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Sunday, November 12, 2017

Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, November 12, 2017

Lei Kalamalu told the Navy that it has enough testing grounds in waters around Pacific Missile Range Facility
for training off Kaua‘i and should refrain from using other Hawaiian waters. Image from Big Island Video News
USE OF SONAR AND EXPLOSIVES, where whales, dolphins and monk seals live in Hawaiian waters, is of concern to those who testified last week at a federal public hearing on U.S. Navy training and war games. Additional public comment is due by mail or online by Dec. 12.
    The hearing concerned the more than 800-page draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement, its purpose to “re-evaluate potential environmental impacts associated with ongoing naval training and research, development, testing, and evaluation activities conducted within existing Navy range complexes in Hawai‘i and Southern California, and the transit corridor that connects them,” according to the project website. It states that the military activities involve "active sound navigation and ranging (sonar) and explosives while employing marine species protective mitigation measures.” It says the most common impact would likely be a temporary change in behavior of the marine mammals.
The U.S. Navy presented its draft EIS with the impacts it
analyzed regarding sonar and explosives used in training in
Hawaiian waters. Image from U.S. Navy
     The Navy submitted a similar EIS in 2013 for training through 2018. In the interim, the new report says, the Navy updated its analysis using "new, relevant information, such as more recent marine mammal density data and new scientific information, as appropriate," to support future training and testing starting in 2018.
     The federal regulatory permits and authorizations are under the auspices of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act, which cover whales, dolphins and seals living in Hawai‘i.
       In the presentation, Capt. Vincent Johnson, Commander of Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kaua‘i, and Alex Stone, EIS Program Manager, said the Navy has developed sophisticated technology, including the Navy Acoustics Affects Model to measure impacts on the environment, whales and dolphins.
    Johnson said the team that put together the draft Environmental Impact Statement shows that the Navy, "can not only be the steward of the nation's security but we can be a responsible steward of our natural resources, our cultural resources and our community."
Representatives of the U.S. Navy said they have developed
sophisticated technology to measure effects of sonar, noise
and other inputs to the environment during training.
Image from U.S. Navy
    Stone pointed out that each ocean going vessel has a look out person who searches for marine mammals. When they are spotted, operations are delayed and sonar is powered down or turned off. The Navy limits military activities in geographic locations sensitive for marine mammals during different times of the year, he said.
    The hours of public testimony took place at the sole Hawai‘i Island public hearing, which was held at Waiākea High School. Those speaking mainly opposed continued testing and training and particularly the use of sonar and explosives in Hawaiian waters. Protests came in chants, songs, prayers, speeches, illustrations and written testimonies.
     Linda Kroll said she stands in solidarity with people of Kaua‘i, who are protective of marine life threatened by training and war games based at Pacific Missile Range Facility. She read a letter from a Kaua‘i marine biologist saying that a new underwater drone squad is being developed "to use plasma energy, microwaves, lasers, high voltage electronics and other forms of electromagnetic energy underwater."
     She claimed massive amounts of corals, turtles, sharks, whales, fish and other marine life have already been killed by the Navy. She said this marine life is protected by the Endangered Species Act, and that the Navy needs to do a Habitat Conservation Plan. There is more than enough information to show that the habitat of endangered species may be harmed by the new "deadly underwater testing the Navy wants to do," she said.
     Kroll said, "Since 1776, the United States military has been at war - 224 years out of 241 years. What does that tell you? It tells me that your masters promote constant war for profit and today we are again being set up for the next false flag operation with North Korea, China, Russia, we don't know. Stop playing war in our waters. Stop bombing Hawai‘i," she said.
Student Lyla Anderson said she worries about the sonar penetrating
and hurting the minds of whales, the blackfish, who could strand
 themselves. Photo from Big Island Video News
     Norman Gaspar, a Navy veteran, said he stands with the Hawaiian Kingdom and claimed the Navy is "in violation of international humanitarian rights and the laws of occupation." He said that an international commission of inquiry from the Hague will look into the matter in January when it comes to Honolulu.
     Jan Solerno talked about 18 different whales that live off the coast of Hawai‘i Island and said "no collateral damage is appropriate." She said the Navy study claims the military activities cause no socioeconomic losses, like loss of income, revenue or employment "or quality of experience." She called it a false science. She said the cumulative impact of the sonar would be damaging to marine mammals. "The legacy of the military coming in and bombing paradise is not one to continue."
     A Mr. Good said dolphins and whales are completely acoustic creatures; they see and speak with sound. He said that when deafened, they are blind. He said without sound they can starve to death, unable to find food. He recommended that any study of impacts of sonar and explosions should cover at least three weeks of time after the event over a wide geographic area, since it takes time for the marine mammals to starve and they can travel far.
     He also said any beached animals during and after times of military testings have to be considered as possibly being caused by the sonar or explosions.
     Jim Albertini sang his original folk song suggesting that Hawai‘i not give over its waters for warfare training, quoting The Bible, Matthew, Chapter 7 Verse Six: "Do not give what is holy to dogs, or cast your pearls before swine. They will trample them under foot at best and perhaps even tear you to shreds." He recalled that in 1985 a Swim for Peace in Hilo Bay attempted to uphold a nuclear free zone against a visiting nuclear war ship from Pearl Harbor.
Earl DeLeon, one of the seven who swam to Kaho‘olawe in the 1970s
 to stop the military bombing, opposes the military exercises in
Hawaiian waters. Photo from Big Island Video News
     Lei Kalamalu said she knows "we need the military," but that the military already has Pacific Missile Range Facility and needs "to live within your means" and not take more ocean. She said she has social security and also has to live within her means. She said the government already took too much from the Hawaiian people when the U.S. annexed the lands.
     A young student named Lyla Anderson said she feared the sonar would penetrate the minds of the blackfish - whales, because they hear a long distance. "They can strand themselves from trying to get away from the sound," she said.
     Earl DeLeon, one of the Hawaiians who swam to Kaho‘olawe, the former bombing site of the military in the 1970s, and helped to permanently stop military testing there, also protested the sonar and explosives plan.   
     See more in films at Big Island Video News.

