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Saturday, September 13, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014

Ka`u High School's scoreboard shows the final score of Trojan eight-man football team's victory over Pahoa High Daggers last night. Photo by Pamela Taylor
PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION will receive over $2 million in U.S. Department of Education grants to operate its various education programs, including Tutu & Me programs in Ka`u. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz announced the grants to education programs and institutions that serve Native Hawaiian communities from preschool through college and career training. Projects will support vital needs such as kindergarten readiness; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education; Native Hawaiian culture and language; and college success.
      “After visiting many of these schools and programs in Hawai`i, I have seen first-hand how important it is to empower Native Hawaiian students and will continue to fight for these valuable funds,” Hirono said. “When students have a sense of place and feel they’re a part of the community, they can thrive in the classroom and beyond.”
      Schatz said, “Many in our Native Hawaiian communities face unique challenges in gaining a higher education. We must make sure the federal government continues to do its part to identify and tackle some of the obstacles standing in their way. These investments will go a long way in providing our children with the opportunities to learn in a unique, culturally sensitive way and help them reach their full potential.”
      Native Hawaiian Education Program grantees are receiving more than $8 million in funding, and over $11 million are being awarded to Native Hawaiian-serving institutions of higher education.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Trojans get ready to put the ball into play. Photo by Cheyenne DaCalio
THE TEAM THAT STARTED EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL league for the smaller high schools on this island and beyond pounded Pahoa last night with a score of 62-0 on Trojan turf.
      Within two minutes of the game, Anthony Emmsley Ah Yee got a touchdown. The two-point conversion was blocked by Pahoa’s Kawika Andrian, for a beginning score of 6-0.
      A few minutes later, Kupono Palakiko Leffew ran over 20 yards with several Pahoa defense players on his back.
      Quarterback Cy Tamura ran in a touchdown, and Leffew ran for a two-point conversion to make the score 14-0.
      Kali`i Dolan got the third touchdown of the first quarter, and Kaimanu Medeiros-Dancel got the two-point conversion for a score of 22-0.
      When the second quarter began, Pahoa had the ball, but Ka`u’s Makana Gravela intercepted it, making a play to pass the ball to Anthony Emmsley Ah Yee for another touchdown, and Cy Tamura got the two-point conversion. Ka`u got another two points through a safety by Kaweni Ibarra.
      Kaimanu Medeiros-Dancel got another touchdown, and Randall Kahele scored the two-point conversion, making the halftime score 54-0.
      Due to the mercy rule of 35-point lead at halftime, the clock was set to run for the second half of the game.
Pahoa High School's new eight-man football team traveled to Ka`u yesterday.
Photo by Cheyenne DaCalio
      In the third quarter, Kupono Palikiko Leffew got a touchdown, and Kainalu Ke got the two-point conversion for the final score of 62-0.
      “Pahoa is a newer team, but they worked hard and played well,” Ibarra said. “Ka`u knows what it’s like to be in that position, but last night’s game showed a strong, confident and organized team, which gives hope to other teams just starting out.”
      This story was written with reports from Ka`u High School journalism intern Kaweni Ibarra.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

