Keaukaha community was founded in 1921 by Prince Jonah as one of two Hawaiian Homelands settlements. It's an isolated community--one way in, one way out.

Keaukaha School is colocated with a Hawaiian immersion school.

Kumu Lehua said before he became principal, there were behavioral and academic challenges at the school, as at any school. He said No Child Left Behind started in 2001 and although Kumu says he does not feel his job is to "pass tests," it is indeed a requirement of schools these days. He and his school team looked at the situation and started a program called to help address the situations and focus forward. It's all about values, about ohana, about balance, about community. They got tee shirts for the students...front: Got Pono?, back is Keaukaha Got Pono. It's a theme repeated in posters around school to get the students focused on respecting themselves, ohana, ancestors, community. Mauli is a word Kumu will be using for the upcoming year: spirit, heart, what makes my heart beat. After the concept Got Pono? was introduced, what changes? Kumu said learning became more fun for teachers and students. Education became more than inside the four walls--they created a garden, they go on field trips, they have experiences which support the learning. Kumu said he feels no constraint from Department of Education, but he also says he has worked closely with the superintendent to explain the program, and create connections, and engender trust. Kumu says students, teachers, feel the change, feel the positive spirit.

Kumu has tracked students after Keaukaha Elementary, especially those who stay in the community. They do tutoring, to help them succeed in middle and high school.

Business community support: Keaukaha Elementary did not have money to provide "extras". They gratefully accept donations from the community, and many businesses, such as Hamakua Springs Country Farms (Richard Ha) have helped the school take the kids on field trips and do various "not in school" programs. They also welcome kokua from community members to do tutoring. They have a robotics program, and use Keaukaha Resource Center behind the school to enhance what's provided at school.

See the school's web site: http://keaukaha.k12.hi.us/. The community is invited to events such as the December sing and May Day performances. A huge mahalo to Kumu Lehua for a great talk story and for his and his team's work with the community--and mahalo the community for support for the school.

A note: consult your own physician regarding your health practices!

Can we change the natural path of what our genes give us? Dr. Lins feels we can make modifications with diet, lifestyle. Methylated vitamins help control what are sometimes called "bad genes." Also, antioxidants can often change and improve what our predisposition is. Dr. Lins pointed out that some vitamins, based on how they're formulated, can be more easily absorbed by the body. Example: Calcium Citrate is generally more easily absorbed than Calcium Carbonate.

How can we improve our immune systems? Dr. Lins feels nutrition is the basis. She has been successful with many patients by analyzing their blood types, and suggesting changes in food to complement their blood type (ie the Blood Type Diet). Blood reacts with elements in food, and food can slow or speed up metabolism, and. O blood type, most common: they need to eat more protein. Even if vegetarian, people can get protein. More fresh fruits and vegetables, less grain. Type A, second most common: this blood type needs more vegetables, less red meat, more grains. Type B: considered the "strongest," can eat almost anything, except--surprise--she recommends no or less chicken!!

Re building immunity: Dr. Lins echoes other doctors in saying fresh fruits and vegetables are critical, plus clean sources of protein (ie avoid meats injected with hormones). Dr. Lins also said proper rest plus exercise helps keep our immunity high. Stress is also a huge insult to our immune system.

Dr. Lins says some foods are actually toxic to people--not that the food is inherently toxic, but that people may react poorly to certain foods. It's actually food allergies, ie someone's immune system may "launch an attack" based on certain foods. Typically people have symptoms, such as gastric, headaches, itching ears, skin rashes. Dr. Lins says she and other naturopaths will generally test for food allergies, to eliminate possible offending foods, with gradual reintroduction.

Dr. Lins says most of her patients are women with hormonal problems, women within 10 years of menopause, who are having mood swings and other symptoms. Often food or supplements can help.

Dr. Lins says naturopathy is often just good common sense, with tweaks to suit the individual.

Vog: Dr. Lins says vog especially assaults the adrenal system, which is designed to deal with stress. Vog stresses us--general malaise, respiratory problems, itchy eyes, etc. Dr. Lins says building up the adrenal system can help. Adrenal system: adrenal glands, sitting on top of the kidneys but not part of the kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones such as adrenaline. How do we improve the adrenal system? Each person is different...those without high blood pressure can take licorice. There are also many herbs that can help.

Practical advice if we have to travel (plane flights): Dr. Lins says part of the problem may be not getting rest and having too good a time on vacation. Dr. Lins suggests Zicam (however, she warned, it's been shown to lose sense of smell). Ossilococcynium can be used if one starts to get flu or cold, to shorten duration. Zinc (active ingredient in Zicam) has also been shown to shorten the duration of colds. Drink lots of water.

Daily supplement recommendation? Dr. Lins: multivitamins, Vitamin C, arabanogalctin , astragalus, andrographis can all be helpful.

Dementia: can we ward it off? Dr. Lins said our brain's neurotransmitters affect dementia. Docs can test for neurotransmitters via a urine test, which helps look into the brain. Depending on what a doc finds, it's possible that certain amino acids can improve a person's neurochemical balance, improve mood. Dr. Lins also said exercise is shown to help improve memory--exercising improves both body and mind.

