Ka`u News Briefs Dec. 16, 2010

Ka`u Coffee Mill's Pahala Christmas Parade float
included a live donkey carrying Ka`u Coffee.

A MAN WHO once proposed to build a eucalyptus processing plant in Pahala has gone into foreclosure in a similar venture on the Hamakua Coast. Bob Marr, who worked on planting eucalyptus here in Ka`u and decided to get into the tree cutting, sawing and chipping side of the business on the Hamakua coast, owed lenders more than $6.2 million, according to court documents. Judge Glenn Hara recently ordered liquidation of Marr’s company, Haina Properties, LLC. Marr had purchased the old 49-acre sugar mill yard in Haina, according to a story in West Hawai`i Today. He had also considered buying the 60–acre mill yard here in Pahala, he told The Ka`u Calendar.

OUR REPRESENATIVE IN CONGRESS, Mazie Hirono, voted yesterday to repeal the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell law that allows gays and lesbians to serve in the military as long as they keep their sexual preferences a secret. The Secretary of Defense has asked Congress to repeal the law so that people can serve in the Armed Forces without discrimination and without hiding the fact that they are lesbian or gay. The bill passed the House and was sent to the Senate. Republican Charles Djou, who is serving in Neil Abercrombie’s old House seat until Democrat Colleen Hanabusa takes over in January, also voted to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

IF GOVERNOR NEIL ABERCROMBIE has his way, all prisoners sent to jail by Hawai`i courts will stay in Hawai`i, ending a practice of sending many of them to out-of-state privately run prisons with names like Corrections Corp. of America. He said that sending prisoners away is “dysfunctional,” costing money, lives and communities. He said it destroys families and is wrong - socially economically, and morally.”

MAJOR GENERAL DARRYLL WONG has been named adjutant general for the state Department of Defense by Governor Neil Abercrombie. Wong has been the chief of staff and commander of the Hawai`i Air National Guard.

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES has announced non-stop daily flights to Hilo from Los Angeles and weekly flights from San Francisco to Hilo beginning June 9 next year. The flights could bring an additional 40,000 visitors to the island and generate $50.6 million in spending and $5.52 million in tax revenues, according the Hawai`i Tourism Authority.

A PROFESSIONAL TRIATHLETE who lives in Kona is gathering Christmas gifts for Marshallese children in Ocean View. Bree Wee is asking people to fill shoeboxes full of toys, clothes, shoes and other items, and to also contribute grocery store gift certificates. She is working on the project with her four-year-old son, Kainoa, and is hoping to wrap up all the presents for the Marshallese children and deliver them on December 23. To contact her see breeweehawaii.blogspot.com. She estimates there are about 150 Marshallese children and 100 adults in Ocean View.

Santa and his helpers entertain the crowd.

Pahala Filipino Community Association

SPEAKING OF CHRISTMAS, the organizers of the Pahala Christmas Parade had a banner year with many people – including Governor Neil Abercrombie – enjoying the event last Sunday. Council member Brittany Smart and Council Chair Dominic Yagong

Dominic Yagong and wife
with Pahala Preschoolers

Miss Ka`u Coffee, Ulu Makakuakane
waves to the crowd.

participated. A live donkey on top of a float, the Boys and Girls Club, Tutu and Me, with Miss Peaberry Karlee Fukunaga Camba and Miss Ka`u Coffee Ulu Makuakane, the new Ka`u 

Coffee Mill float, Pahala Preschool, the Catholic Church choir, Grand Marshall Dora Andrade, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and numerous humorous characters participated. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park 

HVNP Fire Dept. truck

also joined in, sending one of its fire trucks to delight the keiki. It was the 32nd Pahala Christmas Parade. Organizer Eddie Andrade said it was the longest parade with the most spectators ever. Five students from U.H. Hilo helped with security. 

GET READY TO RECYCLE at Na`alehu School this Saturday, December 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Receive 5 cents per container and 20 cents a pound for all aluminum. Call 939-2413, Extension 230. 

NA MEA HAWAI`I HULA KAHIKO is the ceremony this Saturday, December 18 at 10:30 a.m. at the hula platform overlooking Kilauea Crater inside Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The halau is Kahula ‘O Nawahine Noho Pu`ukapu.

