Ka`u News Briefs Friday, May 15, 2015

G. Brad Lewis, whose fine art photographs  of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park are shown daily at Volcano Art Center, will offer
his own show in June. This image is called Lava River.  Photo by G. Brad Lewis

BIOBLITZ AND BIODIVERSITY & CULTURAL FESTIVAL are in full swing as Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park welcomes hundreds of scientists, citizen scientists, Hawaiian cultural practitioners, 850 Hawai`i school students and the public. The Friday and Saturday events are sponsored in part by National Geographic, which  is covering BioBlitz in detail on its blog BioBlitz 2015: Where Hawaiian Culture Meets Science.

Amy and her hula sisters made their garments to 

celebrate biodiversity at BioBlitz today. 

Photo by Jessica Ferracane

     ‘Olapa (dancers) of Hālau Hula Ulumamo o Hilo Palikū opened BioBlitz this morning. To celebrate biodiversity, the hula sisters made their hula skirts, or pā‘ū, from native wauke (paper mulberry) tree bark, which they pounded into kapa cloth, and dyed a brilliant orange-red using introduced achiote seeds – giving the pā‘ū the same color as the glowing lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u – the home of Pelehonuamea. It took one year to make these pā‘ū. The skirt is adorned with native tī leaf, and the ‘ohe kapala (bamboo stamp) design depicts lightning (the roundish shape) and Pele’s movement (the flowing line).

     Last night, park superintendent Cindy Orlando addressed a welcome dinner for scientists and BioBlitz leaders saying: “I mahalo all that you do to protect our parks and protected areas around the globe and all that you do to connect with and create the next generation of park stewards.” In addition to students, citizen scientists and scientists, representatives from South Korea, China and the island of Reunion, a department of France in the Indian Ocean are participating in BioBlitz. All have sister park relationships with Volcano.

Keki pound poi at the Cultural Festival today and
tomorrow at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
Photo by Jessica Ferracane

      National Geographic blog editor David Maxwell Braun reported on an address given last night by Michael Stebbins, assistant director for biotechnology in the science division of the White House Office of Science Policy. Stebbins "told the dinner audience that the Obama Administration was committed to exploring the expansion of citizen science to better understand how the federal government could involve non-trained people in doing science." Braun quoted Stebbins saying, “One of the first examples that came up when we started to look at how the U.S. federal government is engaging in citizen science was the BioBlitz. One of the things that would be an extraordinary step forward would be to really expand the BioBlitz to a lot of other areas.…we are searching for ideas for how to expand citizen science and really engage folks.”

     Braun also reported on comments from Elaine Leslie, chief of biological resources for the National Park Service. Leslie told the group, "Your efforts this weekend will aid the parks in planning, preserving and conserving natural resources connected to our cultural resources.”

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent
Cindy Orlando opens BioBlitz last night..
Photo by David Maxwell Braun
National Geographic

    The National Geographic blog carried comments from John Francis, National Geographic’s vice president of Research, Conservation and Exploration: “BioBlitz has to do with connecting scientists to people, people to the parks, and most importantly, connecting everyone to nature." The blog talks about his reference to Polynesian stewardship.  "Francis said the islands had a community deeply wedded to the land, to the Earth, to nature. 'There was song and dance, and a celebration every day of our connection to this delicate fabric of nature around the planet. In the process of coming closer to this BioBlitz at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park we realized that there is a model here that the world has to see, and that is about people every day doing this celebration, doing this dance. I came to thinking about this Polynesian way, not 'Blitzing' but 'being' -  an interesting concept we need to take and spread about the planet.”
     A core program for BioBlitz is the activity of volunteers counting as many species as possible in a 24 hour period within the 333,086 acres that make up Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. New registrations are welcome to sign up at
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/explorers/projects/bioblitz/volcanoes-hawaii-2015/.
Entrance fees are waived during the BioBlitz and Cultural Festival, today and tomorrow.

    The 35th Annual Cultural Festival at the park today and tomorrow, was moved from its traditional date in July to become a part of the BioBlitz celebration.

