Archive for March, 2011
March 31st, 2011 | Author: Kau Dave
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
District 6 Matters: Discussion with Mayor Kenoi
April 7 – 6:30 PM – Yano Hall, South Kona
Mayor Kenoi will be a guest speaker Thursday, April 7th at 6:30 PM at Yano Hall in South Kona at the upcoming District 6 Matters (D6M) community meeting hosted by Councilmember Brittany Smart. The Mayor will meet the public as part of an on-going series of talk-story gatherings designed to address the specific concerns of each area. Direct questions are welcome from residents on any subject dealing with County services and issues.
Having recently released the proposed budget for fiscal year 2011-2012, the Kenoi administration will have copies of the budget message available. Direct questions are welcome on any subject dealing with County services and issues. For more information, please contact district6@co.hawaii.hi.us or call Jenny at (808) 961-8536.
Mahalo,
Jenny Knippling
Council Aide
District 6 – Upper Puna, Ka’u, South Kona
Councilmember Brittany Smart
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8536
jknippling@co.hawaii.hi.us
Posted in 
March 31st, 2011 | Author: Kau Aaron
It amazes me how in this economy where I am always hearing folks complaining that they need, work, they need money their families need to eat etc. etc. and yet they do not seem to be able respond to a valid job offer in a timely manner, other than to accept it. But even then that would be apparently on their terms. A case of the tail wagging the dog perhaps?!
Case in point, the owner of my home needs some work done. He had contacted two folk to do the work and both ended up dropping the ball and doing nothing! Making commitments, and not following through. That really sets my hair on fire.
I saw this as an opportunity to help Ocean View’s economy when I heard the story. So I told two friends that are residents about it who have both shared with me their need for extra work and income, and they were so happy to have this opportunity. As a matter of fact (unbeknownst to me), my landlord had met one of them that same evening and had discussed this opportunity as a side job for him, which he accepted!!
Both of these folk called me to thank me for suggesting them, and said they were going to put together a proposal for the owner. We are talking about staining/painting a 1300sq.ft house here, not building one.
So the question for a bid becomes: How much stain/paint and materials are needed to get a QUALITY job done ? Then how long will it take to complete? Set a price for labor and you’re ready to go, add it to the cost of the materials and make a bid. Not rocket science.
Now, I have never painted a house, but having the above data seems to me to be clearly enough information to make an offer to do the job. (Maybe even make a call to a professional and get a quote and come in lower to try to secure acceptance of your bid)
Well that was Sunday – Not a word to date, other than I have been told by one of my friends ” it should only take them a weekend to complete” – we shall see. COMMUNICATE in a timely manner, that is what we do. (blog, Tweet, FB, email, letter, smoke signals ) Or at least are suppose to do. Especially where money is concerned.
So I have to ask myself just how badly do these folk need the job? They have not even come by to survey the property or even called about it since the offer was accepted! 
As the tenant here I know that I will be contacted by the landlord to coordinate dates and times that whomever he selects (if anyone finally comes to the table) will be pulling into my driveway, because he is a responsible person.
This behavior is not exclusive to Hawaii. I ran into quite often in Palm Springs, Ca. with licensed contractors, the prevailing attitude is that you the paying customer are at the vendors mercy!! I say NO. I pay, YOU play and by my rules in my time frame. So I will wait and see what happens for my landlord in getting this job done.
Perhaps this is a generational issue? I personally want to put all vendors on alert, I am at your service but I am NOT at your mercy. I will not pay for lack of respect, or workmanship. Respect? Hum, that is a whole other discussion.
Moving right along I mentioned that Ocean View has three markets and wanted to point out to those of you that may be coming here to live or shop what the differences are between these three purveyors of all things to eat.
The oldest is Malama’s Market on the Prince Kuhio (ocean) side of Hwy 11. While a relatively small market it is always well stocked and the produce is always looking fresh. Not a lot of lean, or heart healthy or low salt selections. Typical of local neighborhood markets.
Despite the fact that most Hawaiians, Filipinos, Asians etc. are at HIGH risk for heart, kidney and diabetes issues. Most markets other than the biggies like Safeway, Wallmart, Target, Costco etc. located in Kailua-Kona (30 miles away), do not stock any real healthy choices. So local island folk continue to get sick, fat, and unhealthy and up goes their medical costs.
