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Saturday, November 01, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014

The LocaVore Store opened for its last day in Pahoa yesterday, the team deciding to dig deeper into lower Puna, going
mobile to serve people who could be cut off from major roads. Photo by Julia Neal
NAMING OF THE NEW KA`U GYMNASIUM AND SHELTER is on the county Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee agenda for Thursday, Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m. Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford urges interested residents to testify at Hilo Council Chambers.
Laurence Capellas, Sr.
      Ford met with Ka`u residents and members of the Ka`u High Class of ’59 who advocated for the facility to be named in honor of Laurence Capellas, Sr., who was passionate about getting Ka`u students educated and starting team sports in Ka`u.
      Ford said that after the death of former state Rep. Bob Herkes, she discussed the possibility of a joint naming with members of the Class of ’59. According to Ford, they said they “would be honored to have the names of both men on the facility.”
       “Bob was always concerned about public safety and worked diligently for Ka`u on this issue,” Ford said. “Because of the need for emergency shelters in Ka`u, Bob was instrumental in getting the gymnasium and shelters considered and funded by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. He worked with past Council members Guy Enriques, Brittany Smart, as well as me.
Bob Herkes
      “When Bob died, I spoke with his widow, Jo-Anna Herkes, about naming the facility for both Rep. Herkes and Principal Capellas. She was agreeable,” Ford said.
      Ford is introducing two pieces of legislation. Bill 316 names the facility in the County Code as the “Bob Herkes and Laurence Capellas Gymnasium and Shelters.” Resolution 566-14 establishes signage for the facility and recommends two plaques under the facility’s name – one for Capellas and one for Herkes – with permission for the Department of Parks & Recreation to make any changes necessary in the signage.
      “I need for the Class of ’59 and others to come to testify on Nov. 6,” Ford said. “Please make arrangements for several people to testify on the different and wonderful aspects of Mr. Capellas’ history and support of our children. I will also request Mrs. Herkes to testify as well as any others for Rep. Herkes. I hope all of you will support both of these worthy men to have their names on the state-of-the-art gymnasium and shelters.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Patrolling Pahoa on Halloween, when restaurants were full of Puna locals and
those driving long distances to support those enterprises that may have to move if lava flows
 into the heart of the village. Photo by Julia Neal
MANY PAHOA BUSINESSES ARE OPEN, owners making every cent they can to save up for relocating, should the lava flow move from the edge of town into the heart of Pahoa village, where it could ignite and cover the historic buildings. On Halloween, restaurants and bars were full, and people roamed Pahoa in costumes. 
      Phillip Paolo staffmembers said they appreciate the population supporting their business and noted that Mayor Billy Kenoi came in to dine on Thursday night. The restaurant has served Pahoa for almost 21 years. Chef and owner Phillip Paolo said there have been a few offers for a new location should Pahoa become victim to the lava.
    Across the street, Ferreira and Company with imports, gifts and furnishings, was open late and hoping for customers who may not have come, some of them saying that news reports gave them the idea that the entire Pahoa village is shut down.
    Nearby, the Locavore store opened for its last day, the owners going mobile and heading deeper into lower Puna to serve a community that could be cut off from major roads by incoming lava.
    On the edge of Pahoa, Hawai`i and international media crews report daily on the lava's progress, focusing on farms, homes and wildlands in the path of the lava, recounting the story of the Kalapana community on the coast, which was slowly eaten away by active flows from Kilaeua Volcano for more than a decade.  To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

HAWAI`I COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE reports that the flow front remains active but has not advanced since yesterday, remaining approximately 480 feet from Pahoa Village Road. All activity along the front has been limited to breakouts along the margins or sides of the flow as well as on the flow surface. Additional breakouts upslope of the flow front are being monitored, including one heading toward the transfer station.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

