Ka`u News Briefs Friday, May 12, 2017

Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant will take place Saturday evening at 6 p.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill, under the direction of
Ka`u Coffee farmer Trini Marques who also directed the 2016 pageant with winners above.
Photo by Pamela Taylor

PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS WHEN THEY RUN OUT OF RELATIONSHIPS, declared Dr. Kimo Alameda on Thursday when speaking at the Exchange Club, a service organization operating for more than 40 years on the island. Alameda is the Executive Director of the Hawai`i County Office on Aging and was responding to this week's report on a reduction in homelessness on the Big Island.
      "People become homeless not because they ran out of money, initially at least. I think they become homeless because they ran out of relationships. Think about it. If I lose my house tomorrow, I get one sister that can take me in. I think anybody in here would say Kimo, I get one extra garage, right?"

Dr. Kimo Alameda talked about improvements in the homelessness
situation on the island and the need to help the homeless with their
relationships, in addition to providing housing.
Photo from Big Island Video News

     "I think when we stop caring and we stop connecting, the result is homelessness," he said.
     Alameda talked about the idea of supportive housing that can help people with more than their money problems. "Your house is not affordable if you're on drugs. Because that's not the priority. Your house not affordable if you get mental health issues and you cannot sustain employment, right? So, in addition to one house, you need that support, and that support comes from the community - us. not them guys - you now.
     "It's not Hope Services problem. It's not the county's problem. It's all of our problem," said Alameda. He applauded the success of the county and agencies working on homelessness and it being reduced 32 percent over the last year. He credited Mayor Harry Kim for looking at the homelessness as not a project but as "people."
     He also credited kupuna for whom he works at the Office on Aging with inspiring him with a positive outlook to help with such issues as homelessness.
     See his complete speech at www.bigislandvideonews.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

PROJECTS FOR KA`U are in the new State of Hawai`i budget, recently passed by the Hawai`i Legislature. More than $300 million in funding goes to Hawai`i Island. Some $5.4 million is for nonprofit organizations on this island.
     Ka`u projects include covered walkways for Na`alehu Elementary School, costing $1.2 million. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will have money for projects in this area as part of $2 million for Big Island development.
     Both airports used by Ka`u residents receive funding with $14.8 million for Kona International Airport and $19.3 million for Hilo International Airport.
     Road and Highway improvements are budgeted for $20.8 million for Mamalahoa Highway alone. In Ka`u the Ninole and Hilea Bridges, which have elderly wooden construction beneath the pavement, are set for replacement.
      A medium security housing project for Hawai`i Community Correctional Center is funded with $13.2 million.
      Telehalth at Hilo Medical Center receives $2 million in funding.
      Hawai`i Community College receives $700,000 for a trades and apprenticeship program and new physics lab and classroom. University of Hawai`i at Hilo gets $3 million in air conditioning.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

MY HAWAI`I STORY, the statewide environmental writing contest for middle school students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade, has announced the top 25 poems and short stories. This year's theme was He Wa'a, He Moku- Mālama Honua, celebrating the return of Hokule'a to Hawai'i from the Worldwide Voyage.

       An anthology of the stories and poems will be published and distributed to schools, libraries and online at the website of Hawai`i Conservation Alliance, which sponsored the competition. Locally, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources, Hawai`i Department of Education and other agencies are partners in the project.
     The students' writing represents personal reflections on the environment, cultural values, kuleana, stewardship and place-based writing.  See the winners and how to become involved for next year at www.hawaiiconservation.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT is Saturday, May 13 at Ka`u Coffee Mill at 6 p.m.
     Competing for Miss Ka`u Coffee are Jami Beck, Alysha Gustafson-Savella and Shanese Tailon.
     Scholarship Sponsors are the Edmund C. Olson Trust, Ka`u Mahi, Ka`u Valley Farm, Pacific Quest, Punalu`u Bake Shop, CU Hawai`i Federal Credit Union, Ka`u Local Products, Sen. Russell Ruderman, Sen. Josh Green, Rep. Richard Creagan and County Council member Maile David.
    Younger ladies will compete in Jr. Miss Ka`u Coffee, Miss Ka`u Coffee Peaberry and Miss Ka`u Coffee Flower competitions.
    The pageant is directed by Ka`u Coffee farmer Trini Marques with much support from the Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative members and other coffee farming families in the region.
     Judges are Joyce Ibasan, Maria Miranda, Christina Tandoc Rana and Tara Compehos.
     The event marks the first activity of the ninth annual Ka`u Coffee Festival. See www.kaucoffeefest.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

