Ka`u News Briefs May 30, 2012

Haze in Ka`u from Halema`uma`u Crater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Julia Neal

HAZE WILL BE THE SUBJECT of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency public hearings on the proposed Clean Air Act Regional Haze Federal Implementation Plan for Hawai`i. In Ka`u, haze comes mostly from the Ka`u desert wind, macadamia nut harvesting and volcanic fumes and particulates. The Hilo hearing will be this Friday, June 1, with an open house, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and a public hearing, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 
in Waiakea High School Cafeteria 
at 155 W. Kawili St.
 

     A statement from the EPA says, “Regional haze is a visibility impairment caused by the cumulative air pollutant emissions from numerous sources over a wide geographic area. This haze obscures the views of scenery at a distance, reducing the beauty of national parks. 

     “The EPA plan is designed to achieve progress toward achieving visibility goals at the Haleakala National Park and the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in the first planning period through 2018.”

     The EPA takes aim at Hawai`i Electric Co., saying the proposed plan would impose a cap on pollution from oil-fired electric generating units on the Big Island. “It is likely that the Hawaii Electric Light Co. could meet this cap through improvements in energy conservation and increased reliance on renewable energy already planned as part of Hawai`i’s Clean Energy Initiative.” The EPA is not planning to impose any other additional pollution controls as part of this stage of the Regional Haze Program.
     The Clean Air Act requires states, in coordination with EPA, the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and other interested parties, to develop and implement air quality protection plans to reduce the pollution that causes visibility impairment in 156 national parks and wilderness areas.
     Agencies have been monitoring visibility in national parks and wilderness areas since 1988. In 1999, the EPA announced a major effort to improve air quality in national parks and wilderness areas through the Clean Air Act Regional Haze Rule.
     To read the proposed plan for Hawai`i, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region9/air/actions/hawaii.html.

AIR UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE PEOPLE registered on vog monitors in Pahala from 1 a.m. until 8:15 a.m. today and moved into the Ocean View area at 8 a.m., where the vog scale remained orange for an hour. The S02 blew away as the winds started. Vog and high S02 are more likely during windless nights when fumes from Kilauea Volcano can cover the Ka`u Desert and blanket Pahala village, staying there until the winds come. Health officials recommend closing windows at night before going to sleep for protection from vog. Air cleaners and air conditioners can be used for warm nights and for clean-air sleeping, significantly reducing overall daily exposure to vog. Sulfur dioxide levels are available online at www.hiso2index.info.

Bon Dance at Na`alehu Hongwanji in 2009.

BON DANCE SEASON BEGINS NEXT WEEK around the island, and some enthusiasts from Ka`u travel to the hongwajis to take part in the annual dance and celebration of ancestors and harvest. Here is the schedule islandwide throughout the summer:

• Saturday, June 9, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Keauhou Shopping Center. 
• Saturday, June 23, 7 p.m. Papaikou Hongwanji Mission, 964-1640
. 
• Saturday, June 30, 7 p.m. Honomu Hongwanji Mission, 963-6032. 
• Friday and Saturday, July 6 & 7, 7:30 p.m. Puna Hongwanji Mission, 966-9981
 
• Saturday, July 7, 7 p.m. Kohala Hongwanji Mission 775-7232
. 
• Friday and Saturday, July 13 & 14, 7 p.m. Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, 961-6677
. 
• Saturday, July 14, 7:30 p.m. Paauilo Hongwanji Mission, 776-1369
. 
• Saturday, July 21, 7:30 p.m. Honoka`a Hongwanji Mission, 775-7232
. 
• Saturday, July 28, 7 p.m. Papa`aloa Hongwanji Mission 962-6340
. 
• Saturday, July 28, 7 p.m. Kona Hongwanji Mission, 323-2993. 
• Saturday, Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m. Kamuela Hongwanji Mission 885-4481. 
• Saturday, 
Aug. 25, 7 p.m. Honohina Hongwanji Mission 963-6032. 

Pahala Library hosts a summer reading program from keiki to adults.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE HAWAI`I STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM hosts Summer Reading at Pahala and Na`alehu Libraries June 4 through July 7. Registration is ongoing and participants reading at least one book a week are eligible to receive a free reading incentive. Programs also feature storytelling and performances. 

     A special collaboration aims to increase summer reading program participation by students in kindergarten through second grade. “Multiple studies have proven beyond a doubt that children who continue reading during the summer perform better when they return to school in the fall, score higher on standardized tests, and are more active and engaged in the classroom,” said State Librarian Richard Burns.
     This year’s programs and themes are:

     For children, up to those entering grade 6 this fall. Dream Big READ! will encourage reveling in the wonders of night – dreams, lullabies, bedtime and campfire stories; ghosts, nocturnal animals, and star-gazing. 