Herbs: are there herbs particularly helpful, either in cooking or in supplements? Dr Lins recommends using fresh foods, with fresh herbs, whenever possible. Avoid corn syrup and sugar; they oxidate in the body and create problems. Dr. Lins said rosemary, turmeric, circumin, look not just for sweet or salty but also go for pungent kinds of herbs.

Diabetes: a huge problem all over the U. S., but certainly here in Hawaii. White rice turns into sugar in the body, and is a huge contributor. Also, alcohol--Dr. Lins says many alcoholics become diabetics.

Dr. Lins encourages looking at alternative ways to stay healthy. Hawaii licenses naturopathic physicians (not all states do!). In naturopathy, the principles including treating the whole person, not just the disease; she also focuses on removing the cause of the problem; and finally, focus on the healing power of nature.

Reach Dr. Lins, 331-8404, her office is in Kona's Old Industrial. There are many naturopathic physicians around the island.

PTA is on Saddle Road, between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. It's a beautiful area. It includes 130,000 acres of land, a single runway, many quonset huts. It was started after World War II, on land purchased from Parker Ranch. It's used for training for Army and occasional other branches of the military. The permanent staff is Lt. Col. Richardson and an aide, but there are 170 civilian employees to provide support.

One of the most controversial issues has been depleted uranium, which was used at PTA in the 1960s in weapons known as Davey Crocketts, which were trying to simulate the path of nuclear weapons to help the Army know what to do. The State Department of Health has determined all DU is on PTA, none outside. They also feel it is a minor hazard (in most states, it's present in the soil, less so in Hawaii). Lt. Col. Richardson gave us the Army's politically correct statements, but did not really address the issue--however, since I spoke with State DOH, I mentioned that they feel the issue is not a threat to Hawaii Island's citizens.

Lt. Col. Richardson says they welcome citizens using their conference room or hiking at their facility. They have several protected plant species and say they focus on protection. To arrange a visit, call Communications Liaison Chicpaul Becerra, 969.2411.

Teen dating abuse looks very much like adult domestic violence. Dr. Murray said generally teens do not resort to physical violence--it's very much psychological. The victims are usually girls--but can be boys. Signs: girls are required by their boyfriends to be "available" much of the time, in person or via cell phone. The abuser tends to try to isolate the recipient of abuse. When girls are the abuser, they would tend more likely to be physical, and girls use weapons more often than do boys.

Signs? If you're crying a lot in the relationship, or feel sad, or if you're afraid of your partner, afraid to make them angry, that's a sign. One test for parents: try to take the teen's cellphone at night, see if the teen reacts poorly--often the abusers require the recipient to text them frequently!

Emotional abuse is subtle. The abuser wants power and control over the other person, and usually takes the recipient's self esteem. The abuser often interrogates, blames, make rules about the recipient's behavior, isolates them from friends. They don't tend to start that way--they're initially charming, and flattering, woos parents and teens...but then things change.

What makes young people become emotional abusers? Dr. Murray said it generally starts at home, with the child abuser being the recipient himself or herself of emotional abuse or physical or sexual abuse. Children learn from what they see at home.

Parents can help teens know what kind of relationship to have by modeling good relationship behavior. That includes demonstrating appropriate loving behavior that then a teen can see as a model. Dr. Murray said it's very possible even for a single parent to demonstrate this: don't denigrate your ex, and if there is an adult relative, male/female, to provide an opposite sex role model, it's good to try to keep them in your children's lives.

Fathers and children: fathers are important in children's lives, to provide a strong model teaching young men how to be responsible male adults, and to provide girls with unconditional love and let them know they can be loved without being put down.

If a teen feels uncomfortable in a relationship--Dr. Murray says they should get out. Teenage girls are often very relationship focused, so it takes a strong young woman to leave a relationship. Sometimes emotional abusers will threaten violence or suicide if their partner threatens to leave. If that happens, tell their parents, or your parents, or a teacher, or even the police. Don't let an abuser force you to remain

See Dr. Murray's website for information about her books, and more important, frequently asked questions and examples of situtions...www.drjillmurray.com. You can also send Dr. Murray a confidential email, and she'll answer. Dr. Murray also says you can google "teen dating abuse" for other sources. Dr. Murray's books are in most of our school libraries.

There's also a national 24-hour help line number, 800-799-4357, to call for help. Dr. Katie Nova, Kona side psychologist, also reinforced--if you need help, seek an adult, find one to take your concerns seriously.

Dr. Kanahele was a commentator for television coverage for this year's Merrie Monarch. Dr. Kanahele talked about what the mele and chants were saying, to help us the viewers understand more about the performances. She partnered with Manu Boyd, who spoke of the clothing, the different halau, the steps. Dr. Kanahele said she also felt the coverage was better this year from the educational standpoint.

She recommended we listen carefully, for specific words even if we don't speak Hawaiian. Listen for place names, listen for specific Hawaiian words to help us place ourselves in the time of the dance. She suggests we note the clothing, which is designed to represent the period, based on style and color. Note the feet movement, the hands, look at the different body parts to begin to appreciate the intricancies. Dr. Kanahele feels we can self educate as well as learn from experts.

The Edith Kanaka'ole Foundation wants to perpetuate knowledge and intelligence. Dr. Kanahele feels people have intelligence, which they can use to advance their formal education through observation, looking, listening, reading. They can then begin to articulate for themselves what they learn about. Knowledge is information we're given, which can inform our intelligence.