Haunani's Aloha Expressions perform next Wednesday at 

Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

HAUNANI'S ALOHA EXPRESSIONS entertain next Wednesday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Enjoy an evening of music and hula of Haunani’s Aloha Expressions. With their handmade colorful costumes and lei, these energetic kūpuna have competed at, and won, various hula festivals. They bring to life the magic of old Hawai‘i. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu Heavenly Voices presentations. Free.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, May 11, 2017

Candidates for Miss Ka`u Coffee, Jr. Miss Ka`u Coffee, Miss Peaberry and the Ka`u
Coffee Flower converge of Ka`u Coffee farms to get ready for this Saturday's pageant at
6 p.m. at Ka`u Coffee Mill. Photo from Pageant Director Trini Marques

DISCOVERY HARBOUR AND SHORELINE PROTECTION were topics of public testimony on Ka`u Community Development Plan items during Hawai`i County Windward Planning Commission’s meeting in Na`alehu on Wednesday. A large contingent of Discovery Harbour residents attended, and possible development there was the focus of much of the testimony given under oath.
    “Leave us alone,” said one Discovery Harbour resident concerned about a possible resort there. She said such a development is a “all about money,” without considering residents’ wishes.
     Another resident, a teacher at Ka`u Learning Academy, told commissioners that a resort would provide much needed jobs. She said that many of her students’ parents must travel long distances to work, reducing family time at home. She also said that students express concern about having to leave Ka`u to make a living in the future.

     “Having a resort there is not going to take away from the beauty of Ka`u,” another resident said. She said there is a lack of accommodations here and that a resort would provide visitors with a reason to stay in Ka`u longer.     Kama`oa Road resident Jim Simpson said, “Ka`u doesn’t need to change anymore. We don’t want that stuff.” He stressed that “it is important we keep it as it is.”
     Regarding the CDP’s call to establish a one-quarter mile development setback from the shoreline, attorney Katherine Carson, an attorney for a law firm that represents developers, said, “Policy 28 is unconstitutional.” She said it is in conflict with Hawai`i County’s General Plan, and that CDPs should be in agreement with it the General Plan. She urged the commission to “carefully consider” the policy to “avoid conflict.”
     Regarding the proposed setback, CDP Steering Committee member Michelle Galimba told commissioners, “We can no longer take for granted that Ka`u will be protected” without help. She said the committee considered even larger distances but settled on one-quarter mile.
     Two more testifiers focused on keiki. With the relative safety in the district, “kids can still be kids." Another, who came to Ka`u from Colorado, said it is “important that this place stays the way it is for kids.”

A 3.3 earthquake struck near the Great Crack area in Ka`u on Thursday

near Pahala. Map from USGS

     Commissioner Miles Miyasato told the audience he is very familiar with Ka`u’s assets. He said he spent much time working on land from Na`alehu to the Ka`u Coast. He said he learned to work cattle at Na`alehu Rodeo Arena.
     Chair Gregory Henkel thanked the community, the Steering Committee and Planning Department staff for their many years of hard work. “We value all of your input,” he said.

