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Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Learn to make Hawaiian cordage, Kaula, at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Mar. 14. 
See story below. Photo by Michael Szoenyi, National Park Service
SPINLAUNCH, THE COMPANY PLANNING TO START A MINI SPACEPORT ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND, with a possible location in Kaʻū and a bill before the Hawaiʻi Legislature, is profiled in a recent posting on the online TechCrunch by Josh Constantine.
     The SpinLaunch idea is to reduce the cost of taking small satellites and packages into space. According to the story, SpinLaunch founder Johnathan Yaney said SpinLaunch is targeting a per-launch price of less than $500,000, while "all existing rocket-based companies cost between $5 million and $100 million per launch." The company is attempting to raise $25 million through Special Purpose Revenue Bonds, under consideration at the Hawaiʻi state House and Senate.
     Asks TechCrunch, "What if instead of blasting cargo into space on a rocket, we could fling it into space using a catapult? That's the big, possibly crazy, possibly genius idea behind SpinLaunch." TechCrunch reports that SpinLaunch was "secretly founded in 2014 by Jonathan Yaney, who built solar-powered drone startup Titan Aerospace and sold it to Google. Now TechCrunch has learned from three sources that SpinLaunch is raising a massive $30 million Series A to develop its catapult technology."
A render of a SpinLaunch hangar, with evolving technology to catapult small satellites into space, 
as shown to and published by TechCrunch.
   TechCrunch looked into the financial history of SpinLaunch founders and reports that "SEC documents show that Yaney raised $1 million in equity in 2014, the year SpinLaunch was founded, $2.9 million in equity in 2015, $2.2 million in debt in mid-2017 and another $2 million in debt in late 2017."
     The writer states that Yaney confirms "SpinLaunch has raised a total of $10 million to date, and that he's personally an investor. As for the next $30 million, he says, 'The current status of our Series is that we are still taking meetings with potential investors and have not yet received an executed offer.'"
     TechCrunch writer Constantine wrote that he "scored an interview" with the SpinLaunch founder "after four years in stealth." TechCrunch reports founder Yaney explaining the SpinLaunch idea as a "sustainable way to get things like satellites from earth into space without chemical propellant. Using a catapult would sidestep the heavy fuel and expensive booster rockets used by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin."
SpinLaunch founder Johnathan Yaney, 
as seen on TechCrunch.
     The SpinLaunch centrifuge would spin "at an incredible rate. All that momentum is then harnessed to catapult a payload into space at speeds one source said could be around 3,000 miles per hour. With enough momentum, objects could be flung into space on their own. Alternatively, the catapult could provide some of the power needed with cargo being equipped with supplemental rockets necessary to leave earth's atmosphere," reports TechCrunch.
     TechCrunch visited a SpinLaunch hangar with the SpinLaunch founder, who told the reporter, "Since the dawn of space exploration, rockets have been the only way to access space. Yet in 70 years, the technology has only made small incremental advances to truly commercialize and industrialize space; we need 10x tech improvement."
     The TechCrunch writer said that he interviewed sources who quoted physicists who discussed potential challenges including, "air resistance on the cargo when the catapult fires. Earth's atmosphere is so dense that it could be like the cargo was hitting a brick wall upon ejection. Any electronics or other sensitive materials in the cargo might have to be engineered to withstand intense G-forces. This all explains the pointy, aerodynamic launch vehicle shown in the hangar render," shown above.
     TechCrunch wraps up its story by saying, "If SpinLaunch can overcome the technical barriers, it could democratize access to space by lowering launch costs. That could accelerate a new era of zero-gravity innovation, from space travel to mining to what we once thought of as mere science fiction."
     Read much more and the entire article at TechCrunchSee the testimony regarding the legislative bills at SB2703 and HB2559.

THE PROPOSAL FOR $25 MILLION IN SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS to fund SpinLaunch is making its way through the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Most opposition testimony focuses on the possibility of locating the project in Kaʻū, particularly in the Pohuʻe Bay area where opponents say they want the land preserved for conservation and cultural purposes.
        Positive testimony comes from scientists and business people who support advancing the new technology and the possibility of reducing the cost of space launches. Several businesses organizations have issued letters, touting the possibilities of employment and economic development.
     Senate Bill 2703 passed the Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs; Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology; and Ways and Means Committees. Neither Kaʻū Senator, Russell Rudernman nor Josh Green, serve on those committees.
      House Bill 2559 passed the House Committee on Economic Develpment and Business, and the Finance Committee. Neither Kaʻū Representative, Richard Creagan nor Richard Onishi, serve on those committees. The House has sent its bill to the Senate for consideration. See the testimony at SB2703 and HB2559.