The Edith Kanaka'ole Foundation helps organizations in the area of Hawaiian culture. Each program is tailored to the individual organization, based on research, questioning, a look at what's needed. A big focus now: a way to look at the universe with a Hawaiian focus.

Dr. Kanahele is working on a specific framework for learning, Papaku Makawalu. The framework for this work was contained in a traditional Hawaiian chant. Dr. Kanahele said she had to study the chant intensely to figure it out. Simplistically, the framework includes the entire universe. Her task has been breaking it down into manageable parts.

Papahulilani: three words, papa--huli--lani, combined into a larger concept. This refers to the space above our heads, from where we are to the stars and beyond. This covers all elements within this framework, the air, the sun, the moon, wind, clouds, rain, and more.

Papahulihonua: the most difficult of the concepts, refers to the earth, what we stand on, the ocean, the volcanoes and all that come from them (lava, vog) the foundation.

Papahanoumoku: things that procreate, things that give birth, which includes kanaka (people), animals, fish, plants, coral, all living things.

Is there conflict with a "Western" view of the universe? Dr. Kanakaole says no, the Papaku Makawalu, encompasses the entire universe, witha slightly different focus.

The Edith Kanaka'ole hula tradition is carried on by Aunty Pua's sister, Nalani, and Pua's two daughters. The tradition is bombastic, energetic, based on the fires of Madame Pele. Aunty Pua said hula is a living art, it changes constantly. We still live in the place of our ancestors, that's the constant, but language, clothing, colors, all of that changes with the time.

Learn more, www.papakumakawalu.org, or www.edithkanakaolefoundation.org. Take advantage, if you hear that Dr. Pualani Kanahele is lecturing--go! She's a very interesting and informative speaker, with a sense of humor.

Civic Clubs were started in 1917 by Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole to advance the cause of the Hawaiian people.

Akaka Bill: when passed feels will give our state, our people more opportunities. Once passed, he feels the people of Hawaii (those of Hawaiian blood and those who live in Hawaii) can work with whatever finally passes.

Hawaiian Civic Clubs: raise funds for scholarships (they provide around 1,000 scholarships for students at around $1,000 each). They also work directly to provide all kinds of Hawaiian-focused education in mele, hula, and civic responsibility. They want to bring Hawaiian culture to all aspects of life, and teach everybody who lives here about that.

Hawaiian Civic Clubs: the mother club is on Oahu, and there are clubs worldwide. Bucky says many clubs welcome those who are Hawaiian in spirit, not just Hawaiian by blood.

Convention: Last November there was a convention of the worldwide clubs on Kauai, with around 500 attendees. They focused on issues they wanted the Hawaii State Legislature to address. They also advise the Governor directly of their key issues.

Ceded lands: there are two issues, one is money owed to the Hawaiian people from back use of the land, the other is the land and what happens to the land.

Hawaiian Civic Clubs officially support Office of Hawaiian Lands, although individuals may not individually support all positions of OHA.

Learn more about Hawaiian Civic Clubs online, just google Hawaiian Civic Clubs.

Bucky is happen to talk with you about Hawaiian Civic Clubs, or help you find a Club if you're interested in taking part. 324-1392

This interview will be posted on this web site by Monday afternoon, May 11--click on interviews. Apologies in advance--Dr. Fukino is with us by phone and I didn't do a great job of modulating the sound...but the information she provides is excellent!

Dr. Chiyome Fukino, head of State Department of Health, joined us by phone from her office in Honolulu. She reminded us that State Department of Health has over 100 programs.

Swine Flu, aka H1N1 flu: so far, 6 cases have been confirmed in the state. The first 3 cases, the people had been to the mainland, contracted the flu there, and have recovered. The second group of three, including a student at UH Manoa confirmed on Friday, May 8, had NOT traveled to the mainland. Nor had they been in contact with the first three, it's believed, so--the swine flu is here.

What is influenza? Caused by the influenza virus, symptoms including high fever over 100 degrees, cough, hoarseness, extreme muscle aches. Having sniffles, a cold--that is NOT the flu. We're also not talking "the stomach flu," which is a gastrointestinal illness, although influenza may include diarrhea.

Innoculation period, when you're contagious, can range from 2 to 7 days, including the day before you show symptoms.

To truly diagnose the flu, your doctor must take a swab and send it to the lab for testing. The doctor's office can determine IF you have the flu, but State Department of Health must determine if you have the H1N1 swine flu or the usual, normal, "seasonl" flu. Up til now, the CDC in Atlanta had to do the final testing, but they have now developed the test kits and shipped to the states last week. The state lab should be "validated" by CDC this week that they're doing the testing properly, ie, the CDC confirms the same results as the state.

The normal, annual, season flu results in around 36,000 deaths in the US every year. So...what's the current concern? Dr. Fukino says this virus has not been in humans before, it's now in multiple geographic areas, it's spreading, and because it's new, we humans have no protection against it. Normally the seasonal flu is most serious for the old, very young, those with immune systems compromised. But this new swine flu/H1N1 seems to be affecting younger people most. In fact, it came to the US brought by young people who'd gone to Mexico and spent spring break there--and brought back swine flu! Note, you don't get swine flu/H1N1 from eating pork.