FEDERAL DISASTER AID HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE to the state of Hawai`i to supplement state and local recovery efforts in areas affected by Tropical Storm Iselle last month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced. President Obama’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the storm in Hawai`i and Maui counties.
Federal disaster aid is available to state and local recovery efforts
following Tropical Storm Iselle. Photo by Rob Blosser
      Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
      Kenneth K. Suiso has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Suiso said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
      Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.
      “We want to thank Pres. Obama, Gov. Abercrombie and all those who worked on this request for assistance to restore our public infrastructure following Tropical Storm Iselle,” said County of Hawai`i Mayor Billy Kenoi. “This federal assistance will help us to repair public facilities and mitigate future hazards. However, individual assistance for our residents and homeowners is also needed, and our team continues to work with the state on our appeal to convince FEMA to reconsider our request for individual assistance.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS and Department of Land and Natural Resources announce the immediate closure of Wao Kele O Puna Forest Reserve, until further notice, due to hazards associated with the June 27 lava flow moving through Puna. Wao Kele O Puna is owned by OHA and managed by DLNR.
With lava moving through the area, Wao Kele o Puna Forest Reserve and
Kahauale`a Natural Area Reserve are closed. Photo from USGS/HVO
      OHA Chief Executive Officer Kamana`opono Crabbe said, “It is prudent at this time to close Wao Kele O Puna due to lava activity and subsequent unsafe conditions.”  
      William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson, said, “We join with Hawai`i Civil Defense and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to warn the public of extreme danger from lava flowing through cracks in Wao Kele O Puna and Kahauale`a Natural Area Reserve. Both areas are off-limits to all persons. We will prosecute anyone entering these areas for any purpose, including unauthorized lava sightseeing tours. Hikers have been lost or injured in these areas, and personnel called in to rescue them have also been put in danger.”
      The Division of Forestry and Wildlife will be assisting Hawai`i County to build alternate roads in Puna. Lava is estimated to cross Hwy 130 in approximately two weeks if it stays on its current path.
      DOFAW is providing a D8 bulldozer and equipment operator to Nanawale/Railroad Ave. and expects work will take several weeks. Portions of the old railroad right-of-way run through state forest and unencumbered lands. Railroad Ave. bisects Nanawale state Forest Reserve.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AS PUNA PREPARES FOR THE APPROACHING lava flow, residents are reminded that enhanced penalties apply to certain crimes committed during a state of emergency. Mayor Billy Kenoi proclaimed a state of emergency for the Puna district beginning Sept. 4. Under Act 111 of the 2014 Hawai`i State Legislature, the classification of certain crimes is elevated during a state of emergency.
      For example, any burglary of a dwelling is elevated to a Class A felony, punishable by a mandatory prison sentence of up to 20 years and no possibility of probation.
      Petty misdemeanor criminal property damage, usually punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000, is elevated to a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
      Other offenses, including theft, robbery and any assault against an emergency worker also face elevated penalties.
Entry fees for Ka`u Coffee Trail Run increase tomorrow. 
      “The Hawai`i Police Department will be vigilant in maintaining the safety and security of our community in general, and those persons suffering from this situation in particular,” said Police Chief Harry Kubojiri. “There are enhanced sentencing options for those who commit crimes during a declared state of emergency, and we will make full use of these statutes.”
      Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth said, “It’s time for the community to come together, work together and prepare. We will not tolerate the further victimization of people who are already suffering. We will be expediting the prosecution of these cases, and we will not hesitate to prosecute to fullest extent of the law. We are committed to working together with Hawai`i County Police, Civil Defense, as well as other agencies to keep our residents and visitors safe.”
      For more information, contact Hawai`i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney at 961-0466 or hilopros@hawaiicounty.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to register for Ka`u Coffee Trail Run before fees increase. Events are a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon.
      See race360.com/21357.

VOLCANO WINERY’S GRAPE HARVEST FESTIVAL is tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences.
     Tickets are $40 and include music by Keoki Kahumoku and Friends, pupus by Volcano House and other area businesses, wine and a souvenir wine glass.
     For more information, call 967-7772.

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







Friday, September 12, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Sept. 12, 2014


