property. The facility is operated under the state Public Charter School Commission.
      “I am extremely happy with the announcement of the release of Grant in Aid funds for the Volcano School of the Arts’ new campus, and I fully support the new models to education that VSAS provides its students. Students deserve quality options in education, and they are motivated by the kinds of challenges that charter schools like VSAS can provide. I am thrilled to support these innovators in education that are demonstrating what’s possible, and learning what works, to put our students in the best possible position to succeed,” Ruderman said.

Rep. Richard Onishi

      Rep. Richard Onishi said this morning that he is thrilled with the release of funding by the governor. Onishi said, “Good news. We have been working since last session to try to help get the funding released and what the school needed to do to have that happen.” He said that this session he found out the money might lapse and helped make the release happen. The community support for the campaign was very important, he said. “Volcano School is very important because there is no school in that area and it gives opportunity for those further out who want to attend the charter school.”

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Artwork by Ka`u youth depicting Pu`u Enuhe
won Jurors' Choice in Recycle Hawai`i's
art contest. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U YOUTH WON JURORS’ CHOICE in the recent Recycle Hawai`i art contest for students. The students from Ka`u attended last year’s Summer Fun at Pahala Community Center under the direction of Nona Makuakane with art instruction by Alan Moores. The subject is Pu`u Enuhe, the Caterpillar Mountain between Pahala and Na`alehu along the old sugar cane haul road. Students used wood, rope, paper and other recyclable and reusable materials. The work was on display at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo last week and was installed yesterday at Bank of Hawai`i in Pahala where it will be shown for the next month. 

      “The goal of the art competition for youth ages 6 to 18 is to increase environmental awareness, encourage recycling and sustainable practices in our community,” says Recycle Hawai`i’s website. See more at recylehawaii.org.

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NA`ALEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL is taking nominations for a Community Representative to serve on the SCC during 2014-2016 school years.
      The Community Representative must live and/or work in the Na`alehu Elementary School district or have a vested interest in the success of the students and school. The Community Representative serves a two-year term.
      If interested, please submit your name and number to Denise Garcia, PCNC, by May 5.
      For more information, contact Garcia at 313-4020 or denise_garcia@notes.k12.hi.us.

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Bolo helps helps kick off the Ka`u Coffee Festival
Friday, May 2 at Pahala Plantation House.

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and Pahala Plantation Cottages help promote new products with a Ka`u connection at the Ka`u Coffee Festival kickoff celebration at Pahala Plantation House on Friday, May 2 from 5:30 p.m. Artist Alan Moores introduces his  knew line of artwork called Iki Art, which are original paintings, tiny in size from three inches by three inches to three inches by five inches. Many of them feature landscapes of Ka`u. 

      Ka`u Coffee Mill will show off its new Ka`u Coffee Singles for Keurig coffee makers.
      Bolo, the musician, introduces his new CD featuring a song of Ka`u, called Kaiholena. Bolo will play music for the event, along with Keoki Kahumoku and his `Ukulele Kids, plus hula with Halau Hula O Leionalani, of Pahala. Admission is free.
      Meet Miss Ka`u Coffee and Miss Peaberry candidates. Donations will be taken for the Miss Ka`u Coffee Scholarship Fund.
      Refreshments will be served.

      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES SPONSOR a book sale at Pahala Public & School Library today from noon to 7 p.m. (closed 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.) and tomorrow and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m - 1 p.m.). Donations of books, CD/DVDs and magazines can be dropped off at Na`alehu or Pahala libraries during working hours.

      To help or for more information, call 987-7448.  

KA`U AG WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets Thursday at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Orchards field office in Pahala. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 928-6456.

AN INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBIT BEGINS THURSDAY in Hale Ho`omana at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Nine artists from various cultural backgrounds and experiences, all currently active and working in Japan or Hawai`i, are coming together for this exhibition. The collective work encompasses a broad spectrum of materials including paint, paper, clay, fiber and objects. The opening reception for this special event takes place Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 pm.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.