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| Hui Okinawa Kobodu Taiko returned to Ka`u to join the Fourth of July Parade & Celebration in Na`alehu Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal |
HOW TO TEST FOR LFA IS THE TITLE of a new three-minute video produced by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. The video shows step-by-step procedures for testing for little fire ants. LFA, originally from South America, are considered among the world’s worst invasive species.
“LFA is a serious threat to plants, people, and property across Hawai`i,” said William Aila, Jr., chair of Board of Land and Natural Resources. “This tiny ant can inflict painful stings to children, pets and adults, but fortunately, testing for its presence is easily done. The state has a well established system in place for people to submit their surveys for further testing to determine whether LFA has spread to a particular property or plant material.”
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| Little fire ants are small even under magnification. Photo from DLNR |
Scott Enright, chair Hawai`i Board of Agriculture, said, “We cannot express enough how important it is to find any infestation before it becomes widely established.”
LFA are tiny ants, measuring 1/16 of an inch long, and are pale orange in color. LFA move slowly, unlike Tropical Fire Ants, which are established in Hawai`i, move quickly, and are much larger with larger heads in proportion to their bodies. LFA can produce painful stings and large red welts and may cause blindness in pets. They can build up very large colonies on the ground, in trees and other vegetation, buildings and homes and completely overrun a property.
Suspected invasive species should be reported to the state’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE – 643-PEST (7378).
The video, available at dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2014/06/19/fire-ants, was produced by DLNR in cooperation with HDOA and other agencies that are jointly addressing the LFA issue. It features invasive species biologist Domingo Cravalho, Jr., of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one of the participating agencies. The video is also available on HDOA and DLNR Facebook and YouTube pages.
For updated information on LFA in Hawai`i, see hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/main/lfainfo.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR IS HOLDING public meetings on Hawai`i Island this week to solicit comments and feedback on whether and how the process of reestablishing a government-to-government relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiian community should move forward. Meetings are at Keaukaha Elementary School Wednesday, July 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Waimea Community Center, Thursday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Kealakehe High School, Thursday, July 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In addition to the public meetings, comments can be submitted online through the Federal eRulemaking portal at regulations.gov or via U.S. mail to Office of the Secretary, Department of the Interior, Room 7329, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240. Include Regulation Identifier Number 1090-AB05 on comments.
For more information, see doi.gov.
KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts a Fourth of July Buffet from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring Ka`u-style BBQ chicken, chili con carne, jumbo hot dogs, corn on the cob, tossed salad, potato salad and more. Price is $15.25 adults and $8 for children 6 to 11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.
SUNSET HULA TAKES PLACE AT 6 P.M. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, featuring NoeNoe Kekaualua and `ohana from Keaukaha. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8222.
KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S LAVA LOUNGE in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts a Country Bash beginning at 7 p.m. DJ Tiki spins the night away with the best of Country & Western music and other great tunes. No cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 after 4 p.m.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
LFA are tiny ants, measuring 1/16 of an inch long, and are pale orange in color. LFA move slowly, unlike Tropical Fire Ants, which are established in Hawai`i, move quickly, and are much larger with larger heads in proportion to their bodies. LFA can produce painful stings and large red welts and may cause blindness in pets. They can build up very large colonies on the ground, in trees and other vegetation, buildings and homes and completely overrun a property.
Suspected invasive species should be reported to the state’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE – 643-PEST (7378).
The video, available at dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2014/06/19/fire-ants, was produced by DLNR in cooperation with HDOA and other agencies that are jointly addressing the LFA issue. It features invasive species biologist Domingo Cravalho, Jr., of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one of the participating agencies. The video is also available on HDOA and DLNR Facebook and YouTube pages.
For updated information on LFA in Hawai`i, see hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/main/lfainfo.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| After the parade, taiko continued at Na`alehu Park. Photo by Julia Neal |
HAWAI`I BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES at its meeting on Friday approved of a sublease for the Thirty Meter Telescope. However, the decision is hold while the board hears objections.
The University of Hawai`i, which leases state land on Mauna Kea where the telescope would be built, is subleasing the land to the Thirty Meter Telescope group. UH Board of Regents unanimously voted to support the project several years ago.
The sublease is the last major bureaucratic hurdle for scientists. The project also faces the threat of lawsuits by opponents who have raised questions about whether appraisals of the land were done properly and whether Native Hawaiians were properly consulted.
Some Native Hawaiians who oppose the project believe it would defile a summit they consider sacred. Environmentalists who oppose the project believe it could harm the rare wekiu bug.
The sublease is the last major bureaucratic hurdle for scientists. The project also faces the threat of lawsuits by opponents who have raised questions about whether appraisals of the land were done properly and whether Native Hawaiians were properly consulted.
