Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Sept. 19, 2014

From left, Kahu Paul Neves led the blessing for beginning of renovations at Naniloa Hotel in Hilo. Willie K's plans to return Hilo to its Hawaiian music glory days at the hotel received support from Mayor Billy Kenoi and Ed "Z" Bushor, managing partner for the new Naniloa. Photo by Julia Neal

“HELPING HILO WILL HELP KA`U,” said Ed Olson yesterday after the blessing of the start of renovations at Naniloa Hotel. Olson, who founded Ka`u Coffee Mill Visitor Center and has macadamia and coffee orchards in Ka`u, is a major investor in the Naniloa Hotel on Hilo Bay. He was joined yesterday by former Big Island Visitors Bureau Executive Director George Applegate, who said he is making it his mission to help the east-side visitor industry from Ka`u into Hilo and up the Hamakua Coast. Applegate pointed to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park as a major visitor attraction and said more good accommodations, like a renovated Naniloa, will only encourage people to spend more time on this side of the island, including more time in Ka`u.

Ed "Z" Bushor, at  left, Willie K celebrated the beginning of renovations
at Naniloa Hotel with Sammie Stanbro and Ed Olson, of Olson Trust.
Photo by Julia Neal

      Mayor Billy Kenoi said he welcomes the project for economic development and to enrich the entertainment industry.
      Kahu Paul Neves led the blessing and said he looked forward to the many jobs that a new Naniloa will create. He urged all involved with the project to treat each other with respect. Neves also took a moment to pray for people of Puna, where a lava flow is approaching the Pahoa community and said the entertainment center at the new Naniloa will be for them, too.
      At Neves’ side was famed Hawaiian musician Willie K, who said it will be his mission to return Hilo to its entertainment glory days. He said he got his start in the Crown Room at the Naniloa. Everyone played there. He said he wants to help make Hilo the world’s capitol for Hawaiian music. He recalled that his own father played at the Crown Room and said Hilo was a beacon for entertainment.
      “I am here to bring that back. I said I will help you to bring it back. Bring this town back to what it was. This is my place; this is my world. This is where I stand,” declared Willie K. “Hilo, I am here for you.” He talked about the days when everyone had so much aloha for visitors, with live music welcoming at the harbors and airports. “The core of the visitor industry was entertainment, not just shows and fire knives,” said Willie K.
      Managing partner for the new Naniloa, Ed “Z” Bushor, of Tower Development, Inc., said, “Every piece of real estate needs a heart.” He described the “one heart on this property, Hawaiian music.
      “We need Willie K to represent Hawaiian music and bring it back,” Bushor said. He lamented that many hotels in Waikiki “get rid of music and bring in retail shops.”

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

Lava may reach Pahoa Village Road within two weeks. Arrows show
projected path. Map from USGS/HVO

“LIFE IN PUNA WILL CHANGE DRAMATICALLY if lava buries Hwy 130,” Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman told Dan Nakaso, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Ruderman owns the natural food chain Island Naturals with a store in Pahoa, where USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists expect lava to reach in around two weeks. 

      “Some people will not be able to make the very long and inconvenient commute, which is going to cause some people not to be able to go to town and back,” Ruderman said. “Some people will have to relocate for the sake of their jobs and their kids. We’re not going to have a free flow of trucks and gasoline, and we'll have to improvise some basics. Some people will commute by fishing boat.
      “Everyone talks about sustainability,” Ruderman said. “This is going to force real sustainability. It’ll force people to do gardening and farming and feed each other and have micro-communities that don’t depend on traveling to town every day. It’s going to force a situation that everyone’s been imagining for a long time, like more solar-powered homes and co-ops and community-based businesses.”
      Ruderman expects tourists wanting to see lava will inundate Puna and the emergency roads being built for residents to get to and from work and school.
      According to Nakaso, Ruderman is preparing for the possibility that the entire town may be evacuated. “The hard part is the slow, agonizing dread of having weeks to worry and not knowing what’s going to happen. It’s kind of unique, in many ways, as a natural disaster.”

      See staradvertiser.com.

