Ka`u News Briefs July 10, 2011

Hula is always a part of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's Annual Cultural Festival.  Photo by Stephen Geiger

RUSTY’S HAWAIIAN 100 PERCENT KA`U COFFEE took the grand prize in the statewide Hawai`i Coffee Association competition at Hilton Waikoloa Village yesterday. Second place was Tommy Greenwell of Greenwell Farms. For the Ka`u District, Lorie Obra took first, and Leo Norberte with his JN Coffee took second, while Trini and Frances Marques took third with their Ali`i Hawaiian Hula Hands Coffee.

Lorie Obra holds her championship
award.  Photo by Ralph Gaston

     Obra said, “I never thought that I could feel such two strong emotions at once. Extremely saddened because Rusty (her late husband) is not here with us and extreme happiness because I could fulfill his dream for him.”

     The event, which started on Thursday, included tasting, roasting and pest prevention workshops and a trade show where Ka`u Coffee drew a lot of attention.
     Business reporter Howard Dicus talked about a possible increase in tourism, particularly to Hilo with the United Airlines/Continental direct flight that began last month. He said the flights could help the coffee industry here, which is already becoming well known. Agritourism is a growing interest among visitors.

THE SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS was seen last night, orbiting overhead in the clear Ka`u skies, as a dim light just behind the International Space Station. The Space Station appeared as a fast moving bright light emerging from the west-northwest and descending into the eastern horizon. Atlantis hooked up with the space station this morning. The next viewing will be in the morning on Tuesday July 19, the day before the shuttle is scheduled for its final landing before being retired to a museum. 

     The shuttle carried some Honolulu cargo to the space station. Adult stem cells were sent aloft to study them in a weightless environment. The experiment is sponsored by Tissue Genesis, Inc., a regenerative medicine company in Kaka`ako on O`ahu. Two Hawai`i residents, Shannon Iwami and Anthony Yang, work on the project.

`Ukulele lessons wer part of the cultural festival yesterday
at Kahuku.  Photo by Stephen Geiger

GOVERNOR NEIL ABERCROMBIE has signed a bill intended to help more homeowners and renters access and afford clean energy. The measure directs the Public Utilities Commission to investigate on-bill financing, a program that allows customers to purchase a renewable energy system or device on their electric bill and pay for it over time through energy savings. 

     The governor originally planned to veto the bill because it requires the PUC to complete an investigation without any additional resources. After hearing about the governor’s intent, private partners led by the Blue Planet Foundation offered to work with the PUC to cover costs and lessen the burden to fulfill the requirements of the bill. The spirit of problem-solving and partnership exhibited by the parties prompted him to sign the bill. “Working together, we can advance our clean energy goals with the kind of urgency and determination that these times demand,” Abercrombie said.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S 31st Annual Cultural Festival took place yesterday at the park’s Kahuku Unit. The day was filled with Hawaiian music, hula and arts and crafts demonstrations. 

The growing of kalo, the staple food of Hawai`i, is explained
at the cultural festival.  Photo by Stephen Geiger

THE GILBERT & SULLIVAN PLAY called Patience has a matinee today at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theatre in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The spoof about the 19th century aesthetic movement has a large cast of maidens, lads and dragoons and continues every weekend on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons through July 24. 

THE PAHALA SENIOR CLUB meets on Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Pahala Senior Center. Call 928-3101 for more information.

VOLCANO ART CENTER presents the Arts and Traditions of Hula at Kilauea on Tuesday at the Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kumu Maile Yamanaka offers basic lessons in hula, crafts and `ukulele. The free lessons are open to all ages, and no experience is necessary. Call 967-8222 to sign up.