The inconsistent nature of pahoehoe lava, the type flowing in Puna,
is the topic of the current Volcano Watch issue. Photo from HVO
TO HELP THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND the inconsistency of the June 27th lava flow threatening Pahoa, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists discuss the nature of pahoehoe lava in the current issue of Volcano Watch.
      “For the past few weeks, the flow has advanced in the way that slow-moving pahoehoe flows are notoriously famous for — fitfully — as a series of budding lava toes and lobes (small flows) that break out and spread, then stop and inflate with fresh, molten lava, before breaking out again as new toes and lobes.
      “Advancing lava toes typically spread laterally, as well as downslope. As they do, they often merge with other nearby toes, forming a larger lobe made of coalesced toes topped by a thin crust of hardened lava.
      “Beneath the crust is a liquid lava core that is continually replenished with new lava from the main lava tube upslope. As more lava flows into the liquid core of coalesced toes, the crusted surface rises (inflates), making room for additional lava to travel beneath the crust.
      “The liquid core of coalesced toes becomes the conduit through which fresh lava is delivered to the front of an individual flow. This provides for the eventual downslope growth of a lava tube.
Open late and hoping for customers who may not come, some thinking
the entire Pahoa village is shut down. Photo by Julia Neal
      “Such spreading of pahoehoe lava has occurred not only at the tip of the June 27th flow (the part of the flow farthest downslope), but also at the leading edges of many separate lobes behind the flow front and along the margin of the flow. The lowermost 1.2 miles of the June 27th flow has spawned many such breakouts of toes and lobes from the lava tube during the past month.
      “Lava lobes advance at varying rates over a period of time — from a few minutes to hours to days — depending mostly on the amount of lava that is supplied to them through the lava tube. Larger surface flows or lobes along flow margins upslope from the flow front may be active for days to weeks and sometimes overtake the flow front to form a new tip.
      “In this way, surface breakouts and coalescing toes of pahoehoe lava form a complex patchwork of lobes and flows that contribute to the width, thickness and length of the overall flow as it moves downslope. Scientists often refer to the resulting patchwork as a flow field instead of an individual flow.
Ben Gutierrez, of Hawai`i News Now, reports in the rain last night
on the edge of Pahoa near the lava flow, while restaurants and bars
are jumping a few blocks away. Photo by Julia Neal
      “With several surface flows moving simultaneously, but at different speeds along different parts of the June 27th flow, it is often difficult to determine the flow’s advance rate on a daily basis. This can lead to anxiety and confusion when the numbers keep changing.”
      During the week of Oct. 19, “the leading edge of the June 27th lava flow slowed, stopped and advanced again. Between Monday, Oct. 20, and Wednesday, Oct. 22, it moved about 45 yards per day. During this same time, the flow front was passed by a narrow lobe, less than 55 yards wide, that was moving nearly 220 yards per day until Wednesday morning, when that rate nearly doubled. This lobe advanced quickly because it was confined, or channeled, by the local topography in a narrow gully.
      According to the article, the same pattern occurred beginning about Sept. 22, when the leading edge of the June 27th flow stopped advancing for nearly a week, but subsequent upslope breakouts, moving along the north margin of the flow at a rate of about 130 yards per day, overtook the flow tip.
      “Both of these slowdowns and temporary stalls in the forward advance of the June 27th lava flow correlate well with a measured decrease in the supply of lava from the Pu`u `O`o vent into the lava tube that feeds the flow front. Repeated measurements of the cross-sectional area of the lava stream within the tube indicate that lava discharge from Pu`u `O`o may have decreased by at least one-third in mid- to late September and by nearly two-thirds in mid-October.
      “Variations in flow rates are a normal part of pahoehoe behavior but require close monitoring when flows approach residential areas and critical infrastructure. Therefore, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Hawai`i County Civil Defense continue to closely track the June 27th lava flow.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U COUNTRY FESTIVAL continues at Honu`apo to 5 p.m. today, with entertainment by Mary Mann, Sonny Ramos & Friends, Foggy and Bottle of Blue. The day features a Keiki Art Garden and food and educational booths. The gathering is a benefit for the Hawai`i Food Forest Project sponsored by Sanctuary of Mana Kea Gardens. See www.hawaiifoodforest.com/Festival.html.

