Public Invited to Inaugural Ceremonies for Newly Elect Mayor, Prosecuting Attorney & Council Members

County of Hawai’i Executive and Legislative Inaugural Ceremonies for the newly elected Mayor, Prosecuting Attorney, and Council Members will be held at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium at 12 Noon on Monday, December 3, 2012.  The public is invited to attend.

The 2010 Hawaii County Council on inauguration day

The program will begin with a prelude of familiar selections chosen by Bandmaster Paul Arceo and the Hawai’i County Band.  The procession will be accompanied by the Hawai’i County Band.  The Administration of Oath will be administered by The Honorable Greg Nakamura, Judge, Third Circuit Court.

Skylark Rossetti will act as mistress of ceremonies.  Address will be given by The Honorable Billy Kenoi, Mayor; The Honorable Mitch Roth, Prosecuting Attorney and the Honorable J Yoshimoto, Chairperson, Hawai’i County Council.

Presentation of Colors by Hilo High School JROTC Color Guards.  The Kamehameha School Concert Glee will perform musical rendering. The National and State Anthems will be performed by Cindy Intendencia accompanied by the Hawai’i County Band.  Invocation by Senior Pastor Sheldon Lacsina, New Hope – Hilo and the Benediction by Deacon Larry Ignacio, Annunciation Church – Waimea.

Big Island Police Arrest Kona Man on Suspicion of Robbery… Looking for Others

Hawaiʻi County police have arrested a Kona man on suspicion of robbery and are asking for the public’s help in identifying other suspects.

At 12:27 a.m. Monday, Kona patrol offices responded to a report of a robbery in a parking lot at Aliʻi Sunset Plaza. A 26-year-old Kealakekua man reported that after he met a local man at bar, the man took him to the northwest corner of the parking lot to meet with five or six males. They punched and kicked the victim and stole his backpack before fleeing on foot.

The victim was treated at Kona Community Hospital for a fractured jaw and minor cuts and scrapes.

Police investigation led to the identity of a possible suspect. At 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, police arrested 20-year-old Alexander Cho, who has no permanent address but frequents Kailua-Kona. He is being held at the Kona police cellblock while detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section continue the investigation.

Police are asking for help from anyone who witnessed the attack or saw the victim talking with a local male in the Coconut Grove area. The victim was wearing shorts and a striped tank top and was carrying a backpack.

Anyone with any information about this case is asked to call Detective Walter Ah Mow at 326-4646, extension 238.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

 

Governor Releases $44 Million for CIPs Projects Statewide

Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of more than $44 million for various capital improvement projects (CIPs) statewide, including public schools, health facilities, transportation infrastructure and more.

“Since the start of 2012, my administration has released more than $885.8 million for CIPs, including these newly released funds, as a part of an economic strategy to address priority work while stimulating the economy and generating job opportunities for residents,” said Governor Abercrombie. “We’ve made significant progress. Our local economy is back on track. Credit rating agencies have taken notice. And, the state’s unemployment rate has continued to improve, falling in October to a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.5 percent – a pre-recession level.”

Allotment of funds for the following priority projects, identified by members of the state Legislature, has been approved by the Governor:

Education
·    $3,500,000 – Various schools, statewide – Design, construction and required works of art for modifications at various schools to meet ADA accessibility guidelines; project will provide 1) student, staff and public accessibility to programs and/or facilities as required by the ADA for Waianae High School; and 2) accessibility to areas of school campuses that are typically visited by the public for Baldwin High School, Makaha Elementary School, and Aliamanu Middle School (Projects may include modifications to walkways, ramps, parking stalls, elevators, building interiors and exteriors to make them ADA compliant)
·    $2,500,000 – Aikahi and Wahiawa Elementary Schools, Oahu – Improvements to drainage at Aikahi Elementary, and creation of student drop off area and additional parking at Wahiawa Elementary School
·    $2,000,000 – Pookela Special Day Program, statewide – Design, construction, equipment and required works of art for four special education portable classrooms for the Pookela Special Day Program for autistic and developmentally disabled students
·    $1,600,000 – Kohala High School, Hawaii Island – Design of a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) building, including ground/site improvements, equipment and appurtenances
·    $800,000 – Waipahu Intermediate School, Oahu – Design funds to provide a new eight-classroom building that will address STEM/multi-media needs