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Kamilo net mass, with Scientist Sarah-Jeanne 
Royer, left, and another researcher, taking 
samples. Photo from Hawaiʻi DLNR
THE HUGE MASS OF NETS AND ROPES THAT WASHED ONTO THE KAʻŪ COAST AT KAMILO is shrinking, and some of it may have washed back to sea, say researchers and volunteers working on its removal.
     A video posted by Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources shows interviews about the origin of the mass, research, and efforts to remove it.
     Scientist Sarah-Jeanne Royer is shown crawling over the ropes and nets with another researcher, taking samples."We have been cutting a few pieces of rope - different colors, different types - and I plan on studying what's living on the ropes, to see if we have invasive species." She said she wants to identify the species living in the mass and also estimate the age of the ropes and nets to determine their origin.
     In early February, a "huge island of nets" was floating in the ocean ten miles south of Diamond Head. It broke apart and drifted to multiple ‘Oahu beaches. Royer speculated that the Kamilo mass might have been part of that "island."
     "There's a lot in the ocean," and where the plastics, ropes and nets drift is "really weather-dependent," Royer said. "Its always there. If not on the shore, it's in the water."
     A man in a Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund truck, who has been involved in many debris removal efforts, said, "That mass is going to have to be cut up some way. A lot of the nets we get here, like we just loaded in the truck, we can kind of stretch them out, so it makes it easier to cut them into pieces. That bundle is not going to stretch out," he said. "I can't even guesstimate how many truckloads that may be to get that out of here."
Huge net mass that washed ashore at Kamilo Beach earlier this month. Photos show Scientist Sarah-Jeanne Royer, in orange, and another researcher, taking samples, and helping a man from Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund to load a smaller net mass onto a truck to haul it away. Photos from Hawaiʻi DLNR
     The video follows a crew working in constant wind and ran and ends showing a thick cable pulley, dragging a mass of nets the size of a small car up a makeshift ramp, into the back of a truck, while three people steady its progress.
     Watch the whole video here: https://vimeo.com/257203587.
     Volunteer for Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund by emailing megan@wildhawaii.org.

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AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN-KONA will give three $2000 scholarships to female college-bound high school seniors with financial need. Kaʻū High School  and West Hawai'i high school students are eligible. Application packets were sent to high school counselors in February and are also available on the AAUW Kona website at: https://kona-hi.aauw.net.
     The criteria for choosing the recipients are: academic achievement; high school and community involvement and/or employment performance; essay; financial need. The scholarship committee will review all complete applications. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed. The deadline for applications to be postmarked is Monday, April 2,. Application packets include a list of requirements.
     Chloe Gan, a 2017 graduate of Ka‘ū High was one of last year's three scholarship winners. Gan is in her second semester at University of Portland, studying Mechanical Engineering, and earned a spot on the Dean's List with a 3.8 GPA.
      With questions, contact co-chairs of the AAUW scholarship committee : Madalyn McWhite -Lamson at madmclam@gmail.com or Doris Massey-Karsznia at dmasseykarsznia@yahoo.com.

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Cordage made from native Hawaiian plants is
demonstrated by Uncle Larry on March
14. Photo from Instagram
A KAULA DEMONSTRATION, takes place Wednesday, Mar. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, announces Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Uncle Larry Kuamo‘o demonstrates how to make traditional cordage from native Hawaiian plants like hau and hala. Kaula making was a necessary skill for making tools, wa‘a (canoes), hale (homes) and much more. The free event is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Park entrance fees apply.
     For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

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A FILM SCREENING OF KĪLAUEA SUMMIT ERUPTION: LAVA RETURNS TO HALEMA‘UMA‘U, followed by a question and answer session with U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory representatives, has been announced by Volcano Art Center for the Mar. 15 Thursday Night at the Center event.
     Geologist Janet Babb, and other representatives from USGS HVO, will be available at VAC from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., to mark the 10th anniversary of Kīlauea Volcano's ongoing summit eruption.
Observe the 10th anniversary of Kīlauea Volcano's summit eruption at 
Halema‘uma‘u by viewing a film screening of USGS's recently released 
24-minute documentary. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     The 24-minute U.S. Geological Survey video tells the story of Kīlauea Volcano's summit eruption, from its start in 2008 through 2017. It begins with a Hawaiian chant expressing traditional observations of an active lava lake, then recounts the eruptive history of Halemaʻumaʻu, and describes the formation and continued growth of the current summit vent and lava lake. In the video, USGS HVO scientists share insights on how they monitor the lava lake, how and why the lake level rises and falls, why explosive events occur, and the connection between Kīlauea's ongoing summit and East Rift Zone eruptions.
     The event is free; however, a $5 donation to VAC is suggested.
     Thursday Night at the Center is a once-a-month series at the Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture, and environment. The series is intended to inspire and enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections.
     For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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KAʻŪ HIGH BOYS VOLLEYBALL STARTED SPRING SEASON OFF by hosting Kealakehe on Feb. 27. JV started the night off strong, winning both games, at 25-15 and 25-21. The three Varsity games played had the challengers in the lead, with scores of 25-17, 25-10, and 25-14.
     The next three games are all away, with the Trojans heading out to Hawai‘i Prep on March 5, Kohala on March 9, and Makua Lani on March 12. See full Spring schedule, below.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.htmlSee Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 
February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.
KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE
Girls Softball: Saturday, Mar 3, Kohala @ Ka‘ū
   Wednesday, Mar 7, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū
   Friday, Mar 9, @ Hawai‘i Prep
   Tuesday, Mar 13, @ Hilo
   Saturday, Mar 17 @ Konawaena
   Monday, Mar 19, KSH @ Ka‘ū
   Saturday, Mar 24 @ Kealakehe
   Saturday, Mar 31 @ Hōnoka‘a
   Monday, Apr 2, @ Kohala
   Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū
   Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa
   Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH
   Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
Boys Volleyball: Monday, Mar 5, @ Hawai‘i Prep
   Friday, Mar 9, @ Kohala
   Monday, Mar 12, @ Makua Lani
   Wednesday, Mar 14 Ehunui @ Ka‘ū
   Friday, Mar 16 @ Konawaena
   Monday, Mar 19 @ KSH
   Friday, Mar 23 Pāhoa @ Ka‘ū
   Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea
   Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
   Friday, Apr 13, Hōnoka‘a @ Ka‘ū
   Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo
   Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS for school year 2018-2019. Scholarships available to high school or home-schooled graduating seniors and to undergraduate college students. March 1 deadline, application form at www.okaukakou.org. Questions? Call Babette Morrow at 929-8076.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY HEADBANDS CLASS until Mar 1, for keiki ages 6 to 12 years, for Fri, Mar 2, 2:45 - 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. For more about these and other recreation programs: hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

