Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, May 23, 2015

Gov. David Ige has signed a bill creating an annual Sakada Day, Dec. 20. Pahala Filipino Club carries on ethnic traditions in Ka`u.
Photo by Julia Neal

HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS JUNE 1. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center is currently watching activity in the East Pacific, where tropical storms often develop and move toward the Central Pacific.

Central Pacific Hurricane Center is keeping an eye on two
disturbances in the Eastern Pacific. Map from CPHC

      Shower activity associated with an area of low pressure located 
about 1,650 miles southeast of the Big Island has
 become better organized over the past 24 hours. Some additional
 development is possible during the next day or two, and a tropical 
depression could form. After that time,
 development is not expected due to the proximity of a disturbance 
to its northeast and north.
      An area of low pressure may form early next week several hundred
 miles south of the coast of Mexico. Environmental conditions are
 expected to be conducive for subsequent slow development of the 
system.
      Hurricane preparedness information is available on Hawai`i State Civil Defense’s website at scd.hawaii.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

FUNDING IS AVAILABLE TO FARMERS, ranchers and food entrepreneurs to develop new product lines through USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant program.

      “The Value Added Producers Grant program not only enables farmers and ranchers with opportunities to increase their income from their farming activities, it also increases jobs and expands the food choices for Hawaii’s families” said Chris Kanazawa, state Director for USDA Rural Development. “Hawai`i’s agriculture community has demonstrated a long history of innovation, and the VAPG program provides an excellent resource to perpetuate this tradition.”

      USDA plans to make approximately $30 million in grants available. Applications will be accepted through July 8. More information on how to apply can be found on page 26528 of the May 8 Federal Register (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-05-08/pdf/2015-10440.pdf).
      VAPG grants can be used to develop new product lines from raw agricultural products or additional uses for already developed product lines. Military veteran, socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers and ranchers; operators of small and medium-sized family farms and ranches; farmer and rancher cooperatives; and applicants that propose mid-tier value chain projects are given special priority in applying for VAPGs. Additional priority is given to group applicants who seek funding for projects that “best contribute” to creating or increasing marketing opportunities for these type of operators.
      For more information, contact Business Programs Specialist Lori Nekoba at 933-8312 or lori.nekoba@hi.usda.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

One of Pahala Filipino Club's many activities is caroling during Christmas.
Photo by Julia Neal

SAKADA DAY IN HAWAI`I IS DEC. 20 of each year. Gov. David Ige yesterday held a signing ceremony for HB604, recognizing the Filipino community’s contribution to the history, economy, culture and heritage of Hawai`i.

      The sakadas, or Filipino plantation workers, were the first Filipinos to arrive in Honolulu aboard the S.S. Doric more than 100 years ago on December 20, 1906, to work as contract laborers in the plantation industry. About 120,000 sakadas arrived in Hawai`i between 1906 and 1934. These sakadas paved the way for the legacy that would be built by the Filipino community in Hawai`i and worldwide. 

      “Like many moments in history, the arrival of the first 15 sakadas in Hawai`i occurred little noticed by most in Hawai`i at the time,” said Rep. John Mizuno. “However, after viewing their struggles and sacrifices, we are honored to recognize the first migration of Filipinos in Hawai`i and the sakadas that followed as we appreciate their historic importance and significance to shaping Hawai`i. Today, Filipinos have achieved significant success worldwide, however, in moving forward it is important to remember the great pioneers who paved the way which allowed for such success to occur. After reviewing the legacy of the sakada we truly begin to understand all that it represents and means to all of us in the state.”
      Today, Filipinos make up the second largest ethnic group in the state, with Filipinos in leadership positions in business, government, community service organizations and the professions.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Mazie Hirono

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO, THE FIRST Asian American woman elected to the U.S. Senate, introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Sen. Brian Schatz is one of several co-sponsors. 

      “Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a celebration of the contributions and progress made by the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Hawai`i and across the country. The AAPI community is the fastest growing minority population in the United States and will have an increasing presence and stronger voice in national debates for years to come,” Hirono said. “As an immigrant who came to the United States from Japan with my mother at a young age, it’s an honor to lead a bipartisan group of my colleagues in recognizing and celebrating the culture and stories of AAPI families that have enriched our nation.”
      May is officially designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by section 102 of title 36, United States Code. The observance originally began as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week, which was established through a joint Congressional resolution in 1978. The month of May was chosen due to two important milestones in AAPI history: May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States, and May 10, 1869, when the first transcontinental railroad was completed with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrant workers.

