Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, March 30, 2023

 

Endangered species on this island with proposed habitat protection by the federal government include 1. koʻokoʻolau photo from DLNR; 2. hāhā photo by K. Magnacca; 3. ‘akū photo by K. Magnacca; 4. ha‘iwale photo by K. Magnacca; 5. ha‘iwale, kanawao ke‘oke‘o photo by J. BVanDeMark; 6. Melicope remyi photo by J. Obata; 7. Phyllostegia floribunda photo by M. Bruegmann; 8. hōʻawa, hāʻawa photo by J. Rock; 9. loulu photo by E. Naboa; 10. Schiedea diffusa ssp. macraei photo by Forest and Kim Starr; 11. māʻoliʻoli photo from DOD; 12. Stenogyne cranwelliae photo by J. VanDeMark; 13.ʻopāe photo  by T. Sakihara; and 14. Hawaiʻi picture-wing fly photo by K. Magnacca,

CRITICAL HABITAT WOULD BE THE NEW DESIGNATION FOR 122,277 acres of federal, state and private lands on Hawai'i Island, under a U.S. Fish & Wildlife proposal. The designation aims to protect 11 native plants and one insect. All are endangered species found only on this island. Another two, the lolu palm and 'opae pond shrimp were considered but there was concern that designating their habitats would incentivize overharvesting and damage the chances for survival.
    Comments will be received through May 30, 11:59 p.m. eastern time. See the proposed rule in the Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/29/2023-04088/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-designation-of-critical-habitat-for-12-species-and-not.
    Fish & Wildlife Service will hold one virtual public informational meeting and public hearing on Thursday, April 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hawaiʻi Standard Time. To register for the virtual public scoping meeting, visit the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office website: Critical Habitat for Hawaiʻi Island Species.

       The 12 species with proposed critical habitat protection across the island are:
    Vetericaris chaceorum (ʻopāe), the small shrimp found in inland anchialine pools of mixed salinity formed by coastal lava flows or limestone exposures.
    Drosophila digressa (Hawaiʻi picture-wing fly), historically been found in five locations on the island in elevations from 2,000 to 4,500 feet in mesic forest and wet forest habitats.
  Phyllostegia floribunda (no common name), a perennial shrub found in mesic forest and wet forest ecosystems along the eastern side of the island.
    Pittosporum hawaiiense (hōʻawa, hāʻawa), a small tree found in mesic and wet ecosystems on the island.
    Schiedea diffusa ssp. macraei (no common name) is a perennial climbing herb found in the wet forest ecosystem of the Kohala Mountains and the windward slopes of Mauna Loa.
 

  Schiedea hawaiiensis (māʻoliʻoli) is a perennial herb, and at the time of listing, occurs only at a single site in dry forest habitat between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea mountains.
    Bidens hillebrandiana ssp. hillebrandiana (koʻokoʻolau) is a short-lived perennial herb that occurs in coastal and dry cliff ecosystems on rocky substrate near the shoreline. It is found on the windward eastern coast of Kohala near the northern tip of the island.
    Cyanea marksii (hāhā) is a short-lived perennial, shrub or palm-like tree and is found on the west side of the island in the district of South Kona.
    Cyanea tritomantha (‘akū) is a palm-like shrub distributed across the windward slopes of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Kīlauea, and the Kohala Mountains.
    Cyrtandrananawaleensis (ha‘iwale) is a shrub or small tree found in wet forest ecosystems in the Puna district.
    Cyrtandra wagneri (ha‘iwale, kanawao ke‘oke‘o) is a shrub or small tree found in wet forest ecosystems along the northeast side of the island.
    Melicope remyi (no common name) is a long-lived perennial shrub found on the windward slopes of the Kohala Mountains and Mauna Kea.
    Stenogyne cranwelliae (no common name) is a vine found in the Kohala Mountains in wet forest habitat.
    According to U.S. Forest Service, "Critical habitat is a tool that supports the continued conservation

