By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[Video courtesy University of Hawaii Systems]

KONA, Hawaii: The Hawaii Community College Pālamanui campus in West Hawaii has taken a big step forward.

The University of Hawaii received $9.68 million from Pālamanui LLC — a partnership between Hunt Companies and Charles R. Schwab — to begin construction of the first phase of the planned HCC campus in Kona, the university’s first permanent physical campus on the west side of the Big Island.

A ceremonial check presentation was held at the West Hawaii Civic Center on Tuesday.

University of Hawaii Board of Regents Vice Chair James H.Q. Lee joined UH President M.R.C. Greenwood in receiving the symbolic check, alongside Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi.

“Today marks the realization of a dream—that of access to higher education for West Hawai‘i’s underserved youth. The outlook for our children’s future just got brighter,” commented Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi. “Building this new Hawai‘i Community College Pālamanui campus makes higher education possible for hundreds of local families. Our children will be able to learn skills and new technologies so they can compete for higher paying jobs. I commend Pālamanui LLC and its partners and appreciate their honorable fulfillment of promises made.”

“A college education creates opportunities for a better life,” said Lee in a media release. “Community colleges, with their low cost and open access, are the entry point for many who have traditionally been left out of higher education. We are gratified by and appreciative of the efforts of all who helped bring this promise to the residents of West Hawai‘i. Our West Hawai‘i Regent, Carl Carlson, Jr., is out of state today but he, Chair Eric Martinson and the entire Board send their thanks to the many who made today possible.”

“This new campus is a powerful example of the university’s efforts to bring higher education and access to a college degree to underserved areas,” stated University of Hawai‘i President M.R.C. Greenwood. “We are absolutely committed to doing that as part of the university’s mission. The new Hawai‘i Community College Pālamanui campus will provide educational pathways to a better future not just to Hawai‘i island residents, but to the residents of the entire state.”

The University says an initial contribution of more than $5.2 million was delivered to the university this week. An additional $4.4 million has been placed in escrow and will be released to the university upon completion of the mid-level road connecting Kona Palisades to the new campus, which the university is building and expects to complete in April.

Officials say Pālamanui LLC will soon begin infrastructure improvements worth another $10 million for the university to connect to electricity and water lines. This necessary infrastructure will increase the Pālamanui investment to nearly $20 million and will enable the completion of the planned first phase of the campus.

Representing Palamanui LLC, Hunt Companies Hawai‘i Division President Steve Colon said, “On behalf of Hunt Companies and Charles R. Schwab, I am thrilled to announce that Pālamanui has honored its commitment to provide the financial catalyst to make the Hawai‘i Community College Pālamanui campus a reality. This campus has been a dream for many in the West Hawai‘i community for a long time, and it is especially gratifying to know that our efforts will guarantee its fruition.”

The Hawai‘i Community College Pālamanui campus has been in the development stage for eight years. Officials say comprehensive building plans are now being finalized and should be completed in February.

UH will apply for building permits and will put the first phase of the project out to bid in the first quarter of 2012. A blessing, groundbreaking and the start of construction for the campus is expected this summer.

Once completed, Palamanui will become the 11th campus comprising the University of Hawai‘i System.

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[Video by David Corrigan, interview conducted by Karin Stanton]

KEALAKEHE, Hawaii: NFL Football Players and Cheerleaders held a Youth Clinic at Kealakehe High School in Kona on Tuesday.

The players and cheerleaders presented the kids with inspirational messages and positive skills training. The 2-hour clinic featured a variety of hands-on skills and techniques for both boys and girls…

… and from the looks of this field goal kicking the challenge, some of the girls were more than willing to show the boys how its done.

The NFL Pro Bowl Youth Clinic, now in its 10th year, is focused on motivating youth to realize their dreams and to maximize their potential.

Mayor Billy Kenoi, a Pro Bowl Ohana Committee Member who helped to bring the clinic to the Big Island, was in attendance.