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

Chris Jacobsen, at right teaches non-credit ag classes this summer. Photo from HCC

HAWAI`I COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS OFFERING a series of non-credit agriculture classes this summer that cover topics like sustainable farming practices, pest and disease control, nursery management, irrigation, how to manage a farm business and more. 

      The classes will be held at the Hawai`i CC campus in Hilo, in Captain Cook and at the University of Hawai`i experimental agriculture farm in Pana`ewa. Hawai`i CC Agriculture instructor Chris Jacobsen will teach the courses.
      The following are class subjects, times and fees:

• Sustainable Production Practices, Thursday, 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., May 21-June 6. Cost: $59; 
• Home and Community Food Security, Friday, June 5 and Friday, July 24. Cost for each one-day class is $59; 
• Farm Management, Thursday, 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., June 11-27. Cost: $59; 
• Integrated Pest Management, Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., June 30–July 16. Cost: $59; 
• Irrigation Repair and Theory, Thursday, 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., July 23-Aug.8. Cost: $59; 
• Horticultural Operations, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., July 27–Aug. 13. Cost: $67. 

      The classes are part of the C3T-1 program that Hawai`i CC and other University of Hawai`i Community Colleges are participating in.
      C3T Hawai`i is a $24.6 million grant awarded to the University of Hawai`i Community Colleges through the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. The grant will fuel the development of education and training curriculum and student academic/career coaching, which targets certificate and degree programs specific to the needs of agriculture, energy and health industries. These industry-focused, employer-driven programs are designed to increase college completion rates and provide job opportunities to the C3T participants.
      The non-credit courses funded by the grant aim to provide training leading to jobs in agriculture for the unemployed, professional improvement for those already employed in agriculture, and instruction for those who want to work in the agriculture field.
      For more information on how to register for these classes and about the course contents, call Linda Burnham Larish, C3T-1 Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator at Hawai`i CC, 934-2687 or email llarish@hawaii.edu.

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

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI & FRIENDS 2010 Potluck Reunion and a concurrent gathering at the old Sasaki Store in Pahala are topics of a video being shown on Na Leo O Hawai`i Community Television. Carese Galiza, formerly of Pahala and now living in Pensacola, FL, produced the video that showcases Ka`u’s talented musicians, including Ernest Kalani’s Back to the Fifties group, Calvin Ponce’s Hands of Time and senior hula dancers from the former Mahealani Halau under the direction of the late Kumu Hula Edna Aguil. The video was dedicated to Aguil for her more than 50 years of community service.

      Air times are today at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.  

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

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Memorial Day Ceremony is Monday at 3 p.m. on KMC’s Front Lawn in Hawai‘`i Volcanoes National Park. Keynote speaker is Rod Sueoka, of the Office of Veterans’ Services. 

      KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information.

MEMORIAL DAY BUFFET IS AVAILABLE from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes Hawaiian kalua pork sandwich, local-style fried chicken, chili con carne, biscuits and honey, buttered corn, steamed rice, dessert and a beverage. Adult $18; child $9.
      Call 967-8356 for more information. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests.

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.

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, May 22, 2015

Piton de la Fournaise volcano of La Reunion Island erupted as ambassadors for the park attended Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival and signed a sister park agreement. Photo from La Reunion National Park

NEWS AND EVENTS OF THE KA`U agricultural community were shared yesterday at the meeting of the Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District in Pahala. 

      Members discussed the new mobile slaughter unit that will allow residents who raise even only a few cattle, goats, pigs and sheep to have them legally processed. The mobile slaughter unit will move from place to place around the island to service small producers. A meeting on the plan and on joining the cooperative that will operate the mobile slaughter unit will be held Sunday, June 14 at 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.

