Ka`u News Briefs Monday, April 28, 2014

Hawai`i County Council considers the purchase of Kaunamano properties on the Ka`u Coast at its meeting Thursday.
  Photo from Hawai`i Pacific Brokers

PURCHASE OF KAUNAMANO IS ON THE AGENDA of Hawai`i County Council’s meeting on Thursday at 9:15 a.m. The Council takes up Resolution 351-14, submitted by Ka`u County Council Member Brenda Ford, authorizing the director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of parcels with tax map keys 9-5-011:001, 9-5-011:004, 9-5-011:005 and 9-5-011:006 in the ahupua`a of Kaunamano and tax map key 9-5-012:001 in the ahupua`a of Poupouwela. 

      The more than 1,200-acre Kaunamano properties are listed as a key priority for purchase in the 2012 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Cultural, archaeological and natural resources, along with education, recreation and preserving scenic vistas are reasons given in the nomination papers for Kaunamano.

      An archaeological survey of the property in 2004 reported 444 sites with more than 3,900 features, including enclosures, mounds, platforms, walls, salt pans, walled terraces, trails, petroglyphs, papamu, heiau, a refuge cave and other lava tubes, ceremonial sites and burial sites.

      Ka`u residents can participate and offer testimony at this and other Hawai`i County government meetings via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center. 

      County Council committees meet Wednesday. Human Services & Social Services Committee meets at 9 a.m.; Public Works & Parks & Recreation, 9:30 a.m.; Planning; 9:45 a.m.; and Finance, 10:45 a.m.

Kathryn Matayoshi

      The Finance Committee reconvenes on Thursday at 9 a.m., followed by the full Council meeting.
      All meetings take place at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona.
      Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

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

AN ARBITRATION PANEL HAS ISSUED AN AWARD for educational officers of the state Department of Education who are members of the Hawai`i Government Employees Association. The decision affects DOE school principals and other educational officers. 

      “Our principals do tremendous work in leading their schools towards student and staff success, as seen in recent student achievement gains,” said School Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “We are pleased that the arbitration has concluded and we can move forward in supporting our educators to prepare students for college and careers.”
      Major highlights of the arbitration award include annual across-the-board salary raises of 4.5 percent for four years beginning July 1, a 90-day vacation cap that is consistent with other 12-month educational officers and other 12-month employees and a rewards and recognition program for the last two years in which a joint committee of DOE and HGEA representatives led by an outside professional facilitator will determine how to best reward and recognize educational officers based on their performance evaluation rating.

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HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. IS ONE OF THE TOP TEN 2013 utility solar leaders, according to the national Solar Electric Power Association. The organization’s report lists HELCO as third in annual interconnections (24 projects) per 1,000 customers and as seventh in number of annual watts (182) per customer.

      Statewide, Hawai`i ranked as sixth in the Top Ten Solar States, producing 301 megawatts of electricity. California was number one, with 5,537 megawatts.
      See solarelectricpower.org.

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

THE COST OF INSTALLING SOLAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS in Ka`u may increase. The State Board of Electricians & Plumbers has issued new guidelines regarding installation of solar panels that call for more involvement of licensed electricians to ensure the safety of installers and customers. They specify what a licensed journeyman or supervising electrician can do, as well as what other trades can do, during photovoltaic system installations.
      In a Honolulu Star-Advertiser story, Leslie Cole-Brooks, President of Hawai`i Solar Energy Association, told reporter Alan Yonan, Jr. that the guidelines “will make installations more expensive. … “And it will certainly slow things down and make the licensed electricians less available for the whole construction industry, not just the solar industry.”
      Gladys Marrone, a Building Industry Association of Hawai`i executive, told Yonan she is also concerned about potential increases in cost. “From the building industry’s perspective, our mission (is) to keep construction costs down for homeowners.”
      The guidelines focus on grounding and bonding, which prevent electrical shock. Cole-Brooks told Yonan that “the technology and installation process have evolved to the point where much of the grounding and bonding occurs when the panels are clipped together, requiring no handling of electrical wiring.”
      According to Yonan, the guidelines represent the board’s “informal interpretation” of an information request made by an affiliate of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1186. He reports that the board will begin to formally revise the rules at its next meeting on June 17.
      See staradvertiser.com.

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Gov. Abercrombie calls for reauthorization of the Brown Tree Snake Control &
Eradication Act. Photo from wikipedia

THE ABERCROMBIE ADMINISTRATION HAS RELEASED a 2014 Hawai`i Biosecurity Resolutions Package to federal agency heads at the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Interior and Transportation as well as the Council on Environmental Quality at the White House that consists of resolutions adopted by the cabinet-level Hawai`i Invasive Species Council in recent years regarding federal invasive species policies. 