The second and third markets in Ocean View are on the Mauka (mountain) side of Hwy 11 up Lotus Blossom. They are Ocean View Market and Kahuku Market.
Ocean View Market, is large and spacious and has so much potential. They do stock some heart healthy products, HOWEVER, they are very bad at keeping their shelves stocked consistently which implies that they do not order correctly.
Also, they lack any variety in the few items that they do carry. For example Dole Fruit cups in JUICE, rather than 4 or 5 selections they have one, Pears. I have left them a letter in their suggestion box and we shall see where that goes.
The other market on the Ace Hardware side is a small mom/pop and really promotes their liquor choices and is more like a 7/11 or convenience store than a true market. In their defense, when the owner goes fishing and they have the sign up “Fresh fish” then run and get some of the best fresh catches of the day.
I would like to end this with the fact that I will not usually post political issues here unless they are critical to Ocean View’s economy and will always be my opinion of those issues, which is indeed the case with anything I post here. Most often Ka’u Dave and the other more professional blogger here will in 99% of the time address these issues long before they hit my radar. So ALOHA for now stay safe, be kind to one another, enjoy life and, “live long and prosper”. BTW I have just competed my one year anniversary living in paradise!!!
Ka’u Aaron
March 29th, 2011 | Author: Kau Dave
Aloha Friends,
House Bill 1626 is coming up in front of the Ways and Mean Committee (WAM) this Friday, April 1, 2011 at 9:00 AM.
HB 1626 permits the County of Hawaii to appropriate the County’s share of fuel tax revenue for the maintenance of substandard private subdivision roads that are used by the public.
If you would like to submit testimony, either for or against HB 1626, please click on the link below before 4:00 PM this Thursday, March 31:
For more information on HB 1626, please check out the links below:
HB 1626 web site
Hearing notice: April 1, 2011 9:00 AM
Mahalo,
Brittany Smart
District 6 – Upper Puna, Ka‘?, South Kona
Office of Councilmember Brittany Smart
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8263
hccdistrict6@gmail.com
March 29th, 2011 | Author: Kau Jason
-
- March Clubhouse Renovations!
Here are some update photos of the clubhouse! I hope all the new comers will be able to experience an up an operational club house (and eventually golf course) – I believe it will be great for the community and bring exposure to this Hawaiian gem! With so many empty lots and with all the baby boomers looking to find a place to call “home”, it sure would be a huge bonus to our local economy if some of them would choose to relocate to DH.
March 22nd, 2011 | Author: Kau Dave
Aloha,
This is a friendly reminder that the District 6 Matters meetings are coming up soon and we will be having discussions on Hawai‘i Island’s solid waste issues with special guest Terin Gloor, Hawai‘i Island’s Chief Engineer for the Solid Waste Division for the Department of Environmental Management, at the following times and places:
Topic: Solid Waste
March 23 – 7:00 PM – Ocean View Community CenterMarch 24 – 7:00 PM – The Cooper Center, Volcano
I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Aloha,
Brittany Smart
District 6 – Upper Puna, Ka’u, South Kona
Office of Councilmember Brittany Smart
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8263
hccdistrict6@gmail.com
March 21st, 2011 | Author: Kau Dave
I tried to find out if they knew of any large development occurring in Ka’u. And they said they didn’t know of any but the only way to be sure is to look up the TMK numbers. So I will be doing this in the next week or so. If they do not know of any development I will certainly inform them of this. If they do know I will request information as to the status of their findings.
This article here claims:
http://www.bigisland-bigisland.com/big- … -area.html
“More importantly, the developer and their consultant, PBR Hawai’i, have already revealed their lack of consideration for the Native Hawaiian people and their culture by not disclosing in the EISPN that Nani Kahuku ‘Aina must go through the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 process.”
I have it on VERY GOOD AUTHORITY that Pohue Bay has one of the largest Petroglyph sites on the islands along with numerous house sites, religious and agricultural features and the kings trail. Before anything is alowed to be developed in this area there needs to be a complete cultural inventory of the area to determine the full extent of these cultural features. I believe that this has not been performed.
