Ka`u News Briefs Oct. 14, 2011

Piton del la Fournaise is a shield volcano on La Reunion Island and is similar to Kilauea Volcano. Photo from Big Think 

PRESIDENT ROBERT DIDIER OF LA REUNION - a French volcanic island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, visited Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park yesterday with a delegation. La Réunion is located east of Madagascar. Its national park Réunion, is a World Heritage Site, and its active shield volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, is one of earth’s most active volcanoes. Reunion is the subject of a film by part-time Volcano residents Alain and Marie Gerente who have presented their work at After Dark in the Park and at many other venues around the world. Reunion’s vice president, information officer and film commissioner also joined the delegation to meet park officials and tour Volcano.

Flumes brought cane to the mill during sugar plantation days. Water will now be used for diversified ag.
Archive photos from Edmund C. Olson Trust II

Water comes from many tunnels.

MAKING EVERY CENT COUNT in restoring the old plantation water system to help agriculture was a priority at yesterday’s meeting of the Ka`u Agricultural Water Co-op. Members said they hope that all of the research to date will contribute to planning an effort to stretch the several millions of dollars approved by the state to develop the best water system for the most farmers. The state is releasing $200,000 for planning before releasing the larger sums of money. The water systems to be restores are from Kapapala near Wood Valley to Ha`ao near Wai`ohinu, along the hillsides mauka of farms and ranches. 

COUNCILMEMBER BRITTANY SMART issued a letter of thanks yesterday to Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Sen. Gil Kahele, Rep. Bob Herkes, Mayor Billy Kenoi, the County Council and former Councilmember Guy Enriques for their work in procuring $17.9 million of state funding for the Ka’u Emergency Shelter and Gymnasium.
    “We are very pleased the governor has released these funds, as the health and safety of all residents is our number one priority,” said Smart. She said Ka`u’s 6,500 people, living on more than 900 square miles, lack adequate emergency shelter space. Smart said the gym and shelter will not only protect residents during natural disasters but also promote community resilience and aid in post-disaster recovery.
     The gym and shelter will be built on the grounds of Ka`u High School. Several residents have asked the county to consider a design that would fit in with the historic buildings on the campus and in the town.
     For more information about the project, contact Legislative Assistant Nelson Ho at 961-8026 or email district6@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Chief media contact Jessica Ferracane. Photo from HVNP

JESSICA FERRACANE has been appointed as chief media contact for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. A lifelong resident of Hawai’i and public relations specialist, she has served as president of Irondog Communications, primary PR contact for the Big Island Visitors Bureau and PR director for The Fairmont Orchid.
     Ferracane is a former print journalist and is pursuing a Masters of Arts degree in public relations from Webster University.
     Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said that Ferracane’s “diverse background in public relations, the visitor industry and in journalism will serve the park, its visitors, and the media who cover park news, very effectively.” 


     Ferracane is responsible for: creating and distributing press releases; reviewing and processing filming and photography permit requests; coordinating VIP visits; and assisting in crisis communications. Ferracane can be reached via email at jessica_ferracane@nps.gov and by phone, 985-6018.

FIRE DESTROYED a two-story oceanfront home located in the vacation properties area of Miloli`i on Wednesday night. Firefighters battled the blaze from 11:30 p.m. until after dawn. They used all 10,000 gallons in the catchment system next to the house plus 9,000 gallons from the fire engines and tankers they brought down the mountain to Miloli`i. The nearest water source to replenish the fire tankers was in Ocean View. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

SEN. GIL KAHELE holds a public forum at Ocean View Community Center tonight at 5:30 p.m. Kahele said he will listen to concerns of constituents who can help him prepare for the upcoming 27th Hawai`i Legislature which begins in January. He will report on the 26th legislative session and address specific issues. Anyone can call 808-586-6760 or email senkahele@capitol.hawaii.gov ahead of the meeting with issues or questions for the forum.

OKTOBERFEST with a live polka band livens up at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church on Paradise Circle in Ocean View tonight. Doors open at 6 p.m. with a German feast at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are one for $12 and two for $20. Call Cordelia at 939-7555. Volunteer to help - call Phyl at 929-7146.

THE ANNUAL MONGOLIAN BARBECUE at Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano will be tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The fundraiser features 14 masters of the wok.