Health
·    $3,300,000 – Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui – Design, construction and equipment for renovation of Imaging Department’s treatment rooms, physicians’ offices, patient care and public areas, and to accommodate new and replacement imaging equipment; improvements will maintain patient privacy and improve patient care
·    $328,000 – Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, Kauai – Design and construction for work on walls and floors in the nursing units

Transportation
Airports
·    $8,010,000 – Kahului Airport, Maui – Additional design costs for the structural improvements and long-term rehabilitation to Runway 2-20
·    $1,200,000 – Honolulu International Airport, Oahu – Construction to upgrade the radio communication infrastructure and antenna system, remove and replace the existing dispatcher console and install a new Wireless Broadcast Emergency Public Address system
·    $600,000 – Kona International Airport at Keahole, Hawaii Island – Design for re-roofing of terminal buildings to prevent re-occurring leaks throughout the terminal
·    $350,000 – Kahului Airport, Maui – Additional design funds to reconstruct the Taxiway A apron
·    $200,000 – Kalaeloa Airport, Oahu – Construction to upgrade the radio communication infrastructure, antenna system, remove and replace the existing dispatcher console, and install a new Wireless Broadcast Emergency Public Address system

Highways
·    $4,510,000 – Kaneohe Bay Drive, Oahu – Construction for rehabilitation of Kaneohe Bay Drive between Kamehameha Highway and Nanamoana Street to address the deterioration of the roadway; improvements will include reconstructing weakened pavement areas and shoulders, constructing new curbs, gutters, sidewalks and curb ramps, upgrading drainage facilities, and replacing and installing guardrails
·    $1,160,000 (and $8,865,000 federal funds) – Hawaii Belt Road, Hawaii Island – Safety improvements near/at Laupahoehoe and Kaawalii Gulches to improve roadway drainage in the area and construct a friction overlay surface to minimize hydroplaning
·    $306,000 – Piilani Highway, Maui – Additional construction to widen Ohukai Road on both approaches to highway; project will include constructing left turn storage lanes and relocating existing street lights, guardrails and wheelchair ramps
·    $253,000 – Hana Highway, Maui – Additional construction for Phase 2 of the project to remove overhanging, protruding and unstable rocks from the slopes above highway to prevent rockfall
·    $200,000 (and $800,000 federal funds) – Intelligent Transportation System, statewide – Planning for the development of an approved regional architecture phase of an envisioned Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for the Kauai, Maui and Hawaii highway districts
·    $130,000 – Kohala Mountain Road, Hawaii Island – Additional design for road drainage improvements at mileposts 10.61, 12.88, 13.47, and 13.98; this project will install larger culverts to increase drainage capacity with headwalls constructed farther from the edge of the travelway
·    $100,000 – Volcano Road, Hawaii Island – Additional construction in the vicinity of Kulani Road for installation of left-turn lanes, improvements and/or adjustments to the drainage system, streetlights and guardrails to current standards
·    $96,000 (and $864,000 federal funds) – Honoapiilani Highway, Maui – Construction to upgrade highway lighting and improve traffic safety on highway at Kaanapali Parkway and Halelo Street
·    $37,700 (and $339,300 federal funds) – Various locations, Oahu – Design for guardrail and shoulder improvements at various locations throughout Oahu to current design standards

Harbors
·    $500,000 – Honolulu Harbor Environmental and Development Services, Oahu – Planning for environmental and development services for a new Kapalama Container Facility to support expanding maritime activities in the harbor

Other
·    $7,122,411 – DAGS CIP project positions – Public Works Division project-funded staff positions for fiscal year 2013
·    $1,789,334 – Hawaii Community Development Authority Community Development Districts, Oahu – Nineteen project-funded staff positions for fiscal year 2013
·    $1,000,000 – Capital District Master Plan, Oahu – Planning to develop, implement and populate a space needs and building management information database, update the State Capital District Master Plan, and provide alternatives for civic center facilities at Department of Accounting and General Services-managed and new properties; work includes surveys of state office buildings and ancillary facilities in the Capital District and plans for future disposition of the Kinau Hale and Queen Liliuokalani buildings
·    $1,000,000 – Correctional facilities, statewide – Planning for the orderly development of correctional facilities, including assessment of all Department of Public Safety correctional facilities to determine whether to renovate or construct new facilities for the future
·    $650,000 – Honokohau Small Boat Harbor Improvements, Phase II, Hawaii Island – Creation of paved parking areas and roadways on the north side of the harbor, as well as water system and drainage improvements
·    $500,000 – State Water Projects Plan Update, statewide – Updating of the State Water Projects Plan, which is a component of the Hawaii Water Plan mandated by the State Water Code, Chapter 174C, HRS, and conducting related studies specifically for the North Kona area of Hawaii Island (The State Water Projects Plan was last updated in 2003. Given the increase in both private and government developments and the water resource challenges that exist due to the complex geology and hydrology in West Hawaii, the need to update the plan and conduct necessary studies will be critical to identifying and meeting projected water demands.)
·    $300,000 – Birkhimer Tunnel, Oahu – Additional construction to provide for the replacement of an emergency generator, structural modifications, and other related work
·    $20,000 – Bond Memorial Public Library, Hawaii Island – Planning for a Phase 1 environmental site assessment prior to returning library site to the Department of Land and Natural Resources; the library is no longer in operation since the opening of the new North Kohala Public Library