    The commission’s second hearing on the Ka`u CDP takes place on Thursday, June 1 at 9 a.m. at Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo. Following commission approval within 60 days of that, Hawai`i County Council will consider the plan at public meetings. After council approval, the plan goes to Mayor Harry Kim for his signature.
     The entire Ka`u Community Development Plan can be read online at www.hawaiicountycdp.info

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

AN EARTHQUAKE registering 3.3 in the richter scale, struck near Pahala Thursday at 4:45 p.m. The center of the shake was 7km ENE of Pahala toward Volcano, makai of Hwy 11 in the Great Crack area. No damage was reported.

HOMELESSNESS DECREASED BY 32 PERCENT IN HAWAI`I COUNTY, according to the annual Point in Time count—a census of people experiencing homelessness. It showed a nine percent overall decrease in the number of homeless individuals across the state compared to the same period last year. The 2017 count found 7,220 homeless individuals across the state of  Hawai‘i compared to 7,921 in 2016.

      “I commend the many partners who have gotten out of their silos, come to the table and rolled up their sleeves. Together, we are finding more efficient ways to move people off the streets and into homes. This report is proof that our collective efforts are working,” said Gov. David Ige. “While today’s news indicates that the tide has turned, there is more to do. My administration remains focused on increasing affordable housing and reducing homelessness in the State of Hawai‘i.”

      While Hawai‘i County saw the largest decrease at 32 percent, Maui County saw a 22 percent decline and Kaua‘i County a seven percent drop compared to 2016. O‘ahu saw an increase of less than a half percent in the number homeless individuals.

     A link to the overview of Point in Time’s full report, compiled by Hawai‘i’s two Continuums of Care—Bridging the Gap and Partners in Care—can be found on the governor’s website at governor.hawaii.gov

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S TIES TO RUSSIA,  "and interference in our democracy," are the crying calls for Sen. Mazie Hirono who took to the Senate floor this week advocating for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate. Hirono said:

Sen. Mazie Hirono again takes to Senate floor, calling for investigation
of Trump ties to Russia.

     “Most recently, the Washington Post reported that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein threatened to resign after the White House misrepresented his role in the decision to fire Director (James) Comey. CNN reported that President Trump fired Director Comey because he would not provide ‘assurance of personal loyalty.’ And both CNN and the Wall Street Journal reported that the decision to fire Director Comey came after the FBI’s investigation was accelerating.

      “This kind of presidential interference in an ongoing investigation is unprecedented, suspicious, and deeply concerning. These revelations, and those that are sure to come, further argue in favor of appointing a special prosecutor to fully investigate the Russia/Trump matter. A special prosecutor with full autonomy can follow the evidence wherever it leads and prosecute as appropriate. I call upon Republicans of conscience to stand up and join the call for a special prosecutor.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

A LOCAL ECONOMIES FESTIVAL will feature locally produced food, arts and crafts, music and much more on Saturday, June 24 at Wood Valley Farm above Pahala. According to a release from Wood Valley Farm owner Malian Lahey and organizers, "Local Economies Festival brings people together to build an economic system that is locally self-reliant in basic needs and interconnected globally by an intricate network of small-scale business relationships that are win-win and supportive. The Local Economies Festival shines a light on our economic behavior and how we can use our purchasing power to help our communities thrive."

    Lahey also announced that Democratic Party Chair Tim Vandeveer will be in Pahala for the Local Economies Festival and can meet with interested parties there. The physical address for the festival site is 96-2384 Wood Valley Road.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

MANAGING RAPID OHI'A DEATH at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Friday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Cooper Center in Volcano Village. ‘Ōhi‘a, Metrosideros polymorpha, the keystone Hawaiian forest species, is under attack by Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, or ROD. The park is working with partners, land managers, scientists, and outreach specialists throughout Hawai‘i to respond to this threat. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Ecologist David Benitez will share the lessons learned since ROD was first identified in 2014, and discuss managing ROD within and beyond park boundaries. Free.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT with categories from tiny Ka`u Coffee Flower girls to college students sees the compeition this Saturday night at Ka`u Coffee Mill.