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

Hawai`i County is expanding its little fire ant treatment at county parks.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture

HAWAI`I COUNTY’S DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION has received grant funds from the state Department of Agriculture and the Hawai`i Invasive Species Council to expand its little fire ant treatment program at various county parks.
      To ensure the public’s safety and maximize treatment effectiveness, county parks or designated areas in the parks will be temporarily closed for a few hours on days spraying is scheduled. Every effort will be made to reopen the affected parks or areas as quickly as possible.
      Signs will be posted at each park to notify the public. In a statement, the Department of Parks and Recreation thanked park patrons for their patience and cooperation while efforts are made to eliminate little fire ants from Hawai`i County parks.
      For more information, contact Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer, at 961-8311 or jarmstrong@hawaiicounty.gov.

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

HCEOC has an office in Na`alehu. Photo from Hawai`i County

HAWAI`I COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL is receiving a capital improvement grant of $170,000 from the state for three vehicles for its transportation program and equipment to help maintain its fleet at lower costs by being able to perform some maintenance work in-house. 

      HCEOC is a private, nonprofit organization established in 1965 under provisions of the federal Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Its purpose is to prevent, alleviate, and eliminate poverty in Hawai`i County by mobilizing and channeling private and public resources into anti-poverty actions, to stimulate new and effective approaches to the solution of problems, to strengthen communication, mutual understanding, planning, coordination and implementation of anti-poverty programs in the community, and to educate children and youth to become responsible, contributing adults in society.
      Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced the grant as part of a release of more than $1.52 million for various capital improvement and operating grants to Hawai`i-based nonprofit organizations whose missions benefit island communities.
      “Nonprofits play an integral role in addressing the needs of our communities,” Abercrombie said. “These funds will provide important services and facilities to those in need to create a better Hawai`i for all of us.”

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

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD HAS CALLED for greater U.S. military aid and weapons for Kurdish Peshmerga forces who are fighting against ISIS in Iraq. The congresswoman is an original cosponsor of H. Res. 718, a bipartisan resolution to call on the Department of Defense to expedite all necessary military equipment, weapons and ammunition to the Kurdish Peshmerga to defeat ISIS.
      “We have the ability to support the Kurdish Peshmerga forces as they bravely fight off the surge of ISIS fighters in the region,” said Gabbard, a captain in the Army National Guard who served two tours of duty in the Middle East. “The Kurds have the will and the motivation to destroy our common enemy in these Islamic extremists. We need to do everything we can to empower these courageous fighters who are serving on the front lines right now. H. Res. 718 expresses support for our allies and calls on the Defense Department to provide heavy weapons and other substantial, meaningful assistance to the Kurds, so they can take the fight to our enemy, and defeat them. They can’t fend off this threat with small arms; they need the full backing and aid of the United States so they can get the job done.”
       In Washington. Gabbard met with Falah Mustafa Bakir, Minister of Foreign Relations for the Kurdistan Regional Government, to get an update on the situation their forces are facing. He reiterated the serious need for heavy weapons and military aid and KRG’s strong commitment to working to defeat Islamic extremists.

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

`OHANA DAY & KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN is tomorrow at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races begin at 7:30 a.m.

      Packet pickup is available at 6:30 a.m.

      Family activities, entertainment, silent and live auctions, free giveaways, information and vendor booths are on site from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

      See okaukakou.org for more information.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S KAHUKU UNIT offers two programs this weekend. Palm Trail Hike takes place tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop trail provides one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.
      During Hi`iaka & Pele on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., participants discover the two Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent.
      Call 985-6011 or see nps.gov/havo for more information.

LISA LOUISE ADAMS TEACHES THE AGE-OLD technique of paper making tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. $25 supply fee. $60 VAC members; $70 nonmembers.
      Call 967-8222 for more information.