      On the topic of state and federal coordination, Abercrombie said, “This administration is committed to working with federal partners to maximize resources available in addressing invasive species issues at both the state and federal level. Our Hawai`i Biosecurity Resolutions Package identifies … areas of great importance to Hawai`i where we can and should collaborate with the federal government, and we look forward to strengthening our federal-state partnerships in these areas.”
      The letter from Abercrombie references recent HISC resolutions that highlight key federal invasive species issues impacting Hawai`i.
      One requests federal recognition of Hawai`i’s unique biosecurity needs to better regulate pest species of state concern, and the ability to share information between federal and state inspectors.
      Another calls for reauthorization of the Brown Tree Snake Control and Eradication Act and continuation of intensive pre-departure interdiction efforts on Guam that help minimize the risk of accidental transport of snakes to Hawai`i.
      The state of Hawai`i supports the recommendation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to add a number of constrictor snake species to the list of injurious species under the Lacey Act, which prohibits transportation, acquisition, sale or purchase of species listed as injurious wildlife.
      According to the resolutions package, The state of Hawai`i “recognizes and appreciates” the U.S. Department of Defense’s development of the Micronesian Biosecurity Plan, a risk assessment of potential invasive species pathways in the Pacific and a set of recommendations for enhancing Pacific biosecurity. 

      See hisc.hawaii.gov.

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FRIENDS OF VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES BOARD holds an informational community meeting Saturday, May 10 at 2 p.m. at Cooper Center. Members give updates on the Keakealani Campus Development Project, for which Gov. Neil Abercrombie recently released funding.
      For more information, call Daryl Smith at 938-5565.

WEDNESDAY IS THE DEADLINE TO ENTER the Ka`u Coffee Festival’s Triple C Recipe Contest. The contest takes place on Sunday, May 4 at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Participants can earn up to $500 in prizes for the best recipes in adult and student categories. The registration form can be printed out from these Ka`u News Briefs or from kaucoffeefestival.com. 

      For more information, call Ka`u Coffee Mill at 928-0550.

THIS WEEK, KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS caps off its usual busy schedule with the Spring Fling on Saturday at Punalu`u Bake Shop gardens in Na`alehu. The event features entertainment and Ka`u artists sharing their creativity from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
      KSA has many ongoing programs throughout the week. Ka`u Community Chorus rehearses Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall and Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House.
      Hawaiian Language classes take place Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
      Ka`u `Ohana Band rehearses each Wednesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Instruments are provided, and no experience is necessary.
      Also each Thursday, participants learn Hula Kahiko from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. The classes offer opportunities to learn more about Hawaiian culture, dance, chant and spiritual beliefs, including preparing costumes and making hula implements.
      For more information, contact KSA at 854-1540 or kauarts.org.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2104.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, April 27, 2014

Ka`u High boys volleyball team won the Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division II title Friday. Photo by Pamela Fernandez Taylor

KA`U HIGH BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM has won the school’s first ever Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division II boys volleyball title. The team defeated Honoka`a Friday afternoon in five sets to get the title. Cameron Enriques contributed 29 kills, Larry-Dan Al-Navarro had 14 kills, and Brian Gascon served five aces. 

      Scores were 26-28, 25-17, 25-20, 16-25 and 15-13.
      Ka`u Athletic Department is receiving congratulatory messages from other schools. “Congratulations on this awesome accomplishment,” says a message from Konawaena High School. “Represent our island with pride in the state tourney.”
      A message from Kamehameha Schools athletic department in Kea`au says congratulations in Hawaiian: “Ho`omaika`i `Ana!”
      Hawai`i High School Athletic Association Division II volleyball championship begins Thursday, May 8.

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

Tiani Castaneda-Naboa goes to the state judo tournament in May.
Photo from KHPES

KA`U HIGH STUDENT TIANI CASTANEDA-NABOA is runner-up in Big Island Interscholastic Federation Judo. She will participate in the state tournament Saturday, May 10 at Stan Sheriff Center on O`ahu.

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

LATE VOTER REGISTRATION HAS GOTTEN APPROVAL of state House and Senate conferees. HB2590 would allow voter registration at absentee polling places beginning in 2016 and late voter registration, including on election day, beginning in 2018. It also would allow voter registration at absentee polling places beginning in 2016.

