Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Sunday, March 6, 2016

Guided nature walks in an intact old-growth forest are offered tomorrow and each Monday at Volcano Art Center's Nialulani Campus in Volcano Village. See more below. Photo from VAC

KA`U AND MILOLI`I ARE NO LONGER risk areas for dengue fever, Hawai`i Department of Health reported on Friday. Previously, areas of Na`alehu, Ocean View and Miloli`i were in categories ranging from some risk to high risk.

Although dengue fever risk sites continue to dwindle, Civil
Defense warns that the outbreak is far from over.
Map from Hawai`i DOH

      Although the number and frequency of new confirmed cases of dengue fever appears to be on the decline, Hawai`i County Civil Defense reported that the outbreak is not anticipated to be considered over anytime in the near future. On Friday, the state reported that no new cases of dengue fever have been reported and none are infectious. The total number of confirmed cases remained at 260.

      To prevent mosquito bites, wear clothing that minimizes exposed skin, use mosquito repellent on skin that cannot be covered, and avoid areas of high mosquito concentration during the early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest.
      Persons who suspect that they may have dengue should remain indoors to prevent the possibility of being bitten and infecting mosquitoes. They should also contact a health care provider. Community health centers are working with DOH to see patients who suspect they may have dengue regardless of ability to pay.
      Residents are asked to help reduce potential mosquito breeding areas around homes and businesses. Remove all standing water, and take unused tires to county transfer stations.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I ISLAND LED THE STATE with 48.7 percent of customer electricity use coming from renewable resources in 2015. Maui County, including Moloka`i and Lana`i, recorded 35.4 percent, and O`ahu achieved 17.2 percent of electricity used from renewable energy.

      Hawaiian Electric Companies reported the data in the annual Renewable Portfolio Standard report filed with Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission. The consolidated RPS for Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawai`i Electric Light combined was 23.2 percent, an increase from 21.3 percent for 2014.

Alan Oshima Photo from HECO

      According to HECO, the achievement far exceeded Hawai`i’s 2015 RPS goal of 15 percent and came from use of a diverse mix of renewable sources, including waste-to-energy, biomass, geothermal, hydro, wind, biofuels and solar, both utility-scale and customer-sited rooftop systems.

      The RPS reported to the PUC represents the calculation for the entire year. However, Hawai`i Island hit a renewable high of 68 percent in December 2015. Maui County hit 63 percent in April 2015, and O`ahu reached 42 percent in May 2015.
      “These are achievements that everyone in Hawai`i can be proud of,” said Alan Oshima, HECO president and CEO. “Integrating renewable energy resources for the benefit of all customers is a top priority, and these results highlight Hawai`i’s nation-leading commitment.
      “A balanced portfolio of renewable resources is critical to our successful transition from imported oil. Energy conservation and storage, rooftop and grid solar, wind power, geothermal and demand response programs will all continue to help us reach that goal while providing value to our customers.”

      HECO reported that electricity generated using renewable energy sources increased by 39,153 megawatt-hours in 2015. The total amount of electrical energy generated from customer-sited, grid-connected sources increased by an estimated 128,060 megawatt-hours, a 24.9 percent increase compared to the previous year.

      HECO is preparing updated power supply improvement plans for achieving Hawai`i’s future RPS goals of 30 percent by 2020, 40 percent by 2030, 70 percent by 2040 and 100 percent by 2045.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS within Kipuka `Ainahou and Mauna Kea Forest Reserve are closed, Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife reported.

      The license agreement allowing DLNR to manage these lands for public hunting and wildlife management purposes has expired and has not been renewed. The lands were closed to public access as of March 1 and will remain closed until further notice. Pu`u O`o Trail within this area that is managed by DLNR’s Na Ala Hele trails and access program also remains closed until further notice.
      For further information on this closure, contact DOFAW in Hilo at 974-4221.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ co-introduced bipartisan legislation addressing the future impact of new technology known as the Internet of Things. The bill, known as the Developing Innovation and Growing the Internet of Things, or DIGIT Act, builds upon the senators’ resolution that called for a national strategy on the Internet of Things. This resolution passed the Senate last March, putting the U.S. Senate on record supporting a strategy to maintain U.S. global competitiveness in the digital age. It also called for a modern framework around innovation, recognizing the importance of consensus-based best practices and the need for innovators to drive the future development of the Internet of Things.

