Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Monday, April 18, 2016

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park waives entry fees through Sunday for National Park Week. NPS Photo by Jacob W. Frank

HEALTH CARE IN PAHALA is the subject of a story in today’s Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. Ivy Ashe interviewed staff at Ka`u Hospital & Rural Health Clinic about the challenges and rewards of working in a remote area. Ashe reported that 2,700 patients annually are admitted to the emergency room, which has four physicians, and 4,900 people visit the health clinic each year.

      The Critical Access Hospital’s administrator Merilyn Harris told Ashe that Ka`u has a lower than average number of medical providers. “We’re a medically underserved area,” she said.
      Ashe reported on Ka`u’s strong community support of the hospital and clinic, with emergency room equipment purchased through fundraising events including spaghetti dinners, craft and bake sales and golf tournaments. Ka`u Red Hat Ladies and Ka`u Quilters raised funds for ten years. `O Ka`u Kakou and Volcano Rotary Club also support projects at the facility.

      “Basically, I feel like we’re this giant community project,” Harris said. “That kind of inspires us, because they show that what we do is important, and so it makes you want to do better, do more. We’re always looking to improve access to care.”

      The clinic’s newest Dr. Cary Gear told Ashe, “It’s very encouraging to see how the community stands behind the hospital, because the hospital, like the community, has limited resources — but the community steps up to support them.” Gear and his family moved here from Indiana in December.
      Gear and Dr. Carol Dexter, who came from Arizona, each have more that 20 years of medical experience, which Ashe said helps them make decisions about patient care. She said rural physicians have to be “self-reliant because they don’t have the resources of larger areas.”
      “This would be a hard place for someone right out of residency to come,” Gear said. “You’re making decisions on a whole different basis here. That’s, to me, what is so appealing about rural medicine. You’re not just ordering the test, but you’re in a sense a member of their family, and you get to know them, their brothers and sisters and aunties and uncles.
      “You see them at the grocery store, you worship with them at church, and it just adds a whole new dynamic. It adds something to medicine.”
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Solar Impulse is preparing to leave Hawai`i. Photo from Solar Impulse

SOLAR IMPULSE IS BACK IN MISSION MODE after being grounded in Hawai`i since last July 3. After replacing batteries that overheated during the solar-powered plane’s flight from Nagoya to Hawai`i on its journey around the world, the countdown has now started for the Solar Impulse team to finish what they started and head toward their departure point, Abu Dhabi.

      Si2’s team reported that the past two months have been filled with preparations: maintenance and training flights. The team has completed both Bertrand Piccard’s last high altitude flight and André Borschberg’s last training flight in the past two weeks. Now the pilots are fully prepared to take on the next big challenge: the flight from Hawai`i to North America.
      Weather allowing, take-off over the Pacific Ocean could occur soon. The weather can change at any minute, so engineers at Mission Control Center in Monaco are busy searching for a weather window. Finding one requires a tight collaboration between the project’s Air Traffic Control team, meteorologists, mission engineers and the ALTRAN team that executes flight simulations.
      They all work together to identify the best possible options to fly. ALTRAN, a Solar Impulse partner, has provided software that illustrates Si2’s flight path through forecasted weather conditions and ATC routes in order to evaluate whether the aircraft can fly while identifying the path Si2 should follow. If the flight path is clear until the final destination, the aircraft can safely proceed to its landing point.
      The first Mission Flight of this year will be long, lasting several days to cross the rest of the Pacific Ocean from Hawai`i to North America. Before takeoff, the team undergoes regular simulations in order to receive the most accurate weather forecast during the flight. It is only a few hours before the flight that they can fully confirm it will take place. This state of unknown lasts until the aircraft has taken off and reached the point of no return.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Tulsi Gabbard

REP. TULSI GABBARD VOTED against an effort to undermine net neutrality. H.R. 2666, the No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, passed in the House by a vote of 241-173. 

