Diana Northup points out an interesting area of tube wall in her examination of biological matter in the Maelstrom portion of the system. Diana Northup points out an interesting area of tube wall in her examination of biological matter in the Maelstrom portion of the system.
Fred Stone examines red "slime". Samples were taken under a CCH science project as part of a wider project being conducted on the big island this month.
Penny Boston poses by abundant examples of mineral and biological deposition on the cave walls.
Here, Diana Northup collects samples in small bottles being placed in bags. Note the sterile gloves used to avoid contaminating the sample.
The week of the 14th found more survey and exploration ongoing. The lower portions of the system are yielding many new passages. The first new lead was a vertical entrance. At the bottom of the small drop (about 9 feet) many sets of goat bones were found. Apparently many goats over the years have fallen in this entrance and been unable to climb out.
Steve Lewis, CCH board memeber works on survey notes in the lower "Cordwinder" section. This may have been the only possible photo of a person sitting upright. The day was long a crawly. The two following days found major discoveries further east. At present in looks like as much as a mile a mostly walking passage waits to be documented. On Wednesday the 15th and Tuesday the 16th over a quarter of a mile was surveyed in only about 10 hours of survey work.
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The Hawaiian Speleological Survey met on January 12 in Kula Kai Estates. Ongoing survey projects were discussed. Photo shows HSS members at the meeting at the home of Rose Herrera and Ric Elhard.
Following the election of new directors, about a dozen different project areas were reported on. That evening, several CCH members stayed for a large dinner at the Coons/Capocy residence.
Meeting Agenda / Very briefly highlighted.... (Called to order 10:20 AM HST)
Don Coons, Fred Stone, Ric Elhard, Judy Davis, Mike Warner, Barb Capocy.
Presidents report (Don Coons)
Proceeding with ongoing projects. Looking for donations of property to go with future Legacy Land Grants.
Vice Presidents report (Mike Warner). County Of Hawaii property tax exemptions located and forwarded to office staff. Forms filed by year end, and receipt given by county.
Treasurers Report (Judy Davis). (Bottom line about 23-24 thousand in hand in various accounts) About 20 thousand will be due on Fleishon closing. About 3 thousand held in reserve to assure ongoing expenses directly related to land ownership is covered. Closing costs and other expenses possibly pending may require additional funding.
Secretaries Report (Ric Elhard). About $2,600 outgoiing expense last year. Check written for appraisals on pending purchases through Legacy Land Grant. This increased anticipated expenditures. IRS Form 8734 final determination of 501-C-3 status is pending. Review of gifts and grants, etc., review of records from years one through five. Board members donations are disqualified donations. 79.3 percent qualified donations easily exceeded required 33 percent. Waiting for final report but we appear to be in very healthy shape. Coporate files are together and categorized. All documents including banking records sorted and available.
Fundraising Chair - Ongoing fund drive. Ric is sending premiums to members and donors. Fundraising, newsletter and renewal notices sent to members and interested parties. Responses are coming in.
Old Business
Fleishon Purchase - Long term problems have been finally resolved with the deed. Previous subdivisions had been incorrectly recorded. Lawyers have finally sorted out the clarification needed. Quit claims and mortgage releases are still needed. We have all the forms and title guarantee is in process, or in the mail waiting for signatures. We will finally be able to move ahead.
Legacy Land Grant - Waiting for appraisals to be approved. Time is likely on our side. Appraisal amounts are lower than asking price and the CCH is limited to the appraisal price. However, the landowners are aware of the fact and are still awaiting completion of the transaction at this time. Legacy Land Grant and Hana Hou article are making waves for the CCH and getting substantial positive notice for the CCH.
Kiosk - The Community Association is asking that the kiosk not be left in place. Barb Capocy is in contact on this issue. The issue may be resolved at the upcoming association meeting in February.
Election 2008
Corporate File- Covered in Sec. report. Reviewed by board members present.
New Business
HOVE Kiosk Vandalism - 2 signs seriously damaged. Opportunity to revise and correct. Fred Stone and Mike Warner will work on new version. Steve Lewis will proof revised version. Multiple copies will be produced. Covered by plexiglass have in hand. Budget is looking like about $200.00. New sign maker will be approached.
990 EZ tax form - IRS response letter indicate the CCH will require 990 EZ or electronic 990 form. Deadline is May. This is in process relative to new (simplified) regulation.
Park Development - The land owners association may raise funds by sale of a lot at the top of the subdivision to buy 1 1/2 lots lower in the subdvision. The CCH may partner with the associtation in creating green space on two lots. The CCH would have to research which lots would be ideal and the development carefully described & given that CCH criteria is met. Ad Hoc committee formed with Don as chair.
Fred Stone - Cricket DNA review. Numerous species identified. Recollecting in Kanohina system, which is a significant cricket area. Looking at age of species and variation. Diana Northup and Penny Boston are collecting cave slime in a range of caves. These are pioneering studies, taking part in part in K.K. system under approved CCH studies. A number of board members will proceed into cave to view the research in progress.
Elections 2008 - Elections to fill expired board terms will proceed with the upcoming mailing.
Meeting adjourned at 12:30 P.M.
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The morning started with a hearty group breakfast, with banana pancakes featuring bananas from board member Fred Stone's fruit grove.
A team led by micro biologists Penelope Boston and Diana Northup arrived in the morning to meet CCH director Fred stone. They are conducting investigations on lava tube "slime" biology. They will be sampling in the system during the day.
CCH president Don Coons with Penelope Boston and Diana Northup.
Join the CCH (online) on the Big Island this month!
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