If it is true that the developer is trying to do an end run around the Hawaii State Preservation Society we need to do whatever it takes to stop them and make them do whatever it takes to inventory this site and preserve everything that is there for the Hawaiian culture and for the citizens of this state. It does not matter if it takes a year or more they must follow and respect our laws here.
Whether we can stop this development or not I am not sure. But the first step in this development is to make them abide by our laws. This will preserve everything that is in Pohue Bay for the Hawaiian culture, the people of Hawaii, future generations and those who want to study and learn about the Hawaiian culture.
I welcome your comments.
March 14th, 2011 | Author: Kau Dave
Aloha Friends,
Here is information on another community meeting sponsored by the Kona Coffee Farmers Association:
Workshop: How To Foliar Feed Your Coffee Orchard.
Sunday March 20, 2011
Location: Lehuula Farm; 79-7350 Mamalahoa Hwy (makai side) Kealakekua
9AM to 11AM Hands-on and on-site training workshop. Learn the do’s, don’ts, and how-to’s of combination foliar feeding the newly approved B bassiana products with conventional and organic fertilizers, adjuncts, and essential micronutrients.
Sponsored by KCFA. KCFA members free; nonmembers $10. Please do NOT park in church lot.
Contact Paul Uster Email: brun0-kcfa@usa
Aloha,
Brittany Smart
District 6 – Upper Puna, Ka‘?, South Kona
Office of Councilmember Brittany Smart
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8263
hccdistrict6@gmail.com
March 14th, 2011 | Author: Kau Dave
Aloha Ka`u and Puna Community!
Friends of Puna’s Future’s 20 month effort on Fuel Tax Revenue (FTR) is heading into the Senate. We have passed the House. Each stage of the way we absolutely need to deliver testimony in support of HB 1626 which amends the statutes to benefit private subdivision roads.
Here’s the deal…..
1st: We need to get the Chairman of the Public Works, Government Operations Committee (PGM) to schedule a hearing for HB 1626. This effort is NOW. This weekend. IF the chairman doesn’t schedule a hearing the bill can die. YOU can easily help the bill move forward by sending an email by sending an email.
2nd: The PGM Committee must pass HB 1626 and send it forward (or not). This will occur sometime soon and depends on when the chairman sets the agenda. You will hear from us and it will likely be short notice.
3rd: The next step is for the Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee (WAM) to schedule a hearing for HB 1626. This will occur sometime after action is taken by the PGM (see second item above). Once again the schedule depends on when the chairman sets the agenda — but FIRST we need to convince the chairman. You will hear from us and it will likely be short notice.
4th: The WAM Committee must now pass HB 1626 and send it forward (or not). As before, the schedule depends on if and when the chairman sets the agenda. You will hear from us and it will likely be short notice.
5th: After being passed by all the committees the bill will go to the Senate floor for debate and vote. We hope that this will be our last call for testimony before it goes to Governor Abercrombie for signature (yes!).
Step by step we must collectively support each step of this effort … or lose a year of progress.
So please start today, please do this — phone and/or send an email immediately:
All PGM committee members can be emailed at once using this address line:
“Chairman Will Espero” <senespero@Capitol.hawaii.gov>, “Vice Chair Michelle Kidani” <senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov>, “Rosalyn H. Baker” <senbaker@Capitol.hawaii.gov>, “Pohai Ryan” <senryan@capitol.hawaii.gov>, “Sam Slom” <senslom@Capitol.hawaii.gov>
Phone testimony in support here:
Chairman Will Espero – 808-586-6360; Vice Chair Michelle Kidani – 808-586-7100; Rosalyn H. Baker – 808-587-6070;
Pohai Ryan -808-587-8388: Sam Slom -808-586-8420
Subject Line: In support of HB 1626
Suggested testimony #1: Please vote in favor of HB 1626. The intent of this bill has been supported by our COH Council in Res.321.10. which calls for a grant-in-aid program…
Suggested testimony #2: I am in favor of HB 1626. Our 750 miles of publicly accessed private roads have generated a LOT of Fuel Tax Revenue over the years with no assistance for the their wear and tear. Tens of thousands of residents and public services use these roads daily.