Sen. Brian Schatz calls for a national strategy on
the Internet of Things. Image from Wikipedia

      According to Wikipedia, “the Internet of Things is the network of physical objects - devices, vehicles, buildings and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity - that enables these objects to collect and exchange data. The Internet of Things allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit.”

      “With more and more devices connecting to the Internet every day, we have a unique opportunity to continue leading this technological revolution,” Schatz said. “Our bill recognizes the enormous potential the Internet of Things holds and will give us the tools to make sure our policies help promote its growth.”
      The DIGIT Act directs the Federal Communications Commission to complete a report assessing spectrum needs required to support the Internet of Things. It also convenes a working group of both federal and private entity stakeholders that would provide recommendations to Congress. These recommendations would focus on how to plan for, and encourage, the growth of the Internet of Things in the United States.
      The rapidly developing market of health wearables, connected homes and other novel solutions represents an expanding industry of consumer products.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GUIDED NATURE WALKS through the rain forest at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village are offered tomorrow and every Monday at 9:30 a.m. The one-hour, free guided walks introduce individuals, families and groups to the most diverse, intact and accessible, old-growth `ohi`a/koa rain forest remaining in the state. No reservations are required for groups of five or less. Free; donations are appreciated.
      For further information, email programs@volcanoartcenter.org.

IN SPORTS, CHLOE GAN took first place in girls 400-meter dash yesterday at Konawaena with a time of 1:05.07. She also placed fifth in 100-meter dash at 13.75 seconds. Ka`u girls 4x400-meter relay team placed fourth at 5:08.48.

      Trojan boys volleyball team began regular season play on Tuesday, March 1. Kealakehe junior varsity and varsity each overcame Ka`u in two sets. On Saturday, March 5, Hilo teams also won in two sets.
      The teams travel to Kamehameha on Wednesday for matches beginning at 6 p.m.

      For further information, email programs@volcanoartcenter.org.

ALTOGETHER: WE ARE ONE, presented by the Sisterhood of All Women on Earth and the Brave Brothers, takes place Tuesday at Hawai`i Nature Retreat in Wood Valley. The organization's website describes the event as “a journey of exploration, expansion and focus of the energy that flows through us all, creating a golden grid of love and light across the island of Hawai`i to usher in a new age of civilization.” 

      The event begins at 2 p.m. and continues into the evening. Fee is $25.
      See altogetherweareone.com or facebook.com/events/142146472838551.

NA`ALEHU SCHOOL CAFETERIA is the Ka`u site for Tuesday’s Republican Party caucus. Residents can vote for their presidential candidate from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Other polling locations are listed at gophawii.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Saturday, March 5, 2016

Ka`u High boys volleyball team again took first place at an annual tournament last Saturday. Assistant coach Jade and daughter Janayah Cabreros, #5 Janslae Badua, #8 Jacob Flores, #3 Jovan Padrigo, #1 Trevor Taylor, #7 Travis Taylor, #4 Pete Dacalio, #20 Jamal Buyuan, and Head Coach Joshua Oretga. See more below. Photo from Joshua Ortega

ALL ELIGIBLE HAWAI`I VOTERS IN KA`U who are interested in helping to choose the Republican Presidential candidate for Hawai`i are encouraged to attend the party’s caucus at Na`alehu Elementary School cafeteria Tuesday and vote from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Unregistered voters can register and join the party before casting ballots. “Voters do not have to be members of the Hawai`i Republican Party because they will be asked to fill out a party card before they vote,” said Lee McIntosh, chief volunteer for the Ka`u caucus. A photo ID is required to vote.

      Current Republic candidates are, in alphabetical order, Texas’ U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Ohio’s Gov. John Kasich, Florida’s U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and businessman Donald Trump.
      Those who have any questions or are unable to vote in Ka`u may vote at other polling locations listed at http://gophawaii.com/?page_id=822&mc_cid=97b080d234&mc_eid=8b1aaeb543.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HFUU supports on-farm mentoring.

A BILL THAT WOULD ESTABLISH on-farm mentoring programs passed the state Senate Ways & Means Committee. Hawai`i Farmers Union United reported that SB2137 would appropriate $500,00 to the Department of Agriculture to support programs throughout the state.