     The show and pageant start at 6 p.m. Competitors will vy for Miss Ka`u Coffee, Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee, Miss Peaberry and Ka`u Coffee Flower in a pageant directed by Ka`u Coffee farmer Trini Marques. The pageant begins two weeks of Ka`u Coffee Festival events. See www.kaucoffeefest.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Ka’u’s finest were on hand to welcome community members to join them for coffee and cookies at the Na’alehu
farmers’ market outside Ace Hardware on Wednesday. From left to right are Officers Bill Doar, Douglas
Phillips, “Danny,” Aron Tomota, Clayton Tayamen, and Capt. Kenneth Quiocho. Photo by Ann Bosted

COPS WITH COFFEE were met by Ka’u residents in Na’alehu on Wednesday. Public and police officers enjoyed the the opportunity to talk story in an informal setting while sipping coffee and eating cookies. The event, billed as National Coffee With A Cop Day, was the first ever held in Ka’u.
     Ka’u police set up a shade shelter, tables and chairs and plugged in a coffee machine to welcome shoppers at the weekly Na’alehu farmers’ market to sit down and relax. Captain Kenneth Quiocho, who has been the leader of the district’s police force since the beginning of March, was clearly pleased with the community’s response.
     “People came up to talk to us about their concerns about crime and other police matters, which was what we hoped would happen,” he explained. “They also let us know that we are doing a good job, which we appreciated”.
     Asked to comment on the reduction of burglaries in Ocean View, Quiocho said: “I am very happy with the part the community has played in that. We are getting together and working together and being successful”. Reported burglaries in Ocean View numbered 21 in January, 11 in February, three in March and four in April. Quiocho added that the police and the community still have a lot of work to do there.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

A POLICE CRACK DOWN ON CRIME was reported by  Ocean View’s community policing officers, Aron Tomota and Clayton Tayamen, during the May Neighborhood Watch meeting. The police officers reported to residents on the results, saying that burglaries in Hawai`i Ocean View Estates had been reduced from 21 in January, to 11 in February to 3 in March and then 4 in April. (For more on the crack down, please read the April 18  Ka`u News Briefs.) Tomota reported that in April there were no reports of stolen vehicles or car break ins. There were, however, 5 assaults, 3 criminal property damage and 10 cases of theft reported.
     Neighborhood Watch meetings are held at the Ocean View Community Center on the first Thursday of each month, starting at 6 p.m.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

Abandoned vehicles draw fines, towing and storage that can add up to $1000. Photo by Ann Bosted.

ABANDONED VEHICLES CONTRIBUTE TO COUNTY COFFERS, according to Tiffany Wallace, the Abandoned Vehicle Coordinator, who told a recent Ocean View meeting that a new program allows those vehicles in good condition to be auctioned by the county.
      She cautioned those at the meeting against parking or abandoning vehicles in public roadways for more than 24 hours, as the bill for the fines, towing and storage can amount to $1,000. The vehicles can also be auctioned off.

     “We have had three auctions so far,” she said, noting that “Maui has a similar program which has proved to be successful. “Our first auction was in October 2015 and we sold 66 vehicles for a total of $21,208. Our second auction was February 2016, where 31 vehicles were auctioned for $14,149 and our most recent auction in October moved 39 vehicles for $12,912.” The income from auction helps recoup the cost of hauling away abandoned vehicles.

