Ka`u New Briefs Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017

Most Fish Caught in three age groups went to Rylan Egusa, Hanalei Baji and Dana Jo Akana at today's Ninth
Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament sponsored by O Ka`u Kakou at Punalu`u Beach. See story below.
Photo by Lee McIntosh

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO CARRIED THE "ALOHA FOR ALL" WOMEN'S MARCH SIGN to the streets of Washington, D.C. today. The march in Washington, including an event on the Mall, drew a much larger crowd than yesterday's Inauguration of Donald Trump, now President. Hirono tweeted, "Aloha trumps hate and we will not back down." The Washington march was mirrored by many protests across the country from New York City to Hilo and Kona, with millions of men and women participating to protect civil rights and other progress in the U.S. government. Marches in cities outside the U.S. also drew huge crowds. In Washington, Hirono talked to participants about learning from the mistake of interning Japanese-American families during World War II.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono. herself and immigrant, talks to families of
Japanese Americans who were interned during WWII who oppose
any new registry of immigrants by race or religion.
Photo from Mazie Hirono

A YES VOTE FOR GENERAL JOHN KELLY was cast this week by Sen. Mazie Hirono as he became Secretary of Homeland Security in the administration of Pres. Donald Trump. After voting, Hirono released the following statement:

     "General Kelly has testified before the Senate Armed Services numerous times as the commander of U.S. Southern Command. I believe he will provide candid, reasoned advice to President Trump.
     "While I supported his confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security, I have serious concerns about whether he would accede to and implement President Trump's problematic immigration policies, such as building a border wall, registering Muslims, and deporting millions of undocumented immigrants – particularly if participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DREAMers, are targeted.
    "During his confirmation hearing, General Kelly said that deporting DREAMers 'might not be the highest priority.' The DACA program gave these young men and women a chance to go to college, get a job, and live legally in the only country they know. Let me be clear. The deportation of DACA participants should not occur under his watch, period. 

     "As a strong advocate of comprehensive immigration reform, I will hold General Kelly and the Trump administration accountable if they choose to target immigrants and immigrant families, and will continue to fight for a more just immigration system that prioritizes family unity."

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CONGRESSWOMAN TULSI GABBARD tweeted on Inauguration Day: "We must not allow the darkness of divisiveness to overcome. Let us work together for the wellbeing of others and our planet."

Largest hinalea in three age groups were caught by Chazhahtee-Ann Cabrera,
Hanalei Keaiaahia and Pablo Roura-Giddings at the Keiki Fishing
Tournament at Punalu`u. Photo by Lee McIntosh

THE STATE WATER PROJECTS  PLAN UPDATE drew only one testifier this week at the hearing in Hilo. Sierra Club's Corey Harden said, "I'm glad the commission is planning to protect the water rights of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and its beneficiaries and the plan will help the state meet the legal obligations to Hawaiian Home Lands."  

     Water for a Hawaiian Homelands in the  South Point area has been a request of beneficiaries for many decades. 

     Harden suggested the plan be updated more often than every 25 years and that she hopes project funding would be for more than supporting Hawaiian Homelands.

      The plan shows possible taro growing areas on this island. "I really think that is goof for food self sufficiency and supporting Native Hawaiian culture. I am glad to see consideration of conservation measures to make water go further," said Harden.

     The need for more water for firefighting, in addition for agriculture and drinking water, should also be emphasized, she said.

    For those with water from catchment systems, she recommended more government support to keep the water as safe and reliable as county water, particularly for older persons. She said the plan could address more on stream diversion and also the use of water by private water companies. "If you want water for an area, it's kinda like first come first served, and especially the people who make the most noise maybe get served first and they can start pumping water out of an aquifer, and there's no consideration about how much water you can take out until there's a crisis from the water levels getting low or the saltwater intrusion starts to get bad." See Harden's testimony at www.bigislandvideonews.com.

      The state Commission on Water Resource Management is reviewing the plan and accepting public input. The plan is managed by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources.