TILTMETERS AT KILAUEA’S SUMMIT continue to record tilt in a different direction than is usually associated with summit inflation and deflation, and seismicity rates in the southern part of the summit area remain elevated, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists reported this morning. The new tilt direction and elevated seismicity are suggestive of magma accumulation in an area just south of the summit caldera. The summit lava lake level continues to lower and is currently at 100-115 feet below the original crater floor. With a high rate of seismic activity south of Kilauea caldera, backcountry trails in the area are closed at night.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD TODAY included a bipartisan amendment into the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 to reverse a decision by the Pentagon that broke the promise of accessible and affordable health care benefits to many veterans. The amendment provides military retirees living outside of 100 miles from a military treatment facility the option to re-enroll in TRICARE Prime after they had lost access due to a 2013 policy change by Department of Defense.
      “All our veterans, no matter where they live, deserve to receive the benefits they have earned,” said Gabbard. “I appreciate working with Congressman John Kline in passing this amendment to the Defense bill, which will finally restore access to affordable healthcare for all military retirees who lost eligibility for TRICARE Prime through no fault of their own. The Department of Defense’s 2013 policy change that limited the TRICARE Prime service areas had a disproportionate negative impact on our neighbor island residents, who already face unique challenges to accessing healthcare because of our island state. This amendment will allow them an opportunity to reenroll and receive their benefits.”
       The amendment passed unanimously by a voice vote and is included in the House version of NDAA.
       Across the country, more than 170,000 veterans who live outside 100 miles of a military treatment facility lost access to TRICARE Prime at the end of 2013 due to a DOD policy change. This policy impacted over 1,000 people in Hawai`i and left many retirees struggling to cover the increased costs due to their fixed incomes. The amendment would provide a one-time election for all affected retirees to have access to TRICARE Prime.

High school students can sign up for a summer intern program
in agriculture. Photo from Kohala Center

      The Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act serves as the budgetary blueprint for the Pentagon and is being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives this week.

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

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, in which the `aina is the classroom, still has spaces available this summer for high school students. The program is open to any Hawai`i Island high school students or recent graduates who’d like to spend a couple of weeks learning how to grow their own food, taking field trips to local farms and ranches, experiencing traditional Hawaiian land management systems and getting paid for it.
      Over the course of our two-week program, interns will: Visit and work on local, sustainable, and organic farms; harvest and make their own `ono grinds; take home plants to start their own gardens; tour an ahupua`a from mauka to makai; take field trips to wahi pana (sacred places) like Waipi`o Valley; explore careers in sustainable agriculture; meet students from other schools; and earn a $250 stipend for successfully completing the program.
      Interns can choose from two sessions: June 8-19 and July 13-24. Internships run weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with each day starting and ending at the Demonstration Farm in Honoka`a. Deadlines to apply are today for June session and June 15 for July session.
      The Sustainable Agriculture Internship Program is co-sponsored by The Kohala Center and Kamehameha Schools’ `Aina Ulu Program. For more information, se koha.la/farminterns or contact Derrick Kiyabu at 808-220-2312 or dkiyabu@kohalacenter.org.

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

BIG ISLAND MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS is seeking Ka`u recruits. Natural disasters, disease pandemics, large-scale accidents, bioterrorism events or a major public health emergency may overwhelm local hospitals and healthcare professionals. Government agencies that would lead a disaster response and recovery may ask citizens to help with relief efforts.
      The mission of MRC is to establish a local team of medical and non-medical volunteers who can contribute their skills and expertise in these circumstances. Many MRC members are working or retired healthcare professionals. However, a medical background is not necessary to join. The organization is looking for individuals who want to serve their community in emerging disasters, public health emergencies and preparedness activities.
      Volunteers are asked to attend periodic meetings, participate in disaster preparedness exercises and assist with non-emergency community health activities. MRC volunteers will have access to a wide range of valuable disaster related trainings for free.
       There are two upcoming orientation meetings for existing and prospective volunteers: Hilo MRC 101, 
May 30, 
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and Kona MRC 101, 
June 6, 
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

      RSVP to Jason Dela Cruz, MRC coordinator, at 808-974-6010 or via email atjason.delacruz@doh.hawaii.gov for more details.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