HVO scientists project that lava moving northeast from the flow front at bottom left will hit Pahoa. Map from Big Island Video News
SCIENTISTS AT HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY expect lava to reach Pahoa within two weeks. At a community meeting held last night at Pahoa High School recorded by Big Island Video News, HVO scientist-in-charge Jim Kauahikaua showed a map projecting the lava to move toward Pahoa’s transfer station on its way toward the village and Hwy 130.
Lava creates smoke plumes on its path toward Pahoa.
Photo from USGS/HVO
      As of this morning, lava is .2 miles away from the boundary between Wao Kele O Puna Forest Reserve and the sparsely populated Ka`ohe Homesteads subdivision. Although Civil Defense has not ordered evacuations, residents are asked to be prepared, and the agency is continuing door-to-door surveys and notifications in the area.
      A Lava Flow Informational Fair is scheduled tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pahoa High School for those who provide services to Puna residents to answer questions. Representative will provide information on topics including insurance, legal, financial, moving, transportation, police, fire and health care.
      Mayor Billy Kenoi told meeting attendees he is working with the necessary agencies and companies to provide and maintain uninterrupted electrical service, telecommunication capability and access should the flow cover Hwy 130. The county is currently working on Railroad Avenue and Government Beach Road to provide access for residents. Chain of Craters Road, which connects lower Puna with Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and was covered with lava since 1983, is another option as the likelihood of those routes becoming covered gets closer.
      See bigislandvideonews.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U PUBLIC LIBRARIES SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED circulation last year, this key indicator helping to ensure their continued service to the community. Pahala’s circulation increased by 59 percent, and Na`alehu Library booked the most circulation of its printed, DVD, CD and other lending formats among the state’s 50 public libraries. The reports from Pahala librarian Debbie Wong Yuen and Na`alehu librarian Sara Kamibayashi were provided to Friends of Ka`u Libraries at the organization’s annual meeting last night at Pahala Plantation House.
Friends of the Ka`u Libraries celebrated increased circulation over the past year
and success in helping to keep the libraries open and growning in their services.
Front row is new President Ann Fontes. Back row from left are outgoing
President and new Secretary Doris Davis, Vice President Bonnie Barnes,
na`alehu Director Sandy Demoruelle, Ocean View Director and Na`alehu
School Librarian Linda Morgan, Na`alehu Libriarian Sara Kamibayashi
and Ocean View Ranchos Director Trisha Gerbo.
Photo by Julia Neal
      Friends of Ka`u Libraries celebrated its lobbying efforts to keep Pahala Library open and to extend its hours and use of its free computer lab. Pahala Library is now open five days a week.
      The Na`alehu librarian said that the size of Na`alehu Library will double next year with the addition of a new portable building.    Fundraising could be needed to purchase shelves, said Kamibayashi.
      Other fundraising will help support the Ka`u History Project to collect photos and documents about life in Ka`u and to copy and archive them. Recent fundraising supported computer disc repair machines for the libraries.
      Movie matinees on Fridays have drawn an average of 34 attendees in Pahala. Matinees are offered on Tuesdays in Na`alehu. The librarians also reported strong attendance in summer reading programs by school students on vacation as well as adults. The successful, well-attended 20th anniversary celebration for Na`alehu Library was also applauded. The State Foundation for Culture & the Arts was commended for placing excellent art for display in both libraries.
      Outgoing President Doris Davis commended the group on fundraising throughout the year, including participation in Ka`u Coffee Festival, Ka`u Plantation Days and regular book sales.
      Friends of Ka`u Libraries will sell books and its new T-shirts at Ka`u Plantation Days on Saturday, Oct. 11 on the grounds of Pahala Plantation House.
      New officers were elected Thursday night. They are President Ann Fontes, Vice President Bonnie Barnes and Secretary Doris Davis. Directors are: Trisha Grebo, of Ocean View Ranchos; Linda Morgan, of Ocean View; Sandy Demoruelle, of Na`alehu; and Myra Jean Sumida, of Pahala. Members also acknowledged the work of the late Xenia Silva, who served as president of the organization.
      Annual memberships are $5 per person and $2 for seniors. Lifetime memberships are $100. Call Ann Fontes at 987-7448 or Doris Davis at 928-0919.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Alan Oshima, new HECO President and CEO
AN INFORMATIONAL KIOSK AT NA`ALEHU PARK is the next priority project for Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee. The kiosk will provide information to travelers about services available in the area including businesses, churches and recreation as well as history about Na`alehu Park. The committee met yesterday to discuss details of the kiosk’s design.
      After designs of informational panels are finalized, they will be sent to Clayton Honma, Director of Hawai`i County Department of Parks & Recreation, for approval.
      Another project in the works is placement of signs along Hwy 11 informing travelers of dates of lava flows along the route, similar to signage found along roads in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Committee members are applying for partial funding through Hawai`i Tourism Authority for the project.
      The committee’s next meeting is Thursday, Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church, and the public is invited.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ALAN OSHIMA HAS BEEN NAMED PRESIDENT and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Electric Company, effective Oct. 1, 2014. Oshima has almost 40 years of energy, regulated utility, legal and community relations experience in Hawai`i. He will succeed Dick Rosenblum, who has served in the position since 2009. 
      “Alan brings extensive energy industry experience, a real passion for moving Hawai`i to a clean energy future and a proven ability to bring people together to work collaboratively for needed change. We need to move away from a traditional utility model to become a responsive, affordable energy services provider for our customers, and I’m confident Alan is the right leader to guide our utility through this transformation,” said Connie Lau, chair of the board for HECO and president and chief executive officer of its parent company, HEI.
      “I’m honored to lead Hawaiian Electric at such a critical time,” Oshima said. “We have a dedicated team of employees who care deeply about doing the right thing for our customers and for Hawai`i. We know the energy environment is changing, and we have to adapt. We need to be more responsive, working collaboratively with our customers and the greater community. I’m confident that together we can achieve the clean energy future we all want for Hawai`i.”
Tiny Treasures II opens tomorrow.
Photo from Volcano Art Center
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