      More on the plan is available at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/cwrm/planning/hiwaterplan/swpp/

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Largest Hinalea the three age groups were caught by Aial Gacayan, Desirae Barrios and
Tysen Navorat the Keiki Fishing Tournament at Punalu`u. Photo by Lee McIntosh

EXTRA CARE FOR KA`U COFFEE TREES at the end of the season is advised by the University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources. Andrea Kawabata, Associate Extension Agent, writes that the rain has been "a nice relief  from the dry weather we've been having. If you are still harvesting or have young green berries from (around) the early December flowering, please be aware that the rain may have encouraged coffee berry borers to leave cherry and raisins and infest berries nearby. 

     "Monitor and sample your coffee to determine if CBB are active in your farm, and are in the A/B position, and vulnerable to spraying. If your sampling indicates that you should be spraying, spray immediately.

     "If you haven't already done so, make sure to document the date of your first flowering as well as your main flowering. Also, if you have finished harvesting, please strip pick your trees prior to pruning. Contain and kill the CBB in these berries and raisins," she recommends.

     The U.H. Extension Service has been working with Ka`u Coffee farmers since the CBB pest was first found in Kona Coffee and spread to this region. While CBB is found here, farmers were able to harvest a good crop this season.

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Largest Po`opa`a winners at the Keiki Fishing Tournament today at Punalu`u were
 caught by Kai Ornelas, Loea Kaup and Makaayla Fukanaga Aiwohi.
Photo by Lee McIntosh

THE NINTH ANNUAL KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT was graced with good weather and relatively calm seas compared to the forecast of high waves and rain. Hundreds of children entered and won prizes and a free lunch for all the fishing contestants and their families. The tournament at  Punalu`u Beach is in its ninth year, sponsored by O Ka`u Kakou and led by Guy Entriques and Wayne Kawachi.

    Keiki used barbless hoods and the event was catch and release. It also included a food drive.

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A KA`U HOSPITAL COMMUNITY MEETING will be held by the East Hawai’i Regional Board of Directors of the Hawai’i Health Systems Corp. on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Ka`u Hospital in Pahala. All residents are invited and encouraged to attend.
     A statement from the hospital says that "An overview of the operations and financial condition of all facilities as well as a view toward the future will be presented. Ample time will be available for community members to share their perspectives and concerns regarding access to health care services."
     Kurt Corbin, Chair of the East Hawai’i Regional Board of HHSC said, “Personal conversations and dialogue with our community stakeholders are absolutely essential in helping guide the decisions that the Regional Board must make.” 

     For more information, contact Terry Larson, Regional Board Secretary at 932-3103.

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Largets Aholehole in three age groups were caught by Malika Straface,
Wade Baji and Kaleb Cohen. Photo by Lee McIntosh

THE BLUE ZONE PROJECT will likely make a presentation soon to the County Council at the request of Ka`u's council member Maile David. In this coming Tuesday's agenda for the council Committee on Human Services and Social Services, David asks for a presentation by Carol Ignacio of Blue Zone to describe "the progress and purpose of the Blue Zones Project and to provide an update regarding the status of selection and designation of Blue Zones on Hawai`i's Island to improve the overall well-being of Hawai1`i County citizens."

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HOW DO HVO GEOLOGISTS TRACK LAVA FLOWS AND LAVA LAKES? The After Dark in the Park talk is Tuesday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National park. Free, park entrance fees apply.

THE GIRLS BASKETBALL 

CHAMPIONSHIP for the Big Island Interscholastic Federation is scheduled with Ka`u winding up the regular season in third place in Division II. Ka`u travels to play Kohala on Thursday, Thursday, Jan. 26 with game time at 4 p.m. If Ka`u wins, the Trojans play the winner between Kamehameha and Pahoa on Friday, Jan. 27.