As Above So Below is the title of this G.  Brad Lewis
photo in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY will be displaying the fine art photographs of G. Brad Lewis in the Quest For Liquid Light: Going with the flow in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. This exhibition showcases the ongoing explorations of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park by Hawai`i’s leading volcano and nature photographer.
       G. Brad Lewis is internationally recognized and his photographs have appeared on the covers of a number of magazines, including Life, Natural History, Photographer's Forum, and Geo, and within the pages of Time, Outside, Fortune, Newsweek, Stern, National Geographic, and many other publications. Additionally, Lewis’ photographs have received numerous awards and been widely exhibited. Interviews and features with Lewis have been broadcast on NBC’s Today Show, CBS Evening News and Disney and Discovery Channels. Print interviews and photo essays of his work have been featured in many magazines, including Photo District News, DigitalFoto, Studio Photography & Design and Outdoor Photographer. His photographs are found in numerous private, corporate, and public collections around the world, as well as in fine galleries and through major stock agencies.
       Lewis has been capturing the eruption of Kilauea since it began in 1983. The goal of his photography is to “connect the viewer to a deep understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Nowhere else is creation happening so dramatically.” Inspired by beauty and variety, Lewis is based out of Hawai`i, Utah and Alaska, traveling several months each year to pursue his art.
       A reprint of Lewis’ Volcano - Creation in Motion is due out in early July. The book, which already offered a sublime glimpse into the heart of creation, includes a new format, cover and updated images of Halema`uma`u and recent flows near Pahoa. A book-signing event will be scheduled as the publication becomes available. See volcanoartcenter.org for information.
      The Quest For Liquid Light: Going with the flow in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will be on display June 6 through July 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The exhibition is free to the public though park entrance fees apply. A gallery reception will be held on Saturday, June 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
      For more information, see www.volcanoartcenter.org or contact VAC Gallery Manager Emily C. Weiss at 808-967-7565 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org.

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

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2105.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, May 14, 2015

A $2500 reward is offered for finding anyone who shot and killed three endangered nene goose and seriously injured another.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Mill

WHO SHOT THE NENE? A $2500 reward is being offered by the Edmund C. Olson Trust II for information on identifying who shot and killed three native Nene (Hawaiian geese) and seriously injured another on lands near Ka'u Coffee Mill. The state bird, the Nene, is on the endangered species list. Federal fines can be as high as $100,000 with a year in prison.

     A poster circulating around Ka`u says, "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, is investigating the shooting of several endangered Nene, the Hawaiian Goose. Four Nene were shot on or about January 30, 2015 in the area of the Ka‘u Coffee Mill on Wood Valley Road in Pahala. Three of the four Nene died as a result of their injuries; the fourth is currently under veterinary treatment and monitoring.
       "The Edmund C. Olson Trust II, which owns and operates the Ka‘u Coffee Mill, is cooperating with the FWS investigation and is offering up to a $2,500 reward for information leading to the locating and apprehending of those responsible for the shootings." U.S. Fish & Wildlife officer Paul Chang said informants can call 933-6964 to provide information confidentially.  "Individuals who provide key information resulting in a conviction of those involved will be considered to receive the reward," the poster says.  

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

THE COUNTY ETHICS COMMISSION yesterday deferred a hearing on Mayor Billy Kenoi's use of the county credit card for personal expenses. Kapa`au citizen Lanric Hyland called for the hearing, asking that Kenoi be ousted for misuse of the card. The ethics commission deferred the hearing until the state Attorney General's office comes up with its findings. The county ethics commission was appointed by Kenoi and Hyland told media after the meeting that the commission's ruling helps delay any decision until Kenoi's term as mayor is over. Kenoi has apologized for his use of the card and stated that he always intended to repay the county. He has been making payments to clear the expenses. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

SAVING THE HAWAI`I  HEALTH CONNECTOR is a priority for Gov. David Ige, according to a press release from the governor's office issued yesterday.  A billion dollars in federal funding for Medicaid are at stake, should the state be unable to fix Hawai`i Health Connector to meet the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services standards. The agency found the Hawai’i Health Connector to be non-compliant with the Affordable Care Act earlier this year. "The non-compliance included unresolved IT issues, a non-integrated eligibility enrollment system and lack of financial sustainability," the governor's press release noted. It states that representatives of Ige’s administration have been meeting, since February, with Hawai`i Health Connector staff members, to determine how to address non-compliance.