Volcano Art Center Presents “Na Mea Hawaii – Hula Arts in the Park”

Volcano Art Center presents Kahula ‘O Nawahine Noho Pu’ukapu under the direction of kumu hula Ana Nawahine-Kahoopii for an inspirational hula kahiko performance at the hula platform in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 10:30am.

Ana Nawahine-Kahoopii by Ken Kurashima

The halau, founded by Nawahine-Kahoopii in 2007, is based in Kuhio Village, Hawaiian Homelands in the ahupua’a of Pu’ukapu, Waimea. The mission of the halau is to express the sacred through the poetry of hula.

“Hula is a sacred path to the core of ourselves, the world we exist within and the worlds that exist within us. As we deepen this awareness of our place in the cosmos it is reflected in our voices and bodies, the joy of oli (chant) and hula (dance) are expressions of this awakening. This path of awakening is a lifetime commitment and one we graciously share with you,” says kumu Nawahine-Kahoopii.

Kahula ‘O Nawahine Noho Pu’ukapu by Ken Kurashima

Also on December 15, there are cultural demonstrations of lei making from 9:30am to 1:30pm at Volcano Art Center Gallery. For the outdoor hula performance, the audience is encouraged to bring mats for sitting on the grass, plus rain and sun gear as the presentation takes place rain or shine. As parking is limited, carpooling is strongly recommended.  Events are free; however, national park entrance fees apply.

These events are sponsored in cooperation with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and supported in part by the County of Hawaii’s Department of Research and Development and the Hawaii Tourism Authority. For more information, call Volcano Art Center at (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Volcano Art Center (VAC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1974 to develop, promote and perpetuate the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of Hawaii’s people through the arts and education.

Related articles

• Winners Announced of the 7th Annual Moku O Keawe International Hula Festival (damontucker.com)
• Volcano Art Center Celebrates New Gallery and New Board of Directors (damontucker.com)

 

Big Island Figs Featured at Culinary Demo

KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII – High in fiber, potassium and vitamin B6, figs also contain iron, calcium and Vitamin A. Shaped like a hot air balloon, the small fruit is steeped in the history and ritual of ancient cultures with archeological remnants dating back to 5000 BC.

Pineapple-Wrapped Figs with Goat Cheese (See Recipe Below)

Taste test figs and learn how to use them at a free demonstration 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30 at Island Naturals Market and Deli. Chef Rob Love of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel will offer free fruit samples and use Maui Gold pineapple to prepare Pineapple-Wrapped Figs with Goat Cheese. Ken Love, president of the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers (HTFG), will be on hand to answer horticulture questions.

The fruity fig fun is presented by the statewide HTFG, whose members are growing ultra-exotic tropical fruits. These not-so-well-known edibles—like figs, Surinam cherry, jackfruit, ulu, abiu, durian, white sapote, soursop and jaboticaba—are among a growing number of odd fruits that are intriguing island chefs and shoppers.

“Figs are drought tolerant and many varieties can be grown in Hawaii’s microclimates,” says Love. “They can be enjoyed fresh, poached or as a component in recipes. Figs lend themselves to a wide variety of value-added products.”

HTFG is working to build markets for these juicy rarities through a series of free public taste tests and culinary demonstrations at stores on four Hawaiian Islands throughout 2012. A dozen educational demonstrations are planned and participating stores will stock the fruit in their produce sections, accompanied by recipes and additional fruit information to take home.