      According to the bill, “The development of a whole farm system approach to agriculture in Hawai`i that pays close attention to soil health, specifically increasing mineral availability and improving soil structure, water-holding capacity, crop health and food nutrition levels, will lower water usage through deployment of green manure, compost and cover crops; reduce crop loss from pest damage; and decrease weed pressure. This whole farm system approach to agriculture can improve food security and benefit the local economy through reducing production costs by promoting locally sourced inputs and the manufacturing thereof. Teaching a new generation of farmers to use this whole farm system approach will create an alternative method of farming that appeals to many young farmers across the state. Currently, there is a shortage of qualified teachers for these farm methods. On-farm mentoring aims to fulfill this need by bringing the students to the farm and providing qualified farm mentors with funding.”
      Ka`u residents can track progress of this and other bills at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Colleagues joined Sen. Mazie Hirono's call for action on an
eventual nominee to the Supreme Court.
Photo from Sen. Hirono's Office

HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS continue to push their colleagues to commit to taking any action on President Obama’s eventual nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy caused by Justice Antonin Scalia’s death. Republican Congress members have said they will not act on any nomination until after a new president replaces Barack Obama, who has reached his term limit. Voters will cast their ballots on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

      Several Senate colleagues and Congressional Black Caucus leaders joined Sen. Mazie Hirono, who said, “It is unprecedented to announce unilaterally that no part of advice and consent will occur until after an election. There is a law enacted nearly 150 years ago that says that the Supreme Court shall consist of nine justices, which also presumes that when a vacancy occurs, the President will nominate a replacement and the Senate will provide advice and consent. In my view, this law is violated when Senate Republicans say that it’s OK to leave a vacancy unfilled for over a year.”
      Sen. Brian Schatz said, “A recent poll showed that 69 percent of Americans say that Senate Republicans should consider President Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court and take an up-or-down confirmation vote on that person. The Constitution is clear on what should happen next. The American people are clear on what should happen next. Senate Republicans should simply do their job instead of playing political games and commit to considering President Obama’s nominee to the Supreme Court.”
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY geologist Don Swanson was recently named as the recipient of two prestigious awards, HVO reported in the current issue of Volcano Watch. 

      “In May 2016, he will receive the U.S. Geological Survey’s Shoemaker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Communications. This annual award honors a USGS scientist who has created excitement and enthusiasm for science among non-scientists and recognizes the recipient’s lifetime contributions to science through effective communication skills.

Geologist Don Swanson is known for his passionate public
outreach. Photo from USGS/HVO 

      “During the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting in September 2016, Don will receive the GSA Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Petrology, and Volcanology Division’s Distinguished Geologic Career Award. This annual GSA award goes to an individual who has made distinguished contributions, with emphasis on multidisciplinary and field-based approaches, in one or more geologic fields of research throughout his/her career.
      “The GSA award citation states, in part, that ‘as a field-focused geologist, Dr. Swanson combines both strong disciplinary impact in igneous processes and volcanic hazards with unusually passionate public outreach.’ It goes on to say, ‘field-based researchers rarely achieve the same impact in the literature as their academic counterparts, yet Dr. Swanson's publication record is outstanding and his work has significantly directed volcanic hazards policy.’ 

      “Don’s career as a USGS volcanologist spans more than 50 years, six states, and four countries.
      “On the U.S. mainland, Don mapped and studied the Columbia River basalt, a huge lava field that erupted from 17 to six million years ago and inundated much of eastern Washington and parts of Oregon and Idaho. Don also served as lead geologist for the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Washington, where he played a critical role in the monitoring and documentation of the cataclysmic eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. Six years later, he became CVO’s Scientist-in-Charge.
      “Don’s first stint at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory was as a staff geologist in 1968–1971, during which he documented Kilauea Volcano’s Mauna Ulu eruption. He returned to Hawai`i in 1996, and for nearly eight years, he was HVO’s Scientist-in-Charge. In 2004, Don rotated back to a research scientist position at HVO, where he continues to unravel the geologic history of Kilauea.
      “Throughout his USGS career, Don has been an enthusiastic communicator of volcano science and hazards. His outreach contributions have spurred public interest in volcanoes and encouraged students to pursue earth science careers.
      “As Scientist-in-Charge, Don supported CVO and HVO staff in their development of museum and visitor center displays that have been seen by hundreds of thousands of people. For example, a traveling exhibition on Cascade and Hawaiian volcanoes, created by the USGS in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, was showcased in 11 major cities.
      “Early on, Don saw the potential of the Internet and made HVO’s Web presence a priority of his leadership tenure. Using the website to post daily updates about Kilauea’s eruption, Don captivated readers around the world with his observations, which were presented in a consistent style that was not overly technical but still maintained scientific rigor. The updates also conveyed his passion and curiosity as a scientist wanting to discover more about Kilauea’s history.
      “Don’s prose has also graced USGS Fact sheets, USGS General Interest Products, and numerous newspaper columns, all of which have been well-received by the public.