of imperiled species by guiding cooperation within the federal government. Identifying critical habitat also informs landowners and the public which specific areas are important to a species’ conservation and recovery. The Service can also make the determination to not designate critical habitat when a designation would likely increase the threat of collection, vandalism, or incidental habitat degradation by curiosity seekers.
    The announcement of the proposed critical habitat areas on Hawai'i Island "comes as the ESA turns 50 years old and is the most significant piece of endangered species legislation and is considered one of the world’s most important conservation laws. When Congress passed the ESA in 1973, it recognized that our rich natural heritage is of “esthetic, ecological, educational, recreational, and scientific value to our Nation and its people.” Currently, the ESA protects 1,662 U.S. species and 638 foreign species. With ongoing threats such as habitat loss and new threats like climate change , a commitment to species conservation and the ESA continues to be vital. In every state across the country, there is staff working to conserve endangered species and the habitat they depend on," says the Fish & Wildlife statement.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

Ben Mejia sang and emceed, accompanied by Dane Sesson. Photo by Nalani Parlin

MEMBERS OF HANA LAULIMA LĀHUI O KAʻŪ said they are looking forward to next year's 8th Annual Prince Kūhiō Hoʻolauleʻa. The local nonprofit welcomed throngs of people from Kaʻū and beyond, who gathered at the 7th Annual Prince Kūhiō Hoʻolauleʻa last Saturday at Nāʻālehu Ball Park. They put on the event to showcase their plan to create a Kaʻū Hawaiian Cultural Center.
    "We had a lot of comments like 'Thank you for bringing the community back together again.' Food vendors were very happy, with many of them selling out. There were a lot of smiling faces and people enjoying the moments," said Terry Shibuya, president of the the organization. Although this year's event came after a quick turnaround in planning after being on pause for some years, many community members and groups quickly heeded the call to pitch in to make the event a reality. Shibuya said she hopes to welcome more vendors and activities to participate in future hoʻolauleʻa.
    The hoʻolauleʻa featured hula, from keiki to kūpuna dancers, as well as traditional Hawaiian music to golden oldies and local favorites. The hula halau of Kumu Lorie Lei Katahara performed. Debbie Ryder's Hula Hālau O Leionalani  performed and keiki gave out small packets of kalo.
     Entertainers were Gene Akamu & Friends, Green Sands Trio, Bruddah Ben Mejia and the Backyahd Braddahs. Miss Kalaʻoa's Outstanding Teen Hawaiʻi 2023 Karly-Rose Kawaauhau-Aiona, also a Teen Miss Hawaiʻi Pageant candidate, delighted with a Samoan dance.
    Mejia, who grew up in Kaʻū also doubled as emcee, joked with the crowd and helped Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū President Terry Shibuya call out lucky number prizes. Fishing gear, gift certificates, laulau 

Capt. Kiko Kitazawa Johnston's double-hull sailing canoe.
Photo by Nalani Parlin

and a grand prize stay at SCP Hilo Hotel were given out throughout the day. Of special note was handcrafted wooden box by master woodworker Thomas King, of Honu`apo. Others providing prize donations included Ocean View Market, Lau Lau Man Clyde Madaquit, Nāʻālehu ACE Hardware, Ocean View ACe Hardware, Big Island Candies, S. Tokunaga Store and Wal-Mart (Hilo and Kona).
   Kumu 'Āina Akamu, representing the Kaʻū Hawaiian Civic Club, passed out packets detailing Prince Kūhiōʻs biography, and spoke on the significance of Kūhiō's contribution to Hawaiʻi and its people. Bobby Command, from Mayor Mitch Roth's office, read a letter from the Mayor commemorating the day's events. Lt Governor Sylvia Luke and Kaʻū County Councilmember Michelle Galimba also stopped the hoʻolauleʻa to enjoy the festivities.
    A special highlight included museum exhibits, featuring Hawaiian culture and Kaʻū ʻohana, curated by the Kaʻū Multicultural Society and led by local historian Darlyne Vierra and Liz Kuluwaimaka. Hundreds of artifacts, implements, newspaper clippings and photos were displayed in the building behind the tennis courts. Vierra noted that the Kaʻū Multicultural Society is looking for a permanent space for its collections.    