Ka`u News Briefs Dec. 15, 2010

The majority of Pahala houses are owner-occupied, and the majority
of people are of Asian and Hawaiian descent.

THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY was released yesterday. The ACS survey is a new program with population estimates that will be released each year. They are separate from the census numbers that will be released starting next week. ACS figures are for small communities to keep up with changes. The survey gives the populations of each Ka`u town. Throughout Ka`u, the bulk of the population is between 18 and 65, a statistic that has not changes since the 2000 survey.

PAHALA’S POPULATION, in 2000, was estimated to be 1,466 with about half male and half female. Now the estimated population is 1,373, with the majority being female.  In 2000, the majority of people were of Asian extraction, followed by two or more races, then Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders. Now the majority is of two or more races, followed by Asian, then by Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders. 166 Caucasians lived in the town in 2000, compared to 81 now. 362 of the 543 houses were owner-occupied in 2000, compared to 242 of 478 now.

     

Statistics for Na`alehu and its surrounding Discovery Harbour, Green Sands
and South Point Road neighborhoods show it is a multi-ethnic community.

NA`ALEHU’S POPULATION in 2000 was estimated to be 1,930 with more male than female. Now it is 1,271 with more female than male. The majority of the people in 2000 were of two or more races, followed by Asian, then Caucasian, with a smaller number of Native Hawaiians. According to the survey, now the majority consists of two or more races, followed by Asian, Native Hawaiian, then white. 479 of the 802 occupied housing units were owner-occupied in 2000. Current statistics show 197 of 423 housing units being owner-occupied. There were about 125 houses unoccupied year-round in 2000, compared to 55 in the most recent survey. 

Ocean View has the highest number of Caucasian residents
and the longest commute to work.

OCEAN VIEW’S POPULATION was estimated to be 2,112 in 2000, with more males than females. Now, the estimate is 2,699 with more females than males. In 2000, the majority of the people were Caucasian, followed by two or more races, then Native Hawaiian, Asian, then some other race. About half of the 1,273 housing units were owner-occupied in 2000, compared to 957 of 1,529 currently. More than 300 housing units were unoccupied year-round, the data puts forth in 2000 and 2010.

     Ocean View residents who drive to town to work have the longest commute time in the state – about 61.7 minutes, The second and third longest in the state are also on the Big Island. They are Kukuihaele and Paauhau-Paauilo, with about 50 minutes. 

VOLCANO’S POPULATION was estimated to be 2,855 with more males than females in 2000. Today's figures are 2,231 with about half male and half female. The bulk of the population is between 18 and 65. In 2000, nearly half the population was Caucasian, followed by two or more races, Asian and Native Hawaiian. Now the majority is Caucasian, followed by two or more races, Native Hawaiian, then Asian. 805 of the 1,546 housing units were owner-occupied in 2000, compared to 632 of 1,229 now. About 400 were unoccupied year-round in 2000, compared to 333 now.

THE KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Steering Committee held its first meeting in many months last night and voted for the county to distribute a draft plan written by the Placemaker consultants to the committee. The county is planning to build on portions of the plan and seek further community input before finalizing the plan with county planners doing the final draft, which will go to the public before approval.

SENIOR CITIZENS from around the Ka`u District are enjoying a big Christmas celebration at Pahala Community Center today with entertainment, showing off their own talent and ample feasting. That was set from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ka`u News Briefs Dec. 14, 2010

With stricter immigration laws, Ka`u Coffee farmers are now more dependent
on Marshallese for coffee picking crews to harvest the cherry.

KA`U’S MARSHALL Islanders, known for their music, dance and hard work on local coffee farms, will have better health care. A federal court has halted a practice by the outgoing state administration that limited their health benefits to a dozen outpatient visits, four medication prescriptions per month, and ten hospital days a year. U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright issued a preliminary injunction yesterday, stating that many diseases like diabetes and cancer need more care. The U.S. is required to provide Marsallese and Palau migrants with health care equal to Medicaid for U.S. residents. The requirement stems from a treaty following the U.S. using their Pacific Islands for testing nuclear weapons in the 1940s and '50s, forcing residents to leave some islands that were poisoned with nuclear waste. The attorney for the case is Paul Alston, who has a home here in Volcano. Ka`u schools also receive funding to educate Marshallese students.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie promised
to protect Hawai`i and help Ka`u.

THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO KA`U on Sunday has received coverage online, on television and in newspapers. On the steps of Pahala Plantation House, Neil Abercrombie said he was overwhelmed with a beautiful day in paradise. He said that he knew from early in his campaign when he stood on those same steps that change was coming. “I am merely a catalyst,” he said. “It’s nothing – I’m a bridge, I’m a means - a vehicle,” stated the governor. 

     He said we all have in our hearts the vision of Pupukahi Kehola Moa: “United we will move forward for Hawai`I Nei. That is what we are going to do, starting here today in Ka`u,” he said.
     The duty of the Kia’aina is to protect Hawai`i,” said Abercrombie. He called his visit to Pahala “a happy day. Yes. There are tears in my eyes. I can’t help it. I am so grateful,” he said, stating that for the first time in his life he understands in his na`ao (his gut) what the word humble is supposed to mean. “Every breath I take will be for Hawai`i. Everything we do together will be for Hawai`i and for each other. Lokahi. All will be pono,” he promised.
     “Everything will blossom in Ka`u. All of the hopes and dreams of Ka`u are going to come to fruition,” he promised. “We are going to make it happen,” he said.
     The governor reminisced about an earlier visit: “At the beginning of our campaign I said here on these steps so many months ago that your vote was an act of faith and an act of trust and we would honor and respect that trust, and that is exactly what we are going to do. All of us in the canoe, paddling together, to reach the shore…. We will not let you down: Imua Hawai`i, Imua Ka`u,” he proclaimed.

SPEAKING OF THE FUTURE, THE KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN Steering Committee is meeting tonight at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center, and the public is invited to attend. This is the first time the group has met in many months. The steering committee is assigned with guiding the county to create a plan for Ka`u’s development, conservation, preservation and the economy. Here are the steering committee members representing the residents of Ka`u:

Donna-Marie Ambrose, of Greensands, has served as president of Greensands Community Park and Garden, director of Ka`u Rural Health Community Association and secretary of Ka`u Main Street.

Patti Barry, a Realtor, lives in Hawaiian Ranchos. She has served as president of Ocean View Community Development Corporation, director of the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce and Ocean View Community Association.

John Cross, who has farmland in Ka`u, is a horticulturalist and land manager for the Edmund C. Olson Trust II. He also managed property for the C. Brewer sugar company and is considered an historian of land use in Ka`u. He serves on the area water cooperative committee and the Ka`u Farm Bureau board.

Bob Damate, of Kona Gardens, is past president of Ho`opuloa Hawaiian Civic Club and member of `Aha Moku Kahuku and `O Ka`u Kakou.

Ron Ebert, of Punalu`u, heads the Pahala Volunteer Fire Department, is minister of Ocean View Church of Christ, and director of Ka`u Hospital Charitable Foundation. 

Leina`ala Enos, of Wai`ohinu, manages a macadamia farm and has served as president of the Hawaiian Civic Club, Council chair of Na`alehu Methodist Church and member of the Ka`u Community Partnership.

Michelle Galimba, of Hilea, is a rancher. She serves on the state Board of Agriculture, is president of Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo, works on the Ka`u Coffee Festival Committee and the Ka`u Farm Bureau Board. She has served on the board of the Hawai`i Cattlemen’s Association and numerous other community organizations.

Eldridge Naboa, of Na`alehu, has worked for The Nature Conservancy, coached cross country, served as president of the Ka`u Rural Health Community Association and director of Ka`u Federal Credit Union.

Marino Ramones, of Pahala, is pastor of Pahala Baptist Bible Mission and Na`alehu Baptist Mission. He is a member of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and Ka`u Rural Health Community Association.

Simon Torres, Junior, of Pahala, is a hunter and backcountry enthusiast. He is a supervisor mechanic with the Hawai`i Air National Guard.

Places like Honu`apo are preserved with help from open space funding
that comes from county tax income.

ANOTHER GROUP involved with planning for Ka`u is the county Open Space Committee, which prioritizes county acquisition of lands for parks, protecting cultural sites, beaches and water resources. County Council member Brittany Smart said a new representative from this area will be selected by Mayor Billy Kenoi as Bill Gilmartin, of Volcano, is stepping down. Anyone interested can email or call Smart’s council office at 961-8263. 