      “As a speaker, Don’s experience and eloquence has led to countless media interviews and hundreds of diverse community forums to his credit. His recent presentations have focused on his ongoing research into the serious hazard implications of Kilauea’s explosive history, as well as the links between Native Hawaiian culture and volcano science.

      “Don is committed to knowledge transfer. He has trained hundreds of National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service interpreters on how to convey the geology and hazards of Hawaiian and Cascade Range volcanoes to the public. He is also a prolific field trip leader for undergraduate and graduate geology students wanting to learn about Kilauea.”
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

CONGRATULATIONS TO KA`U HIGH School boys volleyball team that took first place for the second consecutive time in the Big Island Under 300 Boys Volleyball Invitational Tournament this passed Saturday on Saturday, Feb. 27. “Playing five games in a row with only seven players, they where tired at times, but all of them stayed strong. At the end, it was all worth it,” Coach Joshua Ortega said.

      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

See vast vistas on the Palm Trail Hike tomorrow. NPS Photo

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers its popular Palm Trail Hike tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This free, moderately difficult, 2.6-mile, loop-trail hike provides one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.

      See nps.gov/havo.

BEGINNING HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE classes take place tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. at Ka`u Youth Center near Na`alehu Community Center. Classes on the first and third Tuesday of each month are taught by kupuna Jeannette Howard. An informal kanikapila stressing songs of Ka`u follows the classes, which are free and open to everyone.

      For more information, call Beverly Byouk at 936-7262.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_March2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Friday, March 4, 2016

More severe drought conditions like these in 2012 may come to Ka`u, which is currently in a moderate drought,
according to the National Weather Service, which released its report yesterday. Photo by Julia Neal

THE DROUGHT IS BACK, the National Weather Service announced yesterday, declaring a “severe drought” in some places on the Big Island and Maui and “moderate drought” in Ka`u. On grazing lands near South Point in Ka`u, ranchers “have been reporting very poor pasture conditions,” the report said. Kapapala ranchers told The Ka`u Calendar newspaper that rainfall has been low in their pastures between Pahala and Volcano.
     The report mentioned that coffee farmers, mainly in the Kona area, have reported “a largely dormant crop due to the lack of rainfall.” It also noted recent brush fires on the island, which are more frequent during times of drought.

The tan area that includes Ka`u
is in moderate drought, the darker
areas in severe drought.
Map from National Weather Service

     The National Weather Service stated, “residents on water catchment systems have been hauling water, either themselves or by hiring a hauling service to fill their tanks for basic needs.”
     Kevin Kodama, hydrologist for the regional office of the National Weather Service, predicted that drought will spread and worsen through summer. He pointed to a strong El Nino event leading to dry weather, following a period of wet weather. A record low of rainfall was set in January, with most places experiencing less than 50 percent of the normal precipitation, some areas receiving less than 10 percent of normal. The National Weather Service is predicting lower than median rainfall through spring and above median temperatures attained this summer. Kodama said to look toward October for relief of dry and hotter weather conditions.
     “El Nino will likely weaken and transition to enso-neutral conditions during the spring or early summer of 2016 with a possible transition to La Nina conditions in the fall,” the report stated.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE TERM LIMIT BILL BY SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN in the state Legislature was shelved yesterday. The senator said Tuesday at a public meeting in Pahala that it could take many years for such a bill to pass, but he keeps pushing for term limits for the Legislature where career politicians accumulate a lot of favors and “walk around with votes in their pocket.” Ruderman said that he recently attended a conference on leadership on the mainland where attendees discussed the success of term limits, which are in place for most state Legislatures around the country. They also discussed referendum, which allows citizens to bring their own initiatives to the ballot box. He said that it became clear that both of these would help Hawai`i move toward a more democratic Legislature where voters, rather than lobbyists and long-term legislators have more say. 

