Ka`u News Briefs March 1, 2011

Peter Anderson's image of windmills and pasture at South Point.

A PETITION initiated by government retirees in Ka`u opposes legislation to tax pension income. Some retirees are going door to door in Pahala and Na`alehu to collect signatures, and the opposition seems to be working. A version of the bill that passed the Finance Committee of the state House of Representatives yesterday exempts many middle class and all lower income retirees. For pensions to be taxed, the adjusted gross income of the retiree would have to reach at least $100,000. For those with dependent and surviving spouses, an income of $150,000 would trigger the tax. Retired couples would have to make $200,000 a year before their pensions would be taxed. The tax would apply to less than one percent of taxpayers but would generate $17.2 million a year, the committee report said. A separate bill making its way through the Senate calls for a lower income threshold and would raise more than $56 million a year.

THE STATE INCOME TAX DEDUCTION is also the target for bringing in more money for the state budget. Incomes of $100,000 for singles, $150,000 for heads of households and surviving spouses, and $200,000 for couples will result in loss of the state income tax deduction. 

MEDICARE PART B REIMBURSEMENTS for retirees would also be eliminated in Hawai`i, but for future rather than current public employee retirees. AARP has opposed the changes that tax retiree pensions and benefits, saying that retirees worked their entire careers for their benefits and should not have to pay for the problems with the current state budget. 

MAYOR BILLY KENOI presents his budget to the public at a press conference today. He will propose his plan to deal with a $44 million budget gap. One of the expected results is a small fee to be charged to ride the Hele-On Bus.

`O KA`U KAKOU is planning a new event for Ka`u called the Ka`u Family Fest. It is planned for Saturday, June 11 and will include a half marathon, 10K race, and a 5K race, along with a basketball tournament, ping-pong tournament, Jung Ken Po tournament and many other activities. A planning meeting will be held next Wednesday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the old Aspen Center in Punalu`u. `O Ka`u Kakou is also sponsoring a bingo luncheon this Friday at Pahala Community Center from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring one non-perishable food item for the food drive.
     The monthly `O Ka`u Kakou meeting has been changed from tomorrow, March 2, to next Wednesday, March 9. Again that is at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Aspen Center at Punalu`u.

Panos Prevedouros

THE CONSERVATIVE FORUM held last weekend on the Big Island heard from U.H. professor Panos Prevedouros, who said that geothermal is the optimum technology for Hawai`i’s energy needs. According to a story by Jason Armstrong in the Hawai`i Tribune Herald, the professor said that wind is too intermittent, and crops used for biofuels should be reserved for producing food. Puna Geothermal plant manager Mike Kaleikini said that geothermal already provides 17 percent of the island’s power needs and will increase its production by eight megawatts, making the total 38 megawatts, which powers up 24,700 homes. All of Ka`u and Puna’s energy needs are met by the windmills at South Point and the geothermal. 

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC LIGHT CO., however, says it needs an alternative fixed energy source, and it is partnering with `Aina Koa Pono to make a biofuels farm between Pahala and Na`alehu and a refinery above Pahala. They will present their plan to a county council committee tomorrow at 2 p.m. in the County Council chambers in Hilo. The public is invited to attend and to comment.

THE PUBLIC PRESENTATION about a proposed resort development between Ocean View and South Point on 16,000 acres will be given at Na`alehu Community Center tomorrow at 6 p.m. The development along the Ka`u Coast would include a golf course, hotel, condominiums, oceanfront estates, and a heritage park around Pohue Bay.

Miss Peaberry contestant
Tatiana Ka`awa

MISS KA`U COFFEE CANDIDATES are receiving runway and talent training twice a week, leading up to the pageant on Saturday, April 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at Ka`u High School Gym. They are seeking support for the event from community members.