Tiffany Wallace (left) and Juliana Holzman are Abandoned Vehicle 

Coordinators for the County.  They addressed an Ocean View

community meeting on the subject. Photo by Ann Bosted

     Wallace and her colleague, Juliana Holzman, were invited to attend a monthly Ocean View Neighborhood Watch meeting, to inform the 30 attendees of how the county deals with the growing problems of abandoned vehicles on public and private roads. They cautioned that dumping vehicles anywhere is a crime, and the owner of the vehicle can be fined and will be required to pay all the charges associated with removing and disposing of the vehicle.
     Owners of inoperable cars should take them to a scrap metal operator, such as Big Island Scrap Metal (854-4530) in Kona and Kea’au.
     “You need to report any vehicle that is parked on a roadway,” Wallace told the community. “The sooner the better, so we can get it removed before it becomes an eyesore. You should dial the police non-emergency number, 935-3311 and report the specific location, the license plate number, make of the vehicle, its color and how long it has been parked.”
    After reporting the abandoned vehicle to the police non-emergency line an officer is dispatched to see if the vehicle is still there. The car must be in the easement of a public road to be tagged with a warning. The owner is advised to move the vehicle within 24 hours. If the vehicle is not moved in that time, the police make a report.
    After the police officer’s report is approved, it is sent to Traffic Services Section of the police department. The TSS then forwards the report to the Abandoned Vehicles Program (phone 961-8552), within the County Department of Environmental Management.

While derelict vehicles can be sold for scrap metal, vehicles that run can be auctioned off
by the County of Hawai`i. Photo by Ann Bosted

       The Abandoned Vehicles Coordinator then makes arrangements for the vehicle to be towed within 72 hours. If it is derelict, it is taken to a waste metal recovery site, otherwise it is impounded and the owner is notified. The registered owner is then charged for the towing and storage of the vehicle.
    “If the owner does not reclaim the car within ten days, it can be auctioned”, explained Wallace.
    Asked about inoperable vehicles stored on private property, Wallace referred The Ka’u Calendar to the County Planning Department. A spokesman for that department said that the limit is set by area. If the department receives a complaint, officials will follow it up in the order in which it comes in. The Planning Department’s number is 323-4770, ask for zoning violations.
    Generally, if inoperable cars cover more than 200 square feet, the owners are violating the junkyard zoning regulation. Junkyards are permitted uses in industrial areas, but not agricultural or rural areas. The owners can be ordered to remove the cars, but this is done after considering each individual case. Generally, two cars cover about 200 square feet, so, depending on the size of the vehicle, three cars can be over the limit.
     If investigators find that the owner of the lot is in violation of the zoning regulation, the owner will be asked to remove the vehicles. If the owner does not comply, the Planning Department issues a formal notice of violation, with an order to remove the offending vehicles. If the violation continues, the owner of the lot can be fined up to $100 per day, until the violation is ended.
    Vehicles abandoned on private roads are also considered a violation and the County can order the association to remove them at the association’s expense.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

REP. TULSI GABBARD WEIGHED IN WEDNESDAY ON FIRED FBI DIRECTOR James Comey. She said that "his abrupt firing further undermines the American people's trust in the FBI and its investigation. Two things need to happen now: We need a non-partisan FBI Director who can be trusted by all the American people," and "The investigation into the Trump campaign and Russia must be carried forward in a fair, non-partisan, thorough way. This is why I've long called for an independent commission or special prosecutor to conduct this investigation in a way that is transparent," said Gabbard.

James Comey, left, was investigating the Trump campaign's connections
to Russian influence when Pres. Donald Trump fired him on Tuesday.
Photos from CNN

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO RENEWED HER CALL FOR SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR: "President Trump thinks that firing FBI Director James Comey is not a big deal. The president’s shibai arguments for Comey’s firing can’t disguise this blatant attempt to slow down the FBI’s investigation into Russian interference with our election and the Trump team’s ties to Russia’s efforts. As we say in Hawai`i, it’s all for show.
     "Every hour, it seems like there are new revelations -- grand juries, subpoenas, even (Trump Chief of Staff) Sean Spicer hiding in the bushes to avoid answering questions. What’s clear is that we can’t take Trump and his administration at their word.
     "For months, I have called for an independent investigation of the Trump administration’s ties with the Russian government. This latest Trump action only points to the importance of a special prosecutor to get to the bottom of the Russia/Trump matter.
     "Join me -- and thousands across the country -- in calling for a special prosecutor to investigate the Trump administration’s ties with the Russian government. This is an unprecedented situation and the Russian attack on our democracy cannot be allowed to stand. Our country’s future is at stake.
     "Join the fight to protect our democracy. Call for a special prosecutor to investigate the Trump administration’s ties to Russia.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