GET THE DRIFT & BAG IT IS THE GOAL of Hawai`i Wildlife Fund’s Ka`u Coast Cleanup on Sunday. Volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool to Ka`u Coast locations for this annual cleanup as part of an international effort.
      Call 769-7629 or email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

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 Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014

Punalu`u Bake Shop is expanding, building a new cookie kitchen and purchasing additional property in Na`alehu.
Photo by Ron Johnson

PUNALU`U BAKE SHOP IS EXPANDING, building a new cookie kitchen at its Punalu`u Sweet Bread Visitor Center in Na`alehu. Punalu`u Bake Shop employs 32 people and General Manager Connie Koi said, “It is our hope to continue to grow the business and to offer more jobs to the people of Ka`u in the near future.”
     Koi said that during the past few years, the Bake Shop has expanded its Sweetbread distribution of select bread items to the Neighbor Islands. “It was a slow start at first; however, the products have caught on and have taken off to new heights.” She said that Punalu`u Bake Shop has outgrown its current facility. “It’s definitely a nice problem to have. However, to keep up with demand, it was an obvious choice to create more space.”
     In addition to the famous Hawaiian Sweetbread, the Bake Shop is known for Macadamia Nut Shortbread Cookies. “We are fortunate enough to supply Hawaiian Airlines with their individually wrapped macadamia nut shortbread cookie as an inflight dessert item,” Koi said. The shortbread cookies have gained much exposure through Hawaiian Airlines and distribution has been extended to select grocery stores on the Big Island. With the added space of the cookie kitchen, Punalu`u Bake Shop is looking to expanding its cookie line as well as introducing new confectionary products for the retail shop in Naalehu, Koi explained.
     Punalu`u Bake Shop owners have also purchased additional land mauka of the facility. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

Brenda Ford

COFFEE BLENDING LABELING, proposed by Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford, will be on the agenda again for the council Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability committee. The truth-in-labeling bill drew mixed comments at Tuesday's meeting. According to a report this morning in the Hawai`i Tribune Herald, Roger Kaiwi, who manages Royal Kona Coffee, said "This resolution is not recommended, not needed." Royal Kona's parent company, Hawai`i Coffee Co. has purchased Ka`u Coffee to blend with foreign coffees and sells it under Alan Wong's name. The companies also blend Kona Coffee.
      According to the story, farmer Clare Wilson said, "It is consumer fraud to continue this 10 percent packaging." The story quoted Ford saying, "I'm not trying to stop blending. I never have tried to stop it. I want the label to say 90 percent Columbia coffee and 10 percent Kona....You put it on the front label, all the blenders know exactly what will happen. People won't buy that coffee. I don't care if you blend, but you'd better be honest about it." She said she would propose amending her resolution. See more at www.hawaiitribune-herald.com. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

Julie Rutherford is Pahala's
new postmaster.
Photo by Julia Neal

PAHALA HAS A NEW POSTMASTER. She is Julie Rutherford who has worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 21 years. She talked about Pahala yesterday, saying, “I like the small town feel. It’s like where I grew up,” in Blues Creek, North Carolina. Rutherford is the mother of one middle school and one high school student. She has worked at the Kona and Kamuela Post Offices as well as mainland large and small post offices and distribution facilities from North Carolina to Florida, Oklahoma to Texas. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

HUMPBACK WHALES ARE RETURNING and should be spotted in Ka`u waters soon. The first sighting was Monday, considered early, when a humpback was seen north in west Kaua`i waters. The Hawaiian Islands Marine Sanctuary is reminding Ka`u ocean goers of the regulations that protect this endangered species. Federal regulations prohibit approaching within 100 yards of whales when on the water, and 1,000 feet when operating an aircraft. These and other regulations apply to all ocean users, including vessel operators, kayakers, paddle boarders, windsurfers, swimmers and divers throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
     “It’s important for everyone to be extra vigilant during whale season, for their own safety and the protection of the animals, and this year whale season seems to be starting early” said Malia Chow, Superintendent of the sanctuary.
     Humpback whale season in Hawai‘i generally runs from November through May, although whales may be encountered in limited numbers during other months. More than 10,000 humpback whales winter in Hawaiian waters each year.

 Boaters are reminded to post a lookout at all times throughout the year, not just when whales are visiting our waters. An extra set of eyes scanning the waters ahead and to the side of a boat can prevent collisions with marine life, obstructions, divers and other vessels.

Humpback whales are on their way to winter in Hawai`i where they will give birth and
stay through winter. Photo from NOAA

    The whales attract wildlife enthusiasts, but they also pose safety hazards to ocean users when the 45-ton marine mammals surface, breach or slap their massive tails or flippers. Vessel-whale collisions can also result in death or injury to boaters and whales. Whale calves are vulnerable to vessel strikes because they are difficult to see as they rest just under the surface. Young whales also must surface more frequently.