Mobile slaughter services are coming to Ka`u. Photo from Hawai`i Island Meat

     See www.HawaiiIslandMeat.com. Contact HawaiiIslandMeat@gmail.com. The project is funded by the state Department of Agriculture with help from Big Island Resource Conservation & Development, Hawai`i Small Business Development Center and The Kohala Center.
       Members discussed an upcoming training on water conflict mediation, open to the Ka`u agricultural community, on Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. It is sponsored by The Kohala Center and organized by the center's Rural Cooperative Development Specialist Melanie Bondera. To sign up, contact mbondera@kohalacenter.org.
      The recent Green Sand community runaway fire that burned a house and destroyed waterlines was discussed in terms of the planning for future water service for agriculture in the community. Better pipes and funding for water storage for ag and firefighting were mentioned by Jeremy Buhr, who represents that community.
      John Cross, of Olson Trust, announced that the hydroelectric plant above Ka`u Coffee Mill is moving forward with Taylor Construction Co., Inc. getting ready to build the building to house the hydroelectric plant itself. The hydro plant at Keaiwa could be operational by early next year, he said.
      Members of the cooperative also discussed various ways of designing the sub-organizations that will manage water from various sources. Some organizational templates favor landowners, according to the amount of land owned, in decision making while others favor the user farmers and ranchers in the structure of the organizations.
      The next Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District meeting will be held on Saturday, June 27 at 8 a.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. For more information, call Jeff McCall at 937-1056.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando and Daniel Gonthier,
President of La Reunion National Park, sign the sister park agreement at Kilauea
Visitor Center headquarters on May 20. NPS photo 

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK and La Réunion National Park, located on a French volcanic island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, signed a sister park agreement May 20 to fortify mutual collaboration and cooperation between them. 

      Both Hawai`i Volcanoes and La Réunion National Parks feature active volcanoes and are celebrated throughout the world for their geological, biological and cultural attributes. Both islands are located in the middle of vast oceans and are situated over volcanic hot spots. La Réunion’s Piton de la Fournaise (Peak of the Furnace) is listed among Earth’s most active volcanoes and stands 8,632 feet above sea level. Like Kilauea, it is a shield volcano and currently erupting.
      La Reunion island is about the size of Kaua`i and has many landscapes similar to Kaua‘i and the Big Island.
      Both parks are designated as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which seeks to encourage identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
      “La Réunion is a wonderful ambassador on behalf of the precious world heritage of France. Our resources join us together – shield volcanoes and endemic and endangered species. We are proud to share with the community the joining of two of the wonders of the world,” said Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. She and President of La Reunion National Park, Daniel Gonthier, signed the agreement in Volcano.
      The sister park relationship enables both parks to enrich their personnel through projects of international cooperation, accomplished primarily through exchange of managerial, technical and professional knowledge, information and data technology.
      Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park also has sister park agreements with Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes in South Korea and with Wudalianchi National Park in China. Like Hawai`i Volcanoes and La Réunion, Jeju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
       Representatives from all three sister parks participated in the BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival held May 15-16 at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Keiki explore Kilauea Iki and other Hawai`i Island national parks during Hawai`i
Volcanoes National Park's summer junior ranger program.
NPS Photo from Jessica Ferracane

KEIKI EIGHT TO 13 YEARS OLD are invited to “Find Your Park” and become junior rangers through Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Keiki o Hawai`i Nei summer program. The fun-filled, three-day program begins Wednesday, June 24 and ends Friday, June 26. The program is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. 

      Keiki o Hawai`i Nei is designed to encourage a child’s enthusiasm for discovery by connecting them with the park’s resources and staff, and to inspire their appreciation of what is uniquely Hawaiian by exploring the natural and cultural heritage of Hawai`i.
      Participants must bring and be able to carry their own day pack with water, snacks, lunch and raingear, and hike up to three miles over uneven terrain at a leisurely pace.
      Children will explore Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and visit national parks on the west side of Hawai`i Island. Transportation is provided, and there is no cost to enroll.
      The program is co-sponsored by Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association and Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      To reserve a space, call Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park at 985-7373 or email institute@fhvnp.org. The deadline to register is Friday, June 19.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

APPLICATIONS CAN NOW BE MADE for annual grants from the State Land Conservation Fund to protect Hawai`i lands having valuable cultural, natural or agricultural resources. Grants from the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Legacy Land Conservation Program can be used for acquisition and conservation of watersheds, coastal areas, beaches, ocean access, habitat protection, cultural and historic sites, recreational and public hunting areas, parks, natural areas, agricultural production, open spaces and scenic resources. 

