Ka`u News Briefs May 20, 2011

`Aina Koa Pono's depiction of its project to produce biofuel in Ka`u.

`AINA KOA PONO’S PROPOSAL to install giant microwave ovens to vaporize Christmas Berry, eucalyptus and crops to feed a proposed biodiesel refinery between Pahala and Wood Valley is being questioned by the Public Utilities Commission. PUC attorney Michael Azama wrote to Hawaiian Electric Company noting that the electric company characterizes the microwave depolymerizaton process “as an emerging, next generation technology that has not yet been proven on a commercial scale.” The PUC asks that the electric company “provide in detail all of the evidence and reasons to support the position” that the microwave technology “is technically feasible on a commercial scale for the proposed biofuels project, which promises sixteen million net United States gallons annually of locally produced biodiesel.” 

     The PUC also asks the electric company to explain the contractual risks to HELCO and its ratepayers, as well as Maui Electric and Hawaiian Electric Co on O`ahu and their respective ratepayers “in the event that the MWDP technology is proven not to be technically feasible on a commercial scale for the proposed project.” The PUC also asks whether the proposed price that the electric company would pay `Aina Koa Pono would include any risk to the utility and its customers. The PUC is giving Hawaiian Electric until May 31 to answer the questions.
     The refinery would be on Meyer Camp Road on the edge of the macadamia orchard between Pahala and Wood Valley. `Aina Koa Pono plans more than 300 jobs to build the $350 million refinery and more than 100 permanent jobs once it is up and running.

U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN MAZIE HIRONO has announced her bid for U.S. Senate to replace Sen. Dan Akaka, who plans to retire. She made the announcement on a two-minute You Tube presentation yesterday. She said she wants to “continue our fight for more and better Hawai`i jobs in tourism, construction, transportation; our fight for energy independence and the farmers and scientists who are building Hawai`i’s renewable economy; our fight for stronger public schools and early childhood education. I am running for the Senate because now, more that ever, we have to protect commitments like Medicare and Social Security from any attempt to dismantle them.” See MazieforHawaii.com. 

Charlene Cowan won in the Amateur Entree
category.  Photos by Geneveve Fyvie

Charlene Cowan's winning
entry in the Amateur
Entree category. 

THE KA`U COFFEE RECIPE & Taste of Ka`u Contest last weekend saw Charlene Cowan of Macadamia Meadows Farm Bed & Breakfast on Kamaoa Road winning first place in the Amateur Entrée Category. She offered up a Ka’u Coffee Portuguese Sausage Biscuit Topper. Cowan also won at the contest last year. She compared coming up with the topper to being an artist: “You have to think ahead about what you want to do and just work it through in your head.” Cowan used guava, mango and macadamia nuts from her own backyard and used tangerines and grapefruits from a neighborhood friend. Her garnishes – nasturtiums – were also picked on her farm. Cowan professed her passion for Ka`u and the local movement and said, “We also offer orchard tours on our farm, especially to those who stay with us. I’m all about ag and mac nuts, and education is a key part.” Anyone interested in contacting Charlene Cowan about her recipe, farm or bed & breakfast can email her through her website www.macadamiameadows.com or at innkeeper@macadamiameadows.com. 

A COUNTY COUNCIL TIP LINE has been set up to provide county employees and the general public the opportunity to report concerns or suggestions on how to improve county operations. The phone number is 932-2999. Callers can be anonymous or leave their name and number if they want a return call. 

Ka`u Rodeo Queen contender
Lorilee Lorenzo is selling
tickets.  Photo by Julia Neal

THE JULY 2ND AND 3RD KA`U RODEO is looking for a queen, and contenders are selling tickets to the event throughout the community. This annual rodeo to celebrate the Fourth of July follows the Fourth of July Parade in Na`alehu. Lorilee Lorenzo, of Pahala, daughter of Mahina and Frank Lorenzo is one of the contestants selling tickets throughout Ka`u. 

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY for public comments on the Wetlands Habitat Restoration Plan for Honu`apo Estuary. The goal is to improve local and migratory bird habitat. The effort would be to restore more open mudflats for foraging birds and deepwater pools for birds, fish and turtles. Call Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo executive director Lehua Lopez-Mau to see the complete plan and with questions at 929-9891. 

GRADUATION CEREMONIES will be held this evening at 5 p.m. at the Ka`u High School Gym. Keynote speaker is Kurt Dela Cruz, of the University of Hawai`i. Valedictorian Dakota Walker and salutatorian Jaeneise Cuison will also give speeches.

THE SOUTHSIDE VOLLEYBALL CLUB is having a car wash tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Ka`u Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu. The club is raising funds to go the Nationals in Minnesota this summer. Baked good and desktop plants such as anthuriums rooted on lava rocks will also be available for purchase. 

Zachary Street emcees at tonight's
Poetry Slam in Volcano.

ZACHARY STREET EMCEES tonight’s Poetry Slam at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Beginning at 7 p.m., poets of all ages compete as they read their original works, combining spoken word with dramatic presentation. Tickets are $8 and are available at volcanoartcenter.org and at the door. 

ALSO AT THE NIAULANI CAMPUS, Bo Lozoff celebrates the 70th birthday of Bob Dylan on Saturday at 7 p.m. Long hair and peace signs are encouraged. Tickets are $15 for this evening of great music and fun.

HALAU NA KIPU`UPU`U performs hula and chant tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on the hula platform overlooking Kilauea Crater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.

FREE ART DEMONSTRATIONS and hands-on activities are featured at the annual Artists in Action event happening tomorrow at Volcano Garden Arts in Volcano Village from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include book making, jewelry making, relief printmaking, glass blowing, pottery making and metal tooling.

A GATHERING HONORING THE LIFE of legendary Hawaiian composer, musician and entertainer Buddy Fo will be held tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. He lived in Ocean View with his wife, Sammi. They were very active in the Hawaiian music scene in Ka`u, and Sammi plans to continue to teach hula.