Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, May 28, 2015

Ka`u High School Trojan Kai Enriques is BIIF Volleyball Player if the Year. Photo from Taylor Sport Photography

KA`U’S FORMER COUNTY COUNCIL member Brenda Ford has lost her lawsuit claiming that Bobby Jean Leithead Todd is not qualified to be director of Department of Environmental Management. Ford filed the lawsuit in 2013, citing the county charter’s requirement that the director hold “an engineering degree or a degree in a related field.” Leithead Todd has a bachelor of arts degree in English.

Bobby Jean Leithead Todd

      In his ruling, Third Circuit Judge Ronald Ibarra said Ford “has not raised or presented any evidence that there exists a genuine issue of material fact relating to whether the County Council or the mayor abused their discretion in interpreting the charter.” Ibarra also noted that both sides agreed that language in the charter is ambiguous.
      Ford voted against Mayor Billy Kenoi’s appointment of Leithead Todd. It passed 6-3.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Tom Hutton

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY is asking the state Public Charter School Commission to accept revisions to pre-opening assurances. KLA originally had a target enrollment of 111 students but is now expecting 85. According to a statement from commission Executive Director Tom Hutton, KLA requested the reduction “because the school believes it is important to complete its pre-opening criteria as soon as possible.” 

      KLA also provided a revised budget for years one through three. Year One provides for a revised enrollment of 85 students, 105 students in Year Two and 125 in Year Three.
      “KLA’s revised budget appears to be reasonable,” Hutton stated. “The school expects to end each year with a surplus, and even without any grants in Year One, the year would end at break-even. Further, all positions in the revised staffing plan are accounted for, although … there are some questions surrounding the pay for some of the positions.”  

      According to Hutton, the most significant cost saving comes from cutting clerical salaries, a technology services position and an instructional leadership position.
      The revised staffing plan includes four teachers (three of whom will be contracted through Teach For America), two Education Assistants, an Executive Director, a Managing Director, a part-time office assistant, a bus driver/lunch program person, a meals program/office assistant person and a custodian/driver/maintenance person.
      To demonstrate that the revised staffing plan is sufficient to deliver the academic plan, KLA also provided a school schedule.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Gregory Javar, Jr. accepts Ken Wicks scholarship
from chair Lee McIntosh.

GREGORY K. JAVAR, JR. wrote the winning essay for 2015 Ken Wicks Ka`u Chamber of Commerce Scholarship. Javar graduated from Ka`u High School and attended University of Hawai`i as a freshman. He was an exchange student at University of Alaska during his sophomore year and returns to UH-Manoa this fall. 

      Entitled Local Lands in Local Hands, Javar’s essay considers the current controversy regarding stewardship of Mauna Kea and construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope there.
      “A`ole TMT! A`ole TMT!” These are the chants of Native Hawaiians speaking from their hearts to stop production on our sacred Mauna Kea,” Javar wrote. “The preservation of our Hawaiian lands plays such an important role in the Hawaiian culture, while advancing technology plays an important role in the science world. There seems to be no peaceful solution to these rising conflicts. Why can’t the native people and the scientists find peace? Different mindsets. In the Hawaiian culture, the people know the significance in the Mauna and see it as a sacred and holy place. While on the scientific end, the Mauna is just as equally significant, only for a different reason, scientific discovery. The mountain reveals that there are two different sides, the cultural and the scientific. Although there are many scientists who try to preserve the Hawaiian culture, I believe there is not enough. This is part of the reason why I am pursuing my goal in becoming a civil engineer.
        Pursuing my engineering career would not only benefit the technological world, it would also benefit my Hawaiian culture. My future plan is to move back to Ka`u and work as an engineer on the Big Island. If I am back on the Big Island, I’d be able to be a bridge or a mediator between conflicting sides. I would be able to tailor the projects so that they would be advanced in a modern way without interfering with Hawaiian culture. I feel like that is very important in this day and age because of the rapid growth of industry and modernization. With the current issue of Mauna Kea going on, I feel like Hawaiian engineers should work on ways to prevent future conflicts. As a native of Ka`u, I feel like it is my Kuleana to “keep country, country” and at the same time keep us intact with the modern world. 