Ka`u News Briefs Dec. 13, 2010

Hawai`i Island Senators Russell Kokubun and Dwight Takamine joined
Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz
at Pahala Plantation House on Sunday, Dec. 12.

GOVERNOR NEIL ABERCROMBIE praised local food and flower growers yesterday at his gathering with residents in Ka`u at Pahala Plantation House. He joked that Senator Russell Kokubun

Attendees enjoyed A Taste of Hawai`i.

had just held his first successful agriculture event as the new Chairman of the Department of Agriculture, since the food served and flowers displayed all came from local farms and ranches. It included Kuahiwi Beef, Simon Wooley Taro Chips, Kailiawa steamed taro, OK Farms Coffee, rambutan, longon and hearts of palm, Marla and Peter Hunter mangos, Shalan Crysdale banana and citrus, Danny Molino King Papaya Cooperative papayas, Mountain Apple payaya, guava juice and eggs grown on the island. There were Loren Hecht proteas, Green Point Nurseries anthuriums and other tropical flowers all grown here. 

THE FESTIVITIES INCLUDED Hawaiian protocol, with the opening Pule by Pele Hanoa, of Wai`ohinu; an Oli by Kilohana Domingo, of Kalae; a chant by Rory Kahakuloa Kailiawa Akau and a chant by Piilani Ka`ahaloa, the Aha Kiole for the Puwalu Aha Moku of the Island of Hawai`i. Ka`ahaloa is a teacher at Kamehameha School in Kea`au. 

MISS KA`U COFFEE, Ulu Makuakane, danced hula for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and the Boys and Girls club members from all three Ka`u Clubs sang a Christmas song with them. Music was provided by Demetrius Oliveira and Hulali Ku`ilipuli. Emcee was Miloli`i community leader Gil Kahele.

Pies made of local fruit were offered at A Taste of Hawai`i,
along with other Ka`u treats.

ALSO ATTENDING the gathering of some 300 people were County Council chair Dominic Yagong, state representative Bob Herkes, new director of Labor and Industrial Relations Dwight Takamine, state senator Faye Hanohano, new County Council member Brittany Smart and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park superintendent Cindy Orlando.

AN ORGANIC COFFEE GROWER with a Masters degree in agriculture believes that the drought has a lot to do with the coffee borer drilling into coffee cherries, particularly in Kona. Kanalani Farms proprietor Melanie Bondera said that coffee trees might have their own defense – a fungus that lives harmlessly on the coffee but kills the borers. She said that the fungus may have died back during the recent drought so the borers were able to destroy coffee and expand their population. She is awaiting confirmation from the Department of Agriculture.

KA`U COFFEE, which is largely free of the borers, is being showcased again this week at the national American Farm Bureau Federation meeting in Washington, D.C., where the Farm Bureau works on federal legislation and hosts members of Congress for a reception.

VOTING CONTINUES THIS WEEK inside Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park for the competition for Kilauea Military Camp Cottages Christmas decorations and lighting. You can vote for your top three favorite cottages by picking up an entry blank at the KMC Front Desk, Café, General Store or Recreation Center. Each person who votes will receive a Holiday Dollar that can be used at KMC – including the bowling lanes. The judging for the lights takes place through December 20.

THE 33RD annual Pahala Christmas parade was held yesterday and included a float with a live donkey. Organizer Eddie Andrade was Santa Claus. County Council member Brittany Smart also rode in the parade, which involved many community and church groups.

THE KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE is meeting for the first time in many months tomorrow, December 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Steering Committee Chair Leina`ala Enos, Vice Chair Eldridge Naboa, Community Planning Assistant Nalani Parlin, and County Planner Ron Whitmore will present proposed outreach strategies for future CDP activities.

Ka`u News Briefs Dec. 12, 2010

Kilohana Domingo presented the `oli.

TODAY IS THE DAY THAT GOVERNOR NEIL ABERCROMBIE  and Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz came to Ka`u. E Ho`omalu O Hawai`i is the name of the ceremony that began at 10 a.m. at Pahala Plantation House. E Ho`omalu O Hawai`i means To Protect Hawai`i.

Gil Kahele emceed, with musical accompaniment by Demetrius Oliveira,
Hulali Ku`ilipuli and Leka.