PARTICIPANTS BRING LUNCH AND LEARN about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower during a free program tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

TUESDAY IS GENERAL ELECTION DAY. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Cooper Center in Volcano Village, Ka`u High School cafeteria, Na`alehu School cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Halau.

The topic at this week's After Dark in the Park is how Hawai`i
became a state. Photo from NPS
HOW HAWAI`I BECAME A STATE is the topic at After Dark in the Park Tuesday. According to an announcement of the program from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, “By uniting the islands under a single ruler, Kamehameha I laid the foundation for what would eventually become the fiftieth of the United States of America. Yet between those two events were attempts by France, Great Britain and Russia to take control of the islands for themselves. Hawaiian monarchs variously embraced or rejected American political and economic influence. So how did Hawai`i move from being a kingdom to becoming a territory, and then a state? What did the Hawaiian people think of this? Join historian Boyd D. Bond to unravel the events that led to statehood.” 
      The free program begins at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donations support After Dark programs.

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





Friday, October 31, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Oct. 31, 2014

Lava is on track to torch a Pahoa ginger patch after it entered private property in Puna. Photo from Hawai`i County
SMALL FARMERS IN KA`U growing bees, coffee, bananas, mangos, vegetables and other crops learned last night about financing through a fund matched by the County of Hawai`i. During the Ka`u Farmers Union United monthly meeting, farmer Tane Datta, of South Kona, explained the Hawai`i Island Food Producers Fund, a collaboration between The Kohala Center, County of Hawai`i and Kiva Zip, a nonprofit global online financing program. Kiva Zip loans are crowd-funded online by a community of lenders around the world in increments of $5 or more.
Openings are still available for Ka`u residents to join The Kohala Center's
beginning farmer Training. Photo from The Kohala Center
      Datta said he needed a new greenhouse roof and signed up to raise $2,500, which he raised in a few days with 75 lenders from such places as China, Singapore, Taiwan, France, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia and many U.S. locations, including Hawai`i. He said the interest is zero percent and he will pay off the loan in two years.
      Comparing the lending system web presence to Facebook, Datta pointed out that Kiva Zip lenders can post their photos online and explain their own mission and list projects they are funding.
      Ka`u Farmers Union President Malian Lahey said, “This is about helping the little guys. ... People around the world financing these projects because they want a world worth living in.” Datta said most banks won’t look at such small loans and that borrowing from banks and other traditional institutions can take a long time and be cumbersome.
      He said the Hawai`i Food Producers Fund is a way for community members to be involved as borrowers and lenders. There is also an opportunity to become a trustee for someone needing a loan.
      Datta credited Mayor Billy Kenoi, saying he “catalyzed the funding” by authorizing the county to match money raised. The Kohala Center is the steward of the county funding for the loan center. Datta said he is attempting to focus the lending and borrowing locally. “This is an opportunity to borrow money to help ourselves first,” he said.
      He said he looks to such funding going directly to farmers rather than expensive reports. “They know what they need. If we are going to spend money, we want to see people eating food.”
      To apply for a loan, see borrowers.kivazip.org. To lend, see zip.kiva.org/loans. To become a trustee, see zip.kiva.org/trustees. To join the county in contributing to the revolving Hawai`i Island Food Producers Fund, local food system advocates can contact aokoye@kohalacenter.org.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Downtown Pahoa will be more difficult to enjoy if lava flows over
the main street and Hwy 130. Photo by Julia Neal
TWELVE SLOTS FOR FARMER TRAINING are available through The Kohala Center. The program pairs beginning farmers with established farmers for 160 hours of training. After completing the program, the student receives a $1,000 stipend. The farmer also receives a stipend. It also involves classroom training once a month. Derrick Kiyabu, of The Kohala Center, presented the opportunity at the monthly meeting last night of Ka`u Farmers Union United. He said that 76 beginning farmers islandwide have completed the training.
      Kiyabu also mentioned a micro-loan program for farmers born in Hawai`i, also managed by The Kohala Center. Contact dkiyabu@kohalacenter.org. See kohalacenter.org/farmertraining.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