Suggested testimony #3: HB 1626 is worthy of your support. I ask you to vote yes. We have serious problems in maintaining our
roads due to the history of subdivision formation fifty years ago. Liability issues can be solved by using a grant-in-aid program with qualifying non profit road maintenance groups.
Suggested testimony #4: Whatever you want to say….
Forward this message….. we need to generate support and there are only a few hours to do so for the first committee hearing!
PLEASE READ THE P.S. BELOW.
Mahalo,
Rob Tucker
FoPF
965-1555
P.S. As we are working hard on the FTR issue I want to remind everyone to RSVP and attend The FoPf’s 2nd Annual Community Meeting on Sunday March 20th, 1-5 pm at the HPP Community Center, 17th & Makuu. Please join us and invite other active community members for a social gathering of Puna’s diverse communities in an exchange of ideas, information, and pupus. RSVP by return email or call 965-1555. Sponsored by Friends of Puna’s Future (www.fopf.org).
Hope to See You There!
March 7th, 2011 | Author: Kau Dave
Aloha All,
The District 6 Council Office was informed by the Mayor’s Office that due to having to go off-island Mayor Kenoi will be not be holding a meeting March 10 at the Cooper Center. Please note the cancellation on your calendars in case you were planning to attend.
Mahalo,
District 6 – Upper Puna, Ka‘u, South Kona
Office of Councilmember Brittany Smart
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8263
hccdistrict6@gmail.com
March 7th, 2011 | Author: Kau Dave
Aloha Friends,
Mayor Kenoi will be holding a few meetings to discuss this year’s budget and the community is encouraged to attend. Here are the scheduled times and places in District 6:
Topic: Budget
March 8 – 5:30 PM – Na‘alehu Elementary School
March 10 – 6:00 PM – The Cooper Center, Volcano – CANCELLED
April 7 – 6:30 PM – Yano Hall, South Kona
Please see the attached flyers for more information on the March 8th and March 10th meetings.
Also, District 6 Matters meetings will have a discussion on Hawai‘i Island’s Solid Waste issues with special guest Terin Gloor, Hawai‘i Island’s Interim Solid Waste Chief for the Department of Environmental Management, at the following times and places:
Topic: Solid Waste
March 23 – 7:00 PM – Ocean View Community CenterMarch 24 – 7:00 PM – The Cooper Center, Volcano
I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Aloha,
Brittany Smart
District 6 – Upper Puna, Ka‘?, South Kona
Office of Councilmember Brittany Smart
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8263
hccdistrict6@gmail.com
March 4th, 2011 | Author: Kau Anamei
Aloha Kakou!
During my last trip to Hilo, I attended the 9th annual Chinese New Year Festival, celebrating the Year of the Rabbit. The festival was in downtown Hilo in Kalakaua Park.
The whole block was busy, but not overcrowded. Over the loudspeakers, a woman was directing the stage events. She spoke in a calm but cheerful way to keep people’s attention during the Tai Chi and Martial Arts demonstrations.
The booths were arranged in a way that made browsing them enjoyable, with a wide variety of items for sale. The smell of frying malasadas filled the air, along with frying crepes and portuguese bean soup.
The only thing that seemed to be missing was Chinese food. That would be a great addition to next year’s festival.
The kids all had fun in the Keiki Costume Contest. After the contest was over, each of the participants received a goodie bag, and they went on stage for a warm round of applause from the audience. The festival finished up with the Lion Dance, and firecrackers were set off for a spectacular finish.
Altogether, a great day in sunny downtown Hilo.
Until next time,
A hui hou!
*Ka’u Anamei*
March 3rd, 2011 | Author: Kau Anamei
Aloha Kakou!
My name is Ka’u Anamei, and I am a new writer here on the Ka’u Hawai’i Blog.
I am a teenager residing in the Ka’u District. My interests include reading, cooking and baking, and sports (especially softball). I also enjoy music, astronomy, ‘olelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian language) and gardening in the Ka’u Desert.
