Ka`u News Briefs March 9, 2011

Demetrius Oliveira with his new band Keaiwa raised money for One Journey
last Sunday, before Demetrius left for San Francisco for surgery.

KA`U RESIDENTS took their concerns to Mayor Billy Kenoi at a talk story meeting at Na`alehu School last night. He said he spoke recently to Gov. Neil Abercrombie and is hoping that the construction of the gymnasium and emergency shelter next to Ka`u High School will be funded soon. He said the county is fast-tracking the planning for the $20 million building, which would be owned by the county but used by the high school as its new gym. It would also be the only certified emergency shelter in Pahala. The funding would come from a state bond float.

POLICE SUBSTATIONS were a concern of the public during the mayor’s Ka`u meeting last night. Ocean View residents asked for a substation to be manned 24/7, saying many crimes in Ocean View occur at scenes too remote for police to respond in a timely fashion. Police Department representatives said that having a full-time police officer stationed at Ocean View is a priority and that new communications equipment planned for the substation could allow police to make their reports from Ocean View without driving all the way to the Ka`u headquarters in Na`alehu. Budget is a problem, but the police department is working toward a full-time officer for Ocean View.

Mayor Billy Kenoi met with Ka`u residents
in Na`alehu yesterday.

THE MAYOR explained his view of balancing environmental and cultural protection with economic development. He said he was born across from Kaimu on the coast in Puna - in a community with outhouses and kerosene lamps. He said he understands the need for open space and respecting the culture. He said he also understands the need for a thriving economy: “We are not out to take away any of the special beauty that makes our island unique,” Kenoi proclaimed. However, “All - we all like - a healthy, safe family. We need one thriving, vibrant economy,” said the mayor. “When people working? Families working: Pay the mortgage, pay the car note, can support the family. Then children are in a safe environment and have chance to have a good education.” High unemployment leads to high foreclosures, said Kenoi, causing skyrocketing divorces from financial stress. No more house, no more job, no more car - kids are not safe and many of them quit school, turn to gangs and drugs, said the mayor. 

THE INCREDIBLE ASSETS of the Big Island make the future bright for this county, the mayor predicted. He talked about two deep draft harbors, the best astronomy in the world, a college of pharmacy, open farmlands, and geothermal and biofuels potential. He pointed to renewable energy, saying that during an upcoming summit of world leaders on O`ahu, he hopes to host energy ministers from many countries and show them the Big Island’s potential. He also said that the U.S. and Japan may partner on ocean thermal energy. “We have one of the few places where it works,” said Kenoi.

Puna Geothermal Venture provides power for 30,000 homes
and will also produce hydrogen for transportation. It claims
to have the potential to provide all of the energy needs
of the Big Island.

HYDROGEN will be part of the energy future, said Kenoi, mentioning that the county will soon take possession of two hydrogen buses and that a hydrogen fuel station will be located at the Puna Geothermal facility. With hydrogen fuel being produced at the geothermal plant, a fuel tanker truck will be provided to fuel up county hydrogen vehicles. The geothermal plant will be able to make hydrogen for transportation fuel during off hours of the electric grid when the capacity of geothermal is underused. 

KAMOAMOA is the name of the new eruption at Kilauea. Pu`u `O`o Crater floor dropped more than 300 feet in a few hours over the weekend and the show continues near Kapau Crater.

UNITED & CONTINENTAL AIRLINES are expected to reduce flights because of increased fuel prices. Fuel prices are of concern to the local visitor industry since this increases the cost of coming to Hawai`i. United and Continental, which are now one company, are planning direct flights, daily from Los Angeles and weekly from San Francisco to Hilo, starting June 9. During the first quarter of this year there is a 13 percent increase in airline seats to Kona from the West Coast.

A NEW STATE TAX ON PENSIONS would only affect those single seniors earning at least $100,000 a year and $200,000 for couples. Seniors in Pahala petitioned against the measure when an earlier version of the bill would have taxed the pension of less wealthy seniors. The new version would tax five to six percent of seniors receiving pensions. The measure has passed the state House of Representatives and was sent to the Senate.

SEN. GIL KAHELE AND REP. ROBERT HERKES will host a talk story session this Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Ocean View. The two have been working on the Ocean View water well system, emergency shelters, and many more CIP projects for the district.

Miss Peaberry contestant
Cherrisse Althea Calumpit

CHERRISSE ALTHEA CALUMPIT is working on her talent for the Miss Peaberry category of the Miss Ka`u Coffee competition on Saturday, April 23 at Ka`u High School Gym. Sponsorships are available and tickets are on sale. 

WHERE IS DEMETRIUS OLIVEIRA? The KAHU radio host and composer spent Sunday supporting the fundraiser for the One Journey band that is headed from Ka`u High School to O`ahu for the Brown Bags to Stardom competition. Then he headed off to San Francisco on Tuesday for his much needed surgery for which the community has raised $20,000. Said Demetrius, “I’m scared but know that I need this surgery and believe that this will give others in Hawai`i the strength to decide that living healthier is a better option.”