      “For over 20 years, the Internet has broken down information barriers, expanded access to critical information and services, fueled innovation and redefined our country and our world,” Gabbard said. “In today’s digital age, free, open and equal access to the Internet is not only essential to upholding our democratic principles, it is critical to healthcare, education, employment and so much more. I strongly oppose H.R. 2666, and any legislation that undermines the principles of universal, affordable and nondiscriminatory Internet access. If signed in to law, H.R. 2666 would limit the ability of the Federal Communications Commission to investigate attempted breaches of net neutrality and weaken their authority to enforce free and open Internet access. While I am disappointed that this legislation passed in the House today, I will continue to do all that I can to protect American consumers from attempts to create special treatment for a privileged few.”
      Gabbard has strongly supported net neutrality and has cosponsored legislation like H.R. 196, the Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 2015, which would prohibit multi-tiered pricing agreements between Internet Service Providers and content providers.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

I OLA NA `AINA MOMONA IS HOSTING a farmer land security benefit dinner at Pahala Plantation House on Tuesday, May 17 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available with a $48 tax-deductible donation. Funds raised by the nonprofit will be used to send Ka`u Coffee growers and their representatives to O`ahu to build support for their cause with lawmakers and potential donors.

      Two Hawai`i Island chefs and musician Hawane Rios are coming together to raise awareness of land security for Ka`u Coffee growers. Rios’ roots stretch from the rolling hills of Kohala to the beaches of `Anaeho`omalu. “Her connection to the Earth Mother is deep and true and taught to her by her family,” IONAM President Malian Lahey said.

      The dinner will be a gourmet, locally sourced sampling of freshly caught fish, locally raised meat and fresh, local, organic vegetables from Wood Valley Farm in Pahala. Big Island Brewhaus is sponsoring an open bar with a sampling of their craft beers. Jonah VanGieson, of Ohelo Cafe in Volcano, and Casey Halpern, of Cafe Pesto, “will wield their culinary skills to create an evening of delight, fun, flavor and music in honor of the occasion,” Lahey said.
      See ionam.org.

PUNALU`U BAKE SHOP ANNOUNCES its new music lineup. Richard Zazzi performs on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gary Cole, aka Foggy, offers folk and country music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Uncle Sonny takes over at 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Tui Masaniai plays easy listening tunes Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

CELEBRATE HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park’s and the National Park Service’s centennials during National Park Week with entry fees waived through next Sunday, April 24.

Haunani's Aloha Expressions returns to Hawai`i Volcanoes
National Park on Wednesday.

A HULA PERFORMANCE by Haunani’s Aloha Expressions is one highlight of National Park Week on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Haunani’s Aloha Expressions is comprised of an all-Hawaiian group of kane and wahine kupuna ranging in ages from 70 to over 90 years old. These men and women also belong to the Alu Like Kupuna Program, meeting on a regular basis. For many years, on their own time, they have volunteered to welcome visitors on incoming cruiseliners and at Hilo Airport to share the aloha spirit.

      The kupuna also entertain on a regular basis for the patients at the Life Care Center of Hilo, Hale Anuenue, Extended Care, Hawai`i Island Adult Day Care, Aunty Sally Kaleohano Lu`au House Senior Program and more. They won overall at the Kupuna Hula Festival with the song, Tutu E. They also won the Moku o Keawe competition on numerous occasions. They make all of their own colorful costumes and lei, singing and dancing hapa-haole hula, and have performed at the park’s annual cultural festival on numerous occasions.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Sunday, April 17, 2016

Dr. Shawn Steiman, consultant for Ka`u Coffee; Juli Burden, who has helped with the Ka`u Coffee Experience at Ka`u Coffee Festival; Ralph Gaston, of Rusty's Hawaiian 100 Percent Ka`u Coffee; and Patrick Oiye, who has also assisted with the Ka`u Coffee Experience. They were all at the Hawai`i Coffee Association booth at SCAA in Atlanta. 
Photo by Malian Lahey

RUSTY OBRA, JR., whose Pahala family is famous for its Rusty’s brand of Ka`u Coffee, flew to Atlanta this past week to compete in the U.S. Aeropress Competition at the Specialty Coffee Association of America convention.

