Ka`u News Briefs May 15, 2011

Public and wildlife use of Honu`apo is discussed at a public meeting on the wetlands today.  Photo by Teresa Tico

A DRAFT OF THE HONU`APO Wetlands Habitat Restoration Plan will be presented for public review at the park this afternoon. Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo and the county Department of Parks and Recreation invite comments from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. The plan is the next step in implementing Honu`apo’s Resources Management Plan. For more information, call Ka `Ohana’s executive director Lehua Lopez-Mau at 929-9819.

Lori Lei brings her halau to celebrate
Ka`u Coffee.  Photos by Julia Neal

Skylark emcees at the
Ka`u Coffee Festival.

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE joined Ka`u Coffee farmers to celebrate at the Ka`u Coffee Festival ho`olaule`a yesterday. After many days of clouds and rain, the skies cleared and the sun shined throughout the morning. In the afternoon, the clouds returned to keep festival-goers cool, while mist enveloped Cloud Rest and the other Ka`u Coffee-growing areas above Pahala. 

     Skylark emceed throughout the day of entertainment, coffee tastings and recipe contest. 

Mayor Kenoi congratulates Bull and
Jamie Kailiawa for winning
top ten coffee in the world.

Coffee tasting shows off Ka`u Coffee
to the public and mainland buyers.

     Mayor Billy Kenoi made an appearance and congratulated Bull and Jamie Kailiawa for their recent win as one of the top ten coffees in the world. He said it’s a win for all of Ka`u. 

EDUCATION ABOUT coffee production, quality and marketing is happening at the Ka`u Coffee College until noon at the Pahala Community Center today, the second day of the Ka`u Coffee Festival. There are also farm tours.

COMPETITORS AGES 13 AND OVER are participating in a surf meet today at Kawa. The event includes surfing and body surfing competitions for males and females.

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK is holding auditions for their July presentation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta Patience. They are looking for five women, five men, a chorus of maidens and dragoons of all ages. Auditions take place at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow and Tuesday starting at 6:30 p.m. Contact Suzi Bond at 982-7344 or kden73@aol.com.