OVER 7,000 FEET OF ROAD CLEARANCE has progressed on rebuilding Chain of Craters Road through Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to provide a transportation route between lower Puna and Ka`u in anticipation of Hwy 130 and other emergency routes being blocked by lava. Hawai`i County Civil Defense chief Darryl Oliveira gave the update this morning in a press conference in Pahoa, where he also discussed the flow front slowing down and breakouts occurring upslope of the front.
      Civil Defense also reported that as of 2 p.m. today, the flow front has not advanced since yesterday and remains 480 feet from Pahoa Village Road. Breakouts continue along the flanks or margin, making the flow approximately 60 yards wide. Another breakout upslope from the flow front on the north side is active and advancing in a northeast direction. Additional breakouts above the Apa`a street area along the north side of the flow are also being monitored closely. One of the breakouts reached a cattle shelter and destroyed it.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

TUESDAY IS ELECTION DAY. Along with federal and state elected offices, voters have five proposed state constitutional amendments and one proposed amendment to the County Charter to vote on this General Election. One state constitutional amendment relating to disclosure of judicial nominees asks, “Shall the Judicial Selection Commission, when presenting a list of nominees to the governor or the chief justice to fill a vacancy in the office of the chief justice, Supreme Court, intermediate appellate court, circuit courts or district courts, be required, at the same time, to disclose that list to the public?”
      Another relating to agricultural enterprises asks, “Shall the state be authorized to issue special purpose revenue bonds and use the proceeds from the bonds to assist agricultural enterprises on any type of land, rather than only important agricultural lands?”
      The state Legislature proposed that the mandatory retirement age for all state court justices and judges be increased from seventy to eighty years of age.
Fred Fogel, Libertarian candidate for state House District Three,
scares up support with one of his "mini-me" signs. "Don't be
scared, vote Libertarian," Fogel said. Photo by Ron Johnson
      Relating to early childhood education, another proposed amendment asks, “Shall the appropriation of public funds be permitted for the support or benefit of private early childhood education programs that shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex or ancestry, as provided by law?”
      The fifth proposed amendment asks, “Shall the state be authorized to issue special purpose revenue bonds and use the proceeds from the bonds to offer loans to qualifying dam and reservoir owners to improve their facilities to protect public safety and provide significant benefits to the general public as important water sources?”
      Term of appointment for the County Clerk is the subject of a proposed Hawai‘i County Charter amendment that would create a four-year term for the position, with the County Council having the authority to remove the County Clerk from office by a two-thirds vote of its membership.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TWO PUNA RESIDENTS FACE CRIMINAL TRESPASS charges after crossing private and county property to view the Puna lava flow. Police witnessed the pair photographing the flow and holding golf clubs with hardened lava on the end. Police also saw household utensils dipped in lava sitting on the dashboard of a car belonging to one of the residents.
      Police remind the public that because a state of emergency exists on the island, convictions carry enhanced sentences.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD was on the ground and in the air Wednesday with Mayor Billy Kenoi to inspect progress of the Kilauea lava flow, assess damage it has caused to Pahoa property and infrastructure and offer support to area residents and business owners. They toured the lava flow’s path by helicopter from the vent to the tip and then walked from Pahoa Town to the edge of the lava flow on Mel Sugimoto’s property, where the lava has already destroyed parts of his macadamia nut field and is less than 100 yards from his home.
U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met a Pahoa farmer as lava flowed closer to his property.
Photo from Office of Rep. Gabbard
      Gabbard also met with Hawai`i National Guard troops to thank them for volunteering to assist residents and officials who are dealing with damaging effects of the lava flow. She also stopped by Pahoa Community Center to review the resources available to residents and thank the staff there.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KMC’S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR COSTUME PARTY is today at 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Cover charge is $3 with costume or $5 without. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m.