“At Island Naturals, we strive to continually increase our local food offerings,” says Russell Ruderman, president and founder of Island Naturals and Puna District state senator.  “We work with farmers and food producers to develop new offerings, and support new local products with our best prices, signage, shelf placement and demos. Local food keeps money in our local economy, supports agriculture in Hawaii, reduces the carbon footprint, and moves us toward a sustainable society. It also supports your friends and neighbors, and puts healthier food on your table.”

Titled “New Markets for Ultra-Exotic Fruits,” the event series is funded by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture through a USDA competitive grant program to foster small farm sustainability.

For more information, contact Love at ken@mycoffee.net or 808 (969-7926). Find detailed fig info at http://www.hawaiifruit.net/figs.htm.

Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers

Incorporated in 1989 to promote tropical fruit grown in Hawaii, HTFG is a statewide association of tropical fruit growers, packers, distributors and hobbyists dedicated to tropical fruit research, education, marketing and promotion; http://www.htfg.org.

Pineapple-Wrapped Figs with Goat Cheese, By Rob Love, chef Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Ingredients:

• 1 Maui Gold pineapple
• 1lb. local goat cheese or cheve
• 1lb. figs local figs
• 1/4cup sherry vinegar
• 1/4cup sugar
• Salt
• 1 bunch green onion

Procedure:

Cook figs, vinegar and sugar to a boil and let cool and mix to make compote.

Peel pineapple and slice in very, very thin circles. Cut onions the length of pineapple circle.

On a flat slice of pineapple, add a tablespoon of cheese and pinch of salt. Place 1 pc green onion and teaspoon of compote. Wrap and let set before slicing.

Garnish with additional compote and mint or basil leaves.

Related articles

• Care for a Fig? 10 Delicious Things to Do with Fresh Figs – Ingredient Spotlight (thekitchn.com)
• Figs. FIGS EVERYWHERE (persephonemagazine.com)
• Where do Figs Come From (wanttoknowit.com)

BBC America Visits the Big Island – Crash Course and The Three Ring Ranch Wild Animal Sanctuary

Richard Hammond’s Crash Course and Three Ring Ranch Wild Animal Sanctuary in Kona, Hawaii team up for excitement. BBC America sent Richard Hammond, star of Top Gear, to film his wild encounters with exotic animals, including Cody the Buffalo, Zoe the blond zebra and many other residents of the sanctuary.

Ann & Richard release endangered Hawaiian stilts at Hualalai Resort while Norm Goody photographs them

Richard had just a couple days to follow the Curator, Ann Goody around the Sanctuary and learn how to safely care for an interact with the residents. He would have to learn to work with ostrich, shear an alpaca, care for a giant tortoises shell mix flamingo diets and assist with the release of endangered Hawaiian stilts. Far outside of his comfort zone driving race cars and helicopters this program introduces Richard and the audience to an unreal few days at Three Ring Ranch.

Richard & Ann work with an ostrich

See what animal stole from Richard and hear from him what it was like to have Cody invade his personal space. The show airs on BBC America on December 3 at 5 pm followed two more airings later that day as well as by a future airing on BBC International. http://www.bbcamerica.com/crash-course/guide/season-2/episode-7/

Three Ring Ranch is the only accredited Sanctuary in Hawaii. Ann Goody, curator of the sanctuary, says they care for all native species as well as provide advice and support to veterinarian and other rehabilitators. The sanctuary includes a center for hands-on training and interaction with animals for school age children. “For the past twelve years we have rehabilitated Hawaii’s native and endangered species and cared for those exotic creatures already within the State who needed a safe refuge on our five-acre site. Our barn, hospital, aviaries, wetlands and fields serve a wide variety of animals.”

Richard & Ann moving very slowly out of Cody’s environment.

Three Ring Ranch is a non-profit. Private educational excursions are offered by contacting the sanctuary.

For more information about Three Ring Ranch, please visit http://www.threeringranch.org or contact Ann Goody at animals@threeringranch.org to learn more about the ranch or book a tour.

Related articles

• A ‘Crash Course’ in American jobs on BBC America (sfgate.com)
• BBC America Announces Premiere Dates for ‘Ripper Street’, ‘Wild Things With Dominic Monaghan’ & ‘Spies of Warsaw’ (tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com)
• Top Gear’s Richard Hammond Drove Me Around New York In His Taxi Cab (jalopnik.com)
• ‘Wild Things With Dominic Monaghan’ to Premiere Tuesday, January 12 on BBC America (tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com)