Ka`u Chamber of Commerce presented its 2015 Ken Wicks scholarships Tuesday.

        Growing up in Ka`u, kids learn many values that many other kids do not have the privilege to learn. I’ve been to a lot of places and have seen the lifestyle and can honestly say that Ka`u is one of a kind. Our keiki learn respect, values, and learn that if you take care of the land, the land will take care of you. That’s what’s special about our district, we all are one with our land, and as locals we do what we can to protect it. As a future engineer, I see this as a great opportunity to make a long-lasting impression. For our people, for Ka`u.

      Other Ken Wicks Ka`u Chamber of Commerce Scholarship recipients for 2015 are Layla Abellera, Tyler Amaral, Evan Enriques, Annie Mae Flores, Kaweni Ibarra, Nysa M. Kaniho, Kamrie Koi, Jennifer Kau`i Losalio, Crystal McIntosh, Denisha Navarro, Siena Okimoto, Tiare-Lee Shibuya, Jennifer Flores Tabios and Jenisha Young.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u High named Athletes and Scholar Athletes
of the Year Tuesday. Photo from KHPES

TUESDAY AT ITS ATHLETIC ASSEMBLY, Ka`u High School congratulated Athletes of the Year. Female Athlete of the Year is Kerrilynn Domondon, and Male Athlete of the Year is Cameron “Kai” Enriques. 

      Principal’s Female Scholar Athlete of the Year is Jennifer Tabios and Principal’s Male Scholar Athlete of the Year is Mike Tamayo.
      Councilwoman Maile Medeiros David was on hand and presented Ka`u High School, its Athletic Program and eight-man football team with a Certificate of Recognition for winning the first BIIF eight-man championship.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

BIG ISLAND INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION Volleyball Player of the Year is Ka`u High School’s Kai Enriques, and Coach of the Year is Joshua Ortega. Other Trojans also have received BIIF accolades. Outside hitter Enriques and middle blocker Brian Gascon are on Division II’s first team. Outside hitter Damon Hertz made second team. Honorable mention went to outside hitter Anthony Emmsley-Ah Yee and middle blocker Mike Tamayo.
      According to Kevin Jakahi, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, Enriques performance at states, with 41 kills on 100 swings, was “one of the most dominant performances by a Trojan in the school’s history.”
      “I never realized how many kills I had. I was enjoying the game so much,” Enriques told Jakahi. “When I heard, I was pretty excited.”
      Enriques will play for Briar Cliff College’s new men’s volleyball program this fall.

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PAHALA PUBLIC & SCHOOL LIBRARY on the campus of Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary School currently has open recruitment for Student Helper II positions to fill any future vacancies.
      This is a part-time position. Requirements include being a full-time college student taking online classes or classroom classes, being able to work in the mornings Mondays through Thursdays and Friday afternoons, and having computer skills.
       For more information, call Debbie Wong Yuen at 928-2015.

KA`U’S STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN hosts a talk story at Cooper Center in Volcano Village a week from today on Thursday, June 4 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Ruderman will discuss newly passed legislation and seek input on bills to be introduced next year.

      For more info, call 586-6890 or email   senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov.

KA`U MOKU, PART OF AHA MOKU Advisory Committee, holds a community and informational meeting today from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Youth Center behind the community center to discuss local issues and concerns. 

      For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740 or Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka at 339-0289.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY Development Corp. meets tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Hawaiian Ranchos offices.

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/Direectory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, May 27, 2015

According to NOAA, this hurricane season that begins June 1 is expected to be busier than last year, when Tropical Storm Iselle made Wood Valley fields look like rice paddies, according to photographer Anne Celeste.

HAWAI`I COUNTY PLANNER RON WHITMORE encouraged residents to use the Ka`u Community Development Plan as a reference in their economic endeavors. “Take your economic future into your own hands,” Whitmore’s said at a draft Ka`u Community Development plan discussion about economic development yesterday. He said the CDP identifies methods residents can use to help them create a strong economy, but “the government can only do so much; your economic future is in your hands.”