Some Native Hawaiians who oppose the project believe it would defile a summit they consider sacred. Environmentalists who oppose the project believe it could harm the rare wekiu bug.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR IS HOLDING public meetings on Hawai`i Island this week to solicit comments and feedback on whether and how the process of reestablishing a government-to-government relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiian community should move forward. Meetings are at Keaukaha Elementary School Wednesday, July 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Waimea Community Center, Thursday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Kealakehe High School, Thursday, July 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In addition to the public meetings, comments can be submitted online through the Federal eRulemaking portal at regulations.gov or via U.S. mail to Office of the Secretary, Department of the Interior, Room 7329, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240. Include Regulation Identifier Number 1090-AB05 on comments.
For more information, see doi.gov.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| A frightening but friendly dragon creeps through Na`alehu Park during Saturday's Fourth of July festivities. Photo by Julia Neal |
KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK has announced upcoming dates for its ongoing hikes offered July through September.
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered July 13 and 26, Aug. 9 and 31 and Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
People and Land of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is offered July 19 and 27, Aug. 23 and Sept. 13 and 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
`Ohi`a Lehua offers an opportunity to learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a tree and the lehua flower. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile or less walk. The `Ohi`a Lehua program is offered July 12 during the annual Cultural Festival from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and July 20, Aug. 3 and Sept. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. parking area.
Palm Trail is a moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered July 13 and 26, Aug. 9 and 31 and Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
People and Land of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is offered July 19 and 27, Aug. 23 and Sept. 13 and 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
`Ohi`a Lehua offers an opportunity to learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a tree and the lehua flower. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile or less walk. The `Ohi`a Lehua program is offered July 12 during the annual Cultural Festival from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and July 20, Aug. 3 and Sept. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. parking area.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| The dragon snarls and smiles at a young Fourth of July celebrator at Na`alehu Park. Photo by Julia Neal |
FRIDAY, THE FOURTH OF JULY IS FILLED WITH EVENTS in the Volcano area. The annual parade begins at 9 a.m. at the post office and travels down Old Volcano Road to Wright Road to Cooper Center, where festivities continue.
Entertainers include cast members of KDEN’s upcoming summer musical Ruddigore, singer Boni Narito, keiki from Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani, Dan Nix and Komakakino.
Food options include Thai from Suporn Kroll and Tuk Tuk truck, breakfast goodies from Papa`aloa Bakery, Rotary’s rotisserie chicken and pulled pork sandwiches, Village Church’s stew and rice and other goodies, all topped off by hot dogs and chili sponsored by Cooper Center and a Friends Feeding Friends bake sale.
Friends of the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will have their annual silent auction inside Cooper Center.
Information booths include Rainforest Runs, Coqui group, Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, Volcano Community Association and Rainbow Friends.
After festivities at Cooper Center, attendees can head on to more events:
Food options include Thai from Suporn Kroll and Tuk Tuk truck, breakfast goodies from Papa`aloa Bakery, Rotary’s rotisserie chicken and pulled pork sandwiches, Village Church’s stew and rice and other goodies, all topped off by hot dogs and chili sponsored by Cooper Center and a Friends Feeding Friends bake sale.
Friends of the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will have their annual silent auction inside Cooper Center.
Information booths include Rainforest Runs, Coqui group, Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, Volcano Community Association and Rainbow Friends.
After festivities at Cooper Center, attendees can head on to more events:
SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL TO BENEFIT the art department at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Garden Arts. It includes lauhala weaving by Ku`uipo Morales, a make-and-take recycled art workshop, a reading and book signing by children’s author Catherine Killam, Zentangle art demonstrations by Earl and Lois Stokes, a bake sale, a student art sale, a cast concrete demonstration, live music, family fun activities and a special plate lunch by Cafe’ Ono.
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| Volcano Art Center celebrates the Fourth of July with `ukulele and hula programs Friday. |
WES AWANA PRESENTS `UKULELE DEMONSTRATIONS from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.
KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts a Fourth of July Buffet from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring Ka`u-style BBQ chicken, chili con carne, jumbo hot dogs, corn on the cob, tossed salad, potato salad and more. Price is $15.25 adults and $8 for children 6 to 11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.
SUNSET HULA TAKES PLACE AT 6 P.M. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, featuring NoeNoe Kekaualua and `ohana from Keaukaha. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8222.
KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S LAVA LOUNGE in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts a Country Bash beginning at 7 p.m. DJ Tiki spins the night away with the best of Country & Western music and other great tunes. No cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 after 4 p.m.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. Click at bottom right to turn pages. |