EMCEE was Miloli`i community leader Gil Kahele, and musical accompaniment was by Demetrius Oliveira, Hulali Ku`ilipuli and Leka. Both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor will make remarks. There was presentation of lei, an opening pule by Aunty Pele Hanoa, of Wai`ohinu, and an ‘oli by Kilohana Domingo, of Ka Lae. 

Auntie Pele Hanoa
with Demitrius Oliveira

Anna Kailiawa Cariaga
with Rory Kahakuloa Kailiawa Akau

A HO`OKIPA`EKE ceremony presented gifts from the communities of Volcano, Pahala, Na`alehu and Ocean View along with special gifts from the Keiki of Ka`u. Anna Kailiawa Cariaga introduced keiki and Rory Kahakulia Kailiawa Akau for an `oli.

MISS KA`U COFFEE, Ulu Makuakane, of Na`alehu, danced hula to Aloha Hawai`i Ku`u One Hanau, sung by Hulali Ku`ilipuli. Everyone was invited to stand up and sing and dance hula to Uncle George Na`ope’s Ka Nani A`o Ka`u. About 45 members of the Boys and Girls Club attended.

Miss Ka`u Coffee, Ulu Makuakane,
danced for the governor and
lieutenant governor.

Ka`u Boys and Girls Club members
joined the governor in singing
Christmas carols.

PAHALA’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE took place at 1 p.m. today, with churches, clubs, businesses and farms represented. This is the parade that goes to many of the houses in the village with Santa offering candy. It also makes a stop at Ka`u Hospital. 

THE FIRST BILL BEFORE THE COUNTY COUNCIL comes up this Tuesday, December 15 at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa. Introduced by new County Council Chair Dominic Yagong, it would require council review of cost overruns from contract changes. Such changes have added millions of dollars to county expenses in some years, Yagong said. He said he wants county spending to be more transparent.

THE SUMMIT OF MAUNA LOA had snowfall to the lowest elevations in years, early yesterday, creating beautiful views from Ka`u, but sunny skies burned it off by midday. The storm, which passed through all the islands, left deep snow on Mauna Kea, too, closing the access road due to low visibility, ice and snow drifts. People working at the astronomy centers left Friday so they wouldn’t be stranded.

THE SKATE PARK at Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano has re-opened following extensive repairs by volunteers. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bicycles, mopeds and scooters are banned from the skate park to prevent damage.

Ka`u News Briefs Dec. 11, 2010

Snow came down and blanketed Mauna Loa Friday night, with the white-capped
volcano welcoming the Saturday morning sunrise.

THE NUMBER OF AHI in waters off Ka`u may go down if fishing nations with large industrial ships fail to reduce their catch throughout the Pacific. The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, which yesterday wrapped up its annual session on highly migratory fish, said the population of ahi could collapse. Two years ago, nations fishing in the Western and Central Pacific, which includes Hawai`i, agreed to cut back their catch by 10 percent a year, but compliance has been less than perfect. Officials at the conference held on O`ahu said they plan to work on non-compliance and come up with stricter measures at their next annual meeting. One of the problems is that the giant nets catch too many juvenile fish.

Governor Abercrombie receives encouragement from  Senator Dan Inouye
on the night before the election. Abercrombie comes to Ka`u tomorrow
for a ceremony as part of his inauguration festivities.

SOME 45 MEMBERS of the Boys and Girls Clubs in Ka`u plan to greet Governor Neil Abercrombie when he comes to Ka`u tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Pahala Plantation House. The governor will be accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Brian Schatz and First Lady, Dr. Nancie Caraway. Called E Ho’omalu O Hawai`i, the event is a continuation of ceremonies for the inauguration of the new governor. Everyone is invited to attend. 

LEI FOR THE GOVERNOR, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY, who meet the public tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Pahala Plantation House, have been made by Mona Chow, of Kapapala, and Dedrick Kealoha Saplan, of Pahala. A pule by Auntie Pele Hanoa and an oli by Kilohana Domingo will be presented. Musical accompaniment will be by Demetrius Oliveira and Denise Peralta. A chant will be presented by Rory Kahakuloa Kailiawa Akau. The governor and lieutenant governor will give short talks. A taste of food grown on the Big Island will be offered. 

     Public officials, such as Senator Russell Kokubun, who will become the next Chairman of the state Department of Agriculture, and new County Council member Brittany Smart are expected to attend.
     The governor asks that everyone bring cans of food or cash donations for area food banks.