      “Eleven states have already adopted Election Day voter registration, and we are excited with the optimistic possibility that Hawai`i could be next,” Carmille Lim, executive director of Common Cause Hawai`i, told Civil Beat. “With Hawai`i’s consistent low voter turnout, coupled with several mishaps that occurred in the 2012 election cycle, more people have recognized the need to continue to streamline our election registration system and proactively modernize our voting systems.”
      The bill would appropriate $100,000 to the Office of Elections for implementation of the program.
      Rep. Kaniela Ing, the bill’s sponsor, told Civil Beat, “We’ve spent years working toward a win-win piece of legislation. Our final revision takes into account the burden on poll workers by providing adequate resources and updated technology.”
      He said the program “will initiate simultaneous with online voter registration in 2016 and is estimated to increase voter turnout by five to eight percent.”
      See civilbeat.com.

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

A story in today's Hawai`i Tribune-Herald includes this photo of possible Japanese
tsunami debris that washed onto the Ka`u Coast in Oct. 2012.

IDENTIFYING DEBRIS FROM THE TSUNAMI that followed an earthquake in Japan on March 11, 2011 may become more difficult soon, according to University of Hawai`i researchers. “It’s becoming difficult to tell with time because the marine debris deteriorates,” Jan Hafner told Colin M. Stewart, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. The researchers used a variety of methods to confirm whether items were from the tsunami, including part numbers, writing and identifying the species of wood that were used to build them. 

       “We’re approaching that time that we won’t be able to tell if its just general debris or tsunami debris, unless we can find a specific registration number, like on boats, or license plates.”
      Stewart reports that, on Hawai`i Island, most of the tsunami debris ended up on windward facing shores — mainly in areas commonly known to be magnets for marine debris, including Ka`u’s Kamilo Beach, “which earned a reputation for debris and is often the focal point of community clean-up projects.”

Computer-generated image shows projected path of Japanese tsunami debris.
Image from IPRC

      The International Pacific Research Center website, iprc.soest.hawaii.edu, lists tsunami debris sightings, including the 12-foot-tall, 20-foot-diameter yellow metal object found on the Ka`u Coast below Na`alehu. Hafner told Stewart that there have probably been many more items that have washed ashore on Hawai`i Island, “but the list is limited mainly by how many people reported their findings.”
      “On the Big Island, the first items we started seeing were made of wood, construction lumber. We have confidence it was from Japan because of the species of the tree, the tsuji, a type of Japanese cedar using in home construction in Japan and grown in Southeast Asia. It’s only found in a few places,” Hafner said.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS ISSUED a statement applauding state legislators for advancing minimum wage bill. “I commend our legislators for advancing the proposal to raise Hawai`i’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour,” Abercrombie said. “It is imperative to provide our lowest paid workers with the economic stability and security they deserve. Hawai`i’s minimum wage earners have not had a raise from $7.25 an hour since 2007. I look forward to working with the Legislature to bring fairness to the people of Hawai`i.” 

      The final version of Senate Bill 2609 would increase the state’s minimum wage to $10.10 over the next four years. For workers who earn at least $7 more than the minimum wage, businesses can deduct a 75 cents tip credit. The current tip credit is 50 cents.
      If passed during a final floor vote before the Legislature adjourns on Thursday, the bill would go to Abercrombie for his approval.

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Hoku Subiono introduced Miloli`i Hipu`u Virtual Academy on PBS' Hiki No.
Image from PBS

LAST THURSDAY’S HIKI NO PROGRAM ON PBS is available online at pbshawaii.org/hikino. The program features segments produced by students at Kua O Ka La Public Charter School’s Hipu`u Virtual Academy at Miloli`i, Ka`u High School and Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. 

      Miloli`i students who produced the segment there include Lanakila Caldwell, Dazza Kuahuia, Hoku Subiono and David Watai-Simeona. Subiono said the goal of the academy is to provide “a rigorous, online-blended curriculum for students on the Big Island from grades three to 12.” Caldwell highlighted Kaimi Kaupiko and Leivallyn Kaupu, who started the academy. Watai-Simeona discussed Miloli`i’s history as a fishing village.
      Students at Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School who participated were Glaiza Biason, Kamrie Koi, Siena Okimoto, Jeazelle Sebastian, Lomon Silk and Travis Taylor. Taylor gave a history of Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School, saying workers at one of the largest sugar plantations in the state “wanted their children to have a high school education, making our school the oldest school on the Big Island, and one of the third oldest school in the state of Hawai`i.” Okimoto talked about how, because of the size of Ka`u, “a large percentage of our students have to travel long distances to get to school every day.”