     The federal government has restricted grant funding to Hawai`i Health Connector and is providing limited funding pending approval of a draft plan being developed by the state. "If Hawai’i’s plan is not acceptable to CMS, Hawai’i risks losing $1 billion in matching federal Medicaid funds," the governor's message states.
     “Governor Ige and his administration will negotiate the release of federal grant funds to ensure compliance with the ACA in time for the Fall 2015 open enrollment,” said Deputy Chief of Staff Laurel Johnston.
     “Our first priority is to ensure the continuity of coverage for the 37,000 to 40,000 Hawai’i residents who are receiving health insurance coverage through HHC,” said Hawai`i Health Connector Executive Director Jeff Kissel. To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A BUSY WEEKEND AT HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is expected as the Park welcomes hundreds of scientists, students and Hawaiian cultural practitioners to the National Geographic sponsored BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival.    

   Opportunities remain to participate in the BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival, and new registrations are welcome to sign up for a program that will join scientists and the community together to count species within the park on Friday and Saturday. The BioBlitz will host hundreds of Hawai`i school children. One aim is to show youth how using mobile technology can impact education and help get kids out of the classroom and into the world to learn from experience.

National Geographic and its BioBlitz activities tomorrow and Saturday aim to
show youth that mobile technology can lead keiki outdoors for a
learning experience. Photo from National Geographic

    To learn more and to register, visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com

/explorers/projects/bioblitz/volcanoes-hawaii-2015/ 

     Entrance fees will be waived on both days of the BioBlitz and festival, tomorrow, Friday, May 15,  and Saturday, May 16.
     “This weekend will showcase the very best of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and we welcome everyone to enjoy and find their national park,” said Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “Following our ‘insider tips’ will help everyone make the most of their park visit.”
     To best enjoy the park, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and prepare for their visit. Insider tips include:
     • Expect heavy traffic before 5 p.m., when BioBlitz and cultural festival activities will be taking place. Be prepared for long waits and follow the directions of park rangers and parking attendants.
     • Consider exploring Chain of Craters Road during the day and leave Crater Rim Drive for after 6 p.m.
     • Use the free shuttle buses for traveling Crater Rim Drive, or travel by foot along Crater Rim Trail.
     • If planning to view the glow from Halema‘uma‘u Crater after dark, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and bring a flashlight – walking is required to reach the viewpoint at the Jaggar Museum observation deck. Parking is limited at Kīlauea summit and you may need to walk up to a mile one way along an unlit path.

Halemau`umau, though in a deflation phase, still puts on a show for
BioBlitz. Photo from National Park Service

    • Before leaving home, check the weather forecast. Prepare for cold, wet and windy conditions. The temperature at the summit is often more than 20 degrees lower than along the coast.
     • Check volcano visibility at USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory webcams.
     • The use of unmanned aircraft (drones) is prohibited in all national parks without a special use permit.
     While the lava lake within Halema‘ma‘u Crater at Kīlauea volcano’s summit has continued to drop and lava is no longer visible from the Jaggar Museum observation deck, volcanic activity is still very visible. Particularly after dark, a spectacular orange glow reflects off the crater walls with a plume of gas, particulates and vapor.
    Because of an increase in seismic activity along the east and southwest rift zones, all backcountry trails between Crater Rim Drive and the coast, as well as Kulanaokuaiki campground, are closed to overnight use. They remain open for day use.
     For the most current volcano status report, check hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php

     For more on BioBlitz, see www.nationalgeographic.com/explorers/projects/bioblitz

     For more information about visiting Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, visit http://www.nps.gov/havo. 

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

INTRODUCING NEW WILDLIFE to Hawaiian islands will net law breakers heavy fines, says new Department of Land & Natural Resources chief Suzanne Case. She recently left her longtime mission, as head of The Nature Conservancy in Hawai`i, to run DLNR and chair the state Board of Land & Natural Resources, after her appointment by Gov. David Ige.

The first axis deer, after illegal introduction to the Big Island, was killed
 in Ka`u in 2012. Photo from Big Island Invasive Species Committee

    Case issued a statement pointing to new state law that provides for fines of up to $25,000 and allows the state to seize aircraft, vehicles, boats and any other equipment used to illegally transport wildlife into the state or from one island to another. The new fines went into effect in late February and were prompted by a Maui helicopter pilot and a hunting enthusiast lifting axis deer from Maui, where they are a scourge on native forests, farms and ranches, to the Big Island where the lawbreakers hoped that herds of deer would become established and would expand for hunting.      

