“Yesterday, December 7, 1941–a date which will live in infamy–the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”

After a brief and forceful speech, he asked Congress to approve a resolution recognizing the state of war between the United States and Japan.

The Japanese air assault came as a devastating surprise to the naval base.

Much of the Pacific fleet was rendered useless: Five of eight battleships, three destroyers, and seven other ships were sunk or severely damaged, and more than 200 aircraft were destroyed. A total of 2,400 Americans were killed and 1,200 were wounded, many while valiantly attempting to repulse the attack. Japan’s losses were some 30 planes, five midget submarines, and fewer than 100 men.

Fortunately for the United States, all three Pacific fleet carriers were out at sea on training maneuvers. These giant aircraft carriers would have their revenge against Japan six months later at the Battle of Midway, reversing the tide against the previously invincible Japanese navy in a spectacular victory.

Source
Picture Source

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Hilo Bay Beach is where the canoe club is and although it doesn’t get very busy unless there is something special going on nearby or there is a canoe competition.

Take a drive down along Kalanianaole Avenue and you will find these parks.

Onekahakaha Beach or Kids Beach is a man made lagoon with the surf blocked off by big rocks and sand was brought in to fill in the swimming area. We went there on Sunday and spent a couple of hours. I could float on my belly and walk with my hands all over the swimming area so I believe the max depth is under 3 feet. Of course this could change with high tide. Amenitites include showers, restrooms, picnic facilities and lifeguards.

Leleiwi Beach is right next to Richardsons Beach and it is a good snorkeling spot and a good place to spot Honu’s (turtles).

Richardson Beach Park is a favorite among locals and snorkelers. It is also the closest black sand beach to the town of Hilo. Amenities include picnic areas, bathrooms, showers, and a lifeguard stand. The grassy area is pictured here with black sand beach to the right of the picture. The beach and swimming area are protected by a natural lava rock breakwater.

Four Mile Beach (James Kealoha Park) is another favorite among locals offering swimming, snorkeling and camping on scout island just offshore.

At the end of Kalanianaole Avenue you will find Lehia Park. The water is pretty rough here, so swimming is not recommended, but there is some tide pools and some big open sandy and grassy areas to relax.

Be careful of the sun here in Hawaii and wear some sunscreen. I was only out for a couple hours and I am feelin the burn.

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Sadly, Hawaii is also one of the most petroleum dependent states for about 85% – 90% of its primary energy.

Gov. Lingle announced a goal earlier this year of at least 70 percent renewable energy use in Hawaii by the year 2030.

Geothermal

Geothermal uses the heat generated by the volcanic activities and turns the hot water and steam generated deep underground and converts it to power on the surface. On the Big Island of Hawaii geothermal provides 20% of the Big Islands power. Geothermal exploration started as early as 1960 and has grown into it’s present day supplier of a fifth of the islands needs, with the potential to provide much more.

The Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) power plant is located in Pahoa, Hawaii. PGV accounts for about 30 percent of the state’s alternative energy resources, which is more than wind and solar combined. The water is reinjected into the earth so the plant has near zero emissions.

Biomass

Biomass is the largest source of renewable fuel in Hawaii. A 180 MW biomass plant began full-scale operations on September 1, 1992. In 1992 biomass produced about 8.2 percent of the State’s total electricity. Consisting mainly from bagasse the waste from sugarcane. Sugar mills use bagasse from sugarcane to provide thermal power and electricity for sale to utility grids. The decline in the sugar industry over the past couple of decades has slowed this renewable source down to the point that some of the plants had to turn to burning coal and petroleum fuels to produce power.

A partnership of Wind developers from Kaui and Maui are trying to secure the rights to 20,000 acres of eucalyptus trees grown along the Hamakua coast to burn in a biomass combustion power plant. The 30-megawatt power plant hopes to be completed sometime in the second half of 2010.

The power plant will be located in Paauilo and produce enough energy to power 30,000 homes. The plant could generate 30 megawatts of power, but would normally generate 25 megawatts of firm power during peak times and 15 megawatts at other times.

Hydro Power

Hydro power harness the energy of moving water to produce electricity. There are several small hydroelectric plants on the islands of Hawaii. Although these are deamed as being intermittent and not stable power they do produce enough power to power various sugar mills and plantations. Most are owned by the sugar mills themselves. There are a total of 20 Hydropower plants that produce .2 MW or greater. Maui has 4 hydro power plants, Kauai has seven and the Big Island has 9 plants.

Solar Power

Hawaii is the state with the nation’s highest per capita installation of Solar Water Heaters. In a recent post I told you about the states new law requiring all new construction of homes to include a Solar Water Heater. An estimated 80,000 homes have solar heaters installed and an estimated 1,500 or more residential and commercial solar installations are in use throughout the state.