Vendors sold papale and other creations at the Ho'olaulea. Photo by Nalani Parlin

    In the community center, a meeting about kuleana lands, organized by Earl Louis, took place.
    Kapena (Captain) Kiko Kitazawa's waʻa kaulua double-hull canoe could be seen on the field from the highway. Sailor James Akau also set up his one-man canoe and both shared about canoe-making and voyaging. Uncle Keoki Sereno taught about playing the ʻukulele and strung up pictures of finger placements for ʻukulele chords. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park set up Konane (like Hawaiian checkers) and Palaʻie (Hawaiian loop and ball game) to play, while the Hawaiian Civic Club invited folks to try Hawaiian Makahiki games of ulu maika and moa pahe'e.
 

Ikaika Anderson, Terry Shibuya and Kumu
Debbie Ryder. Photo by Nalani Parlin

 The Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund passed out free native plants in their booth. Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association teamed up with Hilo Medical Center to give blood pressure checks and pass out COVID
information and test kits. Black Sands Beach, LLC gave out garden starters, while state Division of Aquatic Resources officers shared about safe practices for shoreline and fishing activities.

    Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi shared free go Aquatic Resources officers shared about safe practices for shoreline and fishing activities.

    Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi shared free goodies and info about health classes, as well as a Mālama Nā Keiki Festival to be held in Pāhala June 24.      

    Liliʻuokalani Trust reps taught about Queen Liliʻuokalani and provided a coloring activity of the Queen's likeness. Premier Benefit Consultants invited participants to spin a wheel to win prizes and helped to enroll kūpuna in Medicare. Alu Like shared information about its programs for Hawaiians, while Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council signed up qualifying 'ohana for free refrigerators. Aquatic Resources officers shared about safe practices for shoreline and fishing activities.

   Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū thanked everyone who sponsored and donated to the event, as well as volunteered their time, talents and skills for Kaʻū. Event co-sponsors included Nāʻālehu Shopping Center, Black Sands Beach LLC, Masazo Pig Farm, County of Hawaii Parks & Recreation/Mayor Mitch Roth, ʻO Kaʻū Kākou, Edmund C. Olson Trust and Friends of Ikaika Anderson.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FROM 'O KAʻŪ KAKOU is this Saturday. The applications must be postmarked by April 1. See https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students. 

    OKK, the nonprofit service organization, is 

https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students

offering scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year to high school and home-schooled graduating seniors and to undergraduate college students. 

    Individual scholarship awards are $1,000 ($500.00 per semester) for students enrolled full-time at any accredited trade school or two-year or four-year college to assist with tuition costs. Applicant must be residents of Ka'ū district, or if attending an out-of-state college, applicant must be claimed as a dependent whose parent or legal guardian's principal residence remains in the district of Ka'ū. 

    Instructions, guidelines, and information regarding eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process are detailed in the Application for Scholarship instructions and guidelines at https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students.

    OKK advises that applicants thoroughly complete the application and carefully follow all instructions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

    Only hard copies of applications and supporting documents will be accepted (no electronic submissions) and must be postmarked on or before April 1. Late submissions will not be considered.          

    Recipients of previous scholarships who have not submitted their mahalo letter to OKK will not be considered for further scholarship funding. Any questions regarding this application can be directed to the OKK Scholarship Committee via email: okaukakou.org.scholarship@gmail.com and expect that it may take up to 24-36 hours for the Committee to respond.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

In the mail and on stands.

FREE FOOD

St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.


Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music. Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner Kona Dr. Drive and Hwy 11, near Thai Grindz. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no rez needed. Parking in the upper lot. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

 

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Car washed away in Wood Valley flood in Makakupu Gulch. Driver escaped. Photo by Tim Benko

WOOD VALLEY FLOODS MORE OFTEN, TIME TO FIX THE FORD? A series of heavy rains and floods have led to Wood Valley residents being trapped in and out of the valley numerous times this year.        Two motorists were washed into Makakupu Gulch from the main crossing and entrance to Wood Valley, when their cars succumbed to floodwaters. Both escaped, but one was taken later by a rescue crew for illness related to water in his lungs.
    After Wood Valley residents waiting for many hours and sometimes days for floodwaters to subside so they could enter or leave Wood Valley, there is much talk about solutions to access during floods, particularly if they become more frequent. With increasing numbers of people living there, there is more concern about emergency vehicles unable to reach Wood Valley homes and farms to help agricultural workers and senior citizens living there.
    Ideas have included building a bridge, installing a culvert with a road over it and establishing a right of way going into the valley on land before the Makakupu Gulch. The road and the crossing are owned by County of Hawai'i.

Councilmember Michelle Galimba

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

MICHELLE GALIMBA WEIGHS IN ON INDUSTRIAL SOLAR PROPOSED FOR OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOODS. The County Council member said, "I have serious concerns over this project because of the potential for increased costs for all HELCO customers, as well as inappropriate industrial land use in a rural residential community. I urge the developers to reconsider a project that is so unpopular among the local residents."

   The project would put solar farms on rural houselots scattered between homes in Ocean View.
    An account set up by Ocean View residents in February to fund professional legal representation to oppose the project before the state Public Utilities Commission continues to grow from donations, a benefit concert and matching funds.

Internationally acclaimed pianist David Paquette volunteers
for a benefit concert to raise money for the legal fund to
fight industrial solar in Ocean View.

    Until last month two Ranchos residents, Peter and Annie Bosted, fought pro se against the planned development, by alleging that since the project exceeds 2.72 megawatts, it should be competitively bid and should never have been allowed in the FIT program, which is designed for small, plug-and-play projects that could be easily built and quickly brought online. The Competitive Bid Framework was established for utility-scale power producers that plan to sell power to the HECO companies in Hawai’i.
    After six years of filing motions, the Bosteds will have their day in court vicariously. Bosted and a small group of residents determined that they should be replaced by experienced energy attorneys who would be better able to present their case. The lawyers are Ryan Hurley and Bianca Isaki, both attorneys in Honolulu.

OV resident and guitarist Ken Emerson 
opposes industrial solar. 

    Peter Bosted told The Ka’u Calendar: “We just don’t have the expertise to win against attorneys from
both HECO and SPI. Stan and Mariann Troeller, who own South Point U Cart, together with a family that prefers to remain anonymous, promised to double all donations to a Go Fund Me account. Amazingly, 34 people donated $5,410 to the account. We feel so encouraged and supported. With the generosity of the Troellers and our unnamed angels, that means we really have over $10,000 in our war chest."
    Another fundraiser was a concert in March. Ocean View resident and Grammy winning guitarist, Ken Emerson volunteered with his friend David Paquette, a world-class pianist. Dick Hershberger and Arlene Araki loaned their

OV resident Farley Sangels plays trumpet to fundraise
to protect the neighborhoods.

electronic piano and musical equipment. Parquette, a native of New Orleans who has recorded more than 45 albums, flew in from New Zealand. They were joined by Farley Sangels, who was a trumpet player in the Hong Kong Symphony.
    "Three musicians from the upper echelons of musical talent all playing their hearts out for us in Ranchos. It was an evening I’ll never forget," said Bosted. With the musicians's generosity and cash donations at the door, funding of over $1,000 came in. "This shows how people from Ocean View, this low-income community, are very willing to put their money where their mouths are to stop this development from ruining our rural community,” said Bosted.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

 JILL TOKUDA, THE REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FOR KAʻŪ comes to Hilo this Saturday, April 1 for a Town Hall to meet with the public. The time is 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. and the venue is Hilo YMCA, 300 Lanikaula St.
    Tokuda sent out a questionaire ahead of the Town Hall asking about constituent concerns, with a list including: Social Security & Medicare; High Cost of Living; Infrastructure Issues; Access to Healthcare & Mental Health Services; Neighbor Island Transportation & Travel; Climate change Issues; Housing Issues, Agriculture Issue; Other.
  Tokuda said she will cover her first 90 days in office "working for the people of Hawai'i's Second District, including the bills that I have sponsored by my priorities for our future. I'll also be taking questions from community members.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands. 