Rusty Obra, Jr.
Photo from sprudge.com

      Last month, Obra, a culinary arts teacher, won the Eastern Region Championship in New York with the following recipe: Using 19.7 grams coffee, 260 grams water and a total brew time of 2:45, pour 60 grams of 185 degrees Fahrenheit water into an inverted AeroPress, bloom for 30 seconds. Stir three times, then pour remaining 200 grams of water and steep for 1:30. Add cap, invert, and plunge for 45 seconds. Swirl to aerate, and serve.

      Last year, Obra won the national championship. See more at rustyshawaiian.com,
worldaeropresschampionship.com and sprudge.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE SPECIALTY COFFEE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Expo “is an amazing forum where coffee industry professionals network and learn about markets, methods and equipment. Hawai`i and Ka`u were well represented,” reports Chis Manfredi, one of those representing Ka`u at the Atlanta convention that wrapped up today.

      “Ka`u has duly earned its place among the finest coffee-producing origins across the globe,” said Manfredi. “The Hawai`i Coffee Association hosted an information and tasting booth that was staffed by a diverse group of members that represented coffees produced throughout Hawai`i. There is talk about expanding our presence by establishing a Hawai`i pavilion next year in Seattle,” he said.
      See more on Ka`u Coffee at kaucoffeefest.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Clare Connors
Photo from Davis Levin Livingston

U.S. SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE voted to approve Clare Connors to fill the vacancy on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai`i. Sen. Brian Schatz recommended Connors’ nomination to President Obama in June of last year.
      “This is an important step forward, and I congratulate the Senate Judiciary Committee for recognizing Clare Connors as a strong candidate for the U.S. District Court for Hawai`i,” Schatz said. “Clare’s knowledge, fair-mindedness and dedication to justice will make her an exemplary district court judge. I look forward to voting for her when her nomination reaches the Senate floor.”

      Sen. Mazie Hirono called the committee’s action “a testament to Clare’s integrity and respected standing. I was proud to speak to the committee in support of Clare in January and look forward to supporting her nomination before the full Senate,” she said.
      Connors’ nomination will now head to the Senate floor for a final vote. In January, Schatz delivered testimony in support of Connors at her nomination hearing before the Judiciary Committee.
      Connors is a trial attorney who began her legal career in 2001 with the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2002, she served as a clerk for the Honorable Judge David Ezra, in his capacity as a federal district court judge. She returned to Hawai`i to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney. She continues to practice law as an associate at Davis Levin Livingston in Hawai`i.
      A graduate of Punahou School, Connors has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. She has served on the faculty of the William S. Richardson School of Law as a Lecturer in Law for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Clinic. In 2014, she was appointed to be a Lawyer Representative for the District of Hawai`i to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference and previously served as a Lawyer Delegate to the Hawaii District Conference.
      The U.S. District Court judge position became available following Chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway’s retirement from active service.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Recent earthquakes reminded all Hawai`i residents that they
should prepare for damaging temblors. Map from USGS/HVO

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientists discuss gentle reminders for all Hawai`i residents to prepare for damaging earthquakes in the current issue of Volcano Watch.

      “Each year, Hawai`i County residents likely feel dozens of earthquakes,” the article states. “They might readily agree that earthquakes are indeed part of living on the Island of Hawai`i. But residents across the state of Hawai`i, recently nudged by three small earthquakes, were gently reminded that they, too, live with earthquakes.
      “Early morning on March 28, 2016, a magnitude-3.6 (M3.6) earthquake struck beneath the isthmus connecting West and East Maui. Four days later, late on the night of March 31, a M4.2 earthquake, centered roughly 55 miles east of Hana, Maui, was felt across the state. Three days later, on the morning of April 5, a M2.8 earthquake, centered about three miles off Diamond Head, shook parts of Honolulu. While all three were considered small earthquakes, they were large enough that people felt them and submitted reports at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) “Did You Feel It?” webpage (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/data/dyfi/).
      “Typically, an earthquake’s location provides the first clues as to its cause. The recent Maui and O`ahu earthquakes – recorded statewide by seismographic networks of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center – were all located at depths between about 11 and 22 miles.
      “At such depths, and away from centers of volcanic activity, such as Kilauea or Mauna Loa on Hawai`i Island, the flexing, or bending, of the Earth's lithosphere (the crust and uppermost rigid layer of the mantle) due to the weight of the islands produces forces that result in occasional earthquakes. Lithospheric flexure occurs over geologic time, with associated earthquakes occurring much less frequently, compared to earthquakes more directly linked to active Hawaiian volcanism. Volcanic processes, which can rapidly change conditions within active volcanoes, generate many thousands of earthquakes recorded by HVO each year.