Wind Power

Wind power ranks third in Hawaii’s renewable energy resources with wind generation providing 1.3% of Hawaii’s power. There are several wind farms in Hawaii with Maui and the Big Island having the largest wind farms. The Parker Ranch solar / wind hybrid power plant on the Big Island in Hawaii is the world’s largest hybrid solar / wind energy project.

Renewable Energy for the Homeowner

The homeowner in Hawaii has a couple of choices for setting up and using Renewable energy in their home. Solar is the obvious first choice and wind power makes a good match to solar because of the trade winds we have and the wind during storms when the sun isn’t shining as bright.

The state provides homeowners with various tax credits as does the federal government for installing either Solar and Wind systems or both. And since many houses in Hawaii are equipped with credible house insurance policies, installing these renewable energy systems is easy and manageable.

Since the Pu’u O’o vent opened up the Vog is affecting the Kona side of the big Island, Solar output of solar panels has been reduced by as much as 50% in some locations, so be sure you check with a reputable dealer when making your solar decisions and discuss the area you live in and the possible impact of the vog on your solar system.

Homeowner Renewable Resources:

Maui Koa Solar
Attn: Christopher Cookman
P.O. Box 791278
Paia, HI 96779
Tel: (808) 573-6657
Fax: (808) 573-6657
E-mail: cookman2@gmail.com

Maui Energy Co.
Attn: Leo Caires
1188 E. Kuaha Rd.
Haiku, HI 96708
Tel: (866) 629-5756
E-mail: info@mauienergycompany.com
Web Site: http://www.mauienergycompany.com

Solarman
Attn: Paul MooreP.O. Box 10689
Hilo, HI 96721
Tel: (808) 982-5708
Fax: (808) 982-7526
E-mail: solarpaul@yahoo.com

Kevin Donnelly
P.O. Box 20
Maunaloa, Molokai, HI 96770
Tel: (808) 552-2222
Fax: (808) 552-0055
E-mail: kevin@mymolokai.net

The Alternate Source / JBT Ltd.
Attn: Ted Walls
27-2111 Mamalahoa Hwy
Papaikou, HI 96781
Tel: (808) 964-3500
Fax: (808) 964-3511
E-mail: fotovolt@gte.net

Jim Anderson
P.O. Box 741
Naalehu, HI 96772
Tel: (808) 929-4463

Pacific Energy Strategies LLC
Attn: Steven Olsen
94-1093 Hanauna Street, Ste.102
Waipahu, HI 96797
Tel: (808) 671-5566
Fax: (808) 678-1475
E-mail: pacificenergy@hawaii.rr.com
Web Site: http://www.pacific-energy.com

Kohala Sun & Wind
Attn: Karl ToubmanP.O. Box 1556
Kapa’au, HI 96755
Tel: (808) 895-1911
Fax: (808) 885-4228
E-mail: karltoub@hawaiiantel.net

I am sure there are a lot more Solar and Wind power dealers I didn’t include here. Check your local phone books and also search Google for more.

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Kilauea, located on the Big Island of Hawaii is the most active volcano on Earth, started its current eruptive phase in 1983, the longest eruption in history. This weekend Kilauea was spouting lava into the air about 50 feet high and continues to spout lava today.

According to authorities the trade winds are thankfully keeping the vog away from the more populated areas. When I was in Kona friday there was plenty of vog then. It made for a beautiful sunset though.I will post the picture here in a couple of days.

A very short video can be seen here:
Lava shooting into the air.

Here is a much longer video on Volcanoes National Park via YouTube:

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Hulihe’e Palace
75-5718 Ali’i Drive Kailua-Kona
(808) 329-1877
A Victorian style building built in 1838 for Hawaii’s first governor and was the vacation residence of Hawaiian royalty. The Palace contains period furnishings and artifacts. This building received some damage from the earthquake in 2006. You can read (pdf file) and see pictures of the damage here.

Hours: Tues – Sat 9 am – 4 pm & Sun 10 am – 4 pm
Note: Most of the museum is closed for repair due to the earthquake damage

Imiola Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii
600 Imiloa Palace
UH Hilo Science and Technology Park, Hilo
(808) 969-9700
Hawaiian Cultural Traditions mix with modern astronomical research with a planetarium and interactive exhibits.

Hours: Tues- Sat 9 am – 4 pm Planetarium shows at 11 am, 1 pm and 2:30 pm

Kona Historical Society

81-6551 Mamalahoa Highway Kealakekua
(808) 323-3222
The Kona Historical Society is a community-based, non-profit organization, whose mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and disseminate the history of the Kona districts. Featuring the Kona Coffee living history farm, Kailua Village tour and the Greenwell Store Museum.