"EVERY PATRIOTIC AMERICAN SHOULD DEMAND A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR," tweeted Sen. Brian Schatz on Wednesday. "We need Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rosenstean to come to the Hill to explain what happened and in what order. Lots of mind-bending explanations. Sometimes things are not what they appear to be. This is not one of those times."

RUDY GUILIANI COULD BE THE NEXT FBI DIRECTOR, cautioned the Democratic National Committee in a statement from Chair Tom Perez on Wednesday. "Now that Donald Trump has fired James Comey, he gets to appoint the next FBI Director to a 10-year term. He could pick anyone -- even, for example, a former campaign surrogate like Rudy Giuliani, who spent last night praising Trump's decision from (where else?) the lobby of Trump's new Washington hotel.

     "And the only check on Donald Trump's appointment would be the Senate GOP -- the same senators who rushed through the confirmations of Jeff Sessions, Betsy DeVos, and Neil Gorsuch. "That's why we must have an independent investigation into Trump and Russia led by a special prosecutor -- someone whose loyalties will be to the American people, not Donald Trump.
     "This investigation isn't about politics. It's about our national security, the integrity of our elections, and the future of our democracy. We cannot allow it to be buried by a corrupt administration and complicit Republican leaders in Congress.
    "Senator Ron Wyden said it best last night: 'in America, the truth always comes out.' This independent investigation is how we make that happen."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

A DAMAGED FIBER OPTIC CABLE took down cell phone, internet and phone service for most residents on the westside of the island today, from Kona to Ka`u. Hawai`i County Civil Defense reported the outage at 10:40 a.m., stating that  "Hawaiian Telcom reports a fiber optic break in the area of Hwy 190 and Hwy 200 (Daniel K. Inouye junction).  Communications will be affected along the western portion of the island from Ka`u through Kona. If you are unable to access the counties 911 system and require medical, fire or police please go directly to your nearest police or fire station for assistance. Crews are on scene to repair the break.  

     At 1 p.m. Civil Defense reported that repairs were made and service restored, including all 911 lines.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter

VOLCANO SCHOOL OF THE ARTS & SCIENCES Theater Night on Thursday, May 11 at 6 p.. at Kilauea Millitary Camp's Kilauea Theater. Under direction of KDEN's Suzi Bond, each class presents a one-act play. Free. Park entrance fees may apply.

Miss Ka`u Coffee Rochelle Koi
will pass the torch on Saturday.
Photo by Pam Taylor

RED CROSS VOLUNTEER MEETING, Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. HOVE Maintenance Corp. office. 929-9953.

MANAGING RAPID OHI'A DEATH at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Friday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Cooper Center in Volcano Village. ‘Ōhi‘a, Metrosideros polymorpha, the keystone Hawaiian forest species, is under attack by Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death, or ROD. The park is working with partners, land managers, scientists, and outreach specialists throughout Hawai‘i to respond to this threat. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Ecologist David Benitez will share the lessons learned since ROD was first identified in 2014, and discuss managing ROD within and beyond park boundaries. Free.

MISS KA`U COFFEE ROCHELLE KOI will pass the crown to a new Miss Ka`u Coffee this Saturday night at Ka`u Coffee Mill with the show and pageant starting at 6 p.m. Competitors will vy for Miss Ka`u Coffee, Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee, Miss Peaberry and Ka`u Coffee Flower in a pageant directed by Ka`u Coffee farmer Trini Marques. The pageant begins two weeks of Ka`u Coffee Festival events. See www.kaucoffeefest.com.