      State agencies, county agencies and nonprofit land conservation organizations may apply. Proposed projects may include acquisition of fee title or conservation easements. County agencies and nonprofit project applicants must be able to provide at least 25 percent of the total project costs.
      “Legacy Land grants help local agencies and organizations protect the lands and resources that improve the health and quality of life for Hawai`i’s residents and visitors – parks for outdoor recreation, forested watersheds for clean drinking water, cultural landscapes for preservation of heritage and agricultural lands for fresh local food,” DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said. “Through Legacy Land, the Department forms partnerships to share the costs and responsibilities of purchasing and protecting these lands for the public, allowing the state to secure more of these resources for the public with a smaller portion of funding,” Case said.
      Project applications will be reviewed by the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, which will nominate projects for funding. Projects are subject to the approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, consultation with the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, review by the Department of the Attorney General and the approval of the Governor. Final awards are subject to the availability of funds.

      Starting June 1, forms and instructions for the 2015-2016 grant cycle will be available at dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp/apply/. In order to be considered for funding, applicants must submit Agency Consultation Forms by July 1. Grant applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 15.

Earth Matters Farm and Hawai`i Farmers Union United Ka`u Chapter President
Greg Smith host tomorrow's meeting and potluck. Photo by Ron Johnson

      For more information, see 
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp/ or call 808-586-0921.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U FARMERS UNION UNITED MEETING begins at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Earth Matters Farm invites Ka`u residents to the meeting and to share their garden eats afterward until 1 p.m. The farm is at the corner of South Point and Kama`oa Roads.
      Speakers include Bob Shaffer, a soil consultant; Gabriel Howearth, founder of Seeds of Change; and Anna Lisa Okoye, from The Kohala Center.
      For more information, call HFUU Ka`u Chapter President Greg Smith at 443-3300.

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.

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, May 21, 2015

Visitors to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park gather after dark at Jaggar Museum observation deck to observe the glow from a lava lake within Halema`uma`u Crater. NPS Photo courtesy of Alex Werjefelt

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL’S first June meeting will be broadcast from the old state courthouse in Na`alehu following a move of the teleconferencing facility from Ocean View Community Center. Ka`u’s Council member Maile David said this morning she is happy that the facility on Hwy 11 will have a new purpose and provide a centralized location for the community to witness and provide testimony at council committee and regular council meetings. She said the state has agreed to allow the county to use it rent-free and that it may become available for other community meetings.

      David researched use of courthouse when she worked for the Legislative Research branch of the county and recently looked back at the records to restart the conversation with the state to reopen it.

Services at Ka`u Hospital will continue as HHSC East Hawai`i Region facilities
face layoffs and cutbacks. Photo by Julia Neal

      David also noted that for Na`alehu ballpark, she purchased a scoreboard with her contingency funds, approved last month.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HOSPITAL’S emergency department, acute care, clinic, X-ray and other services will continue as before, Administrator Merilyn Harris said in response to Hawai`i Health Systems Corp.’s announcement of impending layoffs and cuts in services in its East Hawai`i Region.
      According to Harris, the main impact will be having to limit the number of long-term care residents at the facility to 13 instead of 16. “That is because we will only have staff enough to safely care for that number,” Harris said.
      Currently, the hospital houses 14 long-term residents. “The hospital won’t be asking anyone to leave who resides with us now,” Harris said. “Reducing our long-term care beds has been a terribly difficult decision for us to take, but we cannot continue to ignore the reality of insufficient funding.”
      Harris also confirmed that none of the hospital’s permanent staff will be losing their jobs as a result of this service cut, but some temporary positions will not be extended.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS THE TOPIC of a Ka`u Community Development Plan focused discussion Tuesday, May 26, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.

      The purpose of focused discussions, which have so far been held about agriculture, coastal management and proposed development at Discovery Harbour, is to explore specific topics of interest in-depth. They are opportunities for community members to expand their understanding of the CDP and the rationale behind particular strategies. It is also an opportunity to provide new information, suggest alternative CDP strategies and propose additional areas of analysis.
      During the economic development discussion, anticipated topics include the role of government in a market economy; foundations for opportunity (resource protection, public infrastructure and services); room for growth (residential, commercial, industrial and resort); regional coordination; and sector-specific innovation and initiatives (agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, community tourism, retail).
      County planners familiar with these issues will be on hand and equipped with background material to support the discussion.
      Participants’ questions, comments and suggestions will be documented. As appropriate, the CDP Planning Team will use outputs of the discussion to do additional analysis, refine the CDP rationale and/or recommend CDP revisions.
      Public input on the draft Ka`u CDP is due June 1. The CDP is available at local libraries and community centers and online at kaucdp.info.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Camping fees at Hawai`i Volcanoes National park will increase.
Photo from NPS 

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will incrementally increase entrance and camping fees over the next three years in order to fund deferred maintenance and improvement projects within the park, and to meet national standards for parks with similar visitor amenities. Entrance fees for recreational use have not increased since 1997. 