When will there be a vaccine? Probably by September. Although not everybody will want the vaccine, it's likely, with this new vaccine, that everybody cannot get it immediately. First to get it: health providers, government workers who need to keep infrastructure going. General population is last. However, Dr. Fukino said the belief is that healthy people should be able to either not get it OR will be able to have the flu and survive. Can we get influenza from the shot itself? NO, Dr. Fukino was firm.

Treatment: there are two antiviral drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza. The virus appears to respond. There is enough supply of both drugs. (Note, I checked with KTA Hilo and Keauhou, with Long's, with Kaiser, and they all agreed they have a supply on hand now.)

Dr. Fukino emphasized there is no value for individuals to "stockpile" drugs...it might age out, and individuals would not know when and if to take it. Can it be a preventive? Theoretically yes, but it's not a good idea. You'd have to take a pill a day essentially forever. It's expensive (pharmacies told me it's $10 per pill). And these bugs may mutate and possibly get immune to the drugs, as flu bugs tend to. Then we'd be in more trouble.

Dr. Fukino said the antiviral meds, which you take once you're confirmed with flu, will ease symptoms and appears to help the illness go away sooner. However, some people, with good immune systems, will not need the drugs, some of us will just recover, as we do from other illnesses.

The Hawaii State airport screening program is a model for the country, as we're the first to really do this. If planes have sick people, the pilots inform the controllers, who call in Department of Health to meet ill incoming passengers, determine what they have, and determine appropriate action relative to the patients and those on the plane. The State has formalized the procedures working with County Emergency Medical services.

If we have to travel on a plane: do not travel when ill, if next to a sick person ask to be moved, wash hands frequently for the length of the song "Happy Birthday." Dr. Fukino said the plane air is the plane air, and masks do prevent the wearer's germs from going out, but will not prevent germs from coming in. So she doesn't recommend masks. Health care workers will wear the N95 mask when dealing with ill people, but it's not practical for a long plane flight.

How do we keep our immune systems as robust as they can be? Dr. Fukino said, GET REST, eat healthy foods, do not smoke. Dr. said the gel sanitizers are effective as well as hand washing with soap and water. Antibacterial soap is not necessary, plain soap and water works.

The State has been doing pandemic planning since 2001, since the terrorist attacks. The planning is based on "all hazard," including a pandemic.

Business preparations: businesses should be prepared for the possibility they may need to close, may not have the right number of employees, and also for the possibility that if students stay home from school, parents will need to stay home with them. And parents need to plan for how to care for their families, including keiki, if schools are closed or family members are sick. If someone has influenza, they should be isolated from others.

If around someone who's ill: wash hands frequently, and stay, as Dr. Fukino said, out of spitting distance as the disease will travel in droplets from coughing or sneezing.

Remember, Government will not have capability to care for us all if there is a pandemic. As of today, 43 states have confirmed cases, and this influenza will spread, it's inevitable. Dr. Fukino reminded us, have emergency supplies in our homes--enough food and water and supplies to get us through several weeks of isolation.

More information: State Department of Health web site, www.hawaii.gov/health. It's a great web site, much information, questions.

Hilo Medical Center includes the main facility plus Ka'u Hospital, Honoka'a Hospital, and the Hilo Veterans Home.

Current financial situation: Howard acknowledged that all hospitals nationwide are struggling financially. HMC currently is facing a $7.1 million shortfall for this fiscal year, ending June 30, 2009. Understanding the state legislature cannot be counted on to pay for the shortfall (as they have always done in the past for state hospitals), Mr. Ainsley said they're evaluating all programs, and looking at cutting non-essential services. He said these are not items directly related to serving the patients. They are trying to avoid layoffs. The objective is to lessen costs, do everything short of layoffs, but "at the end of the day" they will do what's necessary to keep the Hilo Medical Center doors open.

Emergency Room Upgrade: the renovation was completed November, 2008, with 28 emergency room bays--doubling the capacity. HMC's Emergency Room sees around 35,000 patients a year--wow.

The legislature is still in session, so nothing is final yet. Mr. Ainsley said much of the control of the hospital is local, with a local board only authorized by the state about a year ago. He feels the HMC local board is outstanding. He said the legislature is considering putting the state hospitals under the State Department of Health--which is widely believed (doctors, the hospitals, the local boards) to be a very bad idea. Dr. Chiyome Fukino, head of State Department of Health, also said putting the hospitals under State DOH would be a mistake. Howard said he hopes cooler heads within the State Legislature prevail and NOT put the hospitals under DOH and allow the local boards to work.

Doctor shortage: HMC is starting a medical residency program to help address the issue. HMC is working with University of Hawaii Manoa and Hilo, to bring in trainees from the medical school and pharmacy school--doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychology students--to work under direction of a doctor, as in any residency program. It's known that docs will often stay where they train. HMC has already created a clinic, essentially a teaching clinic, in which these folks would work. The big issue: the state has withheld promised funding. There is local fundraising going on (via Hilo Medical Center Foundation and many local fundraising efforts including with former Mayor Harry Kim), and pressure being applied at state level to try to get some $4M in promised funds released. Howard said they're also exploring the possibility of forming an alliance with the military. The program will cost around $500,000 per year. Howard said the program is starting even without funding for multiple years, though Year 1 has funding.

Cardiac catheterization lab: Since late 2008, HMC has provided angiograms and angioplasty. So far they've done 30, all successful outcomes.