Also in attendance, Jason Alani of Captain Cook, who recently won the national championship for the Boys 8-9 division of the NFL’s Punt, Pass & Kick competition.

Alani was among the winners honored during on-field award presentation during the nationally televised AFC divisional playoff game between the Ravens and the Texans.

At the Kealakehe clinic, all youth participants received an NFL Pro Bowl T-shirt, autographed by each player and an NFL Pro Bowl sling backpack.

The NFL players and cheerleaders will be stopping by Keaau High School on Wednesday.

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[Video courtesy Hawaii County Police Department]

KONA, Hawaii: We have an update on the brazen robbery that took place recently at the Keauhou Store in Holualoa… a break in the case.

Police say that thanks to tips from the public, they have arrested one suspect in connection with the robbery.

Last week, detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section located and recovered the white 1998 Jeep Wrangler Sahara associated with the January 12 Keauhou Store robbery. They arrested 41-year-old Roger Rasmussen of Kailua-Kona, who police say is the registered owner of the jeep. Over the weekend they charged Rasmussen with accomplice to robbery. His bail was set at $50,000.

However, police say they are still seeking the primary suspect. Police ask that anyone with information on this man’s identity or whereabouts call Detective Walter Ah Mow at 326-4646, extension 238, or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Police again advise the public not to approach him, as he is considered dangerous and possibly armed.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Also: Police thank the public for their assistance.

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[surveillance video courtesy the Hawaii Police Department]

KONA, Hawaii: Another robbery in Kona – this time in Holualoa – and police believe it may be connected to a robbery in Kaloko the week before.

Hawaii County police are asking for the public’s help in identifying suspects involved in a robbery Thursday afternoon at the Keauhou Store in Holualoa

The police released this surveillance video which captured the incident as it happened.

Shortly before 1 p.m. a man described as a local male with a dark complexion entered the Store and forcibly removed an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register. A 34-year-old female cashier suffered minor injuries but declined medical treatment.

You can see the suspect with the white cap, and also another man who appears to be standing lookout in front of the store.

They both fled north on Highway 180 in a white 2-door Jeep Wrangler with a tan hard top. The Jeep is similar to a Sahara model.

Detectives believe the primary suspect was also involved in a robbery in the Kaloko business area on January 5.

Here is some recently released video of that robbery, as well.

The first suspect was described as being in his mid-20s to mid-30s, approximately 5-foot-10, 150 to 170 pounds, unshaven and with kinky dark hair. He was wearing blue jeans and a green T-shirt, slippers and a white cap with a dark brim.

The second suspect is described as Caucasian, in his mid 20s, with a slim build and a goatee. He was wearing a light green shirt with buttons, a light-colored baseball cap, dark shorts and shoes.

Police ask that anyone with information on their identity or whereabouts call Detective Walter Ah Mow at 326-4646, extension 238, or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

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.

A look back on ten memorable moments – for better or for worse – covered by Big Island Video News in 2011

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii: For the next two weeks, we will be taking a look at the moments that mattered over the past year, paying special attention to every region of Hawaii Island.

Today, we focus on Kailua-Kona, from historic Downtown Kailua, to Kealakehe, and up and down the scenic Alii Drive.

Here, now, is our top 10 stories of 2011.

The TOP 10 – KAILUA-KONA 2011

Media release from Department of Land and Natural Resources:

KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII — Honokohau Small Boat Harbor will soon be getting a much needed facelift following the release of funds by Governor Neil Abercrombie to get the capital improvement project underway. Earlier this week, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) began work on the project.

“The Governor listened to residents of Kona who expressed the need for the harbor improvements and he is responding by initiating work now,” said DLNR Chairperson William Aila. “The Governor’s budget this year has an additional $500,000 to expand the Honokohau Harbor Phase II improvements, including more paved parking areas and relocating and improving the boat wash down area.”