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KA`U'S JV TEAM BEAT KOHALA last night in boys basketball. The Trojans racked up 50 points to Kohala's 32. Kyson Toriano and Micah Koi each made 15 points at the new Ka`u gym. Seth McMasters scored 13 Points. The hard fought Varsity game ended with Kohala on tip, scoring 55 to Ka`u's 53. The Trojan's scorers were: Titan Ault with 12, Andre Carvalho with 11, Jansiae Badua with 10, Pete Dacalio with 9, Joven Padrigo with 5 and Masen Dacalio with 2, reports Athletic Director Kale Namohala.

OHIA LEHUA WALK at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in Sunday, Jan. 22 at 9:30 a.m. Learn about the vital role of ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests on this one mile, easy hike. npes.gov/havo

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. at St. Jude's Church 929-9910. 

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Jan. 20, 2017

‘Alalā, the Hawaiian crows, are featured in a new documentary film by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources.
It airs this weekend on KFVE-TV (K5). See story below. Image from DLNR

KA`U'S U.S SENATOR MAZIE HIRONO issued the following statement today on the inauguration of President Donald Trump: “I attended today’s inauguration out of respect for our democracy, our institutions, and and the peaceful transition of power, but remain deeply concerned about President Trump’s vision for America. I will resist any attempt the President makes to dismantle the progress we’ve made to increase health care access, protect immigrants and working families, and expand civil rights.”

Barack Obama and Mazie Hirono
Photo from Mazie Hirono

      Hirono released a memorabilia photo and wrote a thank you note for Pres. Barack Obama as he wrapped up his presidency: "President Obama is our keiki o ka aina, and his deep understanding of Hawai`i and the Aloha Spirit clearly shaped his presidency. His actions demonstrated an enduring commitment to righting the inequalities in our world. Mahalo, President Obama."

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"CHANGE IS COMING TO WASHINGTON," Ka`u's member in the U.S. House of Representatives, Tulsi Gabbard, wrote in an Inauguration Day message. While on her Middle East fact-finding mission, away from Washington, D.C., she released a statement today, saying, "here is what we have a responsibility to do in the coming months: reject the status quo of the establishment in both political parties as we expand our political revolution and focus on real solutions that serve all Americans.

On Inauguration Day, Tulsi Gabbard was in Lebanon and met with
its Security Chief, Major General Abbas Ibraham, according
to Lebanon's  National News Agency. See story below.
Photo from Lebanon's  National News Agency

     "That means taking steps every day to enact a vision of this country where the ultra-rich can’t game our political and economic systems for their own benefit -- a country where we all matter and where individuals of every walk of life are empowered to be part of this great democracy that we live in.
     "That means fighting for laws that protect the people of our country -- whether it be fighting for criminal justice reform to end needless mass incarceration, ensuring that every single American has health insurance, and fighting for the rights and freedom of all, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
     "It’s about net neutrality, equal pay, protecting our precious world by stopping climate change, and preventing the deportation of millions of people who have known no other home than the United States.
     "And it’s about joining together to end the counterproductive war in Syria, which has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths, created over a million refugees, torn a country apart and strengthened terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS."

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Tulsi Gabbard met with spiritual leader Cardinal Rahi in
Lebanon on Friday, the day of the Trump Inauguration.
Photo from Lebanon's  National News Agency

CONGRESSWOMAN TUSLSI GABBARD made news today in Lebanon, on the day Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Gabbard today met with Lebanon's Security Chief, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, "with talks touching on the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as on the situation in Syria and its repercussions on Lebanon." Her delegation, according to the News Agency, included former Congressman Dennis Kucinich, and Syrian-American peace advocates Elie and Bassam Khawam. 

    Lebanon's National News Agency also reported that they met with Army Commander General Jean Khawaji and that talks touched "on the latest developments in Lebanon and the broad region. Talks also dwelt on cooperation relations between the armies of both countries." 

    Gabbard, Kucinich and the Khawam's also met with the Maronite sprititual leader, Patriarch Cardinal Mar Beshara Boutros Rahi. According to the News Agency, the Cardinal welcomed them to discuss "latest developments on the regional and international scenes."