SUCCESS WITH TWO PRIORITY AGRICULTURE BILLS at the Hawai'i Legislature are announced by Hawai'i Farmers Union United. The bills are headed to the Ways and Means Committee this Friday, March 31 and testimony is urged.
    HB612 creates an income tax credit to alleviate the high costs of production for farmers, ranchers, and

fishers and incentivize growth in the agricultural sector in the State. Read the bill, reports and testimony; give testimony at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=612&year=2023&mc_cid=5025c117d9&mc_eid=563999cc96
     HB607 creates an income tax credit for taxpayers who are farmers, or are producers of agricultural commodities, cooperatives, broad line distributors, or food hubs who ship products and agricultural goods between counties. Read the bill, reports and testimony; give testimony at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=607&year=2023&mc_cid=5025c117d9&mc_eid=563999cc96 

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FROM 'O KAʻŪ KAKOU is this Saturday. The applications must be postmarked by April 1. See https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students. 

    OKK, the nonprofit service organization, is 

https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students

offering scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year to high school and home-schooled graduating seniors and to undergraduate college students. 

    Individual scholarship awards are $1,000 ($500.00 per semester) for students enrolled full-time at any accredited trade school or two-year or four-year college to assist with tuition costs. Applicant must be residents of Ka'ū district, or if attending an out-of-state college, applicant must be claimed as a dependent whose parent or legal guardian's principal residence remains in the district of Ka'ū. 

    Instructions, guidelines, and information regarding eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process are detailed in the Application for Scholarship instructions and guidelines at https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students.

    OKK advises that applicants thoroughly complete the application and carefully follow all instructions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

    Only hard copies of applications and supporting documents will be accepted (no electronic submissions) and must be postmarked on or before April 1. Late submissions will not be considered.          

    Recipients of previous scholarships who have not submitted their mahalo letter to OKK will not be considered for further scholarship funding. Any questions regarding this application can be directed to the OKK Scholarship Committee via email: okaukakou.org.scholarship@gmail.com and expect that it may take up to 24-36 hours for the Committee to respond.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

In the mail and on stands.

FREE FOOD

St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.


Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music. Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner Kona Dr. Drive and Hwy 11, near Thai Grindz. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no rez needed. Parking in the upper lot. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Ranchos resident John Fretz used an aerial photo of his Ocean View Ranchos neighborhood to superimpose the concept of

industrial solar farms on two three-acre lots amid existing homes, the solar farms surrounded with fencing and lights.

Image by John Fretz

A CONCEPT ILLUSTRATION OF THE POSSIBLE IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL SOLAR, scattered on 26 lots between homes in Ocean View, has been created by Ranchos resident John Fretz.
   Fretz said he opposes the industrialization of the neighborhood and also noted that the price of the electricity sold to Hawaiian Electric Light Co. is expected to be three times the going rate. The rate was set at 26 cents per kWh by an incentive program called the Feed In Tarrif. The  FIT was designed to kick start renewable energy in Hawai'i in 2012. Since then the price of electricity from new solar installations has dropped to about 9 cents per kWh. 

    The lots targeted for industrial solar are 3 acres each and zoned agriculture. Solar farms are allowed on agricultural land under state law enacted in 2008. According to filings regarding the law HB 2502, the measure intended to benefit farmers and ranchers who own land with poor soil. The income could subsidize their agricultural enterprise. 

A Ranchos neighborhood without solar. See concept photo above with solar. Photo by John Fretz

    In 2011, the state House of Representatives Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection and Water, Land & Ocean Resources wrote to the Speaker of the House: "Your Committee notes that Hawai'i's farmers and ranchers need to fight energy costs with energy revenues to become or remain a viable business entity. While not all lands have wind resources, most lands have access to abundant sunshine. Under existing law, the electric utility companies do not have to obtain competitive bids for independent power producers that produce under five megawatts of power. Allowing the use of agricultural land for renewable solar energy production provides farmers and ranchers with the opportunity to produce and sell electricity to offsets their costs."