IN SPORTS, THE TROJANS’ EIGHT-MAN football team hosts Pahoa today at 6:30 p.m. Tomorrow, Ka`u High girls volleyball travels to Konawaena for a 10 a.m. match, and bowling teams travel to play Kealakehe in Hilo.

KA`U’S STATE REP. RICHARD CREAGAN holds a public meeting tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Ocean View Community Center to discuss money from the state Legislature that has been approved for water projects. He will also take questions on other issues concerning Ka`u.

RICHARD PEREA, OF KA`U NATURAL FARMING, offers an introduction to natural farming tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Ka Lae Gardens, 92-8395 Mamalahoa Hwy in Ocean View on the makai side of Hwy 11, accessible from Kohala Street.
      See Ka`u Natural Farming on Facebook or call 937-3010 for more information.

TINY TREASURES II OPENS TOMORROW at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The sculpture and jewelry exhibit features 16 Hawai`i Island artists. Opening reception is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free; park entrance fees apply.
      Call 967-7565 for more information.

TOMORROW FROM 9:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M., a free, guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the human history of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit.

Manu Josiah and Leilehua Yuen offer a hula kahiko informance
tomorrow. Photo from Volcano Art Center
LEILEHUA YUEN AND MANU JOSIAH with Halau Hula LeiManu present a hula kahiko informance tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The informance format allows for more interaction between the kumu, halau and audience. The kumu explains the halau philosophy, protocol, meanings behind the dance, costuming, flower selection, etc. A short question and answer session is held immediately following the informance.
      For more information, call 967-8222.

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY to register for Ka`u Coffee Trail Run before fees increase. Events are a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon.
      See race360.com/21357.

VOLCANO WINERY’S GRAPE HARVEST FESTIVAL is Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences.
     The event includes music by Keoki Kahumoku and Friends, pupus by Volcano House and other area businesses, wine and a souvenir wine glass.
     Call 967-7772 to purchase $40 tickets. Last year’s event sold out.

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






See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.