     For teens, grade 7 through 2012 high school graduates, Own the Night will motivate enjoyment of the wonders of night through dreams, mysteries, suspense and campfire stories, nocturnal animals, jobs and careers involving night-shifts, astronomy and star-gazing. Teens may win an Apple iPod Shuffle and other prizes. 

     For adult patrons 18 and older, Between the Covers will inspire the joy of reading and celebrate wonders of night – dreams, mysteries, adventure, westerns, science fiction, romance, jobs and careers involving night-shifts, astronomy, and star-gazing. For more information, contact Na`alehu Public Library at 939-2442, or Pahala Public & School Library at 928-2015. 

KEN CHARON teaches basic drawing techniques tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants meet at Volcano Art Center Gallery before walking to a scenic location suitable for sketching. Sign up on a first-come, first-served basis and bring paper and pencil, or borrow supplies for a donation. The event is free, and park entrance fees apply. For more information, call Emily at 967-7565.

Megan Lamson of Hawai`i Wildlife Fund hosts several beach
cleanups  in Ka`u every year. Photo from Hawai`i Wildlife Fund

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND has its third annual beach cleanup at Manuka Natural Area Reserve on Saturday. Volunteers should be able hikers wearing sturdy shoes and bring bag lunches, water bottle, snacks and sun and wind protection. Sign up for the events with Megan Lamson at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or 769-7629.

KA`U FOREST RESERVE’S Draft Management Plan is the topic at a public meeting this Saturday, June 2 at Na`alehu Community Center.
    The plan would be implemented over a 15-year time frame. To help preserve native species, it includes options for fencing portions of the 61,641 acre Ka`u Forest Reserve mostly in the upper elevations. The plan would provide trails for hunters and hikers.
    Copies of the plan’s Draft EA can be read at Pahala and Na`alehu Public Libraries and online at http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/Shared%20Documents/EA_and_EIS_Online_Library/Hawaii/2010s/2012-05-23-DEA-Kau-Forest-Reserve-Management-Plan.pdf.
    Saturday’s meeting takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food and childcare will be provided. For more information, contact Ron Terry at 969-7090 or rterry@hawaii.rr.com. 

A lunar eclipse makes the moon appear red.
Photo from darkerview.com

KILAKILA O KA`U celebrates the lunar eclipse and Venus transiting the sun this Saturday, Sunday and Monday, June 2 – 4, at Aikala Ranch on South Point Road. Activities include Hawaiian Language Scrabble Tournament, astrology, palmistry, tarot cards, psychics, psychic mediums, gems, stones, Reiki and massage. For vendor spaces, call 968-1781; for camping, call 557-7043.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK sponsor a sneak preview of Kahuku Unit’s Kona Trail on Sunday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Park ranger John Stallman guides this four-mile roundtrip trek through highland pastures that offers participants excellent bird-watching opportunities along with information about the area’s natural and cultural heritage. $50 for Friends members; $70 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are half-price. Non-members are welcome to join the nonprofit Friends in order to get the member discount. Call 985-7373 or email institute@fhvnp.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT WWW.PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND WWW.KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

Ka`u News Briefs May 29, 2012

Ka`u Hospital will be assisted through federal funding directed to HHSC by Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HOSPITAL WILL BENEFIT from federal funding for medical care for the poor. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has directed $6.8 million away from private hospitals to the quasi-state Hawai`i Health Systems Corp. to help pay for its $10.5 million shortfall. The story, by Derrick DePledge, was reported in this morning’s Honolulu Star Advertiser and quotes state Department of Human Services chief Patricia McManaman, who said that HHSC provides “services across the state to some of our most vulnerable populations.” It manages Ka`u, Hilo, Kona, Hamakua and Kohala medical facilities, and other remote hospitals on Lana`i, in Waimea on Kaua`i and Kula on Maui.

Sen. Josh Green

      In other funding, private hospitals and large nursing homes will likely receive more money through a bill passed by the 2012 Hawai`i Legislature to authorize a provider fee. The new law, which the governor is yet to sign, would qualify the state for millions of dollars in additional Medicaid fees. According to the Star Advertiser story, “private hospitals would pay about $42 million in fees and get $77 million in return. The state would get a seven percent cut — or $2.8 million — in the transaction.”
      Sen. Josh Green, who is running for Senate in communities from Honu`apo to Kona Airport, is urging the governor to sign the bill. The Star Advertiser story credits Green with saying that more federal Medicaid money is necessary for private hospitals since the administration chose to use most of the federal charity care money for HHSC. The Star Advertiser quotes Green: “It is critical for the governor to support both the public and private hospitals, so if he is committed to this change in funding plans, he must let the hospital sustainability bill become law.” Green said in an email, “Any other approach would be irresponsible and wrong.”