 Ed Lyman, marine mammal response manager for the sanctuary, said ocean users such as those that reported the whale sightings are a “great resource” in helping monitor humpback whales in the sanctuary. “By locating distressed animals, reporting and providing the initial documentation and assessment on the animal, ocean users are the foundation of our conservation efforts,” Lyman said.



      Those who come across an injured or entangled marine mammal, are urged to maintain the required safe distance and call the NOAA Marine Mammal Hotline at 1-888-256-9840 immediately, or the U.S. Coast Guard on channel 16. If reporting a suspected approach zone violation, please call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. Additional guidelines and safety tips can be found at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.


      The sanctuary is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai‘i through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship. Enthusiasts can join the sanctuary on Facebook. Also see Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary: http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov

    NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov. State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources: http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

A HEARING INVOLVING HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO. and various solar organizations will be held by the state Senate and House of Representatives tomorrow. The purpose is for an update 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 photovoltaic systems. Since the policy change, many solar customers have been facing delays in getting their PV systems connected to the grid.

     Studying the issue will be the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment, Sen. Mike Gabbard, Chair; Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, Sen. Roz Baker, Chair; House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection, Rep. Chris Lee, Chair; House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, Rep. Angus McKelvey, Chair. Presentations will be made by Hawaiian Electric Co.; Hawaii Solar Energy Association; Hawaii PV Coalition and The Alliance for Solar Choice. The hearing will be in the Hawaii State Capitol, Conference Room 325 on Friday at 1 p.m. Ka`u residents can submit comments. The hearing will be televised live on `Olelo Channel 49.

IN TROJAN VOLLEYBALL, Ka`u lost against Waiakea High School in HIlo with varsity scores of 16-25, 8-25 and 6-25.. Trojans host the Honoka`a Daggers at home tomorrow, with jayvee play beginning at 6 p.m. The next eight-man football game will be at Kamehameha on Friday, Sept. 26. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

Ka`u Coffee Trail Run travels through the

forest and farms.

Photo from O Ka`u Kakou

TODAY IS THE U.S. AIR FORCE’S 67TH BIRTHDAY. Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates with casual dinner available to airmen and guests. Open to authorize patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

MANY RUNNERS WILL COME TO KA`U tomorrow night to get ready for the first Ka`u Coffee Trail Run, which begins at Ka`u Coffee Mill on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Sponsored by
community service organization `O Ka`u Kakou, the half-marathon, 10 K and 5 K are part of an `Ohana Day with entertainment, food, educational and vendor booths. See okaukakou.org for updates and photos of the course.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK asks families to sign up by Friday for its free Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and take a closer look at the Kahuku Unit during a day of activities. Connect with the culture, people and `aina (land) through mo`olelo (stories), GPS and compass. Free lunch is provided. Call 985-6019.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014

Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford is asking for a council resolution to encourage the state legislature to
require more complete coffee sourcing labeling.

COFFEE BLENDERS yesterday called for defeat of Ka`u County Council member Brenda Ford’s efforts to require coffee origin labeling for coffee claiming to be from Ka`u, Kona and other Hawaiian regions. The blenders testified at the County Council’s agriculture committee meeting. According to Ford, the blenders opposed “full disclosure” of the percentage of foreign coffees in their blends. She said she encourages the community and its farmers to watch television coverage of the ag committee meeting on Channel 55 on Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 and 30th at 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. to witness the testimony and discussion.
     Ford’s resolution before the County Council is directed to the Hawai`i State Legislature “to adopt provisions for truth-in-labeling for Hawai`i-grown coffees.” It refers to the Hawai`i County Council’s 2006 resolution encouraging labeling of coffee sources and the state legislature’s resolution adopted in 2007, which zeroed in on Kona coffee and stated: “Existing labeling requirements for Kona coffee causes consumer fraud; existing labeling requirements for Kona coffee degrades the “Kona coffee” name; and the Confusion as to the difference between Kona coffee and Kona coffee blends caused Consumer Reports magazine to rate Kona coffee as “second rate.”
     Ford said the issue also applies to Ka`u Coffee and her proposed council resolution notes that the Hawai`i County Democratic Party Convention adopted a truth-in-labeling resolution this year.
     Ford’s resolution states that the “Hawai`i State Legislature has not protected the regional coffees grown in the State of Hawai`i, the only state in the United States capable of growing coffee for commercial purposes.”        
     It states that “it is essential that the Hawai`I State Legislature act immediately to stop the consumer fraud, deception and confusion that continues due to existing labeling requirements for Hawai`i-grown coffees of any region or district.”