Phase I improvements at Honokohau started on December 5, 2011, which includes the installation of a new 8-inch water line and fire hydrants along the access road to the North side of the harbor. The concrete loading dock at the public boat launch ramp, which failed last year and was replaced with a temporary floating dock, is being replaced with a wider, marine grade concrete loading dock. The existing lighting fixtures along the roadways and piers will also be replaced. Total cost of this project is $591,450 and the contractor is Global Specialty Contractors, Inc.

The Department is charged with managing a statewide recreational boating program and has sizable, ongoing projects at the Ke‘ehi Small Boat Harbor, Ma‘alaea Small Boat Harbor in additional to Honokohau.

“We are grateful to the Governor and the Legislature for recognizing the need for DLNR to reinvest in its boating facilities and replace our aging, failing infrastructure,” said Aila. “In time, with continued support of our elected officials and the community and employing modern technology, we can achieve our shared vision of the Governor’s New Day vision of making Hawai‘i the jewel of the Pacific for sailing and boating.”

Phase II improvements, now in the design stage, will consist of the paving of the access road and parking areas; installing green lighting; relocating and improving the wash down area; repairing the comfort station; and constructing drainage improvements for the North side of the harbor. Project consultant is Engineering Partners. An initial amount of $120,000 for the Phase I and Phase II design was approved by the Legislature and an additional $150,000 has been requested of the legislature to complete the Phase II design phase and to provide construction services.

Funding of $1,000,000 for Phase II construction has been approved in the Hawai‘i State Fiscal Year 2013 budget and an additional $500,000 funding request was submitted to the State Legislature.

Work is also currently being performed by Willocks Construction to reconstruct approximately 1,100 feet of the Honokohau Harbor access road, from the harbor office to the vessel wash down area on the North side of the harbor. Completion is expected by the close of 2011. This project is funded and managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

Honokohau Small Boat Harbor is the primary boating facility in West Hawai‘i, and is used by recreational boaters, charter and fishing boats. It is located at 74-380 Kealakehe Parkway in Kailua-Kona. The harbor consists of a dredged channel that leads to two basins. There are 262 moorings (piers A-H), three vessel launch ramps (two 30’ wide, one double-wide), two T-piers, outer basin, vessel wash down, fuel facility, harbor office and two comfort stations.

DOBOR operates and manages harbors, ramps, vessel moorings and berths and piers across the state. The division works in close partnership with DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and the U.S. Coast Guard to make nearshore waters safe. The division is also responsible for registering all vessels in Hawai‘i which are not documented by the U.S. Coast Guard and for regulating and permitting surf meets, canoe and yachting regattas, ocean swimming events and other ocean events with the concurrence of the U.S. Coast Guard.

# # #

Phase I improvements at Honokohau started on December 5, 2011, which includes the installation of a new 8-inch water line and fire hydrants along the access road to the North side of the harbor. Photo by DOBOR.

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[Video by David Corrigan]

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii: The county is moving forward with its planned creation of a new park site on Alii Drive, with the added benefit of a new parking area for the nearby Magic Sands Beach and La’aloa parks.

From the council committee agenda:

Adds Public Works: Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Addition to the Development of New Park Site at Ali‘i Drive ($500,000); funds shall be provided from General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund – Fund Balance and/or Other Sources ($500,000). Funds would be used by the Parks and Recreation Department to acquire TMK: (3)7-7-008:100 to complement the acquisition of TMK’s: (3)7-7-008:020 and 031 to be developed into a new park site, as well as on and off-site improvements such as a parking area for La‘aloa and Magic Sands Beach parks.

South Kona councilwoman Brenda Ford explained during Tuesday’s County Council Finance Committee meeting. Ford said the new park will be named Kipapa Park.

Bill 149 now goes up to the full council.

BACKGROUND: VIDEO: Kingman property purchase in Kona advances

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[Video by David Corrigan]

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii: A new visitor education experience awaits visitors to Kahalu’u Beach Park.

The Kohala Center has entered into a 10-year contract with the County of Hawaii to establish the Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center, a new, portable facility to house the educational center and the snorkel rental concession at the popular beach park.