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HELICOPTER FLIGHTS FOR HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK work have been announced for the remainder of November:
     · November 21, between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., for invasive fountain grass surveys and control, from Kīlauea helipad to coastal areas and southwest boundary below 2,500 feet elevation.
     · November 27, between 6:30 a.m. and 7 a.m., and between 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to fly supplies and crews for petrel monitoring from Kīlauea helipad to Mauna Loa at 9,000 feet and back.
     · November 27 and 30, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., to shuttle equipment and camp supplies from Hōlei Pali pullout off Chain of Craters Road to Keauhou, ‘Āpua Point, and Halapē campgrounds for invasive Guinea grass control work and hawksbill turtle monitoring project.
A helicopter will lift supplies to the 9,000 feet elevation on Mauna
Loa on Nov. 27 to monitor petrels, which nest there.
NPS Photo/ Jim Denny
     · November 27, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., to haul equipment from Kealakomo to Chain of Craters Road near Hōlei Pali for native plant restoration project.
     A Nov. 7 flight was scheduled between 6:30 a.m. and 7 a.m., and between 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., to fly supplies and crews for petrel monitoring from the helipad at 4,000’ elevation on Kīlauea to Mauna Loa at 9,000 feet and back.
     In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
     "The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather, said a statement from the park. Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities," says a HVNP statement.