      “When relatively infrequent earthquakes occur within a week of one another, it’s reasonable to wonder whether they might be closely linked. Their connections are possibly more difficult to prove than to disprove. We lack sufficiently detailed information and understanding of conditions at these depths beneath Hawai`i to explain why one small earthquake would lead to another, islands apart.

      “Awareness of relevant earthquake history and experiences is essential, especially when earthquakes occur and are felt in relatively inactive regions like the counties of Maui and Honolulu. In general terms, areas where large earthquakes have occurred in the past are expected to continue to experience large earthquakes in the future.
      “USGS Bulletin 2006, Isoseismal Maps, Macroseismic Epicenters, and Estimated Magnitudes of Historical Earthquakes in the Hawaiian Islands, serves as the authoritative reference for large earthquakes in Hawai`i between 1823 and 1992. Authors Max Wyss and Bob Koyanagi, former University of Alaska at Fairbanks professor and HVO seismologist, respectively, based their assessments of past earthquakes on historical documents, along with insights derived from modern geology and seismology.
      “In January 1938, a M6.9 earthquake occurred northeast of Maui. Among its extreme effects on Maui, Wyss and Koyanagi report cracked water catchment and oil tanks and broken water pipelines. Buildings were also damaged on Maui, as well as on O`ahu, Kaua`i and Hawai`i. It's not possible to say if the M4.2 earthquake on March 31, 2016 ruptured the same fault as in 1938, but a M6.9 earthquake near Maui today would result in far greater losses now than then.
      “Wyss and Koyanagi also list two noteworthy earthquakes west of Lana`i: a M6.9 earthquake in February 1871 and a M4.8 earthquake in September 1948. Damage from these earthquakes occurred in Honolulu, as well as in Maui County. Because of the difficulties in precisely locating these two older earthquakes, it is uncertain whether the April 5, 2016, M2.8 earthquake occurred on the same fault as the 1871 and 1948 earthquakes. But again, a M6.9 earthquake would result in substantially greater impacts in Honolulu and Maui Counties today than in 1871.
      “Predicting the precise location, time and magnitude of a future earthquake is still not possible. Small earthquakes, however, remind us that damaging earthquakes are part of Hawai`i’s history, and we must understand how to prepare and respond effectively across the entire state when a large earthquake strikes. “Resources like the Great Hawai`i ShakeOut website (http://www.shakeout.org) and the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (http://earthquake.gov) offer useful information on earthquake awareness and preparedness.”

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

CELEBRATE THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S 100th anniversary and the centennial of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park during National Park Week with entry fees waived through next Sunday, April 24.

Hike `Iliahi Trail on National Park Rx Day. Photo from NPS

NATIONAL PARK Rx DAY is a week from today on Sunday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., a community health initiative to prescribe time in parks to promote wellness. Join park rangers and Dr. Craig Kadooka on an easy one-mile roundtrip hike of upper `Iliahi Trail. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai at 10 a.m. 

