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Sunday, April 02, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, April 1, 2017

A dedication ceremony for `Imakakoloa Hei`u high above the ocean between Pahala and Na`alehu.
Image from Edith Kanakaloe Foundation film.
THE HEIAU HULA BETWEEN PAHALA AND NA`ALEHU drew nearly two dozen people to a public meeting at Pahala Community Center on Saturday. The Edith Kanakaole Foundation presented a draft preservation plan and protocol guide for the heiau to the community and invites community members to weigh in with suggestions and comments during the next month. On hand to explain were three of the authors of the plan, Huihui Kanahele-Mossman, PhD, Kala Mossman and Matthew R. Clark.
     The plan is one of a number of projects being carried out by the foundation. It is called ʻImakakāloa Heiau, Elevating Hula Culture.
     A film on the plan for ʻImakakāloa  Heiau was presented to the public. It showed a ceremony held at the heiau in 2014. Such a ceremony had not been performed in 100 years and was dedicated to the god Laka, said the film's narrator.
     The presenters at the meeting Saturday explained that the heiau is only one one of a handful of known heiau hula in existence, the other major heiau hula being on the northwestern shore of Kaua`i at Ke`e.
Protocol is an important part of the restoration plan for the
`Imakakoloa Heiau Hula.
Photo from Edith Kanakaole Foundation film.
     Restoration of the ancient ʻImakakāloa  Heiau is under the guidance of Hālau o Kekuhi headed by Kumu Hula Nalani Kanakaole in collaboration with the Edith Kanakaole Foundation, the Ka`u Community, Olson Trust, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, State Historic Preservation Division Agency of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, University of Hawai`i at Hilo Heritage Management Program, and cultural practitioners.
    The film states that the purpose of the restoration is to "elevate hula practice, to reconnect native Hawaiian practitioners to their environment and to reclaim a practice that was born and nurtured by the ancestors."
Hula practitioners have gone to Imakakaloa Heiau.
Photo from Editth Kanakaole Foundation
     The dedication ceremony for ʻImakakāloa in 2014 began with offerings of awa to the surrounding heiau, Ke`eku at Kawa by the sea and at Kohaikalani in the uplands at Makanau.
    The ceremony included pohaku, four stones placed on each corner of the restoration site at ʻImakakāloa.
    The presenters at Saturday's meeting talked about the importance of the view planes from the heiau, historic trails connecting ʻImakakāloa with Makanau and the relationship with the heiau hula on Kaua`i.
     Current work on the heiau includes mowing and bringing out weeds from the heiau. Once the restoration plan is approved, local volunteer groups will be able to help with restoration. Halau hula are also expected to be able to travel to the heiau for ceremony and workshops, as soon as 2018.
     Public input is invited by phone, email, text and mail. The plan and other documents can be accessed at www.edithkanakaolefoundation.com. See the film on the restoration on the ʻImakakāloa Heiau facebook page.
Edmund C. Olson and Dr. Huihui Kanahele Mossman,
who are working together to preserve the heiau hula.
Photo from Edith Kanakaole Foundation film
      Provide input to the Edith Kanakaole Foundation by calling 961-5242, sending to 1500 Kalaniana`ole Ave, Hilo, HI 96720-4914, faxing 961-4781 and emailing kala@edithkanakaolefoundation.org.

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POLICE NABBED SUSPECTS IN OCEAN VIEW on Thursday, recovering a stolen vehicle and arresting two after an alleged shoplifting incident at a supermarket.  A 24-year-old male and his 26-year-old girlfriend are in custody.
     According to Officer Aron Tomota, Ocean View’s Community Policing Officer, shortly before noon on Thursday, Ka`u police officers were called to an Ocean View grocery store, after a store employee recognized a male customer who appeared to have allegedly concealed merchandise in his back pack. The alleged suspect was already familiar to police.
    Before the officers arrived on the scene, the male suspect allegedly left the area in a black Honda Civic, a car that was allegedly stolen the day before. Police were informed that the male suspect was a passenger in the vehicle, while his girlfriend was reported to be the driver. 
     Tomota said that police officers searched the immediate vicinity, found the Honda, and were able to identify the the female driver and her passenger, as the suspect and his girlfriend. As police tried to pull over the stolen vehicle, the female disobeyed the lawful order to pull over and stop, and began to speed away. The police judged that a chase could be unsafe for the public, but continued looking for the suspects in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision, according to Tomata.
     As the police found the Honda for the second time, the male suspect was seen leaving the vehicle and then jumping into the driver’s seat, and then driving away. By then the number of police officers involved had increased from three to five. Police searched for the vehicle and found it at a house with which police are familiar. The 24-year-old male suspect and his 26-year-old girlfriend, were both arrested.
     Tomota told The Ka’u Calendar that the male suspect is in custody for shoplifting and unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle. The female suspect is in custody for unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, driving without a valid driver’s license, no motor vehicle no-fault insurance, resisting an order to stop, and for a bench warrant. Both suspects are held for investigation. The stolen vehicle was recovered by police and is held for investigation before it can be returned to its owner.
     Tomota, who has been the Community Policing Officer for Ocean View since mid-December, thanks community members for their assistance. He agreed that police were able to apprehend these victims thanks to a good tip, the fact that they know the area and were familiar with the suspects.  Extensive training also helped the police outwit the suspects, he said. 
      “With our combined efforts and partnerships, we will continue to work to provide a safe environment, making the Big Island of Hawai`i a safe place to live, visit and conduct business,” stated Tomota.

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Edibles Wild Plants, Sun, April 2, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Zach Mermel offers a hands-on foray for foragers and foodies. $40/$30 VAC members plus $15 transportation fee. 967-8222

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun, April 2, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū on this free, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top.

Ham Radio Operators Potluck
Picnic, Sun, April 2, Manukā Park. All American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families are invited to attend. Dennis Smith, 989-3028

Celtic Harp & Story, Mon, April 3, 11 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Patrick Ball shares his knowledge & talents. 939-2442

Painting with Peggy, Mon, April 3, 12 – 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. $20/$15 VAC members. Participants learn to approach their painting process with a new awareness and understanding of color dynamics and composition.

Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon, April 3, 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033