    In the case of the Ocean View lots, the neighborhoods are residential and the owners planning solar farms are not farming and ranching.

    Three Ocean View residents, Betsy "Sparrow" Guyre-Allen, Deb Gierloff and Annie Bosted, said they met with County Council member Michelle Galimba last week to present a power point and the illustration of industrial solar in their neighborhoods. Ocean View residents are contributing to hiring attorneys to take a complaint to the state Public Utilities Commission.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

THE EDITH KANAKA'OLE COIN became available in rolls and bags of 80, 100 and 120 on Monday, for purchase from the U.S. Mint. The Silver Proof Sets become available on April 4. See https://catalog.usmint.gov/

    A statement from U.S. Mint describes Kanaaka'ole as an "indigenous Hawaiian composer, chanter, kumu hula, custodian of native culture, traditions, and natural land. The design features a depiction of Edith Kanakaʻole, with her hair and lei poʻo (head lei) morphing into the elements of a Hawaiian landscape, symbolizing Kanakaʻole’s life’s work of preserving the natural land and traditional Hawaiian culture. The inscription “E hō mai ka ʻike” translates as “granting the wisdom,” and is a reference to the intertwined role hula and chants play in this preservation. 

    The minting of the Kanakaole quarter is through the American Women Quarters Program, a four-year series that celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women who have shaped the Nation’s history and helped pave the way for generations who followed. Begun in 2022, and continuing through 2025, the Mint is issuing five new quarters each year. The American Women Quarters Program is authorized by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-330).
   Other women honored with their portraits on U.S. Mint quarters this year are:
    Bessie Coleman – pilot, advocate, and pioneer who flew to great heights as the first African American and first Native American woman pilot, and first African American to earn an international pilot’s license. The design depicts Bessie Coleman as she suits up in preparation for flight, her expression reflective of her determination to take to the skies, the only place she experienced a freedom she did not have on the ground. 
    Eleanor Roosevelt –first lady, author, civil liberties and human rights advocate, Chairperson of United Nations Human Rights Commission, and instrumental in the passage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The design depicts Eleanor Roosevelt and the scales of justice against a backdrop representing the globe, symbolic of her impactful work with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
    Jovita Idar – Mexican-American journalist, activist, teacher, community organizer, champion of bi-lingual education, and suffragist. The design features a depiction of Jovita Idar with her hands clasped. Within her body are inscriptions representing some of her greatest accomplishments and the newspapers for which she wrote. 

    Maria Tallchief – America’s first major prima ballerina who broke barriers as a Native American ballerina. The coin design depicts Maria Tallchief spotlit in balletic pose, and her Osage name, which translates to “Two Standards,” written in Osage orthography. 
    The 2023 American Women Quarters Silver Proof Set comes with a certificate of authenticity and consists of five proof finish quarter dollars struck in 99.9 percent silver at the United States Mint at San Francisco.
    Each coin in this series features a common obverse (heads) design depicting a portrait of George Washington. This design was originally composed and sculpted by Laura Gardin Fraser as a candidate entry for the 1932 quarter, which honored the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth.  See https://catalog.usmint.gov/

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

HELE-ON, THE COUNTY'S MASS TRANSIT AGENCY, HAS LAUNCHED A REFRESHED, USER-FRIENDLY WEBSITE. It offers easy access to information on all Hele-On services. The ADA-compliant site features tools such as a trip planner, real-time bus tracking, weather updates, and accessible schedules. The new site is consistent with the County of Hawaiʻi's website platform, Granicus, and can be accessed at heleonbus.hawaiicounty.gov.
    "Encouraging sustainable ridership of our Hele-on service for both our residents and visitors depends on our ability to make it as easy as possible to access the information necessary to take the ride," said Mayor

Mitch Roth. "We want folks to know there are alternative modes of transportation that are safe, reliant, and most importantly, easy to access. We also want our visitors to know that this service exists so that we can mitigate visitor impacts, reduce our carbon footprint, and educate our guests in hopes of creating a more well-rounded and connected visitor experience."
    In addition, a new Get Around Hawaiʻi County page has been launched to inform visitors about

transportation alternatives on the island. The site aims to promote sustainable transportation choices and support low-impact green rides. The website includes transportation options, regional walking guides, and tips for getting around Hawaiʻi without a car. It also includes a How to Travel with Aloha section to encourage responsible tourism.