Bugle & Flag for Vets
Kīlauea Military Camp held a
Veterans Day Ceremony and dinner
Saturday with high school color
guards, a bugle and speech by the
commander of the Pōhakuloa
Training Area. Photo from KMC
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A ZENTANGLE INSPIRED ART: TANGLING ON EGGS class has been announced by the Volcano Art Center for Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Lois & Earl Stokes, certified Zentangle teachers, for an “egg-citing” time tangling on duck and chicken eggs to create holiday ornaments. All skill levels are welcome. The class has a $10 supply fee per person, plus $35 per non-member. All materials and light refreshments are included. For more details, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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AN ANCHIALINE POOL VOLUNTEER WORKDAY has been announced by Hawaii‘i Wildlife Fund for Saturday, Nov. 18, from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. with volunteer meeting up at Wai‘ōhinu Park before heading the worksite. Space is limited in HWF 4WD vehicles. For more information or to reserve a spot, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

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RIDE SO THEY CAN WALK FUNDRAISER TO END POLIO continues through next Saturday, Nov. 18. Participants ride bikes on their own schedule, desired distance and place to raise funds to help end Polio worldwide. One of the local Ka‘ū sponsors is Aikane Plantation Coffee Co. and Kīlauea Military Camp has offered up their stationary bikes for anyone who wants to ride for the fundraiser.
     Sign up at Ride for polio website. For more information or for more help to sign up, contact Rotary Club Polio Plus Chair and Volcano resident, Charlene Meyers. Email charlene.rotary@gmail.com or call 985-8800.








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A SEX TRAFFICKING SEMINAR will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to Monday, Nov. 13, at Ocean View Community Center. For more details, call 939-7033.

REGISTER BY MONDAY, NOV. 13, FOR THE INAUGURAL PIG HUNTING TOURNAMENT presented by the Ka‘ū Multicultural Society on Saturday, Nov. 18, with scales at Waiʻōhinu Park open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for weigh-in. Hunting is islandwide.
     Three-person teams are invited to enter for a registration fee of $55 per team. Registration forms must be postmarked by Monday, Nov. 13, or hand delivered to Kalani Vierra in Pāhala no later than Friday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m. Categories include heaviest boar (lahoʻole), biggest tusk, heaviest sow, heaviest overall. Hunting will only be allowed with dogs and no guns and at least one teammate must have a hunting license.
     Team registration forms are available in Kaʻū at ACE Hardware, Wikiwiki Mart, Ka‘ū Gas, R&G Mini Mart, Kaʻū Business Services LLP, Kahuku Gifts and Garden Shop; in Hilo at Delʻs Feed Store, Miranda's and Hilo Surplus Store; in Mountain View at Aloha Gas; in Kurtistown at J. Hara's Store Inc.; and in Kona at Pearl's, Oshima's, Mauka Napa, Lako St. Chevron, Fujihara's Store and Paul's Place.
    For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740; Kalani Vierra at 938-2005; or Liz K. at 339-0289. 

REGISTER KEIKI, AGES 6 TO 12, FOR MUSIC EXPLORATION at Kahuku Park on Friday, Nov. 17, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Register Monday, Nov. 13, through Friday, Nov. 17. For more, call 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

JOURNEY FROM HAWAI‘I TO MARS and learn how an "out-of-this-world" lava landscape helps scientists understand how to conduct research on Mars in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's After Dark in the Park program on Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium at 7 p.m.  The event is free, but park entrance fees apply. for more information, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HEALTH INSURANCE SIGN-UPS are offered at Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  For more, call 939-7033.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, NOW FOR A PAPER CUP TURKEY CRAFT class taking place Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Register until Nov. 14. For more, call 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation to see the full program of events.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS TUESDAY, NOV. 14, and Wednesday, Nov. 15. Participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

A HĀLAU O AKAUNU PERFORMANCE takes place Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The event is free, but park entrance fees apply. For more details, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Wednesday, Nov. 15, at noon in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū MEET Thursday, Nov. 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Nā‘ālehu United Methodist Church. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.

STORY TIME WITH AUNTIE LINDA FROM TŪTŪ & ME is set for Thursday, Nov. 16, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Nā‘ālehu Public Library. For more, call 929-8571.

EXPERIENCE THE SKILLFUL WORK, ‘IKE HANA NO‘EAU Hawaiian cultural demonstrations will be given the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the third Friday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. The upcoming events are scheduled for Nov. 17 and Dec. 15. This event is free.