Gabbard met with Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Khawaji
today, according to the Lebanon National News Agency.
Photo from Lebanon's National News Agency

    The News Agency reported that Gabbard told reporters: "This is my first visit in Lebanon and the region and it has been a great experience, because I listened to the viewpoints of the political and spiritual leaders, among whom Cardinal Rahi, who are still working on enhancing religious freedom and preserving free and diversed communities, where people can live in peace regardless of their religious beliefs. This is a very important message, not just for this region, but also for the entire world. This why we must work together to assume this mission of peace," she said.
     The News Agency reported that Kucinich "highlighted the necessity that Congressmen visit Lebanon to take note of the situation, and carry back with them a message to the country 'on the necessity to work on fighting terrorism and supporting pluralism in which the U.S. strongly believes. The diversified communities in Syria and Lebanon rely on our respect for sovereignty and religious freedoms.'" 

     The News Agency reported that "Elie Khawam underlined that the U.S policy towards the region would 'completely change' with the election of President Donald Trump and his new administration."   Gabbard's mission was to form a clear idea on the situation in Lebanon. "Priority remains for fighting and eradicating the Islamized takfiri terrorism sweeping the region,'" said Khawam, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
    Gabbard also visited Syria, including the war-ravaged city of Aleppo.
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HALTING THE EXTINCTION OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED FOREST BIRDS is core to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources' latest DLNR & You television special, which illustrates the efforts of dozens of organizations and hundreds of people across the state. The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai‘i, airs on KFVE-TV (K5) on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and again on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 9:30 p.m. It will be available online after 7 p.m. on Jan. 21st at https://vimeo.com/199157463. The broadcast is funded, in part, by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority.

‘Alalā Project is one of the segments of the new DLNR film on
 endangered, forest birds which airs this weekend on K5.
Photo from The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai`i

    DLNR chief Suzanne Case said, “We hope this show brings the serious plights of these native birds into our homes. When you see a tiny ‘Akikiki (Kaua‘i honeycreeper) in the forest or hear the call of the native crow, the ‘Alalā, it reinforces why so many people are undertaking some pretty extraordinary steps to reverse the downward trend of numerous forest bird populations. The birds have long been part of Hawaii’s natural landscape, and culturally they’ve been revered for centuries by Native Hawaiians.”
     Photographed over the course of nearly two years, The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai‘i, transports viewers deep into the Alaka’i Plateau on Kaua‘i, where the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project is working with numerous partners to try and save three endangered species of tiny birds on the brink of extinction - the ‘Akikiki, ‘Akeke’e, and Puaiohi.
     Dr. Lisa “Cali” Crampton, the KFBRP Project Leader commented, “The most recent estimate for the number of ‘Akikiki is 450 birds, give or take 50. The worst thing that could happen is for any of these forest birds to join the list of 23 endemic bird species that have gone extinct since 1778. All of our partners and everyone working to reverse these trends are excited to show this movie. There are some pretty astonishing projects underway to save these amazing forest dwellers and their native homes.”

Endangered forest birds are raised in captivity, some from eggs gathered in the wild, as shown
in the new DLNR film to be aired this weekend.
Photo from The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai`i

     The show chronicles projects and people working in some really tough environments, toward the common goal of preventing further population reductions and ultimately extinction. In one segment, a staffer from San Diego Zoo Global climbs a freely suspended ladder, 40-feet in the air, to collect marble-sized eggs from a treetop nest in an ʻōhiʻa tree.
     Of particular interest to Big Island viewers is a segment dedicated to The ‘Alalā Project, which for several decades has worked tirelessly toward the reintroduction of captive-raised ‘Alalā, back into the Pu’u Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve. The film shows first-hand, the tremendous amount of work being done by a broad collaboration of federal, state and non-profit partners to be sure the birds continue to exist and thrive in their natural habitats. Last month five ‘Alalā were released into the wild, but when three perished, the remaining two were recaptured and are now safely in captivity. It is presumed that the three were victims of the ‘Io, an endangered Hawaiian hawk.