      The first 200 walkers will receive a reusable water bottle and fresh fruit. Hawaiian practitioners Edna and Sam Baldado will demonstrate the heath benefits of kalo, and Ka`ohu Monfort will share how Hawaiians use plants to heal and cure. HMSA will also provide a table with health information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Saturday, April 16, 2016

Ka`u Coffee growers and brokers are attending the Specialty Coffee Association of America's annual convention, this
year in Atlanta, with one of the themes being large and small stakeholders working for sustainability. Photo from SCAA

KA`U COFFEE FARMERS AND BROKERS are in Atlanta this weekend for the Specialty Coffee Association of America annual convention. The convention has drawn Ka`u Coffee to many cities over the past decade, from Boston to Houston, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle and Anaheim, where many Ka`u Coffee farmers have won numerous awards. This year, Ka`u representatives Chris Manfredi, daughter Ashley Manfredi and Ralph Gaston are volunteering at the Hawai`i Coffee Association booth and helping to promote the May 13-22 Ka`u Coffee Festival and Ka`u Coffees. Hawai`i is being promoted as The Coffee State. The only other place in U.S. with a coffee industry is Puerto Rico.

Ka`u Coffee industry representatives Malian Lahey, of
Ka`u Specialty Coffee, along with Randy Stevens and
Lisa Wright, of Ka`u Coffee Mill, are at SCAA
in Atlanta this weekend.

      Ka`u Coffee Festival organizer Manfredi jumpstarted participation at SCAA years ago by organizing the farmers to enter their coffees, and Ka`u farmers started to win. Manfredi was followed by Ka`u Coffee Mill and Edmund C. Olson sponsoring the expense and the hosting of local farmers to attend the convention and man a booth with Hawaiian music and flowers, hula and coffee tasting, making a big splash for Hawai`i.
      Ka`u participants attend marketing and roasting classes and many other educational sessions. They sign contracts to sell their coffee. At this year's SCAA convention are Ka`u residents Lisa Wright and Randy Stevens, of Ka`u Coffee Mill; Ralph Gaston, of Rusty’s Hawaiian 100 Percent Ka`u Coffee; Miguel Meza, of Isla Custom Coffees; Malian Lahey, of Ka`u Specialty Coffee; and Chris Manfredi.

    Also, during this year’s convention, SCAA introduces a new coffee tasting wheel for roasters, farmers and coffee drinkers, available online. See https://store.scaa.org/.
      Also see kaucoffeefestival.com.

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

SUSTAINABLE COFFEE GROWING AND THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT are related, according to Kim Elena Ionescu, Director of Sustainability for the Specialty Coffee Association of America. She addressed the SCAA convention in Atlanta this weekend, attended by Ka`u Coffee farmers and brokers. In a message to conventioneers entitled Ensuring the Sustainability of Coffee, Ionescu says, “It is in the best interest of every single one of the millions of people who depend on coffee for a living to protect the future of our industry — yet, few of us feel like it’s our job. Sure, it’s important, and maybe even interesting, but who has the time?”

New coffee tasters flavor wheel is available from SCAA for roasters,
growers and drinkers. See https://store.scaa.org/.

      Ionescu says she spends each day “thinking about how to make coffee better for all of us who depend on it, as well as for the biodiversity of the ecosystems that sustain not only coffee plants, but us as a species.
      “Just like our coffee value chains, sustainability can only be global. Conversations that begin with a single issue — say, water scarcity — on a single farm can expand rapidly, because to understand a farm’s water use, we must take into account factors ranging from the way surrounding farms use water to the economic drivers that influence decisions. To put it more simply, everything is connected, and nothing is simple... .”
      “More than ever, companies, nonprofit organizations and other members of the specialty coffee community are energized to collaborate to address issues like climate change and farm worker shortage, that threaten our collective future. These joint efforts may have a local focus… . They may also span countries, with multi-national coffee companies coming together to discuss how to coordinate investments in, say, food security, at a regional or national level... . It’s a tricky balance, big and small. We cannot confront the challenges facing coffee one farm at a time, nor can we allow their magnitude to paralyze us. We must be willing to take risks but also to take care to tread a line between benefiting people and protecting nature.” See more at http://www.scaa.org/chronicle/.

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

HAWAI`I ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. explained that brief power interruptions this week were due to a sudden loss of generation at several power plants. 