Ka`u residents and and planner Ron Whitmore discussed economic
development yesterday. Photos by Richard Taylor

      Economic sectors identified in the draft CDP that have growth potential in Ka`u include agriculture, renewable energy, health and wellness services, education and research, and tourism. For each of these sectors, the CDP outlines actions that can help achieve growth, including ways to advocate for support from county, state and federal channels. While some actions can be taken by the county, such as improving infrastructure and providing services and support, most endeavors depend on community-based, collaborative actions to make them successful.

      Opportunities brought up by residents at yesterday’s meeting included retirement communities, which Ron Self, of Wood Valley, said are one of the most powerful economic engines that exist.
      Tyler Johansen, representing Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea Co., said the company is interested in diversified ag and is open to community input on the operation being developed in Na`alehu.

Steering Committee members will consider
residents' comments for inclusion
in the Ka`u CDP.

      Loren Heck, of Ocean View, suggested development of cinder pits, which he called “our one real natural resource.”
      Regarding Punalu`u, Whitmore said it is a “natural place for resort development.” He said all interested parties need to come together. He suggested keeping development safely back from the shoreline and at an appropriate scale for Ka`u.
      Many residents wanted to know more about a proposed development at Discovery Harbour. A resident who recently moved there was concerned about the area losing its quiet ambience, the reason he moved here. Another asked, “What does it offer us as a community? We don’t want Ali`i Drive, Kona here.”
      Other comments included, “We need more amenities,” and, “We would like to see reasonable development.”

      Sustained, measured and sensible growth was mentioned by several Ka`u residents, while others called for limited, and extremely limited, growth.
      Julie Enriques, of Punalu`u, said she wants to see diversification of economy to strengthen family in Ka`u. She said family members joke that her children in college will be the smartest fishermen in Ka`u. “We love Ka`u and don’t want to see Kona here,” she said.
      Daneille Eggleston, of Ocean View, was concerned about zoning to accommodate economic growth and regulation of businesses such as restaurants that make it cost-prohibitive to operate. Whitmore said government tries to find a balance between business operations and public health needs.
      Joe Iacuzzo, of Discovery Harbour, asked if the CDP could recognize Ka`u’s rural nature and if there is “any way to assist small business in jumping through hoops (of government regulations)?”
      Iacuzzo, a founder of Ka`u Learning Academy, also said that he is in favor of responsible growth. “We are seeing wonderful things,” he said.
      Richard Taylor, of South Point, said, “Development is inevitable; we really don’t have much to say about it. We’re at kind of a cusp; we are part of the development of Ka`u.”
      One resident suggested that the CDP include information about enterprise zones that are mandated by the state to help businesses grow.
      Public comment on the draft CDP is due this Monday, June 1. Copies are available at local libraries, community centers and online at kaucdp.info.

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

Gov. David Ige yesterday announced plans for Mauna Kea
stewardship. Image from Office of the Governor

CONTROVERSY ABOUT THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE continues after Gov. David Ige yesterday announced plans on how to move forward with the project while “respecting our host culture.” Protesters, who refer to themselves as protectors, say they will not be satisfied until plans to go ahead with construction of TMT are reversed. 

      Ige said the state has in many ways failed the mountain and called for action to right past wrongs. “Whether you see it from a cultural perspective or from a natural resource perspective, we have not done right by a very special place, and we must act immediately to change that,” he said.
      “The activities of Native Hawaiians and scientists can and should coexist,” Ige said, while acknowledging that “science has gotten way ahead of culture on the mountain.”
      Ige called for changes in management of the entire summit to include cultural voices by creating the Mauna Kea Cultural Council to work with Department of Land & Natural Resources in advising and reviewing all leases and renewals.
      Ige asked the University of Hawai`i, which leases summit lands from the state, to take actions related to enhanced stewardship at the summit. Actions include UH honoring a commitment that this be the last area on the mountain where a telescope project will be contemplated or sought, decommissioning – beginning this year – as many telescopes as possible with at least 25 percent of all of them gone by the time TMT is ready for operation, restarting the EIS process for the university’s lease extension and conducting a full cultural impact assessment as part of that process, substantially reducing the length of its request for a lease extension, voluntarily returning to full DLNR jurisdiction lands not specifically needed for astronomy and making a good faith effort to revisit the issue of payments by existing telescopes now as well as requiring it in the new lease.
      Kealoha Pisciotta, of Mauna Kea Hui, told Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, that while Ige “said a lot, he didn’t address anything relevant to what’s happening on the ground. The thing that I think the governor is missing is the realization that astronomy is a privilege, not a right, and desecration is against the law in Hawai`i.”
      Kumu Hula Paul Neves told Callis that while Ige is “the first one to say decommission some of it … it’s too late; it’s way too late.” Neves also objected to Ige allowing construction while a legal appeal is in process. “I don’t think he’s being advised properly,” Neves said.
      Henry Yang, chair of the TMT International Observatory board, said, “We will work with the framework he has put forth. We know we have a lot of work ahead of us. We appreciate that there are still people who are opposed to the project, and we will continue to respectfully listen and work with them to seek solutions.”