KA`U COUNTRY FESTIVAL comes to Honu`apo tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entertainment includes Mary Mann, with stand-up yogi comedy and music by Sonny Ramos & Friends, Foggy and Bottle of Blue. The day will feature a Keiki Art Garden and food and educational booths. The gathering is a benefit for The Hawai`i Food Forest Project sponsored by Sanctuary of Mana Kea Gardens. See www.hawaiifoodforest.com/Festival.html.

A WORSHOP TOMORROW from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. covers Zentangle: The Basics at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Lois & Earl Stokes teach the philosophy and basic tangles. The class is a prerequisite for advanced Zentangle workshops.
      Register at 967-8222.

PARTICIPANTS BRING LUNCH AND LEARN about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower during a free program Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

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




See kaucalendar.com/Direectory2014.swf.



Thursday, October 30, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014

SukoThai Restaurant held a moving sale and was vacant today as lava threatened to cross Pahoa Village Road on which it stands.
 Photo by Julia Neal
COUNTY HOUSING VOUCHER recipients may be looking for houses in Ka`u in greater numbers. Housing in lower Puna is cut off from being rented to new families who receive public rent payment assistance, leading to a tighter rental market on the island. The county announced a moratorium on the Section 8 federal assistance it manages for needy families in Hawaiian Beaches, Hawaiian Shores, Nanawale, Leilani Estates, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Orchidland and Aina Lani. These are neighborhoods located closest to the lava flow that is threatening Pahoa Village and lower Puna. The moratorium will not affect families with existing vouchers unless they are asked to leave the area by Civil Defense and are unable to return. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.


Nene have the right-of-way during reconstruction
of Chain Of Craters Road to Kalapana.
Photo by Julia Neal
REBUILDING CHAIN OF CRATERS ROAD through Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park -  to connect lava-threathened communities in lower Puna with an escape and transportation route into Ka`u - continues today. County road crew members, including Calvin Ponce of Pahala. received special training from Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park ahead of the construction work. The road builders learned about the park's natural resources and laws protecting endangered species, including the state bird, the Nene goose. The workers found out that the Nene has right-of-way over any bulldozer. Should a Nene walk across the path of any construction activity, the crew must wait for the bird to depart. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE LAVA FLOW continues to advance, according to this morning's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory report, flowing at variable rates to the northeast through a residential area between Apaʻa Street - Cemetery Road and Pāhoa Village Road. As of 5:30 a.m., the leading edge of the flow had advanced about 110 yards in 24 hours, with the flow roughly 167 yards from Pahoa Village Road. Behind the flow front, there continue to be active breakouts widening the area of lava flow coverage.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