      On Wednesday and Thursday, the Hamakua Energy Partners generator unexpectedly tripped offline. Yesterday, HELCO’s Puna steam plant and a combustion turbine unit at its Keahole Power Plant tripped offline. In each case, protective devices automatically disconnected some customers temporarily to rebalance the available supply of power generation with the demand for power, stabilizing the grid and maintaining service for the majority of customers. Those affected experienced a temporary power interruption lasting between seven to 20 minutes while backup generators were started.
      “We sincerely apologize for the interruptions,” said HELCO spokesperson Kristen Okinaka. “Our employees worked hard to bring additional generating units online and safely restore service to customers.”
      Okinaka said HELCO crews have completed repairs to both the Puna and Keahole generating units. Hamakua Energy Partners’ plant remains out of service as it works to complete repairs.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A TRIAL IS SET TO BEGIN IN JUNE for a woman arrested at Kawa. Graham Milldrum reported in West Hawai`i Today that Kittrena Morgan is suing Hawai`i County and police officers who arrested her during the Oct. 25, 2012 eviction of Abel Lui and others from Kawa. She was arrested and charged with simple trespassing and resisting arrest.

      According to Milldrum, “the charges the jury will hear are that officers used excessive force to arrest Morgan, that the cuffs were too tight, that officers not rendering medical aid was excessive force, they did not loosen the cuffs, they allowed emotional distress and the arrest was an assault.”
      Morgan is seeking $1 million in damages and $37,386.78 for lost wages, fuel costs and other expenses.

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

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD SPOKE on the House floor to call for quick passage of H.R. 2737 to award Filipino Veterans of WWII the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress. The legislation, introduced by Gabbard in June 2015, has 76 cosponsors in the U.S. House and is partnered with S.1555 in the U.S. Senate. 

      “There are more than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-duty,” Gabbard said. “They fought under our American flag during World War II.
      “These loyal and courageous soldiers suffered, fought and gave up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war. Yet decades have gone by, and they are still waiting for their service to be recognized.
      “I’ve introduced H.R. 2737, legislation that is strongly supported by members of both parties and in both chambers, to award these deserving veterans the Congressional Gold Medal so that our country can show our appreciation and recognize them for their dedicated service and sacrifice in defeating the Imperial Japanese Army.
      “Today, there are just 18,000 of these Filipino World War II veterans who are still alive today. Time is of the essence. We cannot afford to wait. I urge my colleagues to quickly pass this legislation so that these courageous men may be honored while they are still among us.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

President Obama is discussing expansion of Papahanaumokuakea
Marine National Monument with leaders and stakeholders
in Hawai`i. Map from NOAA

IN RESPONSE TO SUGGESTIONS that President Obama should utilize his authorities under the Antiquities Act to expand Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, urged that the administration send representatives to Hawai`i to meet with key leaders and stakeholders before making any final decision. The administration assured Schatz that it has not made any decisions regarding any potential expansion of PMNM, and it will not do so until it has engaged directly with relevant Hawai`i constituents. 

      In a letter to the administration, Schatz said he is prepared to stand with Hawai`i residents to ensure continued, unchanged access to fishing grounds and use of the ocean for fishing, diving, canoe paddling and sailing. He also wants to maintain use by Hawai`i’s longline fleet in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
      “Any expansion … will have to satisfactorily take these activities into account,” Schatz said in a letter to the administration.
      Schatz also said he supports Office of Hawaiian Affair’s request for an enhanced role in governance of the monument.
      In the face of limits to availability of federal funding, Schatz said he believes that environmental groups, philanthropic organizations, corporations and individuals would consider significant financial commitments to support PMNM’s expansion.
      “Provided these issues can be addressed to the reasonable satisfaction of interested Hawai`i stakeholders, I am prepared to support the expansion,” Schatz said.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A hike tomorrow explores the People and Lands of Kahuku.
NPS Photo by Julia Espaniola

PEOPLE AND LANDS OF KAHUKU is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forest, pastures, lava fields,and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to current staff and volunteers of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped and restored this land. Tomorrow’s hike begins at 9:30 a.m.

CELEBRATE THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S 100th anniversary and the centennial of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park during National Park Week through Sunday, April 24. Entrance fees will be waived nine full days.

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

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_April_2016.pdf.