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Keiki win at the ninth annual OKK Keiki Fishing Tournament.
Photo by Nalani Parlin

KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT, the ninth annual for `O Ka`u Kakou community organization, is tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 21 at Punalu`u Beach, with registration at the pavilion. The catch and and release event is open to all keiki, one to 14 years of age. Parents or legal guardians must accompany all children who enter. Only barbless hooks are allowed and families are encouraged to bring non-perishable food for the tournament's food drive. Check-in is at 8 a.m. Guidelines explained at 9 a.m. Fishing is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Free lunch and prizes provided. Contact Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773 or Guy Enriques at 217-2253.

PALM TRAIL HIKE, Saturday, Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Voclanoes National Park near Ocean View. Free.

OIL PAINTING CLASS AT VOLCANO ART CENTER will be taught by Vicki Penne-Rohner on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location is the VAC campus in Volcano Village. 967-8222.

HULA KAHIKO, Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 p.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kumu hula Pelehonuamea and Kekoa Harman with Halau i Ka Leo Ola o Na Mamo perform. Na Mea Hula, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the gallery porch with Kumu Ab Valencia and Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu.

MONGOLIAN BBQ is Saturday, Jan. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe in hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 967-8356. 

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017

Hawai`i Sen. Brian Schatz took to the U.S. Senate floor yesterday to oppose the Donald Trump nomination of Scott Pruitt whom Shatz
called a "climate denier." Photo from C-SPAN

HAWAI`I SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ OPPOSED THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY NOMINEE OF PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP with an impassioned speech on the U.S. Senate floor yesterday:

     "Having Scott Pruitt in charge of the EPA is bad for the air we breathe and the water that we drink, and it’s bad for American leadership on climate. It’s not that I just have a different view from Mr. Pruitt on the Environmental Protection Agency. It’s that he has made a career out of undermining the federal Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.

     "It’s not just that he’s a Republican or that he doesn’t share my views about clean energy. Look, I understand that when a Republican administration comes in, their EPA nominee is going to have a different view of what the agency should be doing. I’m not suggesting that we were going to get Henry Waxman or Jeff Merkley to run the President-Elect’s EPA. That’s not what’s going on here.
     "Here’s what it is, and I want people to listen carefully here. Scott Pruitt is a professional climate denier. That is his job. He has made his political bones trying to shred the EPA’s ability to enforce the laws that protect clean air and water.

Scott Pruitt, Trump nominee to run the EPA. Photo from C-Span

     "The core mission of the EPA is to safeguard public health by enforcing the laws on the books, and the cornerstones are the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. These laws were passed over 40 years ago with huge bipartisan majorities, and have been extremely successful.

     "It’s especially important for the dozens of young people watching CSPAN, to understand this: the state of the environment in the late 1960s was catastrophic, like out of a science fiction movie. But even for those of us who were around, it’s a good reminder of what the EPA does.

    "The Cuyahoga River in Ohio was so polluted that it caught on fire. Lake Erie was so polluted that almost nothing could live in it. Bacteria levels in the Hudson River were 170 times above levels that could be considered safe. Raw sewage was directly discharged into rivers and streams where children would swim. The FDA found that 87% of U.S. swordfish contained so much mercury that they were unfit for human consumption.
    "Then the Clean Water Act was passed, and we made incredible progress in the last 44 years. We still have a long way to go, as about one-third of our waterways are not yet fishable and swimmable, as the law requires.
     "But Scott Pruitt’s opposition for the Clean Water Act and EPA makes me terrified that we could go back to the bad old days of water pollution.
     "EPA’s enforcement of the Clean Air Act is an even bigger success story. This law has saved millions of lives, and improved the health of millions of others.