The new education center was blessed this Saturday.

The Kohala Center will manage a snorkel rental concession through which visitors can learn how to enjoy the bay and at the same time protect its fragile environment. All profits from this outreach effort will be re-invested in educational programs and in the implementation of the Kahalu‘u Beach Park Master Plan, a conceptual plan which incorporates the community’s vision for revitalization of this area.

The Bay Education Center represents a new model of collaboration between the County and a nonprofit.

The center has been professionally designed by Jennifer Bryan of Anoano Design Group and established on-site. The center provides educational videos and computerized access to environmental and cultural information about Kahalu‘u Bay and the ahupua‘a.

The Kohala Center will continue its successful ReefTeach and Citizen Science programs, as well as the other outreach, educational, volunteer, and research programs currently underway at Kahalu‘u Bay. Currently, ReefTeach includes over 270 volunteers and three dozen businesses.

By David Corrigan and Sherry Bracken

[Video by David Corrigan]

KONA, Hawaii: West Hawaii remembers the promises made on the campaign trail…

Kona’s Honokohau Harbor has lots of potential, but for years it has gotten little attention from the cash strapped Department of Land and Natural Resources, which is charged with maintaining the harbor through its Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.

Now, nearly one year since the Abercrombie administration took office, the users of the small boat harbor are running out of patience.

Earlier this year, after a tough legislative session that saw a number of Governor Neil Abercrombie’s initiatives rejected by state lawmakers, one bill did get signed into law: the creation of a Public Lands Corporation. It is what Governor Abercrombie says will be the linchpin of his New Day Hawaii Plan

The Governor has said that the corporation will guide the needed redevelopment of the harbor.

But, at the recent Department of Land and Natural Resources Listening Session held at the Konaweana School high school cafeteria, the community voiced its continued frustration…

DLNR Chair William Aila received a list of complaints, and tried to address them where he could, although not always to the satisfaction of the crowd.

The biggest concern seemed to be the boaters’ perception that the DLNR is not as receptive to their improvement ideas as they say they are.

Aila responded with some frustration of his own…

And, once again, the department head promised positive change is on the way.

The following media release is courtesy Keauhou Beach Resort:

Keauhou Beach Resort Doubles the Celebration with The 5th Annual E Mau Ana Ka Hula & Makahiki Festival
(Guests are treated to a fun, family-friendly, educational, and enjoyable cultural event)

KAILUA-KONA, BIG ISLAND, HAWAII – Keauhou Beach Resort is proud to once again present the 5th Annual E Mau Ana Ka Hula (“The Hula is perpetuated”) and this year the program coincides with the inaugural Makahiki Festival for a double celebration elevating the cultural experience. The two-day event scheduled for Friday, November 18, 2011, and Saturday, November 19, 2011, respectively, will keep everyone engaged with hula workshops, hula performances, health & wellness exhibits and expos, and more.

The E Mau Ana Ka Hula kicks off on Friday, with three scheduled hula workshops starting from 1:00 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. in the Keauhou Beach Resort Ballroom. Space is limited and minimal fees apply for the workshops. Interested participants can register via email at administrator@nawaiiwiola.org or call 808-640-1384.

On Saturday, the festival will feature the E Mau Ana Ka Hula Celebration with various presentations at the Keauhou Beach Resort Royal Luau Grounds. This special celebration pays tribute to King David Kalakaua, the “Merrie Monarch” with both “kahiko” (ancient) or “hula auana” (modern) hula performances performed by various Hula Halau from Hawai’i, Japan and Europe, including:

