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Wednesday, April 05, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Shane Trupin's Lava Ocean Adventures has received a special permit from the U.S. Coast Guard to
enter the Safety Zone set by the U.S. Coast Guard extending 984 feet from the lava entry, according
to Big Island Video News. Photo from www.lavaocean.com
COAST GUARD REOPENS WATERS NEAR LAVA ENTRY off Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. That's the news in a statement from Lt. Cmdr. Nicholas Jarboe, chief of waterways management, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. Tour boats meeting Coast Guard requirements must apply for special permission to sail closer than 984 feet from the place the lava enters the ocean near Kamokuna Lava Delta. The Safety Zone was established on March 25 when the Coast Guard noted the instability of the sea cliff near the lava flow, the danger of collapse of the lava delta being formed, as well as fumes and other hazards. Tour boat operators said they could lose their businesses. if prohibited from sailing closer than 984 feet from lava flowing into the ocean.
        "The Coast Guard Captain of the Port has outlined the requirements to request entrance to the Kilauea lava ocean entry temporary Safety Zone," said the statement issued Tuesday. "The Coast Guard is clarifying the process for requesting entry to the temporary Safety Zone for all waterway users,” said Jarboe. “Sound risk management, contingency planning and response, and regulatory frameworks help us ensure the safety of life at sea and that the maritime sector remains safe, secure, and resilient.” 
     Those wishing to enter the Safety Zone are required to submit a written request to the Captain of the Port Honolulu. According to the statement, "factors that may be considered include: the vessel’s material condition, safety equipment, redundancies, general safety practices and procedures, specific safety practices and procedures for operating near the lava ocean entry, familiarity with the surrounding waters, and mariner’s experience operating as a Coast Guard-credentialed mariner."              
     Requests can be mailed to U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, 400 Sand Island Parkway Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 or email to D14-SMB-SecHonoMarineEventPermits@uscg.mil.
     The Coast Guard was able to establish the temporary Safety Zone under Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 165.T14-0172 . The regulations state that the Safety Zone may not be entered without the prior permission of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Honolulu. 
        According to Big Island Video News, "Shane Turpin’s Lava Ocean Adventures tour was one of the first to be granted entry after the Safety Zone was established. Turpin said he was impressed by how the Coast Guard Captain of the Port and his crew handled the situation."
     The Coast Guard statement advises, "All waterway users should ensure they have the most up-to-date information from the U.S. Geologic Survey before embarking on a voyage in the vicinity of the lava flow entry: https://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php 
     
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KA`U`S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER MAILE DAVID stood up for Equal Pay Day on Tuesday, which was proclaimed by Mayor Harry Kim for the County of Hawai`i. American Association of University Women members brought the proclamation to the council. Women are paid 84 percent of pay provided to men in Hawai`i. On the mainland, women are paid 80 percent of the pay that goes to men.
Mail David  (back row, fourth from right) joined members of the
County Council and American Association of University Women
to celebrate Equal Pay Day on Tuesday.
Photo from Big Island Video News
   The Mayor's proclamation points out that "More than 50 years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act, women, especially minority women, continue to suffer the consequences of unequal pay." It notes that "women working full time in Hawai`i year round in 2017 will typically earn 84 percent of what men earn, indicating little change or progress in pay equality." The resolution says the gender pay gap is evident one year after college graduation, even after controlling for occupation, hours worked and college major.
     "We must pass the Paycheck Fairness Act" to close loopholes in the  the Lilly Lebetter (equal pay) law's effectiveness. "A lifetime of lower pay means women have less income to save for retirement and less income counted in the social security or pension benefit formula," states Kim's proclamation.

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KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK has announced free guided hikes, Coffee Talks and 'Ike Hana No`eau Hawaiian cultural programs for April through June. Visitors can also explore Kahuku on their own on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.    
Hikers experience sister deities. Hi`iaka and Pele converge in
Kahuku. NPS Photo
       'Ike Hana No'eau (Experience the Skillful Work) is a new program of Hawaiian cultural demonstrations at Kahuku on the third Friday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. On April 21 learn how to make tī leaf lei; on May 19, learn to make a miniature kāhili (feather standard); and come weave a small decorative fish out of niu (coconut fronds) on June 23. Programs are free.
     Coffee Talk offers conversations on a wide variety of topics at Kahuku the last Friday of the month. Ka'ū coffee, tea and pastries will be available for purchase. Coffee Talks are offered free on April 28, May 26, and June 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
     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 April 23, May 28, and June 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Salmon colored ohia lehua at Kahuku. NPS photo
   Pu'u o Lokuana is a short 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu'u o Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka'ū. This hike is offered May 20 and June 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
     Hi'iaka & Pele. Discover two fascinating Hawaiian goddesses, sisters Pelehonuamea (Pele) and Hi'iaka, and the natural phenomena they represent. Visitors will experience the sisters coming alive through the epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku on this easy 1.7-mile walk on the main road in Kahuku. The Hi'iaka and Pele program is offered April 8, May 7 and June 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.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. 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 April 9, May 21 and June 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  
Ti leaf lei-making. NPS photo
     Realms and Divisions of Kahuku. Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult two-mile, two-hour guided hike on the Kahuku Unit's newest trail, Pu'u Kahuku. Explore the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku. Bring a snack for the "talk story" segment of this hike. Offered April 15 and May 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
     'Ōhi'a Lehua. Learn about the vital role of 'ōhi'a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the 'ōhi'a tree, and the new disease of Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death. 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 'Ōhi'a Lehua program is offered April 16, May 14 and June 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.    
     Birth of Kahuku. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku. Traverse the vast 1868 lava flow, see different volcano features and formations, and identify many parts of the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. This guided easy-to-moderate hike is offered April 22, May 27 and June 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
     Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship (He Pilina Wehena 'Ole). Hike the Palm Trail and be inspired by a place where hulihia (catastrophic change) and kulia (restoration) can be observed as
Inside Pu`u o Lokuana. NPS photo
the land transitions from the 1868 lava flow and its pioneer plants, to deeper soil with more diverse and older flora. Learn about native plants and their significance in Hawaiian culture. This moderate hike is about two miles and takes two hours. The Nature & Culture program is offered April 29, May 13 and June 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
     To reach the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, enter on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes. Entrance and all programs are free.
     Keep up with Kahuku events and visit the calendar on the park website, https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm, and download the Kahuku Site Bulletin: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/2013_11_05-Kahuku-Site-Bulletin.pdf.

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Hawai‘i Wildlife Center Presentation, Thu, April 6, from 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. HWC representatives focus on the center’s history, mission and vision. Free; donations accepted.

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch meeting, Thu, April 6, at 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-2442 & 928-2015