Ka`u News Briefs May 2, 2011

KAHU 91.7 FM Radio's turtle car made its way through the streets of Hilo at the Merrie Monarch Parade on Saturday,
 April 30, leading the way for the Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative float.  Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

REPRESENTATIVE MAZIE HIRONO has issued a statement on the successful U.S. mission that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden. “The people of Hawai`i, the American people, and people across the globe who desire peace and security are rejoicing and relieved at the demise of Osama bin Laden.
     “I am enormously proud of President Obama, our U.S. intelligence agencies, and our U.S. military personnel for their persistence and precision, their discipline and decisiveness, in bringing the worldwide manhunt for Osama bin Laden to its successful conclusion. Their leadership and performance represent a shining example of America at her best,” Hirono said.

The Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
is seeking Ka`u residents to fill temporary positions.
Photo courtesy of HVNP

RESIDENTS OF KA`U ARE BEING SOUGHT exclusively to fill new jobs at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Applicants must have maintained permanent residence in Ka`u for a minimum of six years.
     Positions available are park guides and laborers. Park guides are part-time, and laborers are both part-time and full-time. All positions are temporary, not to exceed one year.
     The open period to submit applications is through May 17. First cut-off is tomorrow, May 3. Applications must be received by this cut-off date to receive first consideration.
     A Certificate of Referrals will be created and forwarded to the selecting official after the cut-off date of May 3. Announcements may be obtained from HAVO_Personnel@nps.gov or the Kahuku entrance gate sign board. Information and announcements will also be available at the Kahuku Unit when it is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

THE BILL IMPOSING IMPACT FEES on new developments and construction in Hawai`i County comes up at the County Council Planning Committee meeting tomorrow. The committee meets at the West Hawai`i Civic Center at 3:15 p.m. The fees would be used to provide infrastructure for roads, parks, fire/EMS, police solid waste and wastewater. The impact fee on a new house is $6,387. Other fees on construction are calculated per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. Public testimony is welcomed at the beginning of the meeting.

Lorie Obra's contingent at the SCAA convention in Houston
sported Team Hawai`i T-shirts at the barista competition.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE REPRESENTATIVES are making their way back home from the Specialty Coffee Association of America convention in Houston, where Bull Kailiawa’s Ka`u Coffee was named one of the top ten in the world.
     Also at the convention, Rusty’s Hawaiian 100 Percent Ka`u Coffee was a key element in the 2011 U.S. Barista Championship entry of Pete Licata, of Honolulu Coffee Company.

THE CURRENT SESSION of the Hawai`i Legislature adjourns on Thursday. Lawmakers will grapple with bills to balance the two-year budget before the session ends. Also still to be considered is a bill that continues the five-percent pay cut for legislators that went into effect in 2009.

KA`U ELEMENTARY SCHOOL holds its May Day Celebration for families today at 9 a.m., and Ka`u High and Intermediate Schools’ celebration is at 6 p.m. in the gym.

The Bay Clinic's Mobile Dental Van joined the Merrie
  Monarch Parade Saturday. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

THE BAY CLINIC’S Mobile Dental Van is in Na`alehu tomorrow through Friday. The van joined the Merrie Monarch Parade on Saturday before making its way to Ka`u. Call 965-3073 for hours and to make an appointment.

AN UPDATE ON THE COFFEE BERRY BORER is scheduled for tomorrow at 5 p.m. at the Pahala Community Center. Dr. Elsie Burbano, a researcher at UH-Manoa, CTAHR, discusses monitoring, trapping and controlling the CBB. For more information, call 938-1719.

THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES for the Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest has been extended to this Saturday, May 7. Categories include smoke meat, pupus/appetizers, savory snacks, entrees and desserts.
     Each first place winner will take home $100. Second and third place finishers will receive prizes or gift certificates. In addition, the highest scoring recipe will win the Best Taste of Ka`u, with a cash prize of $250.

     Applications are available at R&G Store in Pahala and online at www.kaucoffeefest.com. Contact Michelle Galimba at 430-4927 or mgalimba@kuahiwiranch.com for more information.