     The proposed resolution before the council says, “Immediate legislative action is necessary to protect the reputation of Hawai`i-grown coffees as premier, specialty coffees and from further degradation and asks that the legislature schedule committee hearings, give floor consideration, and adopt into law provisions for truth-in-labeling for Hawai`i grown coffees.” To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

Statewide Farmers Union United President Vince Mina and his daughter Kahaulani at
Earth Matters farm in Ka Lae. Mina will beat the Sept. 27 Ka`u Farmers Union meeting
 in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

STATEWIDE HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED PRESIDENT  Vince Mina will address the Ka`u chapter’s next meeting, on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Na`alehu Community Center at 5 p.m. Organizer Malian Lahey encourages gardeners and farmers to “Bring your home-grown produce for the produce swap table - drop off something and pick up something yummy that your neighbor is growing!”
     “Our meetings are always All About the Food! Bring a dish made from local produce for our pot luck dinner.”
     Mina will talk about his recent trip to Washington D.C. for the National Farmer's Union Fly-In event.
     The new Ka`u chapter also encourages local farmers to register to vote to give agriculture more clout in state and national government. Voter registration forms will be available at the meeting. Registration for the November general election is allowed through Oct. 6. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

RE-GROWING COMMUNITY FOOD SYSTEMS is the theme of  the Oct. 3 conference to bring together education, health, and agricultural stakeholders from across the islands to raise awareness and facilitate discussions about increasing the supply, distribution, and procurement of locally grown food for Hawai‘i’s schools. Two scholarships were made available for travel to the event on O`ahu.

     “Farm to school is a local, national, and international movement that is simultaneously making positive and significant strides in the areas of agriculture, education, and health,” said Hawai‘i Farm to School and School Garden Hui coordinator Lydi Morgan Bernal. “This conference will promote the knowledge and best practices needed to develop and sustain a statewide farm to school program to re-grow Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy, future farmers, and healthy schools and communities.”
     Keynote speaker Kacie O’Brien, farm to school regional lead for the Western Region of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, will provide federal-level guidance and support for strengthening Hawai‘i’s farm to school efforts. Panelists include Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture chair Scott Enright, state procurement administrator Sarah Allen and Hawai‘i Department of Education school food services branch director Glenna Owens.  Hale Kealoha ‘Ai Pono will offer attendees a model school lunch featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

     Presented by the Hawai‘i Farm to School and School Garden Hui and The Kohala Center, Hawai‘i Farm to School Conference will be held at Kamehameha Schools’ Kapalama Campus in Honolulu from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 3. Registration is $50 per person and includes breakfast and lunch. More information and registration are available online at hif2sc.eventbrite.com or by calling The Kohala Center at  887-6411. Conference sponsors include Kamehameha Schools, Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation, Slow Food of Hawai‘i, the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, and USDA Farm to School Program.
     According to a statement from the sponsors, "The local farm to school movement seeks to effect meaningful food systems change in Hawai‘i by connecting island agricultural producers and distributors with public, charter, and independent schools across the state, and by increasing youth and community awareness, interest, and involvement in local agriculture. With well over 100,000 school meals served daily in Hawai‘i and a growing interest in fresh fruit and vegetable snack programs for schools, the potential is great for a significant expansion of Hawai‘i’s agricultural economy. Additionally, studies have shown that farm to school programs increase student knowledge about and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, contribute to improvements in health and social behaviors, and can boost academic achievement."
     Farm to school site visits will also be offered statewide throughout October in conjunction with National Farm to School Month. 

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

Hawai`i 24/7 and Big Island Video News recorded the lava flow yesterday
with Baron Sekiya cameraman. Photo from Big Island Video News

THE LAVA FLOW has picked up speed, is about 1.7 miles upslope from Apa`a Road, and has been moving about 890 feet a day in Puna, according to the update this morning from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. 