Kumu Keala Ching, Ka Pā Hula Nā Wai Iwi Ola
Kumu Bobo Palacat, Nā Pua Ha’aheo o Kona
Kumu Lori Lei Shirakawa, Lori Lei’s Hula Studio
Kumu Nalani Kanaka’ole-Zane, Hālau o Kekuhi
Kumu Wayne Takemoto, Kaulaokalani o Kona
Kumu Bulla Kailiwai, Hālau Kukuimalamalama o Kona
Kumu Hulali Solomon-Covington, Beamer Solomon Hālau O Po’ohala
Kumu ‘Ulalia Berman-Ka’ai, ‘Ulalia School of Hawaiian Dance
Kumu Ki’iwaikapu Hoapili & Kumu Aulani Young, Aulani’s Hula Hālau
Kumu Meleana Manuel, Hālau Ke ‘Olu Makani o Mauna Loa
Kumu Iwalani Kalima, Hula Hālau o Kou Lima Nani e

In conjunction with the E Mau Ana Ka Hula celebration, the Makahiki Festival will take place on the same day which includes exhibits by the Hawaii Healing Garden and Hawaii Health Expo, Makahiki games, cultural activities, cooking demonstrations, music and much more! Various vendors will be featuring quality handmade Hawaiian crafts and delectable foods. Both events are free and open to the public, so be sure to bring the whole family down to what is sure to be a fun event! For more festival information, visit www.emauanakahula.org, email info@hawaiihealthguide.com or call 808-638-0888.

Keauhou Beach Resort is an oceanfront hotel on the sunny Kona Coast of Hawaii Island. Ocean tide pools with gentle sea turtles and gardens with native Hawaiian flowers and trees are part of the resort’s beautiful natural surroundings. Special room rates are available starting from $99 per night. For more information or reservations, please call (808) 324-2515, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.

The following media release was issued by way of Hastings & Pleadwell:

Keahole, HI—November 17, 2011—OTEC International LLC (OTI) was selected to build a one-megawatt demonstration plant by the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiʻi Authority (NELHA) to test the full power cycle of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) to produce electricity.

Baltimore-based OTI has built its OTEC design on decades of research and innovation, combining proprietary technology with off-the-shelf components. Privately funded OTI has not relied on any government money to reach its goal and expects to be first-to-market with a commercial plant.

OTI has a term sheet and is negotiating a power purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric Company for a 100-megawatt (MW) plant off the coast of Oʻahu, is negotiating a 25 MW plant with the Caribbean Utilities Company and is in talks with other utilities.

The demonstration plant is slated for the 870-acre Hawaiʻi Ocean Science and Technology (HOST) Park administered by NELHA. HOST Park in Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island was established for demonstration and commercialization of renewable energy, ocean science and sustainable living technologies. (www.nelha.org)

OTI was selected from four submittals to NELHA in response to its call for proposals. NELHA’s staff and Research Advisory Committee each ranked OTI’s proposal substantially higher, according to reports to the board.

Greg Barbour, NELHA’s executive director, told the NELHA board Tuesday that OTI’s proposal was “superior; comprehensive in all four areas” required in the proposal.

“We are, of course, very pleased that the NELHA board recognized the careful planning of our excellent team that has gone into our project,” said Eileen O’Rourke, OTI’s chief operating officer. Barry Cole, OTI’s Executive VP and director of technology development leads that team.

“Our main funder, The Abell Foundation, has invested substantially in advancing OTEC research over the last 11 years, proving its commitment to this exciting power source.”

The Abell Foundation also holds exclusive license to the OTEC designs developed by Sea Solar Power, a 40-year pioneer in OTEC research. OTEC uses vast solar energy stored in the upper ocean layer to vaporize ammonia, producing electricity via a turbine and generator. Deep water cools the ammonia back to liquid to be heated again in a 24/7, 365-days-a-year cycle.

ABS (formerly known as the American Bureau of Shipping), which sets standards of excellence in marine and offshore classification, has awarded OTI Approval-in-Principle for a floating renewable energy plant in both 25 MW and 100 MW models. It is ABS’s first for such an energy plant.