Community Health Centers: HMC does work with the federally funded community health centers, as both are part of our island's "health safety net." Community health centers get higher reimbursements and also take care of many on our island who have no health insurance or no physician.

For more, go to the Hilo Medical Center web site, www.hmc.hhsc.org. Elena Cabatu is the community relations manager, you can also call her (great and helpful woman) 974-4738.

Envision Hilo 2025 is a grassroots, community participation program to develop a vision for how residents want Downtown Hilo to be...in 2025. The work started with a planner from Canada who came to Hilo and gave a workshop, inviting residents to give their ideas.

How does this relate to the Community Development Plan? Per Susan, it is not a CDP--it's a neighborhood plan, but still supported by County Planning with funding and time and people. County Council adopted this plan by a resolution.

Vision Keepers guide in implementation of the plan. They don't typically DO the implementation, but they ensure that experts in the various areas -- county, private, whomever -- do indeed implement. There are 12 vision keepers.

This work started in 2004. What has happened so far, what results? Eileen said making downtown compliant with American with Disabilities Act, beginning work on Bayfront Trails project to provide walkways from pier to downtown, hanging baskets of flowers on Haili Street and Kamehameha Avenue, soon-to-come interpretive signage at Kalakaua Park and at the Naha Stones at the library, and restoration at Liholiho Park.

Is there intent to create a Business Improvement District, as did Kailua Village, to provide some tax funding? Susan Gagorick said that's an option--but not happening now.

Financial support is coming from County Council. Also, American Institute of Architects has awarded a grant to provide a planning team coming in, this May, to refine the plan.

The AIA Sustainable Design Team will bring in planning and design professionals--architcts, engineers, planners, flood experts, historical preservation experts. They will meet with key county people AND the public May 5, 6, and 7 to get specific on more plans. See Hawaii County's website, www.co.hawaii.hi.us. and look over to the right--click on Envision Downtown Hilo 2025.

What will keep this from being just another plan stuck on a shelf? Susan Gagorick says they expect to start implemention with some projects immediately. The AIA team will also be monitoring the results--some pressure, having accepted their grant, to perform. Susan said Councilmen Ikeda and Onishi are supportive.

Go to the County Website, or call County Planner Susan Gagorick at 961-8288 x 256.

Why is he running for Governor, instead of running for what would likely be a guaranteed lifetime in US Congress? Congressman said he's running because we deserve a Governor committed only to Governor, not seeking a different, higher, office.

I asked about partisanship: why do politicians at state and national level continue to seemingly be focused on personal interests, not what's best for the whole in this time of challenge? Abercrombie said we have partisan politics because there are different viewpoints. However, he said regarding the economic rescue plan, he said he'd talked with members of the Republican Party who personally felt it was appropriate to vote for it--but nonetheless voted against it--because of party politics. (Editor's note: apparently, that's just the way it is.)

We will lose Abercrombie in US Congress, and at some point we will lose our two very senior Senators, Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka. I asked what the impact will be to our state and the funding we now get from the Federal Government--will loss of that seniority mean we lose Federal money? Congressman said our state's population determines funding for many programs (editor's note: look for a good, accurate census). He said some programs will be funded for Hawaii because we're the only place to offer them-example, astronomy atop Mauna Kea. He said seniority gives states a better chance to compete when there are multiple places funding can go.

What key issues will Congressman focus on in the race for Governor? He said he'll see what key issues the voters bring to him.

He said campaigning now is very different than it used to be -- much more information out there, faster; much more electronic media.

The main tenet of the Catholic Church is that God sent Jesus Christ, his son, to be man and save his people. They also believe Jesus Christ died for his people (crucified) but was reborn, on Easter, and continues to live on. Bishop Silva said Catholics are set apart by the Sacraments, ways man and God connect. Sacraments in the Catholic Church include Baptism, Holy Communion, Matrimony, among others. Bishop Silva reminded us that Jesus was merciful and forgiving. Although sin is bad and has consequences, the Church recognizes Christ's ability to forgive through the Sacrament of Confession, or Penance, which allows Catholics to confess and be forgiven. Bishop Silva said God is merciful, but complex, not easily understood.

Bishop Silva became Bishop in 2005. He fairly quickly commissioned development of a strategic plan, a roadmap, developed by parishoners as well as the church leadership. A key desire of all was more/better leadership training. Bishop Silva said on our island there are two vicariates, East and West, and the leadership of churches within each vicariate will get together and participate in workshops to help those leading the church, whether priests or lay people, can develop their leadership skills.

Other key points in the roadmap: develop young people more as they wish to be more involved; address the problem of homelessness via education of those who need housing on possible solutions and focusing on affordable housing.

Bishop Silva acknowledged fewer men are going into the priesthood. The church does have some married priests--Greek Orthodox, or men from other religions who were clery there, married and perhaps with children, who convert to Catholicism and are married priests. Bishop Silva said celibacy is a spiritual matter, the requirement that men who become priests choose to be celibate is a way of offering a special kind of love to the community and to God. Though Bishop said celibacy may be an impediment to young men entering the priesthood, he said the Church needs to market the concept better!

St. Michael's Church in Kona was structurally damaged in the October, 2006 earthquake. It will have to be torn down and replaced. Plans are being developed now.