CU HAWAI`I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, with a branch in Na`alehu, is preparing its sister credit union members in Pahoa for the effects of the approaching lava flow. The Pahoa branch of CU Hawai`i extended hours until 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to help Pahoa members make financial preparations for the lava flow. It resumed regular hours this morning, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Lava crossed Apa`a - Cemetery Road heads toward Pahoa Village Road.
Photo from HAVO
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB of the Big Island, which operates its program for Ka`u youth in the Pahala Community Center, shuttered its Pahoa operation today until Nov. 10, following the lead of the state Department of Education. The DOE closed area schools to prepare for moving students and equipment from campuses in the projected path of the lava flow.
    While the Pahoa Boys & Girls Club, open since 2003, serves some 90 students a day, the Pahala Club, which opened in 2006, sees an average of about 40 students a day.
     “We wish Pahoa hope and encouragement. We feel for Pahoa and look forward to the club resuming its regular services to Pahoa youth soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Pahoa," said Pahala Club director Dolly Kailiawa.
      The Pahoa Club is expected to reopen Nov. 10 and is away from the projected path of the lava flow. However, air quality could be an issue as the lava passes by. "We plan to continue to serve the families of Pahoa," said Boys & Girls Club Chief Professional Officer Zavi Brees-Saunders. She noted that the Kea`au Boys & Girls Club will remain open without interruption. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WILDFIRE PREVENTION PLANNING moved to Ocean View Community Center last night where the Hawai`i Wildfire Management Organization met with residents, asking for input to update the  Ka`u Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The team is taking suggestions by mail and email.
   Residents and firefighters talked about only one fire hydrant serving all of Ocean View and noted the plan for a new well, which would allow for numerous hydrants. A dip tank for helicopter water drops and a 3,000 gallon water tank assigned to firefighting were suggested. Homeowners talked about fittings that could connect their catchment and holding tanks with fire fighting equipment. How to manage home water tanks for fire protection was mentioned.
Terry Martindale, of Kalae, and Hawai`i Wildfire Management Organization Executive
 Director Elizabeth Pickett, discuss the Ka`u Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Photo by Julia Neal
     Better vegetation management along Hawai`i Ocean View Estates roads and a a better understanding of open burning restrictions and enforcement were discussed with more community education proposed at Saturday market and other gathering places such as senior centers and churches.
      Some goals and objectives of the overall Ka`u plan are to identify and prioritize areas for hazardous fuel reduction treatment, to recommend types and methods of treating federal and non-federal land to protect one or more at-risk communities and essential infrastructure and to recommend measures to reduce structural ignitability throughout the community at-risk for wildfires.
    During this week's meetings in Volcano, Pahala and Ocean View, Elizabeth Pickett, executieve director of the organization, explained that unmanaged wildfires can result in a loss of natural resources. Fires burning through native vegetation can make way for invasive species replacing Hawaiian plants and trees. After a fire, coastal areas can experience changes in the soil and post fire erosion that smothers coral reefs. Roads can close and the lives and safety of citizens, particularly firefighters are at risk during wildfires.
     For projects that can apply for some of the $5,000 provided to the Hawai`i Wildfire Management Organization for use in Ka`u, one area to consider is the the wildland urban interface area where buffers can be developed, Pickett said. Forest reserves within a half mile of a community can also qualify for projects, Pickett noted. See more and give input at HawaiiWildfire.org. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WALK-IN VOTING IN ADVANCE OF THE NOV. 4 General Election wraps up today and tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 31 at Pahala Community Center. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Margarita Hopkins
MARGARITA HOPKINS, with a long history of helping Ka'u Coffee farmers, has earned an appointment to the state Board of Directors of the Agribusiness Development Corp., subject to state Senate approval. The Agribusiness Development Corp. is involved with the restoration of old plantation water systems in Ka'u between Kapapala Ranch and Waiohinu. Hopkins served as an economic development specialist at the County of Hawai`i’s Department of Research & Development and was responsible for preparation and update of the county’s agricultural development plan. Through her position, she established a county-based agriculture program in cooperation with Big Island Resource Conservation & Development Council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.  Hopkins previously served as Hawai'i County’s director of research and development and a lecturer at UH Hilo College of Business and Economics. She is a member of the Big Island Resource Conservation & Development Council and Hawai'i Forest Stewardship Advisory Committee. She volunteers annually at the Ka'u Coffee Festival. She was appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.


Keiki Art Garden this Saturday at Honu`apo.
Photo from Hawaii Food Forest Project
KA`U FARMERS UNION UNITED meets tonight at 7 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center with guest speaker Tane Datta who will discuss marketing locally grown produce. The statewide Hawai`i Farmers Union United organization is preparing for its annual meeting on Nov. 4 in Honolulu with keynote speaker U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The convention is open and free to members. It will take place at the Waikiki Yacht Club. See Hawai`i Farmers Union website at hfuuhi.org.

KMC'S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR COSTUME PARTY is tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Cover charge is $3 with costume or $5 without. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m.

KA`U COUNTRY FESTIVAL comes to Honu`apo this Saturday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entertainment includes Mary Mann, with stand-up yogi comedty and music by Sonny Ramos & Friends Foggy and Bottle of Blue. The day will feature a Keiki Art Garden and food and educational booths.The gathering is a benefit for The Hawai`1i Food Forest Project, sonsored by Sanctuary of Mana Kea Gardens.See www.hawaiifoodforest.com/Festival.html.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.