Travis Taylor is before the camera for Hiki No's segment at Ka`u High &
Pahala Elementary School. Image from PBS

      Nowell Matabishop and Emma Reed were anchors for the Volcano School of Arts & Sciences segment. Other students who produced it were Lenaia Andrade, Keanu Beddow, Keahi Coakley, Emma-Jade Reyes Dawson, Joah Gacayan, Jakob Garcia, Amaya Hirata, Echo Hirata, Annie Judd, Laakea Judd, Cherish Kailiawa, Malakai Lurker, Daniel Savage and Kalani Scheffler. Matabishop gave a tour of Volcano Village, which he says is “made up of artists, scientists and other creative people who find inspiration on our unique `ohi`a forest.”

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

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK has announced the following upcoming flight plans:

• April 28, May 12 and May 26, between 8 a.m. and noon, to transport fencing material from the summit of Kilauea to an area near the top of Mauna Loa Road. 
• April 29, morning flight to Kahuku for wildlife management. 
• May 16: flying camp supplies and equipment from end of Chain of Craters Road to `Apua Point, Keauhou, and Halape campsites for annual monitoring of hawksbill turtle nesting season.

Nowell Matabishop started his Hiki No tour at VSAS' Keakealani campus.
Image from PBS

      “The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather,” according to a park statement.
      “Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources and to maintain backcountry facilities.”

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

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE in this week’s Hawai`i County government meetings via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center. County Council committees meet Wednesday. Human Services & Social Services Committee meets at 9 a.m.; Public Works & Parks & Recreation, 9:30 a.m.; Planning; 9:45 a.m.; and Finance, 10:45 a.m.
      The Finance Committee reconvenes on Thursday at 9 a.m., followed by the full Council meeting Thursday at 9:15 a.m.
      All meetings take place at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona.
      Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

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 Saturday, April 26, 2014

Rick Makanaaloha Kia`imeaokekanaka San Nicolas, seen here with the late Uncle George Na`ope, is Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's first Artist-in-Residence. Photo from the Artist

STATE HOUSE AND SENATE CONFEREES at the state Legislature have struck a balance on several conference drafts. The bills now go to the full Senate and House for a final floor vote. 

      “The Legislature for the third year in a row worked efficiently and effectively to end conference negotiations on time,” said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. “In the past, certain bills required extending the deadline for negotiations. Efficiency is important to the Senate as we continue to do work for the people of Hawai`i.”

Sen. David Ige confers with Rep. Sylvia Luke during a conference committee meeting.

      Senate Bill 2609 would boost the income of Hawai`i’s lowest paid workers. The final version of the bill increases the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 over the next four years. For workers who earn at least $7 more than the minimum wage, businesses can deduct a 75 cents tip credit. The current tip credit is 50 cents.
       HB1700 includes funding for core services such as education, health, the University of Hawai`i, human services, the environment, public safety and supporting and caring for Hawai`i’s people. Lawmakers reduced Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s executive budget request by $173 million in general funds over fiscal biennium 2013-15. The governor’s $200 million budget request for FY2015 was cut down to $65.7 million.
      Funding for capital improvement projects amounted to just over $5 billion, of which $2.3 billion is funded in general obligation or reimbursable bonds. This number includes the lapse and reauthorization of $339 million in GO Bonds for the State Educational Facilities Improvement Fund. The budget includes $40 million for grant-in-aid.
       “Education was a real winner in this bill,” said Sen. David Ige. “We were able to make key investments at every level, ensuring that our students have the best access to quality education. We also made investments to protect our agriculture lands by adding positions to the pesticides branch in the Department of Agriculture, funded many key programs in other areas and closed on time with a balanced and fair budget despite challenges.”
      Priorities at this year’s state Legislature were supporting Hawai`i’s kupuna and protecting the environment.
      HB1713 SD2 and SB2346 SD1 HD2 supports Hawai`i’s kupuna through funding of aging, long-term care and investor education programs.
       HB1714 establishes an interagency sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation committee under the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
      The final joint majority package bill, HB1716, which appropriates $5 million to the Hawai`i Invasive Species Council for invasive species prevention, control, outreach, research, and planning, passed out of committee earlier this month.
      See capitol.hawaii.gov for more information on these and other bills.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u's U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, seated at right, met with South Korea President
Park Geun-hye. Photo from Office of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD and senior congressional leaders have returned from Asia where they met with key leaders in Japan, South Korea, and China to discuss regional security challenges, economic opportunity, and matters relating to international trade. 