     Deer were spotted in Ka`u, one killed in 2012, and the two men prosecuted.
     Case noted that, “The movement of live, introduced wildlife such as was experienced in (2009) with discovery of deer on Hawai`i Island, poses direct threats to our native ecosystems." She said the new level of enforcement and punishment "will help prevent harm to our natural resources and economy.”
     Under new rules, DLNR will also have more power to eliminate invasive animals. They state that invasive species "found harmful or destructive to agriculture or aquaculture, native plants or wildlife, or constituting a threat to human health or safety," can be the subject to board approval for programs to control or eliminate the species "in any area for a specified time period without requiring permits or reports.”  The new rules can be viewed at dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/rules.

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

RED CROSS VOLUNTEER MEETING is tonight at the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer may attend. Call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, May 13, 2015

The one home destroyed by fire Monday in Green Sands subdivision was vacant at the time. Photo by Daryl Lee

GREEN SANDS SUBDIVISION RESIDENTS are back in their homes and the fire that burned through the area is now 80 percent controlled, according to the county fire department.  The fire burned more than 15 acres, destroyed one vacant home and came close to burning other homes. At one house, flames reportedly spread under the floors and singed the house posts. A number of  residents are without water after the fire melted surface pipes that run along Ka`alu`alu Road from county meters near Hwy 11.
     The fire was apparently started by someone attempting to burn rubbish, who called the fire department to say the fire had raged out of control. Volunteer, county and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park firefighters as well as private contractors with heavy equipment and water tankers helped to quiet the runaway fire, which was driven by strong winds. Helicopters were employed to drop water onto the fire.

Aftermath of the fire that destroyed this vacant home. Photo by Daryl Lee

     According to a county civil defense statement issued this morning, emergency personnel are working to extinguish the fire and will remain on scene throughout the day. All highways and major roadways remain open.  However, some roads within the subdivision are closed and limited to local traffic only.
    Due to the damage to residential water systems in the Green Sands Subdivision, a water tanker will be available at the Green Sands Park until 1 p.m. this afternoon for potable water needs. The Wai`ohinu water spigot is also open and operational for water needs. "With the improvement in fire conditions along the Ka`alu`alu Road residents who would like to repair their water lines and systems are approved and encouraged to do so," said the statement from Civil Defense.   
     The Red Cross has closed its shelter at Na`alehu Community Center with about two dozen people having reported there early Monday evening but leaving once roads were re-opened.
      Hawai`i County Red Cross Disaster Manager Barney Sheffield was quoted in the Hawai`i Tribune Herald saying, “the fire department did an amazing job. It’s really incredible we didn’t lose more houses with all the wind we had out there.” See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES shareholders failed to approve the company’s proposed merger with Florida-based NextEra Energy at a meeting yesterday. While approval requires 75 percent of shares, only 70 percent voted in favor of the merger.

Connie Lau

      Shareholders authorized the company to seek additional votes and reconvene on June 10 for another approval attempt. HEI President and CEO Connie Lau said 90 percent of votes received favored the merger, but the number of voters did not meet the minimum required by state law.
      The company is trying to reach out to investors who hold shares through mutual funds, pension plans and banks to gain additional favorable votes.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

MARCO MANGELSDORF, DIRECTOR of Hawai`i Island Energy Cooperative and president of ProVision Solar, explains why an energy co-op may be better than a private utility company on Hawai`i Island.
      “Imagine an electric utility company that’s not beholden to far-flung shareholders and instead is directly responsible to its local customers,” Mangelsdorf says. “Imagine that utility company being owned and controlled by the ratepayers, with its board of directors democratically elected from the community. Think one electric meter, one vote. Finally, imagine an electric company that actually sends its customers a check from time to time once certain financial objectives are reached.
      “Hard to imagine? It shouldn’t be because this has been the experience of residents of Kaua`i for more than 10 years since Kaua`i Island Utility Cooperative came into existence and purchased that island’s electric utility from Connecticut-based Citizens Communications Company in 2002.
      “Such a cooperative could be the future for Big Island residents as well, if we were to have the opportunity to convert Hawai`i Electric Light Co. to a member-owned and member-controlled co-op.
      “The Hawai`i Island Energy Cooperative came into existence earlier this year in response to the proposed purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries by Florida-based NextEra Energy. HIEC, along with 28 others, is an intervenor on the HEI-NextEra merger docket before the Public Utilities Commission.
      “Now that the procedural schedule was decided, information requests and testimony will be flying as the commissioners, the consumer advocate and their staffs put together a body of knowledge and evidence that will allow a determination to be made on the fundamental question before them: Will NextEra’s proposed acquisition of the largest corporation in the state be in the public’s best interest?