Thursday, September 11, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014

Aikane Plantation Coffee from Ka`u is now the namesake of a coffee shop and dinner house in Osaka, Japan.
Photos from Aikane Plantation
NEW WASTEWATER SYSTEM RULES for residences and businesses could raise the price of homes and commercial entities that currently use cesspools in Ka`u. The proposed state Department of Health regulations are aimed at further protecting drinking water sources and the environment.
Effects of new wastewater rules on Ka`u homes connected to gang cesspools
are still to be determined. Photo by Julia Neal
      One proposed new rule would not only prohibit the use of new cesspools but also require an upgrade to a septic system or connection to a sewer system within 180 days of the sale of any property with a cesspool. Whether this would affect property owners in such places as Na`alehu and Pahala where many homes are on gang cesspools left over from the plantation days but waiting for new sewage treatment plants to be built is still to be determined.
      Those selling or buying homes with existing cesspools would be told to install septic systems and within a few years could again have to pay to hook up to new community sewer lines.
      Ka`u’s County Council member-elect Maile Medeiros David said yesterday that she hopes Ka`u residents will weigh in with public comment. Written comments will be accepted through Thursday, Oct. 2, when a statewide public hearing will be held with videoconferencing at the Hawai`i District Health Office conference room at 1582 Kamehameha Ave. in Hilo. Doors opening at 10 a.m., and the hearing starts at 10:30 a.m.
      Among the many proposed wastewater regulations covered by the hearing are:
  • Prohibiting individual wastewater systems for developments with greater than 15 subdivided lots even when each home is on a lot that is an acre or larger; 
  • Restrictions to prevent direct discharge of effluent from an aerobic treatment unit into groundwater; 
  • Clarifying when a building modification would trigger an upgrade from a cesspool or other treatment system; 
  • Revising the flow per capita requirements for restaurants, barber shops and beauty salons; and 
  • Revising spill reporting requirements.
      To send comments by email and read the proposal, see health.hawaii.gov/wastewater/home/public_notice. Written comments can be sent to Wastewater Branch, Environmental Management Division, State Department of Health, 919 Ala Moana Blvd, Room 309, Honolulu, HI 96814-4920.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Bilingual sign shows offerings at
new business in Osaka, Japan.
AIKANE PLANTATION, one of Ka`u’s original coffee companies, its history dating back into the 1800s, headlines a new coffee shop and dinner house in Osaka, Japan. Partner Phil Becker said, “On opening day, customers had to wait two and a half to three hours to get in. We served Huli Huli chicken to get their attention.
      “It’s not your normal coffee shop you see in Japan. We offer a variety of food and have several tables for customers to sit down and relax.”
      Aikane Plantation Coffee farm is located between Pahala and Na`alehu on the old sugar cane haul route called Ka`alaiki Road.
      Aikane has represented Ka`u for the last decade at the Made in Hawai`i show in Honolulu each year and served up more than 4,800 sample cups of coffee over the three-day event this August. Customers came from as far away as New York and New Jersey, Becker said.
      See www.aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

LAVA FROM KILAUEA VOLCANO was .3 miles from Kaohe Homesteads and headed that way this morning, according to a report from Hawai`i County Civil Defense, which launched door-to-door visits to Kaohe homes today. The county started work today on an alternate road for residents to reach communities that could be cut off by the lava flow should it cross Hwy 130 near or within Pahoa. The road will include Railroad Avenue and Government Beach Road, as well as the Hawaiian Beaches and Hawaiian Paradise Park communities. For films of the lava flow, maps and frequent updates, see www.bigislandvideonews.com. Also see daily updates at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php.
   To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