Pew Project on National Security, Energy & Climate recommends biofuel
for the military. Photo from Pew

PLANS FOR GROWING BIOFUEL CROPS for military and airline transportation took a hit in Congress last week when the U.S. Senate Armed Service Committee voted 13 to 12 to restrict military use of biofuel. The committee was working on the National Defense Authorization Act 2013, the military budget. The U.S. House of Representatives also dampened enthusiasm for buying biofuel by writing restrictions into its version of the military budget. The result is Congress directing the military to refrain from using biofuel until its cost goes down to equal or less than such fossil fuels as coal, natural gas and oil. 

      The Associated Press headlined its story: The Pentagon’s investment in green energy requires too much green paper for some in Congress. It quoted Sen. John McCain: “In a tough budget climate for the Defense Department, we need every dollar to protect our troops on the battlefield with energy technologies that reduce fuel demand and save lives.” McCain, top Republican on the Armed Services Committee, said that “spending $26 per gallon of biofuel is not consistent with that goal. The committee’s action corrects this misplacement of priorities.”

Sen. John McCain

      Last year, the state of Hawai`i’s Public Utilities Commission turned down a proposal from Hawai`i Electric Co. to purchase biofuel that would be produced from crops in Ka`u. The PUC concluded that using biofuel would be too costly, causing electric rates to go up, and unfair to utility customers, even with the expectation that the cost of biofuel would be under the cost of fossil fuel in years to come.
      Biofuel for the growing military presence in Hawai`i and the expanding Pacific Theater was also considered as another use for biofuel crops that could be established on cattle-grazing lands between Pahala and Na`alehu. Test plantings for the kinds of grasses and canes that might work in the Ka`u environment are growing, and `Aina Koa Pono proposes a refinery just off Wood Valley Road.
      Phyllis Cuttino, director of Pew Charitable Trust’s Project on National Security, Energy and Climate, supports biofuel for the military: “The Department of Defense is one of the largest institutional energy users in the world, consuming more than 300,000 barrels of oil a day.” She described the action in Congress as a “step backward,” saying, “This will hurt the Department of Defense’s efforts to protect its budget from oil price shocks, diversify its energy mix and ensure security of supply.” See more of the analysis at http://www.pewenvironment.org/campaigns/pew-project-on-national-security-energy-climate/id/8589935509.

Iwao Yonemitsu and Toku Nakano, Ka`u vets of the
442nd, were honored at yesterday's Memorial Day
ceremonies at Kilauea Military Camp.
Photo by Julia Neal

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES honored 442nd veterans yesterday afternoon at Kilauea Military Camp in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Rep. Jerry Chang gave the keynote speech, praising the “Go for Broke” Japanese American members of the 442nd Regiment during World War II. Honorees Iwao Yonemitsu and Toku Nakano enjoyed special seating near Rep. Bob Herkes. 

      Chang noted the excellent health care and educational opportunities given to veterans in past wars and called for more help for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He said there is a new epidemic in mental health problems and that many vets wind up in the judicial system. Major Darrin Cox, executive officer of the 1st Squadron, 299th Calvary, also spoke. A high school Naval JROTC posted colors, with member Jayko Cheney singing Freedom is Not Free. Patrick Inouye sang Amazing Grace, God Bless America and This Land is Your Land.

KEN CHARON teaches basic drawing techniques on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants meet at Volcano Art Center Gallery before walking to a scenic location suitable for sketching. Sign up on a first-come, first-served basis that day and bring paper and pencil, or borrow supplies for a donation. The event is free, and park entrance fees apply. For more information, call Emily at 967-7565.

Josh Ortega, top left, with his team.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL COACH Josh Ortega has hauled home the Red Division’s Coach of the Year award to Ka`u High School. Division Player of the Year went to Trojan Donald Garo, Jr. in the BIIF volleyball awards voted by league coaches. Ortega, who was on Ka`u High’s volleyball team and graduated in 2003, is a PTP teacher at the school and moved from assistant to head coach this season. He earned his volleyball coaching stripes with the assistance of former girls volleyball head coach Elijah Navarro and veteran high school and college coach and volleyball camp owner Guy Enriques. 

Fencing of the reserve's central portion is the preferred alternative in the Ka`u Forest
Reserve Draft Management Plan.

KA`U FOREST RESERVE’S Draft Management Plan is the topic at a public meeting this Saturday, June 2 at Na`alehu Community Center. The reserve, located between 2,000 and 7,000 feet in altitude above the villages of Pahala, Na`alehu and Wai`ohinu, has some of the most pristine native Hawaiian forest in all of the Islands. It is managed by the state Department of Forestry & Wildlife.
      The plan would be implemented over a 15-year time frame. To help preserve native species, it includes options for fencing portions of the 61,641 acre Ka`u Forest Reserve mostly in the upper elevations. The plan would provide trails for hunters and hikers.
      Copies of the plan’s Draft EA can be read at Pahala and Na`alehu Public Libraries and online at http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/Shared%20Documents/EA_and_EIS_Online_Library/Hawaii/2010s/2012-05-23-DEA-Kau-Forest-Reserve-Management-Plan.pdf.
      Saturday’s meeting takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food and childcare will be provided. For more information, contact Ron Terry at 969-7090 or rterry@hawaii.rr.com.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT WWW.PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND WWW.KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.