Re Catholic Education: the only Catholic School on the island is St. Joseph's in Hilo, which just celebrated 140 years. Bishop said it is highly unlikely there will be new Catholic schools here. The challenge is mostly financial. However, Bishop said he's committed to Catholic education. Host note: Bishop Silva and I both graduated from Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, California--same class!

Plans to add churches on this island? Fr. Lio Falatoy, pastor of St. Michael's, has indicated possibility of adding a church near Kona International Airport, Kea'au-Kurtistown, Waikoloa.

Female participation in the Catholic church: women are not allowed in the Catholic priesthood. Bishop said women are very involved in the Church, but said he does not see women becoming priests. Why? The church sees Christ as the "bridegroom" of the church, and women don't fit that image.

Church's position on Civil Unions? Not in favor. Says Church does not wish to deny people civil rights, but feels civil unions are same as marriage, and the church is concerned about allowing homosexuals to marry. He feels civil unions could weaken the family. (Clearly this is a subject for great debate; not all Catholic priests are in agreement with the Bishop and the Church's official position--but we only had 30 minutes for our interview so we didn't spend more time).

Father Damien will be our state's first Catholic saint. The canonization is set for October 11, 2009. Father Damien ministered on Moloka'i, caring for those affected with Hansen's disease (leprosy). Bishop said the Church canonizes saints to give us role models, not to have a Catholic Church hall of fame. Father Damien was truly an ordinary-seeming guy (read Holy Man by Gavin Daws). He was cantankerous, at odds with Church hierarchy, but did good. Bishop said everybody who goes to Heaven is a saint, but the Church only names those who've gone through a rigorous process to ensure they are worthy of being role models.

A note: Mother Marianne Cope, who also worked on Moloka'i, is on the path to become our state's second saint.

Bishop said he expects people will come on pilgrimages to see where Fr. Damien worked--perhaps a good boost to our tourism industry! Father Damien is a good example of social ministry--a model for all of us, Catholic or not.

Learn more about the Catholic Church in Hawaii, www.catholichawaii.com. Bishop Silva reminded us to remember that God loves us.

Senator Dr. Josh Green, the only physician in the legislature, told us Senate crafted a bill, 1673, to allow our state hospitals to restructure, possibly as a nonprofit, to be able to seek additional outside funding. The bill also allows restructuring of how personnel are handled. Current personnel costs are 80% of what Hilo Medical Center and Kona Hospital spends--and part of the flexibility proposed is to keep existing employees on the same benefit plan but bring in new employees on a less generous plan (current employees, on day 1 of employment, can take 21 vacation days, 21 sick days, and the hospital has limited flexibility in assigning them work). The Senate bill sounds good. However, it was sent to the House, and the House apparently disagrees with the severity of the problem--and has proposed simply moving the state hospitals under the Department of Health, apparently not addressing the real problems.

One issue cited by hospitals and doctors as an impediment to practicing in our state/on our island:there are currently unlimited amounts allowed for medical malpractice suits for pain and suffering (which the lawyers love). Re tort reform for medical malpractice insurance: Dwight Takamine said there is "talk," but my sense was there is no real move to improve the situation.

Sen. Takamine said the Hilo Medical Center Residency Program, not funded by the state even though the legislature authorized funds, is having fundraising done locally, a good sign.

Sen Kokubun reminded that community health centers in Hamakua, Hilo, Puna, Ka'u, Kona, are important parts of the health safety net. Because of their federal designation, they get better, higher reimbursements than do our hospitals, so they should survive.

Sen Kokubun also said the state is implementing a video conference system so we the citizens can give input more directly to our legislators.

Education: Charter schools are part of the Department of Education. Our island has the most of any island. The DOE gives Charter Schools a lower per-pupil allocation than they give to other public schools. Will that situation be rectified? Sen Takamine: there have been many cuts in the DOE. He feels our focus should be on getting more money from the federal economic stimulus program. Ed note: I was not able to get a sense from his answer as to whether there is any plan to force DOE to fund charter schools in a manner commensurate with how other public schools are funded.

Budget: state revenues continue to decline. Governor says her proposed cuts will reduce deficit from $2Billion to $280 million. The biggest expense to state is labor. Governor is asking the legislature to trust her to negotiate and resolve labor issues. Sen Kokubun said no deal...the Senate cannot abdicate its responsibility to settle the budget before their session is pau. He says Governor should have been doing labor negotiations for months and now we're nearly out of time.

The state legislative members have been criticized for accepting a 30% raise, $1,000/month this year--I asked if that timing, given potential state employee furloughs, layoffs, was appropriate. Sen Kokubun said what's done is done, but for future perhaps everybody, top on down, should not take future raises or have cuts.

Transient Accommodation Tax: our county was counting on $18 million, and the word is, it may be taken back by State. Sen Kokubun said the Senate does not intend to take it away, although the House has proposed indeed keeping that money, thus pushing even more of a problem to the counties.

When the Senators and I talked in December, Sen Kokubun said energy sustainability was high on his list. I asked--he said, given all else, it's not very high right now. HOWEVER, he said there are bills addressing making us more fuel efficient (less dependency on foreigh oil) and some of the federal stimulus money focuses on energy efficiency.

The Senators stressed they want your input. So please give it, to them and members of the State House (editorial note: especially give input to our state house reps to remind them they NEED to address health care issues in a non-political, non-punitive way to help the citizens).