COFFEE BERRY BORER RESEARCHERS are asking for participation from Ka`u Coffee growers. Goals of the research are to better understand Square-necked Grain Beetle (Cathartus quadricollis) ecology and predation and explore ways to increase its role in CBB Integrated Pest Management and suppression of CBB populations in coffee.
Carthartus quadricollis
Photo from BugGuide
      Cathartus quadricollis, a storage grain pest, is established in Hawai`i and has been found to assist in the control of Tropical Nut Borer on macadamia nut. TNB is a very close relative to CBB and is found in the same genus. They look very much alike. However, CBB is found on coffee, and TNB is found on macadamia nut.
      According to the researchers, cathartus has been found in coffee raisins that were infested by CBB. When these beetles were found in coffee raisins, many questions arose. Were they eating CBB, eggs and larvae? Are they found on all coffee farms? Do they feed on CBB in cherry, also?
      One objective for the research project is to determine the geographical distribution of cathartus by surveying for its presence or absence on coffee farms.
      Starting this week, research support staff will begin on-farm sampling of coffee raisins. Staff will be taking appointments via email and making phone calls to set-up farm visits. During these farm visits, staff will take a representative sample of raisins from the farms and take the samples back to the research station in Kainaliu to search for Cathartus in the sample. “Since CBB control techniques highly recommend the removal of all raisins from a coffee farm prior to the next coffee season, our sampling will also help you with raisin removal. We can’t remove raisin from the entire farm, but we can certainly get you started,” said UH-CTAHR assistant extension agent Andrea Kawabata.
      Email cathartusproject@gmail.com to set up an appointment for staff to visit and collect raisins to sample for Cathartus. Include name or name of the on-site farm manager, farm address, directions to the farm, TMK and phone number or best method of contact.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

State Sen. Mike Gabbard
STATE SENATE AND HOUSE LAWMAKERS have scheduled a hearing to get an update from the Hawaiian Electric Company and various solar organizations on the current status of solar interconnection and future plans for distributed generation. 
      Last September, HECO notified its customers of a policy change that would require permission from the company to proceed with the installation of a PV system. Since the policy change, many solar customers have been facing delays in getting their PV systems connected to the grid.
     “There are a lot of moving pieces right now, and we need to bring all stakeholders together to connect the dots,” said Sen. Mike Gabbard, chair of the Energy and Environment Committee. “We have solar companies and customers still very unhappy that they can’t connect to the grid. The bottom line is we want to know more about what has already been done and what’s planned for the future to ensure that solar continues to be an option for our residents.”
    The hearing is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. in Conference Room 325 of the Hawai`i State Capitol with Senate and House committees on energy and environment, and commerce and consumer protection. It can be viewed live on Olelo Channel 49.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO KA`U SCENIC BYWAY Committee’s meeting today at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. On the agenda is finishing design of the Na`alehu Park kiosk. This is the last chance for input.
      For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.

Friends of the Ka`u Libraries, who participate at Ka`u Plantation Days,
meet this evening at Pahala Plantation House.
FRIENDS OF THE KA`U LIBRARIES MEET TODAY from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House. Light refreshments are served for current and new members.
      Call Doris Davis at 928- 0919 or Ann Fontes at 987-7448 for more

IN SPORTS, THE TROJANS’ EIGHT-MAN football team hosts Pahoa tomorrow at 6:30 p.m., Ka`u High girls volleyball teams host Konawaena Saturday at 10 a.m. and bowling teams travel to play Kealakehe in Hilo.

KA`U’S STATE REP. RICHARD CREAGAN holds a public meeting Saturday at 10 a.m. at Ocean View Community Center. To be discussed will be money from the state Legislature that has already been approved. Creagan said he wants input from the community on how to use the funding. He will also take questions on other issues concerning Ka`u.

INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL FARMING is a presentation Saturday at 10 a.m. at Ka Lae Gardens, 92-8395 Mamalahoa Hwy in Ocean View on the makai side of Hwy 11, accessible from Kohala Street. Richard Perea, of Ka`u Natural Farming, said he is soliciting interest in natural farming and aims to make training and certification available to all at an affordable price.
      See Ka`u Natural Farming on Facebook or call 937-3010 for more information.

VOLCANO WINERY’S GRAPE HARVEST FESTIVAL is Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. 
     The event includes music by Keoki Kahumoku and Friends, pupus by Volcano House and other area businesses, wine and a souvenir wine glass.
     Call 967-7772 to purchase $40 tickets. Last year’s event sold out.

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






See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.