    Hele-On provides free countywide public transit services on 23 fixed and flex routes countywide. For Ka'u, it also provides rural transportation service in partnership with Hawai'i County Economic Opportunity Council.

    Hele-On transports approximately 588,000 passenger trips annually on a fleet of more than 30 buses, vans, and a trolley. Transit services are contracted with Roberts Hawai'i, taxicab companies, MTM Transit, HCEOC, Enterprise Holdings, and PATH. For additional Hele-On information, call (808) 961-8744, TDD/TTY: 711 through the relay service, email: heleonbus@hawaiicounty.gov, or visit www.heleonbus.org. 

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

KAʻŪ HIGH BOYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM TRAVELED TO KONAWAENA on Tuesday, March 28 and lost in three close sets, 21-25, 20-25 and 18-25. Kaʻū stats show Tyson Junior Kuahuia-Faafia with 12 kills, 2 aces and 3 blocks; Adahdiyah Ellis Reyes with 4 kills; Vladimir Fedoruk with 4 kills and 1 ace; Karsen Polido-Tuaifaiva with 3 kills and Kayson Pagan with 1 block.

    The Trojans beat Kanu O Ka `Aina in the contest on March 25. In Set 1, Kaʻū took it with 26 to 24. In Set 2, Kaʻū dominated at 25-12. In set 3, Kanu came back with 25-21. In set four, Kaʻū won it with 25 to 17.

    Kaʻū stats show Tyson Junior Kuahuia-Faafia with 15 kills; Adahdiyah Ellis Reyes with 8 kills and 1 ace; Patrick Riehle with 5 kills and 3 aces; Vladimir Fedoruk with 4 kills and 2 aces; Karsen Polido-Tuaifaiva with 3 kills and 3 aces; Zayden Gallano with1 kill and 2 aces and Kayson Pagan with 1 kill.  
   On March 23rd, Kaʻū beat Parker School in three sets, 27-25, 25-17 and 25-12. Kaʻū stats show Tyson Junior Kuahuia-Faafia with 12 kills, 2 aces and 3 blocks; Adahdiyah Ellis Reyes with 4 kills; Vladimir Fedoruk with 4 kills and 1 ace; Karsen Polido-Tuaifaiva with 3 kills and Kayson Pagan with 1 block.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FROM 'O KAʻŪ KAKOU is this Saturday. The applications must be postmarked by April 1. See https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students. 

    OKK, the nonprofit service organization, is 

https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students

offering scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year to high school and home-schooled graduating seniors and to undergraduate college students. 

    Individual scholarship awards are $1,000 ($500.00 per semester) for students enrolled full-time at any accredited trade school or two-year or four-year college to assist with tuition costs. Applicant must be residents of Ka'ū district, or if attending an out-of-state college, applicant must be claimed as a dependent whose parent or legal guardian's principal residence remains in the district of Ka'ū. 

    Instructions, guidelines, and information regarding eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process are detailed in the Application for Scholarship instructions and guidelines at https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students.

    OKK advises that applicants thoroughly complete the application and carefully follow all instructions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

    Only hard copies of applications and supporting documents will be accepted (no electronic submissions) and must be postmarked on or before April 1. Late submissions will not be considered.          

    Recipients of previous scholarships who have not submitted their mahalo letter to OKK will not be considered for further scholarship funding. Any questions regarding this application can be directed to the OKK Scholarship Committee via email: okaukakou.org.scholarship@gmail.com and expect that it may take up to 24-36 hours for the Committee to respond.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

In the mail and on stands.

FREE FOOD

St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.


Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music. Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner Kona Dr. Drive and Hwy 11, near Thai Grindz. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no rez needed. Parking in the upper lot. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.