Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014

Refreshments await runners as they are greeted by Miss Ka`u Coffee Amery Silva, at right, at the finish line of Ka`u Coffee Trail Run. Photo by Julia Neal

BILLY BARNETT, OF VOLCANO, WON THE FIRST annual Ka`u Coffee Trail Run Half Marathon this morning as runners from Germany to Japan competed. Barnett described the course as one of the toughest Half Marathons he’s ever raced. He also won the recent Volcano Rain Forest Runs Half Marathon. Barnett said he will be back next year.

Half Marathon winner Billy Barnett with race
director Raylene Moses. Photo by Julia Neal

      Runners of all ages competed in the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon, followed by Portuguese horseshoe and Kendama tournaments.
      The races and `Ohana Day are sponsored by `O Ka`u Kakou, which promises to use money raised to benefit the Ka`u community. Activities continue until 3 p.m.
      Entertainment includes hula halau led by Debbie Ryder and Sammi Fo, Keoki Kahumoku and his `ukulele kids and Hui Okinawa Kobodu Taiko.
      Numerous community organizations sponsor educational displays on the coffee drying floor along with vendors selling arts and crafts.
      County of Hawai`i and Ed Olson Trust are two of the sponsors. Olson said he is proud of the partnership between the community and Ka`u Coffee Mill.

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

“REFORM AND RESTRUCTURING OF OUR STATE’S health care safety net … will be critical to prevent any loss of jobs or reduction of services, said Ka`u’s state Sen. Josh Green. “A partnership with a local entity will likely be necessary in 2015 to maintain the safety net.”
      The Senate Health Committee chair and emergency room doctor’s comments to Honolulu Star-Advertiser reporter Kriesten Consillio follow Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.’s request to the state Legislature for emergency funds to continue operations.
      Consillio said HHSC has lobbied the state for several years to allow a partnership with a private entity. Earlier this year, the Legislature rejected a proposal to allow HHSC to partner with a local nonprofit provider such as Hawai`i Pacific Health, the Queen’s Health Systems or Kaiser Permanente Hawai`i.
      The Legislature appropriated $102 million to HHSC, $48 million less than requested for 2015. The organization has called for layoffs and other cost-cutting measures, but it still expects a $30 million deficit next year.

      See staradvertiser.com.

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

Ka`u Rural Health Community Association offers health screenings.
Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I’S MAIN WEB PORTAL AT HAWAII.GOV has been named Best Government Website as part of the Web Marketing Association’s 2014 WebAwards (webaward.org). The annual competition is recognized as the premier industry-based website award program in the world. 

      More than 1,500 entries from 40 countries were judged in 96 industry categories on design, ease of use, copywriting, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation and use of technology.
      “This award proves our amazing transformation into the digital age that we started for Hawai`i three years ago is ahead of schedule,” Gov. Neil Abercrombie said. “We are so proud of the entire team that has represented us in this achievement for the state.”
      The newly designed Hawaii.gov was developed via a collaborative effort with Hawai`i Information Consortium, LLC, Hawai`i’s state Internet Portal Manager and the Office of Information Management Technology (OIMT).

Ka`u Coffee grower Berta Miranda is one of several vendors at Ka`u Coffee Mill
for `Ohana Day until 3 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

      Hawaii.gov was re-launched in 2013 as a comprehensive update to the state’s main web portal. It was released in conjunction with upgrades to webpages across all state departments and agencies, enhanced mobile, touch and speech capability, increased consistency and improved accessibility. The update was part of OIMT’s award-winning Business & Information Technology/Information Resource Management (IT/IRM) Transformation Plan unveiled in 2012.
      Another highly visible change from the plan includes the launch of data.hawaii.gov, the state’s new data portal for access to state government information, in turn leading to increased transparency, driving civic innovation, and engaging participants in a more collaborative form of government.
      The state’s progress in the use of technology across state government was recognized earlier this month with a B+ grade in the Center for Digital Government’s biennial Digital States Survey. This grade is the best-ever score for Hawai`i  and a major improvement from a B- in 2012.

Tutu & Me presents information about its early education programs available
in Pahala and Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

      In addition, Hawai`i was recently one of six states (Hawai`i, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma and Utah) to receive a perfect score in this year’s State Open Data Policies and Portals report by the Center for Data Innovation. Hawai`i also earned a 2013 Federal 100 award from Federal Computer Week magazine (the only state government in the nation to receive such an award that year) and the 2014 Government Innovator of the Year award from the Government Technology Research Alliance.

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

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD, an Iraq War veteran, is cosponsoring legislation that would temporarily suspend the Visa Waiver Program for countries with citizens known to be fighting for Islamic extremist groups like ISIL. Hundreds of passport holders from European countries and the U.S have already traveled to fight with extremist groups in Iraq and Syria.


Alan Moores displays his art on the coffee drying platform at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Photo by Julia Neal

      “My first priority, at all times, is to ensure the safety of the American people,” Gabbard said. “If there is a weakness in our national security, we have a responsibility to fix it. This legislation will close a loophole in our visa process to prevent possible terrorists from entering the U.S. freely. As things presently stand, Islamic extremists holding certain European passports can simply get on a plane and fly to the U.S. without a visa. By temporarily suspending the Visa Waiver Program, all visitors from these countries will be vetted and have to go through a visa application process before they are allowed to step on U.S. soil. If we do nothing to close this loophole and allow a terrorist to carry out an attack on our homeland, the impacts will be devastating. Action is needed now.”
 

      The legislation would suspend the VWP for any country that has identified passport holders fighting with Islamic extremist organizations. Restoration of a country’s VWP participation would be determined by the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence. Restored participation would be based on the ability of the suspended country and the U.S. to identify, track and negate the risk of terrorists from entering the U.S.



Francis and Trini Marques offer coffee samples at `Ohana Day.
Photo by Julia Neal

      The VWP currently allows eligible citizens of 38 countries to visit the United States for up to 90 days without first obtaining a visa.

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

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO HAS VOTED in favor of a stopgap spending bill to fund the government through Dec. 11, which includes authorization for the Obama Administration to train and equip moderate Syrians to fight against ISIL.
      “The President, Secretary Hagel, and Chairman Dempsey have made a strong case regarding the threat ISIL presents to the Middle East, Europe, and our nation,” Hirono said. “I share many Americans’ concerns about ISIL’s growing strength. This is a ruthless, well-funded and organized group that is attracting recruits from all corners of the world, including the United States. Defeating ISIL will require a unified effort and resources from a multi-national coalition.
      “Currently, the President is relying on existing authorities to strike ISIL, but a prolonged military campaign will require specific congressional authority. The President has assured us that U.S. forces will not have a combat mission and I will hold him to that assurance.

Duke Aiona supporters waved signs to motorists traveling through Pahala
on their way to `Ohana Day and Ka`u Coffee Trail Run.
Photo by Julia Neal

      “While I will support the authorization to train and equip moderate Syrians to fight ISIL, it must be done with adequate safeguards to ensure that we do not create a scenario where this training and equipment are turned against us or our allies in the future. There are no easy answers to the complexities confronting the U.S. and our allies. The evolving situation in Syria and Iraq requires the people of the region to respond clearly and decisively against ISIL.”
      The bill, which passed 78-22, now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.

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

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOLDS A KA`U COAST CLEANUP tomorrow. 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.

PARTICIPANTS DISCOVER THE TWO HAWAIIAN goddesses Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      Call 985-6011 or see nps.gov/havo for more information.

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

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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.