      The focus of the visits April 18 – 24 occurred on the eve of President Barack Obama’s visit to the region, with an objective to build and strengthen ties in the Asia-Pacific Region.
      Prior to their departure to Asia, Gabbard hosted the congressional delegation led by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in Hawai`i and coordinated a roundtable discussion at U.S. Pacific Command to discuss the unique dynamics in the region and the important role Hawai`i plays.
      “Hawai`i plays a significant role in the growth of the Asia-Pacific region, and meeting face-to-face with leaders on their home soil is critical to building lasting partnerships that are based on common ground and mutual respect,” said Gabbard, who serves on the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees. “These substantive dialogues and relevant site visits have reinforced the need for the U.S. to continue its focus and investment in the region.”
      Gabbard toured Korea’s Demilitarized Zone, the strip of land that serves as a buffer between North and South Korea, and met with U.S. and South Korean troops serving there.
      Later, when meeting with President Park Geun-hye in Seoul, Gabbard offered personal condolences to Park on behalf of the people of Hawai`i for the tragic loss of life in the recent ferry incident.
      While in Japan, Gabbard met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Defense Minister Onodera, Foreign Minister Kishida and members of the Diet.
      Gabbard and the congregational delegation also visited Beijing, China and met with Premier Li Keqiang, National People’s Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhang Dejiang, Vice Chairman Ji Bingxuan, as well as Senior NPC Representatives and Committee Chairpersons.

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

Recent recipients of iCAN certificates are, from left, Geraldine Ramos, Renilda Ramos,
Jeanie Jara, Emily Baloaen and Lono Grace. Not pictured are Brandy Cordeiro and
Leslie Rosario. Photo from KRHCAI

KA`U RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. is offering its iCAN program to interested Ka`u residents. In the Individualized Career Achievement Network, students prepare for careers in agriculture, energy and health care through improving skills in reading, writing, math and computers. At each level of achievement, they receive certificates. The longer-term goal is receiving a National Career Readiness Certificate. The 120-hour program is self-paced, depending on one’s needs and placement after an initial assessment. 

      For more information, see krhcai.com or call 928-0101.

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IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NATIONAL PARKS ARTS FOUNDATION, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park launches its first Artist-in-Residence program in May. The debut artist is master of Hawaiian featherwork, Rick Makanaaloha Kia`imeaokekanaka San Nicolas.
      San Nicolas, whose feather work is currently on display at Volcano House, provides an After Dark in the Park exhibit and discussion about his artwork on Tuesday, May 6 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Admission is free, and park entrance fees apply.
      The Artist-in-Residence program continues the legacy of volcano-inspired artists and provides a creative setting in the park, said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.

      San Nicolas grew up in Hawai`i and is founder of the George Na`ope Hula Festival. He was recently bestowed with the title of Ke Kumu Hulu Nui, Master of Hawaiian Featherwork of Old Hawai`i, by another celebrated cultural icon, kumu hula Kaha`i Topolinski. Aunty Doreen Henderson, Hawai`i’s famous kumu of lei hulu, has also honored San Nicolas with the title of Master Featherworker.
      “We are thrilled to offer Rick the mutually beneficial opportunity to cultivate his creativity in the remarkable setting of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park,” Orlando said. “The arts are an integral way to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and its deep connection to this sacred landscape.”
      The nonprofit National Parks Arts Foundation developed the Artist-in-Residence program as a way for artists to be inspired and appreciate national parks while giving back to the National Park Service. The NPAF programs are proposed for 15 locations in national parks and World Heritage Sites in the U.S. For information, see nationalparkartsfoundation.org.

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

TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY is the Ka`u Coffee Festival sixth annual Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 10. Enjoy free music and hula all day long as Ka`u Coffee farmers provide a special opportunity to taste and purchase their beans. Meet Miss Ka`u Coffee and her court. Discover what the many vendors have to offer in local crafts, food, games and, of course, more Ka`u coffee. Meet award-winning growers and their families while tasting a variety of their Ka`u coffees. Discover locally made arts and crafts. Support local community organizations by purchasing food, drinks and desserts. Stop by informational booths and learn more about the natural and cultural resources of Ka`u. 

      Enjoy a guided tour of Ka`u Coffee farms and Ka`u Coffee Mill while learning how famous Ka`u Coffees are hand-cultivated and carefully processed. $20 per person.
      At the Ka`u Coffee Experience, taste Ka`u Coffee prepared with a variety of methods by professionals and learn their secrets to a perfect cup. $5 per person.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.