Ka'u News Briefs Jan. 1, 2012

Without aerial fireworks, Ka`u residents enjoy firecrackers at home to bring in the New Year. Photo by Julia Neal

COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATE for South Kona, Ka`u and Volcano, Brenda Ford, started off the New Year by releasing a list of accomplishments in her three terms in office serving Kona. Ford’s home was placed in this District 6 with the recent Council district map changes.
     Said Ford, “The rural and agricultural areas of Ka`u, North & South Kona, and Volcano lend themselves to having one representative who understands rural and agricultural areas. Since I have always held an islandwide view in getting projects completed and providing residents and businesses in the more remote areas with better access to government services, I know that I will be able to represent these areas well.”
     She said that being a Council member is not a part-time job. “I am a Council member who works more than full-time to serve the residents and businesses of my district and all other districts as well. I will continue to work in that manner during the next term if I am elected. This is not a part-time job, and the people need and expect a full-time advocate and Council member.”
     IN LISTING FORD’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS, Ford said she worked to accomplish the Two- Percent Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Fund and also for a Maintenance Fund for public safety of these lands. Ka`u has been the beneficiary of large tracts of coastal land put into public hands through these funds.
     Ford noted that she worked toward fair and equitable redistricting for elections. She helped set up a Budget Stabilization Fund and county Disaster and Emergency Fund with a minimum of $250,000 in each, as well as a DUI Towing fund to help drunken drivers get a tow home. The South Kona Council member worked on state legislation to use the liquor tax for DUI programs.
     BANNING AQUARIUM FISH COLLECTION from Hawai`i reefs is also one of her campaigns.

Ford promises to protect local ag. products from
unfair labeling. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

     PROTECTING HAWAI`I PRODUCTS from unfair labeling where foreign coffee or macadamia or other inputs are presented as if they are from Hawai`i is another issue tackled by Ford. She said she has worked to establish agricultural product branding to protect each Hawaiian region’s identity and products and by establishing truth in labeling for product content by listing the percent of the ingredient in the total product. She also worked to establish country of origin labeling. 

     ALLOWING THE PUBLIC TO VOTE BY MAIL is another Ford initiative for both state and county elections.
     FORD SAID SHE WANTS EXEMPTION FROM PAYING SEWER fees for a decade when a gang cesspool converts to septic. Ford worked with Administration to develop and advocated for federal funds for 26 sewer projects, which she said were desperately needed in seven districts around the island.
     CONCERNING PUBLIC SAFETY, Ford said she has advocated for a police take-home radio policy and funding for radios to enhance officer and resident protection. She helped establish the South Kona Police 24/7 Station.
     Ford praised outgoing District 6 member Brittany Smart, who announced that she will not run again. “I commend Ms. Smart for her work in representing her district and working with the Council to advance legislation to help all of our residents. She is highly intelligent, easy to work with, and committed to serving her constituents. I will miss her on the Council next term,” Ford said.

Kilauea's ongoing east rift zone eruption is the topic at After Dark in the
Park Tuesday at 7 p.m.  Photo from USGS/HVO

THE 29TH ANNIVERSARY of Kilauea’s ongoing east rift zone eruption is on Tuesday, Jan. 3, Geologist Tim Orr reviews highlights and talks about recent developments on Kilauea’s east rift zone during After Dark in the Park at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $2 donation supports park programs, and park entrance fees apply. 

JANUARY IS VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH. Along with After Dark in the Park programs each Tuesday evening, many guided hikes are scheduled in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park throughout the month. On Wednesdays at 1 p.m., hikers discover the hidden world of lava tubes on a 1.5-mile, one-hour hike to Thurston Lava Tube. Flashlights recommended. Meet at Kilauea Iki Overlook on Crater Rim Drive.
     The Pu`uloa Hike, on Thursdays at 1 p.m., visits one of Hawai`i’s most extensive petroglyph fields on a two-mile, 1.5-hour hike along one of Kilauea’s coastal trails. Meet at the parking lot on the Chain of Craters Road.
     Hiking along Devastation Trail on Fridays at 1 p.m., participants learn about the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption and how the devastated forest has recovered in the years since during this 1.5-hour hike. Meet at Pu`u Paui parking lot on Crater Rim Drive.
     A 2.7-mile, two- or three-hour hike into the Volcano on Saturdays at 1 p.m. goes down to the floor of Kilauea caldera and back up to explore Kilauea’s rain forest and volcanic landscape. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center.