Coffee farmers group plans barbecue
All Kona Coffee Farmers Association members and their families are invited and encouraged to attend the group’s annual barbecue from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28 at the “Church Lot” picnic area, across from Honaunau Bay. There is free but limited parking so carpooling is encouraged.
The association will supply hot dogs, buns and paper products. Members are asked to bring a salad, dessert or something to go along with the hot dog menu, and to bring their own beverage. Make reservations by email to Marylou@cuppakona.com or info@KonaCoffeeFarmers.org or call 329-4035 by Sunday.
Guest speaker Tammy Duchesne is superintendent of Puuhonua O Honaunau and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical parks. She will speak about the cultural history of both parks, as well as the watershed that sustains the fishpond in North Kona.
Federal employees group meets Sept. 27
All active and retired federal employees are invited to attend the National Active and Retired Federal Employees meeting scheduled for 11 a.m. Sept. 27 at the Waikoloa Kings’ Grille. Election of a chapter treasurer is planned. Guests are welcome.
Reservations are due Monday. Contact Marcia at 882-7959 or mwishnick@earthlink.net or Mary at 883-9363 or kekoa815@yahoo.com.
Women’s issues discussed Monday
Hawaii County Committee on the Status of Women meets at 10 a.m. Monday at the Puna Conference Room of the County Building, 25 Aupuni St., Hilo. The meeting will also be available via videoconference at the mayor’s conference room of the West Hawaii Civic Center in Kailua-Kona.
The public is invited to attend.
Fund hosting coastal cleanup
Hawaii Wildlife Fund invites the public to its next Ka‘u Coastal Cleanup event Sunday at Kamilo Point. Volunteers and those with four-wheel drive vehicles are needed. Volunteers are asked to make reservations by emailing kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com as soon as possible to save a spot.
The group meets at 7:45 a.m. at Waiohinu Park and then caravans to the site. Volunteers should bring sturdy footwear, bag lunch, snacks, refillable water bottle, sun and wind protection, gloves and a swimsuit. The organization will provide extra gloves, some buckets, trash bags, water refills, first-aid kit and a camping toilet.
Call 769-7629 or email for more information.
Festival of Aloha scheduled Sunday
Mauna Kea Resort presents the third annual Festival of Aloha, a free event for families, at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. The event, themed “He olino leo ka ke aloha; Joyousness is in the voice of love,” features Hawaiian music by Darren Benitez, Moke Kamealoha, Kainani Kahaunaele, Kaleo Perry and Darlene Ahuna; hula performances; food, craft and clothing vendors. The festival runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in the hotel’s courtyard and ballroom.
Peace dances slated Sunday
Dances of universal peace will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at New Thought Center in Kealakekua.
The public is welcome.
Health committee info meeting Monday
The state Committee on Health will hold an informational briefing concerning the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, its regional boards, and their plans to streamline operations and address anticipated budget shortfalls. This hearing will begin with an informational briefing by representatives of the West Hawaii Regional Board at 5 p.m. Monday at Kona Community Hospital Special Services Building, Conference Room 2.
Public testimony limited to the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, its regional boards, and their proposed plans will be accepted following the formal briefing.
Individuals wishing to offer comments should submit testimony at least 24 hours prior to the hearing. Testimony should indicate: testifier’s name with position or title and organization; the committee to which the comments are directed; and the date and time of the hearing. Testimony less than 10 megabits may be submitted via email to hlttestimony@capitol.hawaii.gov. Electronic testimony will be accepted until the start of the hearing. While every effort will be made to consider all testimony received, materials received on the day of the hearing or improperly identified or directed, may be distributed to the committee after the hearing. Testimony submitted may be placed on the legislative website of the Committee on Health. This public posting of testimony on the website should be considered when including personal information in testimony.
To request special assistance or auxiliary aids or services to participate in this hearing, contact the committee clerk at 586-9425 at least 24 hours prior to the hearing for arrangements. Prompt requests submitted help to ensure the availability of qualified individuals and appropriate accommodations.
For more information, call the committee clerk.
Tech pau hana scheduled Monday
Liquid Robotics has a new vehicle platform, dubbed SV3. Its improvements include wi-fi and cell modem communications, a solar powered thruster, increased autonomy and a “plug and play” operating system that allows for customers to integrate their own applications more easier. Vas Podorean will discuss the vehicle and the lessons learned from successfully sending a Wave Glider through Typhoon Rammasun at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority Gateway Energy Center. He will also discuss a partnership with NOAA to monitor hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico and a number of security applications, including a surface acoustic detection system and sea floor to sea surface gateway communications.
The event includes time before and after the presentation for questions, answers and networking opportunities. The program is part of a monthly pau hana series for people interested in technology in West Hawaii. Each month, a presenter discusses a different topic related to technology and entrepreneurship. All are welcome.
A potluck is included with the event. Bring pupu and nonalcoholic beverages to share; reusable plates and cups are encouraged. For more information, contact Rod Hinman at rod@auroraresearch.com or 989-0977.
Comments sought on interisland ferry
Hawaii residents will get a chance to weigh in on the concept of interisland ferries at a conference that will take place on Oahu.
Hawaii’s Interisland Ferry Conference will be from 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Pier 19 Ferry Facility in Honolulu. The first conference will explore the pros and cons of an interisland ferry system. Govenor and lieutenant governor candidates will speak about the state’s ferry system as well.
The event is open to the public and free. All Hawaii residents may submit a quarter-page letter, both for and against ferries, for free to be published in the program. Comment deadline is Monday. Comments may be emailed to jhope@bridgedeck.org.
For more information, call Randy at 532-8183.