FRIENDS OF THE KA‘Ū LIBRARIES will man a booth at the annual Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church fundraising bazaar in Wai‘ōhinu on Saturday, Nov. 18. Donations of baked goods, books and good condion, slightly used, reusable rummage are being accepted to raise money for Friends of the Ka‘ū Libraries.
     Drop off donation at Nā‘ālehu Public Library or Pāhala Public and School Library no later than Friday, Nov. 17, by 3 p.m. or bring to the Libraries tent on, Nov. 18, at Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church grounds at 8 a.m. For more info, call Linda Morgan at 785-2058.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY, FEATURING THE ANNUAL INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBITION BEGINS Friday, Nov. 17, and continues through Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This year’s event promises an abundance of art and aloha to kick start the holiday season. Free to the public, park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-7565.

THE ANNUAL KAUAHA‘AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH fundraising bazaar in Wai‘ōhinu is Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to  2 p.m. on the church grounds. The church is located on the corner of Māmalahoa Hwy, Kama‘oa Road and Pinao Street just above the Wong Yuen Store and Gas Station.
    Individuals, schools, clubs, and sports/athletic groups are invited to be a vendor at the "flea market" on the church grounds. The charge for a 10' X 10' space is $10. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tent, table and chairs, and if power is needed, a generator. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods/plate lunches.
    The Church will be selling Kālua Pig plate lunch and containers of Kālua Pig, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts. Throughout the day, there will be free entertainment "provided by our talented community groups," said Walter and Debbie WongYuen at 928-8039.

LĀ ‘OHANA, THE MILOLI‘I COMMUNITY celebration, held annually, has been announced for Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free, cultural, educational event is open to all and is co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.
     Auntie Diana Aki, Miloli‘i's famed falsetto Hawaiian songbird will sing. Also in the line-up are south Kona bands. Health screening and health insurance advice will be offered, along with local food and arts and crafts on display and for sale.
     Partners in putting on Lā ‘Ohana include Pa‘a Pono Miloli‘i, Kua O Ka Lā Charter School, Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust, Kalanihale, and Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.
     For more information, contact Kumu Ka‘imi Kaupiko at 808-937-1310 or kkaupiko@gmail.com. Vendors are welcome.
For more about the event, see Ka‘ū News Briefs from Sunday, Oct. 22.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Ocean View Community Center. For more details, call 939-7033.

See public Ka‘ū events for November including monthly meetings at 
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/novemberevents.html
See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily and weekly community events at 
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/novembercommunity.html.
Pick up the November print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar, 
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i 
through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout
the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com.
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is accepting reservations for its next volunteer day at its Ka‘ū Preserve for Saturday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reserving a spot in advance to go to the remote location in The Nature Conservancy's trucks is a must. Anyone interested in more information, and/or to reserve a spot can contact Linda Schubert at lschubert@tnc.org, or call 443-5401.
     Participants will need; long pants, protective shoes (boots preferred), a lunch and water. Everyone should be ready for a variety of weather conditions, from sun, rain, to cool temperatures.
 
HI‘IAKA & PELE, a free, moderate, one-mile walk through the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, takes place Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HULA KAHIKO AND NĀ MEA HULA is scheduled to take place on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Nov. 18. Hula Kahiko featuring Kumu Ha‘amauliola with Ke Kula o Nawahiokalani‘opu‘u PCS is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m.. Nā Mea Hula, a hands on cultural demonstration, featuring Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Halauolaokalani will follow until 1 p.m.. Contact Desiree, call 987-7288 or email volcanohula@gmail.com, to confirm dates.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, Nov. 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8356 for more details. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANTS that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This Stewardship at the Summit event is Saturday, Nov. 18, at 8:45 a.m.
     To join the effort, meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, park entrance fees waived in observance of Veteran's Day. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm. Another event is planned for Nov. 25.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
     The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
     Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.