     The leading edge of the flow is 9.9 miles from its source at Pu`u O`o Crater where it began on June 27. The front  is moving through unoccupied thick forest in Kaohe Homesteads. According to USGS, as of this morning the lava had advanced 350 yards since yesterday. Smoke conditions were moderate to heavy over the Kaohe area. USGS predicts that the lava may cut off Hwy 130 and march through or near Pahoa town. The county is improving an alternate unpaved road for residents in the area, using Railroad Avenue and Beach Road.
     Should the lava flow over these alternate routes, some Puna residents may have to rely on the possible reconstruction of a road that was earlier covered by lava, connecting Kalapana and the surrounding area from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

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

VIDEO OF THE LAVA FLOW from Pu`u O`o to the leading edge in Kaohe Homesteads was taken and edited yesterday by Hawai`i 24/7 and Big Island Video News with Paradise Helicopters pilot Calvin Dorn leading the way. See www.bigislandvideonews.com and www.hawaii247.com for the coverage. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

SEPT. 30 IS THE DEADLINE to donate through Foodland to the Hawai`i Wildlife Fund which leads beach cleanups and pond restorations along the Ka`u Coast. The donations opportunity is the Give Aloha Campaign through which Foodland allows contributors to double the impact of their gifts. Foodland matches each donation it receives to specific charities up to $300,000 total. Last year, it raised over $2 million for over 650 island non-profit organizations. Support Hawai`i Wildlife Funds Maui and Hawai'i Island projects by using the separate codes 78764 for this island and 77187 for Maui. 

     Meagan Lamson of Hawai`I Wildlife Fund reminds prospective donors that donations of up to $249 will be added to receipt at checkout; each donation guarantees that a percentage of Foodland's $300,000 matching gift will go to Hawai'i Wildlife Fund. The more support HWF receives from the community to more matching funds it will receive from Foodland; and HWF will not be informed who donated so please let the organization know if acknowledgement for gift is desired. She also asks to “Please share this with all your friends!”
     Give Aloha is Foodland's Annual Community Matching Gifts Program. It was created in 1999 to honor Foodland's founder, Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan, and continue his legacy of giving back to the community. Each year during the month of September, customers are encouraged to make a donation at checkout to their favorite Hawaii non-profit organization. The nearest Foodland to Ka`u is in Kea`au. Sack n Save Foods in Hilo and Kona are also raising money for the non-profits.

Along the route of the Ka`u Coffee Trail Run.
Photo from O Ka`u Kakou

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

KA`U COFFEE TRAIL RUN has drawn more than 150 entries for its races this Saturday, beginning at Ka`u Coffee Mill at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road. While online registration has stopped, registration will be taken beginning at 6:30 a.m. on site. 

     Racers who have not received their packets in the mail, can pick them up beginning at 6:30 and until 7:15 a.m. on race day. The half marathon, 10 K and 5 K are part of an `Ohana Day, which also includes games for kids, vendors, food, art and entertainment, as well as legal assistance. Runs are designed for people of all ages and abilities.
    Races start at 7:30 a.m. and include running through orchards, coffee fields and the rainforest into the mountainous terrain above the coffee mill with views of the ocean and volcano.
     According to sponsoring organization O Ka`u Kakou President Wayne Kawachi, all income from the race will stay in Ka`u and benefit the Ka`u community.
     See okaukakou.org for updates and course photos. 

KA`U HIGH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM travels to Waiakea High School in Hilo this evening with jayvee game starting at 6 p.m. and varsity to follow. The Trojans will host Honoka`a  Daggers in the Ka`u High gym this Friday, also at 6 p.m. Ka`u Trojans next eight-man football game is at Kamehameha Schools on Friday, Sept. 26.

KAI HO`OPI`I SHARES MUSIC this evening at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

TOMORROW  IS THE U.S. AIR FORCE’S 67TH BIRTHDAY. Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates with casual dinner available to airmen and guests. Open to authorize patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for more information.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK asks families to sign up by Friday for its free Ka`u `Ohana Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keiki of all ages are invited to join park rangers and take a closer look at the Kahuku Unit during a day of activities. Connect with the culture, people and `aina (land) through mo`olelo (stories), GPS and compass. Free lunch is provided. Call 985-6019.

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

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