THE PAHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE follows the governor’s visit tomorrow. The parade begins at 1 p.m. and has been visiting homes and Ka`u Hospital for more than 40 years. Its organizer is Eddie Andrade.

VOLCANO VILLAGE lights up with its third annual Holiday Lights Celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. tonight at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus. A Christmas tree and light display will accompany Christmas caroling around Volcano Village led by a group of costumed characters. There will be marshmallow roasting, an "Ohia Yule Log Hunt" and a Children's Christmas Ornament Contest. Santa will make an appearance with his leading lady, Mrs. Claus.

CHRISTMAS IN KA`U is filling the air today at the Na`alehu Hongwanji Hall, with live entertainment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring church groups from around the Big Island. A Free Lunch is set from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lucky number drawing and games for adults and children were planned, all sponsored by Thy Word Ministries-Ka`u and other participating churches.

OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOU is another happening for today. The free concert at Ocean View Community Center is set for 2:30 p.m. and sponsored by the Ka`u School of the Arts. It features a chorus and the Ka`u `Ohana Band.

Voting for the best decorated cottage at KMC goes through December 20.

DON’T FORGET TO stop in to see the glow of the volcano caldera from the lookout at Jaggar Museum inside Hawai`I Volcanoes National Park, and on your way, see the Kilauea Military Camp Cottages decorations and lighting. You can vote for your top three favorite cottages by picking up an entry blank at the KMC Front Desk, Café, General Store or Recreation Center. Each person who votes will receive a Holiday Dollar that can be used at KMC – including the bowling lanes. The judging for the lights takes place through December 20.

Ka`u News Briefs Dec. 10, 2010

Ben Houghton (foreground) plays first chair clarinet in Ka`u `Ohana Band.
He plays a clarinet obbligato with the chorus, as well as the
Allegro, Piano Sonata in C by Mozart.

OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOU is a concert to be performed tonight at Discovery Harbour Community Hall at 7 p.m. and Saturday at Ocean View Community Center at 2:30 p.m. Ka`u School of the Arts presents these free annual holiday concerts.

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, which allocates special funds to school districts, has learned from the Census Bureau that more children are living in poverty on the Big Island than the rest of the state. Last year, children from 5 to 17 years of age living in poverty totaled 18.9 percent on this island, while the rest of the state averaged 12.7 percent, according to the Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates. Some families are challenged to provide nutritious food for the keiki, and children receive free meals at schools.

GOVERNOR NEIL ABERCROMBIE, in his first act of becoming governor, abolished furlough days in the school system, ensuring that more children receive regular healthy meals at school. The governor, who is visiting Ka`u this Sunday, said he vows to work on the food problem and has even urged people to bring cans of food and cash donations to Pahala Plantation House at 10 a.m. – that’s this Sunday, when he will be speaking to Ka`u residents. The contributions will go to local food banks.

THE KA`U COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE is meeting for the first time in many months next Tuesday, December 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Steering Committee Chair Leina`ala Enos, Vice Chair Eldridge Naboa, Community Planning Assistant Nalani Parlin, and County Planner Ron Whitmore will present proposed outreach strategies for future CDP activities. 

NATIVE HAWAIIANS are invited to a Puwalu Aha Moku meeting tonight at Na`alehu Community Center at 5:30 p.m. in an effort to involve more people to form an Aha Moku Council. Such councils exist around the state. For more information, call 990-9327.

Hunting tournaments are popular in Ka`u.

THE STATE DEPARMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES has extended the comment period for Rules Regulating Game Bird Hunting, Field Trials and Commercial Shooting Preserves, and 13-123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting. Public hearings were held statewide in November, but the extension allows written comments to be received or postmarked through January 10, 2011, by e-mail to DLNR@hawaii.gov or sent to DLNR, Public Hunting Rules, PO Box 621, Honolulu, HI 96809. The proposed rules with amendments can be found at http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/. Ka`u has the largest acreage in hunting grounds in the state. 

COMMUNITY GROUPS, BUSINESSES, CHURCHES and some of our elected officials are planning to walk and ride in the annual Pahala Christmas Parade this Sunday at 1 p.m. The parade is famous for going to people’s houses and the hospital in Pahala for more than 40 years. Anyone planning to be in the parade can let founder Eddie Andrade know by calling 928-0808.