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

NOAA is expecting a busy hurricane season in the Central Pacific.

CLIMATE CONDITIONS POINT to an above-normal hurricane season in the Central Pacific Basin this year, according to NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs until Nov. 30. 

      The outlook calls for a 70 percent chance of an above-normal season, a 25 percent chance of a near-normal season, and a five percent chance of a below-normal season. NOAA expects five to eight tropical cyclones to affect the central Pacific this season. An average season has four to five tropical cyclones, which include tropical depressions with winds of up to 38 miles per hour, tropical storms with maximum winds up to 73 mph and hurricanes of higher wind speeds.
      The outlook is based on El Nino continuing and possibly strengthening as the hurricane season progresses. El Nino decreases vertical wind shear over the tropical central Pacific, favoring development of more and stronger tropical cyclones. It also favors more westward-tracking storms from the eastern Pacific. This combination typically leads to an above-normal Central Pacific hurricane season, according to NOAA.
      NOAA urged Hawai`i residents to be fully prepared before the hurricane season. “I encourage everyone to become weather-ready by signing up for weather alerts, developing and practicing a family emergency plan and building an emergency kit before hurricane season begins,” said Tom Evans, acting director of NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center. “Now is the time to make sure that you and your family are ready and prepared for the 2015 hurricane season.”
      Last year, NOAA predicted between four and seven cyclones, and August’s Tropical Storm Iselle and October’s Hurricane Ana wreaked havoc in Ka`u and Puna.
      See weather.gov. 

Ka`u Moku meets tomorrow to discuss issues pertaining to Ka`u.
Map from Aha Moku Advisory Committee

KA`U MOKU, PART OF AHA MOKU Advisory Committee, holds a community and informational meeting tomorrow from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Youth Center behind the community center.
      Issues and concerns on the agenda include discussions about the status of organization of moku and ahupua`a in Ka`u Moku, Ka`u Community Development Plan, proposed Humpback Whale Sanctuary Draft Management Plan, use of Na`alehu Courthouse by the community and the proposed Na`alehu Wastewater Treatment Facility. 

      Contact Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740 or Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka at 339-0289 with questions or concerns.

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 Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Ka`u Community Development Plan discusses ways to strengthen agriculture. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

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

      The draft Ka`u CDP calls for building a resilient, sustainable local economy. It identifies a community objective as increasing the number and diversity of income sources for residents, including jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities that complement Ka`u’s ecology, culture and evolving demographics.

The public is invited to a discussion about Ka`u's economic development
today at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center.

      The draft guides implementation of regional economic development strategies, including an education, enterprise development and research network and regional strategies to increase buying local. Possible actions by the county include collaborating with the private sector to identify business needs, strengthen existing industries and diversify the economy by attracting new endeavors; advancing economic development that enhances and is balanced with the county’s natural, cultural and social environments; promoting a distinctive identity for Ka`u; and commissioning a study of Economic and Financial Impact Reviews and proposing recommendations for their integration into the regulatory review and approval process.

      Community-based, collaborative actions listed toward this goal include coordinating regional, cross-sectoral economic development strategies; developing a high-tech, high-touch regional education, enterprise development and research network; and coordinating regional strategies to increase buying local.
      The CDP discusses ways to strengthen local agriculture, including agricultural land acquisition, agricultural parks and water systems, diversification of agriculture-based businesses on agricultural land and agricultural tourism.
      The CDP also suggests that developing community renewable energy would enhance Ka`u’s economy. It guides development of local, renewable, distributed energy networks while prioritizing greater public review of commercial renewable energy projects. It states that the county could encourage development of alternate energy resources, providing they complement existing agricultural uses and preserve ecologically significant areas and amend the Zoning Code to require Use Permits for commercial renewable energy projects in the County Agricultural District.
      At today’s meeting, 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 Monday, June 1. The document 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.