Marco Mangelsdorf

      “While HIEC has taken the position of being neither for or against the purchase, there is the case to be made that it’s in the best interest of Big Island residents to consider the establishment of an energy cooperative. The goals and potential benefits include:

• Local, democratic control of one of the most critical infrastructures and public institutions on the island, providing for direct ownership by the customers it serves, and direct election of the board of directors that governs the utility; 
• Community-based and community-chosen priorities would serve as the basis for the co-op to work for the sustainable development of the island through policies accepted and supported by its members; 
• Potentially lower electricity costs through tax-exempt status, access to lower cost financing, elimination of a return-on-equity component in electric rate structures, promotion of education, markedly improved energy efficiency programs and the accelerated adoption of appropriate alternative technologies; 
• Greater energy independence and sustainability through a comprehensive and integrated approach to all energy-consuming sectors on the island. 

      “The fate of the merger will be determined in the months to come as the record is filled with facts, figures and testimony as the applicants and intervenors play out their strategies. The public and pundits also will weigh in at PUC-organized meetings across the islands. If the commissioners ultimately determine the transaction to be in the public’s best interests, approval of the deal very likely will be subject to stipulations and agreements that act as conditions to modify the purchase as proposed.
      “Whether the required changes and regulatory conditions will be acceptable to the HEI and NextEra boards will depend on how substantively and materially the proposed deal would be altered.
      “If and when the circumstances warrant the consideration of an energy cooperative taking root on Hawai`i Island, HIEC will be there at the table, raising our hand, ready to make a serious and credible pitch to allow us the extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate what can be done on our island on many different and innovative levels.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sens. Schatz and Hirono and Rep. Gabbard
represent Ka`u in the U.S. Congress

HAWAI`I’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION introduced legislation to reinstate Medicaid eligibility for Compact of Free Association migrants, which represents Ka`u’s large Marshallese population. 

      In 1996, Congress passed a law that made migrants from Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands ineligible for federal Medicaid dollars. Each year, the state spends an estimated $30 to $40 million to provide health care to these families. By making all COFA migrants eligible for Medicaid, the Restore Medicaid to Compact of Free Association Migrants Act requires the federal government to honor Compacts of Free Association and share the cost of providing health care. Restoring Medicaid eligibility for these compact migrants has been a priority of Hawai`i leaders for more than a decade.
      “In the history of our country, many migrant groups have had growing pains, and it is our duty as a nation of migrants and immigrants to welcome new people and their families to our communities,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono. “We must live up to the promise we made, and the federal government should pay its fair share to meet those commitments. Both Republicans and Democrats supported legislation to restore Medicaid eligibility to COFA migrants in the 2013 comprehensive immigration reform legislation that passed the U.S. Senate but died in the House. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pursue this goal and uphold the promises we made in these Compacts.”
      Sen. Brian Schatz said, “Providing health care to compact migrants is not only a legal obligation, it is a moral obligation. Hawai`i has spent millions on health care for migrants to comply with the Compacts of Free Association. Our legislation will restore federal Medicaid funding so that the costs of providing critical health care to migrants is shared by the state and the federal government.”
      Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “This bill will right a wrong that has gone on for far too long. The federal government made a promise to these individuals, and it must uphold that commitment and provide Medicaid to COFA migrants from Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands.”

      The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, which passed the Senate earlier this year and was signed into law, continued Medicaid eligibility for COFA children and pregnant women.

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

Nene feeds on naupaka kahakai. NPS photo by Janice Wei 

A MEETING FOR Red Cross volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers takes place tomorrow at 7 p.m. at HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. For more information, call 929-9953. 

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is expanding its 35th annual Cultural Festival to include biodiversity this year. At this free two-day festival, visitors of all ages will discover how native Hawaiians, as keen observers, lived closely to the land by embodying I ka nana no a iike principles that continue today. The Biodiversity and Cultural Festival will offer hands-on science and cultural exhibits, food, art and entertainment, plus the opportunity to meet individuals and organizations at the forefront of conservation, science and traditional Hawaiian culture. Explorers of all ages can enjoy the festival and “graduate” from Biodiversity University by participating in a variety of activities. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. No advance registration is required for the festival.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.