Puna Geothermal has permission from the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission to go as high as producing 60 megawatts of power. They currently produce 30 megawatts, and are working now to build to create 8 more megawatts. This source of power is extremely stable, as the volcano power is constant. This makes it more reliable, and more readily available to HELCO, than wind or wave or hydro power.

Is this safe? The plant could be overrun by lava should there be an eruption close by, but the plant is constructed in a way to allow it to be disassembled in that event (which apparently is considered not too likely). Emissions: some have happened, last many years ago. Noise: yes, it's an industrial facility, but Mike says they work with the neighbors to discuss and mitigate if there are issues.

Puna Geothermal is owned by the 45-year-old company Ormatt Technologies, an Israeli Company with headquarters in Yevni, Israel with a US headquarters in Reno. They have similar facilities in 71 countries. Mike indicates Ormatt has a great degree of financial stability and is in an expansion mode, adding a plant right now in San Diego with others planned.

Is using volcano power disrespectful to Madame Pele? Although some Hawaiian activists have indicated they feel so, Mike (of Hawaiian descent) feels the power of the volcano is a gift from Madame Pele, and says he's consulted with many kupuna who feel the same. Additionally, the first person to suggest harnessing the energy of the volcano to create electricity was King David Kalakaua!

Do we the consumers save money by HELCO's use of this alternative/renewable resource? No, we do not. HELCO pays Puna Geothermal based on "avoided cost," ie what they'd have to pay to use oil. So if the price of oil is $100/barrel, that's what they pay PGT. If it's $20/barrel, THAT's what they pay PGT. This really creates awareness of the need to achieve regulatory reform in how our electric utility pricing is regulated, if we are to not only reduce our dependence on imported oil, but achieve some possible lower cost of energy.

Learn more about Puna Geothermal online, www.punageothermalventure.com. Mike Kaleikini is also happy to talk with the public or do presentations to your group--he's at 965-6233.

Lono said the Hilo Landfill still has a couple of years left, and he believes it can be extended by expanding it horizontally as well as vertically. He's just starting the process of reviewing the past proposals for waste to energy as a long term solution.

The County has no ability now to provide curbside recycling, but we can recycle at County Transfer Stations.

Host note: my husband and I have started seriously recycling (many thanks to my husband for being the one to take the recycle stuff to the transfer station). What we have found: we have EASILY reduced the garbage that goes into the landfill to about 25% of what we formerly were putting into the landfill. It's turned out not to be that difficult--and it's rewarding. Try it!

Earl Greenia said both Hilo Medical Center and Kona Community Hospital, both state-managed hospitals, continue to have huge financial struggles. The HHSC (Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, the state hospital holding company) is seeking appropriate funding from the state legislature. However, the state which has previously covered all hospital expenses, it's not certain what will happen. Mr. Greenia said the state legislature MAY be willing to shift from having this be a state agency to a stand-alone nonprofit 501C3 organization. That could open the door for more federal and private funding. Separation from the State would also allow better control of costs, including not being under the Civil Service system. Civil Service rules seem fairly inflexible--an example: if there are no patients in the Intensive Care Unit, the hospital is NOT allowed to redeploy the nurse personnel to another place in the hospital, such as Emergency Room. Even if there are no patients, the ICU must be staffed. Just one example.

Kona Hospital is relicensing some of its hospital beds from long-term care only (ie nursing home type care) to either long term or acute care (typical hospital bed). This will allow Kona Hospital to (hopefully) move patients more quickly from the Emergency Room to hospital beds when needed.

Dr. Jone Flanders, cardiologist, was with North Hawaii Community Hospital, and has been working as a hospitalist at Kona Community Hospital. Dr. Flanders said she was pleasantly surprised at how excellent the care is at Kona Community Hospital.

As a hospitalist, Dr. Flanders has been working as an internal medicine doc (she's board certified in that specialty as well as cardiology). She said she finds much need for her cardiology skills. Hawaii Island leads the state in death from heart disease and stroke. Technology in heart care has been changing, and Dr. Flanders said it's difficult for non cardiologists to keep track of the newest developments. Additionally, cardiologists require expensive equipment.

Dr. Flanders will be joining Ali'i Health Systems, as a full-time cardiologist. Ali'i Health is a nonprofit organization, separate legal entity, subsidiary of HHSC. Doctors are directly employed, outside of Civil Service, Ali'i Health handles the malpractice insurance and handles administrative tasks such as billing and scheduling. Doctors get to focus on medicine. There are several doctors now with Ali'i Health, including orthopedic surgeons Dr. Barry Blum, Dr. Vivian Chang, and Dr. Dave Vasconcellos.

Dr. Flanders said Americans lead the way in heart disease: we eat too much sugar and fat, we're not as active as we should be, and we're overweight. Heart disease is something we can often prevent through eating in a more healthy manner (vegetables and fruits and whole grains), more exercise, no smoking.

Do our hospitals have the right equipment to support our island cardiologists? Dr. Flanders said it's a Catch 22: without a cardiologist, hospitals don't buy the expensive equipment they want; and cardiologists will generally not sign up to work at a hospital. Dr. Flanders said our island hospitals have many non-invasive heart tests--nuclear medicine (imaging with stress test), echocardiograms. Dr. Flanders said Hilo Medical Center now has a cardiac cath (catheterization) lab. That will allow angiograms, a test where dye is injected and the heart can be observed. Dr. Bill Sammond, Hilo side cardiologist, will be the primary doc using that lab.