A new document describes opportunities for discoveries by TMT.

THIRTY METER TELESCOPE ORGANIZATION has released a new document that it says describes “the transformational science the Thirty Meter Telescope will enable.” The key TMT document, known as the Detailed Science Case, explains that TMT would open up opportunities for revolutionary discoveries in essentially every field of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. 

      According to TMT, the telescope will see much fainter objects much more clearly than existing telescopes, enabled by a giant mirror and advanced adaptive optics system. “With these capabilities, TMT’s science agenda fills all of space and time, from nearby comets and asteroids, to exoplanets, to the most distant galaxies and back to the very first sources of light in the Universe,” TMT stated.
      “There is virtually no cosmic stone that TMT will leave unturned,” said Warren Skidmore, editor-in-chief of the document and Telescope Research Scientist for TMT International Observatory. “We at TMT, our international partners and the broader astronomical community are all eagerly looking forward to the scientific breakthroughs that TMT will help deliver.”
      More than 150 astronomers from within the TMT partnership and beyond offered input in compiling the new 2015 Detailed Science Case.
      In preparing the document, members of TMT’s International Science Development Teams composed sections describing some of the highest profile questions in their respective fields that TMT can help answer.
      The 2015 Detailed Science Case has been updated from its original 2007 version to reflect how its first featured suite of instruments and future upgrades will achieve TMT’s envisioned science goals. The science case will be used to define the scientific priorities of TMT during the period when evaluation of second-generation instruments begins. The document will also aid in defining operational modes for the observatory as its science mission gets underway.

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

The U.S. Senate has honored Hui Panala`au colonists who helped secure
and establish jurisdiction of the U.S. over remote Pacific islands.
Photo from UH-Manoa

THE U.S. SENATE HAS UNANIMOUSLY passed a resolution acknowledging and honoring the young men from Hawai`i, the majority of whom were Native Hawaiian, who ensured the success of the Equatorial Pacific colonization project. This once-secret initiative began in the 1930s to enable the United States to claim jurisdiction over this hotly disputed area of the Pacific in the years leading up to World War II. The earliest colonists were new Kamehameha Schools graduates who were dispatched to the remote islands of Howland, Baker and Jarvis. These young men had been carefully selected to ensure that they could survive in the isolated, barren and inhospitable environment with little support from outside. The colonization ended abruptly when Imperial Japan attacked these islands and Pearl Harbor in 1941. 

      Sen. Brian Schatz, who introduced the resolution, commended the Hui Panala`au in this, the 80th anniversary of the first landing of Native Hawaiian colonists. “This is a remarkable story of humble valor, when 130 sons of Hawai`i made use of their island spirit and resourcefulness to make a very big difference for America and ultimately the free world,” Schatz said. “It is my sincere hope that the deeds of the Hui Panala`au colonists will be more broadly shared, understood and appreciated by the people of Hawai`i and by Americans who treasure our rich history.”



      Throughout the seven years of colonization of the islands (1935-1942), 130 young men in small groups joined the effort and risked their lives on remote islands far from the safety and security of their homes and family. The mission was led by the Department of the Interior to establish American possession at first because the islands were seen as potential stopovers for a newly budding commercial air travel industry. As World War II intensified and the Japanese empire advanced across the Pacific, control of the islands became important militarily. In their service, three young men lost their lives, one from a ruptured appendix and two following a Japanese air attack in 1941. Others sustained permanent injuries during their service. Today, there are three known surviving colonists in Hawai`i.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Deadline to sign up to participate in Na`alehu's Fourth of July parade is Monday.
Photo by Julia Neal

PARK VOLUNTEER RICK LAMONTAGNE displays Hawaiian implements that he has replicated tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Part of the `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work program. Free; park entrance fees apply. 

ATTENTION PA`U RIDERS, classic car owners and others wanting to participate in Na`alehu’s Fourth of July parade, Monday is the deadline to sign up. Contact Debra McIntosh at 929-9872 to register. 

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.