I will be contributing articles on topics like Hawaiian history and culture, and life in Ka’u and the Big Island. I will also write about supporting Big Island businesses and vendors by buying local.
I hope my posts will encourage a sense of togetherness in the communities of our ahupua’a (district).
Until next time,
A hui hou!
*Ka’u Anamei*
March 2nd, 2011 | Author: Kau Dave
I want to welcome Ka’u Anamei to the Ka’u Blog! She is a delightful young lady living and schooling in Ka’u. Being a teenager and living in Hawaii I hope that her writings will bring a new and fresh perspective to life here in Ka’u. I hope you enjoy her contributions here at the Kau Hawaii Blog!!!
March 1st, 2011 | Author: Kau Dave
Aloha Friends,
Here is information on another community meeting happening tomorrow that affects an important agricultural activity of Hawai’i Island:
Coffee Talk- CBB Tips, Application etc.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 3:30-5 P.M.
Location: Yano Hall across from the Manago
This month’s coffee talk will have the very latest on Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) management and the newly approved biopesticide. CBB damage can be very serious. Greatly minimize the loss with a multi-pronged approach. Learn how and when to spray the Bassiana fungus. (commercial Botanigard ES and Mycotrol O). Discussion includes how to mix and apply the fungus, when to spray, the latest research on control and effective strategies. Suzanne Shriner will lead the presentation, Alvin Sato from BEI and Reggie Hasegawa from CPS will be available to take questions. Gus Rouse from Kona Queen Hawaii will be available for questions on best practices to protect hives and bees in the fields.
Contact Paul Uster Email: brun0-kcfa@usa
Aloha,
Brittany Smart
District 6 – Upper Puna, Ka‘?, South Kona
Office of Councilmember Brittany Smart
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8263
hccdistrict6@gmail.com
March 1st, 2011 | Author: Kau Dave
Aloha,
Councilmember Brittany Smart wanted you to know about a few jobs that just opened up within the County of Hawai‘i.
Begin new postings:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Liquor Control Investigator II.pdf
Real Property Appraiser V.pdf
Recycling Specialist II.pdf
Visit our website at www.co.hawaii.hi.us to view our job listings and download an application packet. Check our website weekly!
Hawai`i County . . . a nice place to live!
County of Hawai`i . . . a great place to work!
Mahalo,
Jenny Knippling
Council Aide
District 6 – Upper Puna, Ka‘?, South KonaCouncilmember Brittany Smart
25 Aupuni StreetHilo, HI 96720
March 1st, 2011 | Author: Kau Jason
With the local residents passing on leasing out the club house at South Point Country Club it seems that SPIG (the owners of the golf course) are moving forward and are in negotiations with potential restaurateurs to lease out the clubhouse. There is a current laundry list of things that are getting done in preparation for said lease (which include: electrical work, cesspool, new entry door, roof work, interior work, rock wall work, etc). Should be interesting to watch the process and can’t wait to see a great local restaurant!
March 1st, 2011 | Author: Kau Jason
It appears that a group of residents (Sharon & Marv) is in the negotiating stage with the owners of the golf course (SPIG) in order to rent out the golf course. Although an earlier attempt to lease out the golf course AND clubhouse failed – some of the residents are pressing on.
As part of the lease agreement, the local residents must form an LLC and obtain insurance. It seems that simply having the golf course mowed (a much appreciated thing for many of the residents who’s property is adjacent to the golf course) is their objective. Being that this is a “low budget” operation and that the course will not be allowed to be opened to the public unless certain playing condition standards are met, I’m guessing that local residents will have to pony up the monies needed.
So for now, it doesn’t look like anytime in the near future non-LLC members will be able to LEGALLY play the golf course. Of course, there are always those who prefer to illegally trespass and play anyway (an unfortunate shameful and ill-repute act – likened to steeling vegetables out of your neighbors garden) but all the residents of Discovery Harbour would stand to benefit from a mowed golf course – I’m sure residents everywhere would enjoy a well manicured neighbor’s property.. or for those unscrupulous individuals – you can to take the advice from Hawaii-Kau.com and you can trespass and “steal” the fruits of your neighbor’s hard work (advice which I do not condone).