OTI has been funded by The Abell Foundation, a philanthropic group based in Baltimore, which also invests in promising technologies with social objectives, such as alternate energy. (www.abell.org)

OTI is set to build a pilot plant at NELHA that will produce net electricity, rather than simply test components. OTI has run successful tests of its components at other facilities and subjected its designs, test protocols, results and analysis to peer review.

The next step is to negotiate a lease agreement and terms with NELHA, which has infrastructure in place to provide a head start for full-cycle demonstration, O’Rouke said. OTI intends to finance the project with private capital and relying on no government subsidies.

“OTEC’s history is firmly rooted at NELHA. We see this as bringing it home in a sense,” she added. “There will be a lot of ‘show-and-tell’ associated with this demonstration and NELHA is an appropriate location for that.” OTEC was part of the original mission of the NELHA facility.

OTEC has global promise as a renewable energy source, but it has yet to produce commercial power. Its technical feasibility was affirmed more than 30 years ago by the U.S. Department of Energy, but low fossil fuel prices have prevented its commercial application.

“OTI’s demonstration plant at NELHA will advance NELHA’s stature as the world’s premier research and development site for OTEC,” O’Rourke said. Over the anticipated 30-year life of the demonstration plant, OTI intends to hone OTEC technology, components and operations as new or better materials and systems are discovered.

OTI’s website is www.OTECI.com

The office of Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi also issued this media release in regards to the news:

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi congratulated Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) for its push to rekindle the development of ocean thermal energy conversion technology (OTEC) at the Keahole Point facility in Kona.

NELHA’s request for information resulted in four responses, with the Board of Directors selecting OTEC International to build a one-megawatt demonstration plant that will produce electricity using the temperature difference of deep sea and surface waters. The 55-inch pipelines, worth $20 million and completed in 2006, were installed for this purpose.

“We are very pleased that OTEC has returned to its rightful place and will be further advanced right here on the Island of Hawaii,” said Mayor Kenoi. “We’ve been actively engaged in trying to attract OTEC back to Hawaii Island, and we hope this is a step in that direction.”

In September, the County of Hawaii produced and facilitated an Ocean Energy Workshop focused on bringing OTEC developers and ocean scientists together to discuss issues such as finance, environment, technology and implementation. Soon after, NELHA released a request for information (RFI) to see what developers are interested in financing and building the one-megawatt demonstration project.

“We have always believed that NELHA represents a unique asset to the Island and County of Hawaii,” said Kenoi. “We have supported NELHA since its inception in 1974 and I do not think that this opportunity would have emerged so quickly without the great partnership between County of Hawaii and NELHA.”

The county, which was also represented at an OTEC workshop on Kumejima Island, Okinawa last November, plans to continue working with NELHA to co-host ocean energy workshops, with the next one planned for mid 2012.

Mayor Kenoi is also planning to visit Kumejima, which entered into a sister city relationship with Hawaii Island at the September Ocean Energy Workshop. Kumejima officials are keenly interested in partnerships to further ocean energy and ocean science opportunities.

“We share so many similarities with Kumejima,” said Mayor Kenoi. “We are both outlying islands in an isolated region of a much larger country. We once depended on sugar cane as our economic driver but now rely on tourism. We have incredible assets at our door steps, and this positions both of us to be world leaders in aquaculture and OTEC.”

By David Corrigan and Tim Bryan

[File video by David Corrigan]

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii: Banyan’s in Kona, the legendary surf spot favored by visiting professionals as well as locals, has been named the top priority for acquisition by the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission.

The condo association that owns the heavily-used location is reportedly in support of selling the parcel to the county. The relatively small beach is only 10,000 square feet.

The county has already committed to increasing the available parking spaces at the beach, which gets pretty crowded when the surfs up.

Aside from Hawaii Island Surfing Association contests, Banyans is the location of the annual Keiki Surf Classic, put on by big wave superstar Shane Dorian… and a few of his friends.

The priority list will be presented to Mayor Billy Kenoi in an annual report, and after council approval, negotiations to purchase the parcels, in the order in which they are prioritized, will begin.