I asked about actor Kelsey Grammar, who had a heart attack while on our island and has been public about praising Kona Hospital personnel for saving his life. Dr. Flanders said the emergency medical technicians on our island are the best she has ever seen. They are all fire department EMTs; Dr. Flanders says they are the best trained, they provide meticulous care in the ambulance. They also know which hospital to get the patient to, based on their knowledge of time, distance, and need. (Dr. Flanders said we should always let the EMTs decide which hospital--that's NOT time to "shop".) Mr. Greenia said in the objective tests about how our Kona Hospital ER does, they scored 100% on 3 of the 5 measures and very high on the other two.

When/how is the decision made to transfer a patient to another facility? Dr. Flanders said now there is a helicopter to transport from the hospital to the airport and then by plane to a hospital on Maui or Oahu.

Dr. Flanders closed by reminding us: eat healthy, get active, don't smoke. She also said the team at Kona Community Hospital is extremely caring and they work very well together. Mr. Greenia closed by praising the entire staff at Kona Community Hospital.

HELCO is part of Hawaiian Electric Industries, which also owns the power companies on Oahu and Maui plus American Savings Bank. HEI is a company with shareholders, but also a regulated monopoly, regulated by the State's Public Utilities Commission, appointed by the Governor.

Currently our island power requirements are about 200MW of power, and HELCO has a capacity of 270MW of power, so we have built in backup.

Island power sources: oil-based power plants provide the bulk of our power. In addition, Puna Geothermal, 30 MW of power; wind power from wind farms in Kohala and South Point, and hydroelectric (water) using streams Hilo side.

Total energy supplied by renewable resources on this island, around 31%. It varies from year to year based on how much renewable energy is available. HELCO has also signed a contract with Sopogy for solar power, created at Natural Energy Lab; they'll buy 1/2 MW from Sopogy once produced (Sopogy is just starting up).

Reliability of our island power sources: our island doesn't seem to lose power like it used to, and when Oahu has had big outages, we have not. Mr. Ignacio said part of it is luck. Example: 2006 earthquake, when we lost power, it happened in a way that turned out to be balanced and that helped, plus Mr. Ignacio gave huge credit to the great HELCO team here on the island.

How are HELCO rates set? HELCO presents proposals based on their ongoing cost of doing business plus the amount of capital investment. They work with Hawaii PUC and the "consumer advocate" for the state to set a fair rate, which includes a 10% rate of return. If we use less foreign oil and more renewable power, does it follow that the rates would be lower? Mr. Ignacio said at current today price of oil, $40 per barrel, prices for renewable energy would be higher. At the highest price of oil, renewable energy cost could be less. (My unasked question--are consumers willing to pay extra for renewable energy?) HELCO is allowed to directly pass through the increased costs of oil. Mr. Ignacio said there is a lag in passing through the higher or lower price of oil to consumers. I asked Mr. Ignacio whether HELCO, as a private company, really has the energy-will-incentive to lower the prices to us, the consumers. He said he believes they do.

One incentive: Governor Lingle announced an historic agreement in June 2008 between our electric companies, US Department of Energy, and State, affecting energy. The agreement is to work together to reduce dependence on oil, and become more efficient in use of oil today (changes in equipment) and help customers (that's us) become more efficient in use of energy. It also requires HELCO to reduce number of oil-based power plants and use more renewable energy.

Curtis Beck said the HELCO philosophy is to encourage customers to save energy. Time Magazine's January 12 issue has a great article on the use of energy. I recommend you read it--we as consumers waste energy with things like plugged-in video games and other electronic devices that use a tremendous amount of energy. Use compact fluorescent bulbs, get a solar water heater (call HELCO for info on significant tax credits), go to any HELCO office or call them for an energy-saving tips booklet, go to HELCO's web site to learn more. www.helcohi.com

Editorial comment: the more I learn about electric rates, which will generally be higher than on the mainland, the more I realize that WE, the consumers, can significantly reduce our own electric bills by conserving.

We spent most time talking about the Hawaiian Monk Seals. They're endangered, with around 1200 in the state (including the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands). On the "main" islands, there are only 100, and our island seems to have 4 to 6. There's a Mom spending time Hilo side. Her son is right now spending time between Honaunau and Honokohau. Monk seal Moms and pups spend only 6 weeks together, nursing, then part company. The seals spend time eating (mostly fish and sea creatures), sleeping (often on shore) and mating (when they have a partner and the time is right).

They are endangered, with so few. Justin said, stay away. Rule of thumb: observe from a point at which your thumb covers the seal. It is not good for the seals to get too familiar with people--they are large, and their friendliness can cause problems for people just due to their sheer size. But for them, they can get used to us feeding them, and plastics and such can endanger their lives.

Find out more about Hawaiian Monk Seals--just google them. Justin wants to be contacted if you'd like him to speak before your school class or group. He also wants you to call if you spot any Hawaiian monk seals--that's the only way these creatures can be tracked. ph:(808)327-3697, cell: (808)987-0765, or email, Justin.P.Viezbicke@hawaii.gov

Justin is enthusiastic and knowledgeable--give him a call.