      Beginning June 1, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will increase its per-vehicle entrance fee in $5 increments from the current price of $10 per vehicle to $15 per-vehicle this year, $20 in 2016, and $25 in 2017. The vehicle pass is valid for seven days. The per-person entrance fee (the rate bicyclists and pedestrians pay) will increase from the current rate of $5 to $8 on June 1, $10 in 2016, and to $12 in 2017. The motorcycle fee will go up from $5 to $10 on June 1, $15 in 2016, and to $20 in 2017.
      One significant modification to the new fee structure was based on public input. The annual Tri-Park Pass, considered by many as the kama`aina, or residents pass, will remain at the current rate of $25 for 2015 and 2016 and will increase to $30 in 2017. Based on public input, the park proposed a $30 fee for the Tri-Park Pass, instead of the national standard of $50. The annual Tri-Park Pass is available to all visitors and allows unlimited entry for one year to three national parks: Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and Haleakala National Park.
      New fees are also slated for all backcountry and front-country campsites, including Kulanaokuaiki Campground, and will be $10 per site per night. Backcountry campsites will have a stay limit of three consecutive nights, while the front-country campsites will have a stay limit of seven consecutive nights. Currently, camping is free, except at Namakanipaio Campground, which is managed by Hawai`i Volcanoes Lodge Company, LLC. The new camping permit fees are similar to other public camping fees statewide.
      “The increases over the next few years will enable us to continue to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, while upgrading some basic services like our campgrounds,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “We reached out to our community for their feedback on the new fees, and many comments were supportive of the increase as long as the Tri-Park Pass continued to be offered,” she said.

      Recreational entrance fees are not charged to persons under 16 years old or holders of the Tri-Park, America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Senior, Access or Military passes. These passes may be obtained at the park or online.

Richard Wallsgrove

      The current National Park Service fee program began in 1997 and allows parks to retain 80 percent of monies collected. Projects funded by entrance fees at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park include ongoing trail maintenance, cabin repairs, hike pamphlets, restrooms, picnic tables and more. The transformation of the 1932 Administration Building (`Ohi`a Wing) into a cultural museum that visitors will soon enjoy is also a fee-funded project. Entrance fees also protect the Hawaiian ecosystem by funding fencing projects that prevent non-native ungulates like pigs and goats from devouring rare native plants.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS IN HAWAI`I are questioning the state Legislature’s approval of a tax break on coal while expanding taxes on oil, propane and liquefied natural gas. 

      AES Hawai`i, Inc, which uses coal to produce 20 percent of O`ahu’s electricity, lobbied for the tax break, according to a story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Jeff Walsh, the company’s president and general manager, said AES sells power to Hawaiian Electric Co. by contract at a fixed price, and the company would have no way to pass the cost of a new tax on to HECO or the utility’s customers.
      Walsh claimed in the article that power the company produces with coal is “by far” the cheapest electricity being produced in the state. He described AES as “the bridge and the backbone of the grid.”
       Life Of The Land Executive Director Henry Curtis said, “Fossil fuel is fossil fuel. Coal, oil and natural gas should all have the same tax rate imposed on them.”
      Richard Wallsgrove, program director for Blue Planet Foundation, said, “It seems pretty nonsensical to me.” Blue Planet is a nonprofit organization that promotes use of clean energy.
      See staradvertiser.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U AG WATER COOPERATIVE DISTRICT meets today at 4 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Macnut Office in Pahala. Call Jeffrey McCall at 937-1056 for more information.

KAHO`OKAHI KANUHA and Lanakila Mangauil present information about the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea today at 6 p.m. at Wai`ohinu Park. For more information, call Nohea at 808-205-9843.

EARTH MATTERS FARM invites Ka`u residents to share their garden eats at the monthly Ka`u Farmers Union United meeting and potluck Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The farm is at the corner of South Point and Kama`oa Roads.
      Speakers include Bob Shaffer, a soil consultant; Gabriel Howearth, founder of Seeds of Change; and Anna Lisa Okoye, from The Kohala Center.
       For more information, call HFUU Ka`u Chapter President Greg Smith at 443-3300.

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.