Sen. Ruseell Ruderman, who marched in Na`alehu's Independence Day Parade,
supports 12-year term limits for state legislators. Photo by Peter Anderson

     The state Senator who shelved the bill in Hawai`i was Gilbert Keith-Agaran, chair of the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee. Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported this morning that Keith-Agaran said that term limits are unnecessary since “we already have term limits in the sense that we have elections every two years (for members of the state House of Representatives) and every four years (for state senators) and there’s been fair turnover… . If the public and the voters are unhappy with their representatives, they have the option of voting them out.” Ruderman’s bill would have set the term limits to 12 years, longer than in many states.
     During his Ka`u meeting, Ruderman said that once legislators are in office they often hold the position for many years. He said that political action committees and lobbyists are a “severe corruption to our democracy,” in particular influencing longtime legislators. “It is sort of a rigged deal. Once you are in there, you can stay there. The situation becomes calcified, people getting their way forever.” Several members of the public attending the Ka`u meeting said they would submit online testimony in favor of the term limits. Ka`u High School students weighed in on their desire to participate in government.
     Ruderman, himself a businessman with a chain of food stores, said that in states where there are term limits, they don't have legislators who are career politicians -  “aside from citizens.” He said legislators should be from the community, “take a term and go back into the community."
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

FORMER MAYOR HARRY KIM will run again after sitting out for four years and then losing to his protégé and current Mayor Billy Kenoi by less than 1,500 votes. As mayor for two terms beginning the year 2000, Kim was known for his refusal to take any favors, going as far as declining to dine at a credit union dinner where he was speaking. He earned the nickname “Honest Harry.” Before

Mayoral candidate Harry Kim, again.
Photo from Harry Kim campaign

becoming mayor, Kim was Civil Defense director for Hawai`i County for 16 years. His voice was famous for his radio updates on lava flows, storms, fires, floods and other natural disaster threats.
     In his 2000 run for mayor, Kim limited donations to his campaign to $10.
     Kim was born in Kea`au, educated at `Ola`a and Hilo High Schools. He attended college at University of Hawai`i-Hilo and Southern Oregon University, where he graduated. He served as a medic in the U.S. Army and taught school and coached on this island.
     Other candidates are Jefferson Gourley; former Council Chairman Pete Hoffmann; videographer and founder of the former KAHU community radio station in Pahala, Wendell Ka`ehu`ae`a; former County Managing Director Wally Lau; Shannon McCandless; and Eric Weinhert.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Randy Kurohara

NEW COUNTY MANAGING DIRECTOR is Randy Kurohara, following the resignation of Wally Lau, who announced his candidacy for mayor. Kurohara, 53, served as head of the county Department of Research & Development from 2000 to 2012 when he became deputy managing directory for Hawai`i County after being appointed by Mayor Billy Kenoi who also appointed him for the new job. Yesterday, the County Council approved the new position with praise for his work.

      Kurohara graduated from University of Hawai`i at Manoa with a degree in marketing. His business and community achievements are many, including owner of graphic arts and custom apparel company Creative Arts Hawai`i, and owner of Parker Ranch Store and Aloha Grown. He has served as a board member of Hilo Medical Center and East Hawai`i Regional board for Hawai`i Health System Corp., board member and past president of Rotary Club of South Hilo, director and past president of Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Hawai`i, board member of Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce and board member of Hawai`i Island United Way.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELING QUILT Exhibit opens today at Volcano House Great Room in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Quilts created by Fiber Works, a group of textile artists from the Lincoln-Omaha, Nebraska area will be on display through Sunday, March 27.

One quilt celebrating Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will be gifted to park after the traveling exhibits final stop. Free; park entrance fees apply. See nps.gov/havo.

ZEKE ISRAEL DEMONSTRATES hand building with clay on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The demo is in association with the gallery’s currentSightlines exhibit of works by members of Volcano Village Artists Hui.
Free; park entrance fees apply.

PARTICIPANTS DISCOVER HAWAIIAN goddesses Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent on a moderate, one-mile walk. Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers the free program Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

ALTOGETHER: WE ARE ONE will be Tuesday, March 8 at Hawai`i Nature Retreat in Wood Valley. The website describes the event as “a journey of exploration, expansion and focus of the energy that flows through us all, creating a golden grid of love and light across the island of Hawai`i to usher in a new age of civilization.”  See altogetherweareone.com or facebook.com/events/142146472838551.

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