Windmills in Ka`u are part of clean energy progress for Hawai`i Island. Photo by Peter Anderson

     "EPA’s enforcement of the law has reduced air pollution by 70% since 1970. Smog levels in Los Angeles have fallen by two-thirds since its peak. Lead in our air is down 98%, carbon monoxide is down 85%, and sulfur dioxide is down 80%t. Acid rain is down over 50%t, and at a fraction of the anticipated cost.
     "But this progress is in serious jeopardy.
     "As Oklahoma’s Attorney General and as the head of the Republican Attorneys General Association, he dismantled the unit in his office charged with enforcing federal environmental laws and stood up a unit to undermine federal environmental law. He led opposition to the Clean Power Plan. He’s sued the federal government over a dozen times to prevent the implementation of rules that would protect our health and our environment. What he does is fight the EPA. That’s his thing.
     "As Oklahoma Attorney General—he literally—and I’m not making this up—he literally copy-and-pasted a letter from a major oil company onto official state attorney general letterhead and sent it to the EPA.
     "I’ve never met Mr. Pruitt, and I assume he’s personally a good guy, so I will say it like this: a person who works so closely with industries that pollute our air and water is an unusually bad fit to lead the EPA.
 

Solar panels on homes in Ka`u is are making the island more energy self-sufficient.
Photo by Julia Neal

 "Never before in the history of the EPA has a president nominated someone so opposed to the EPA to run the EPA. And, on the most significant environmental challenge of our generation, he’s aggressively wrong. He has said that the climate debate is 'far from settled,' and that 'scientists continue to disagree about the degree and extent of global warming and its connections to the actions of mankind.' This is, of course, nuts. The climate debate is settled, and has been for some time. More than 97% of climate scientists agree that the climate is changing, and that humans are responsible. Ask a scientist. Ask a farmer, ask a fisherman, ask a skier or snowboarder. If you don’t believe 97% of scientists, will you at least believe your own eyes?
     "His position even puts him at odds with the Department of Defense, which has called climate change a 'threat multiplier.'
     "But here’s the good news – we are actually making lots of progress in clean energy, almost all of it private sector driven. The cost of solar power has dropped by 60% in the last ten years, and more new solar capacity was added in 2016 than any other energy source. Wind power was by far the largest energy source added to the grid in 2015.
     "Renewable generation grew by about 20% over the last year, and the long-term extensions of renewable energy tax credits will help that trend continue in the future.
     "This comes at a time when public concern about climate change is at an eight-year high, and with three quarters of Americans -including half of Republicans – supporting federal efforts to reduce carbon pollution. But this progress is fragile, and confirming Scott Pruitt can undermine the momentum.

     "Again, here’s Mr. Pruitt, in his own words: About the Clean Power Plan, he has said: 'The EPA does not possess the authority under the Clean Air Act to accomplish what it proposes in the unlawful Clean Power Plan.' This is flat wrong.
     "Let me quickly explain a lawsuit called Massachusetts v. EPA. The Supreme Court ruled that the Clean Air Act requires EPA to regulate air pollution. Carbon pollution is a pollutant. So not only may the EPA regulate greenhouse gas emissions, they actually are required to under the law.
     "He has bragged that he 'led the charge with repeated notices and subsequent lawsuits against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.' On climate change, he said “Is it truly man-made and is this just simply another period of time where the Earth is cooling, increasing in heat? Is it just typical, natural type of occurrences as opposed [to] what the administration says?”
     "I cannot think of a person more ill-suited to run this agency.
     "On clean energy, the Chinese are leading. Mexico is leading. Europe is leading, Germany, Africa. The question isn’t whether the clean energy revolution will occur – the question is whether or not we will lead it or get left in the dust.