Hours: Mon – Fri 8 am – 4 pm
Museum Hours: Mon – Fri 9 am – 3 pm

Lyman Mission House and Museum
276 Haili St. Downtown Hilo
(808) 935-5021
The Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii in its exhibit halls and its 1839 historic missionary home. The museum also features collections of seashells and minerals from aroundthe world, showcases artists of Hawaii with changing special exhibitions. The Lyman Museum tells the story of Hawaii and it’s people.

Hours: Mon – Sat 9:30 am – 4:40 pm
Missionary House Tours: 10 am , 11 am, 1PM, 3 pm and 3 pm

Pacific Tsunami Museum
130 Kamehameha Ave Hilo
(808) 935-0926
Through an eclectic mixture of descriptive stories, survivor quotes and historic photographs, visitors and residents will have the opportunity to take a virtual trip back in time to the fateful morning of April 1st, 1946, and the deadly night of May 22nd, 1960. Companioned with a descriptive brochure and a greeting at tsunami sites by an educational sign, participants will experience with their own eyes the true legacy of a tsunami.

Hours: Mon – Sat 9 am – 4 pm

Parker Ranch Visitor Center
Parker Ranch Shopping Center Kamuela (Waimea)
(808) 885-7655
Parker Ranch was founded in 1847. It is one of the oldest and most historic ranches in the United States. Spreading across approximately 150,000 acres of the island, Parker Ranch is also among the country’s largest cattle ranches. Today, Parker Ranch offers opportunities for visitors to learn more about the history and culture of the Ranch by visiting the Parker Ranch Visitor Center and Museum as well as a self-guided tour to learn about the Hawaiian Cowboys (paniolo).

Hours: Mon – Sat 9 am – 5 pm

Thomas A. Jagger Museum
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
(808) 985-6049
Learn about volcanoes, in particular Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The museum offers earth science displays, seismographs that measure tremors and earthquakes. Look down into the Kilauea caldera and learn about the Hawaiian fire Goddess Pele.

Hours: Daily 8:30 am – 5 pm

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Earlier this year Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle announced a goal of at least 70 percent renewable energy use in Hawaii by the year 2030. “Achieving this goal is nearly impossible without widespread use of solar water heaters,” says Hawaii Sierra Club Director Jeff Mikulina “The solar roofs bill is smart policy, sensibly crafted to smooth a transition toward zero-energy homes of the future.”

Solar water heaters shave 30 to 40 percent off a home’s electricity bill and greatly reduce residential greenhouse gas emissions. Advocates say the policy comes none too soon, as Hawaii faces the priciest power in the nation and threats from climate change.

Hawaii ranks number one in the nation when it comes to using energy from the sun to heat water. It’s a great way to use the sun’s energy!

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Confused yet? There is more…

If we break Aloha down into Hawaiian words we get the literal meaning:

“Alo“ means presence, front or face while “ha“ means breath or to breathe or the breath of life.

So the literal meaning is “In the presence of breath” or “In the face of breath” or “In the presence of the breath of life.”

Aloha is still more than that though… Aloha is a way of life. Aloha is showing your love, caring and understanding not only for yourself, but for all of those around you.

“Aloha Spirit” is even in the “law books” as a guide for public officials about treating people with respect and caring while they perform their duties. While this is more of a guide than a law someone could get punished for, it reminds us all to follow the guidelines and live Aloha.

Definition of Aloha Spirit State Law
contained in the Hawaii Revised Statutes (State Law):

[§5-7.5] “Aloha Spirit.”
(a) “Aloha Spirit” is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, “Aloha,” the following unuhi laula loa may be used:

“Akahai,” meaning kindness,
to be expressed with tenderness;

“Lokahi,” meaning unity,
to be expressed with harmony;

“Oluolu,” meaning agreeable,
to be expressed with pleasantness;

“Haahaa,” meaning humility,
to be expressed with modesty;

“Ahonui,” meaning patience,
to be expressed with perseverance.

These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii’s people. It was the working philosophy of Native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.

“Aloha” is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation.

“Aloha” means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.

“Aloha” is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.

“Aloha” means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.

(b) In exercising their power on behalf of the people and in fulfillment of their responsibilities, obligations and service to the people, the legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, executive officers of each department, the chief justice, associate justices, and judges of the appellate, circuit, and district courts may contemplate and reside with the life force and give consideration to the “Aloha Spirit.” [L 1986, c 202, §1]

Do something kind for someone today and show your Aloha Spirit!

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