Ka`u News Briefs May 28, 2012

Water from the sugar plantation has served Ka`u for many generations. Photos from state Department of Agriculture

WOOD VALLEY WATER AND FARM COOPERATIVE is hoping to secure a backup source for potable water and also more water for agriculture by revamping Weda Tunnel. A proposal was made to the Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District, which is helping to plan the use of state funding to repair old plantation water systems between Kapapala and Wai`ohinu. Weda Tunnel was developed during plantation days but fell into disrepair as the sugar industry abandoned the tunnel system. Weda would not only help agriculture but serve as a back up for Noguchi Tunnel, which serves Wood Valley residents with potable water under a state Department of Health license.

The state has released money to plan
for tunnel repairs.

      Wood Valley co-op has a restriction on adding more homes to its service until more water can be developed. Weda Tunnel, which is considered non-potable, would be used largely for ag, freeing up Noguchi to perhaps serve more homes and farms.
      Wood Valley co-op supplies water to an area encompassing approximately 1,000 acres of homestead agricultural and other agricultural land. There are five to six farms producing cut flowers, tea, macadamia nuts and coffee. Other users have cattle, animal breeding, tree farms, niche crops and small-scale agriculture. Approximately 20 percent of the current service area is in active agriculture. Many of the current users would likely increase the intensity of agriculture if more water became available.
      Development of Weda Tunnel would also provide a temporary emergency source of water should the primary source and/or supply main fail. Wood Valley Water and Farm Cooperative experienced a failure in the November 2000 flood which destroyed large sections of its supply main and distribution system.

THE REV. DENNIS KAMAKAHI took home the award for top Slack Key Album of the Year at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards last night in Honolulu. The album is Waimaka Helelei and also features Stephen Inglis. Kamakahi teaches each year at Pahala Plantation Cottages at the Keoki Kahumoku music workshops where many local students receive scholarships and other students come from the around the world to study with the masters. Kamakahi says he will soon move to Na`alehu to teach and operate his recording studio. 

ROBERT CAZIMERO won Best Hawaiian Language Album at the Na Hoku Hanohano awards. He also frequents Ka`u and recently shared his music at an official Ka`u Coffee Festival dinner at Kalaekilhohana Bed & Breakfast on South Point Road. His album is called Hula.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR is Kaunaloa by Kuana Torres Kahele, a solo album from the star of Na Palapalai. Kahele has deep roots on he Big Island and has written songs about many places here, from Halema`uma`u to Miloli`i. Kahele also won Male Vocalist of the Year, Hawaiian Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Liner Notes of the Year. The awards are issued by Hawaiian Academy of Recording Arts. 

TODAY IS MEMORIAL DAY, and Kilauea Military Camp’s ceremony begins at 3 p.m. on the front lawn. Iwao Yonemitsu, Toku Nakano and Tsuneki Omija are Congressional Gold Medal recipients from Ka`u who will be honored along with other Gold Medal recipients of Hawai`i Island. Keynote speaker is state Rep. Jerry Chang, and guest speaker is Major Darrin Cox, executive officer of the 1st Squadron, 299th Calvary.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND has a busy week planned in Ka`u. A cleanup of an anchialine pond takes place tomorrow, and the third annual beach cleanup at Manuka Natural Area Reserve is on Saturday. Volunteers should be able hikers wearing sturdy shoes and bring bag lunches, water bottle, snacks and sun and wind protection. Sign up for the events with Megan Lamson at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or 769-7629.

Ranger John Stallman guides hikers at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's
Kahuku Unit. Photo by Dave Boyle

KILAKILA O KA`U celebrates the lunar eclipse and Venus transiting the sun this Saturday, Sunday and Monday, June 2 – 4, at Aikala Ranch on South Point Road. Activities include Hawaiian Language Scrabble Tournament, astrology, palmistry, tarot cards, psychics, psychic mediums, gems, stones, Reiki and massage. For vendor spaces, call 968-1781; for camping, call 557-7043. 

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK sponsor a sneak preview of Kahuku Unit’s Kona Trail on Sunday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Park ranger John Stallman guides this four-mile roundtrip trek through highland pastures that offers participants excellent bird-watching opportunities along with information about the area’s natural and cultural heritage. $50 for Friends members; $70 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are half-price. Non-members are welcome to join the nonprofit Friends in order to get the member discount. Call 985-7373 or email institute@fhvnp.org.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT WWW.PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND WWW.KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.