Olson Trust plans to add to clean energy in Ka`u by using plantation water
sources to make hydroelectric power. Photo by Jesse Tunison

     "So this is where we are: A nominee who does not understand the vital role of clean air, clean water, and protecting the environment has been nominated to lead the EPA. Who denies decades of scientific research.
     "To my Republican colleagues, I have had many encouraging, rational conversations about climate with you, but mostly in private. I say this: this vote is the litmus test, the one your grandkids will ask you about.
     "Being in the Senate is about making choices, and a lot of times, it’s gray. But this issue, this vote, is absolutely simple. Don’t vote for the climate denier. You can’t dabble in conservation or energy efficiency, or vote for a budget amendment recognizing the scientific consensus on climate change, and then vote yes on this nominee.
     "If you say you are not a climate denier, this is the point in your career when you get to prove it. If we find another nominee, even one that hates the Clean Power Plan, who shares your views on federalism, who shares your views about the United Nations, who shares your views about President Obama – that’s fair, that’s fine. But this nominee is out of bounds.
     "Please, consult your voters, your university experts. Talk to your kids –it’s their planet, it’s their future. Or consult with your conscience. I know that sometimes politics is complicated and the right thing is not so easy to determine in the fog of the battle. This is not one of those times. For future generations, for the planet, for the future of the Republican Party, you have got to get this one right.
     "If you are not a climate denier yourself, do not put one in charge of the EPA," said Schatz. Interviews and testimony on Trump's nominees are expected to continue into next week.

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HAWAI`I'S U.S. SENATORS Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz plan to attend the Inauguration of Donald Trump who becomes the President of the United States on Friday. Neither of Hawai`i's Representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives will attend the Inauguration. Ka`u's Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is on a fact-finding mission in the Middle East and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who represents urban Hawai`i, said she is ill and has been told by the doctor to avoid flying. More than 60 U.S. House members have pledged not to attend the Inauguration. Pres. Barack Obama and second place finisher in the Presidential Electoral College election, Hilary Clinton, will also attend. Trump takes the oath at noon, East Coast time to become the 45th President of the United States.

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Grants for community stewardship of Kawa come before the County
Council Fincnace Committee on Tuesday. Photo by Julia Neal

STEWARDSHIP GRANTS FOR KAWA are on the Tuesday, Jan. 24 agenda of the Hawai`i County Council's Committee on Finance. Four requests for stewardship grants from four non-profit organizations promise to provide conservation and restoration services at Kawa, a 784-acre area that was acquired by the County through the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission with funding from government agencies.
     Kawa is a beach-front property located makai of Highway 11, between Whittington Beach Park and Pualu’u Black Sand Beach. The land is rich in archeological sites, a nesting spot for endangered Hawksbill turtles, and it is a popular surfing and fishing spot.
     The applications for funds to provide stewardship came from Na Mamo O Kawa ($48,850), Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund ($13,200), 
The Honu Project ($24,665), and Team Hawai‘i International Athletics ($354,190).
    The Council will review recommendations made by Charmaine L. Kamaka, Director of the County Department of Parks & Recreation, who reviewed the four applications. In her report to the County Council, she recommended the Hawai’i Wildlife Fund for funding. For more on Kamaka’s recommendations, please read the Ka’u News Briefs of Wednesday, January 11.

     Kawa is in the Ka’u district.  Maile David, who represents Ka’u on the County Council is also Chair of the Committee on Finance.  The committee on Finance can approve Kamaka’s recommendations, or make fresh recommendations, or table the applications or request more information.  The County Council has the final say in approving or refusing the applications. 

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KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL PLAYED THE TROJANS in girls basketball at the new Ka`u Gym on Wednesay. In the JV game, Ka`u racked up 34 points wiht Chayla Ault making 8 of them. However, Kamehmeha scored 41 and took the win. In Varsity, Ka`u scored 26 With Alysha Gustafson-Savelia claiming 11 and Rishalyn Jara 6. Kamehameha won with 58 points.

PALM TRAIL HIKE, Saturday, Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Voclanoes National Park near Ocean View. Free.

OIL PAINTING CLASS AT VOLCANO ART CENTER will be taught by Vicki Penne-Rohner on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location is the VAC campus in Volcano Village. 967-8222.

HULA KAHIKO, Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 p.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kumu hula Pelehonuamea and Kekoa  Harman with Halau i Ka Leo Ola o Na Mamo perform. Na Mea Hula, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the gallery porch with Kumu Ab Valencia and Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu.

Mongolian BBQ is Saturday, Jan. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe in hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 967-8356.