KAHA KIʻI CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION is open to high school students. Digital files of 2D artwork due by March 5 at haearts@gmail.com. More info at: gabbard.house.gov/serving-you/student-resources/art-competition

Keiki Spring Butterfly Craft open for registration
through March 6 Detils, right. Photo from Hawaiʻi DLNR
ARTS & CRAFTS: SPRING BUTTERFLY CRAFT, register until Mar 6. Event is Wed, Mar 7, 3:30 - 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. For grades K-8. Free. Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro, 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation 

MY HAWAI‘I 2018 CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST is open to all 6th through 8th grade students in the state. Submit story or poem that addresses the theme, "Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu: From a strong foundation grows an abundant future," to align with the 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference. Submit online at hawaiiconservation.org/my-hawaii/my-hawaii-story-project-2018 by 5:00 p.m., March 9. Email questions to myhawaiistory@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1
Kōlea lau nui in Kīpukapuaulu. Participate
in the stewardship of this land - details to
the left. Photo from Hawaiʻi DLNR 
HAWAI‘I DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Mar 1, 8:30 a.m. - noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com.

VETERAN'S CENTER AND VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Thu, Mar 1 & 15, 8:30 a.m. - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit with VA counselor and benefit specialist. Contact Matthew at 329-0574 - ovcahi.org

STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. Participants meet at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers should bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water; wear closed-toe shoes. Clothing may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meeting, Thu, Mar 1, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

HULA VOICES with Kumu Hula Kainani Kahauhaele, Thu, Mar 1, 7 - 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates event. Free, educational event occurring on the first Thursday of each month (excluding Apr. and Dec. 2018). volcanoartcenter.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 3
SECOND ANNUAL RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH SYMPOSIUM-WEST, Sat, Mar 3, 8:30 a.m. - noon, West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, County Council Chambers. East-side symposium Mar 17. Register at www.RapidOhiaDeath.org

HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND VOLUNTEER BEACH CLEAN UP, Sat, Mar 3, 8:45 a.m., meet at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Help clean up trash and debris washed up on the shore at Kamilo on the Ka‘ū Coast below Nā‘ālehu. Reserve a spot in a 4WD vehicle with HWF in advance. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, Mar 3, 9, 16, 23 & 31, 8:45 a.m. Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm

INTRODUCTION TO OIL PAINTING WITH STEVE IRVINE, Sat, Mar 3, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Class fee $55/VAC members, $60/non-members. Class supplies not provided; receive a full list upon registration. His Tī and Seas art exhibit is open to the public through Sun, Mar 25, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., dailyvolcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

HI‘IAKA & PELE, Sat, Mar 3, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

ZENTANGLE: BASICS, Sat, Mar 3, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn the foundations of Zentangle art form and the philosophy behind it from Certified Zentangle Teacher Dina Wood Kageler. All art supplies provided. $30/VAC members, $35/non-members, plus $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4
HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO HELP LOAD NETS - previously collected from the coast - into a container at Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station on Sun, Mar 4, starting at 9 a.m. Bring personal drinking water. To sign-up, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

HAM RADIO POTLUCK PICNIC, Sun, Mar 4, noon - 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. Sponsored by South Point Amatueur Radio Club and Amateur Radio Emergency Service. View sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058.

MONDAY, MARCH 5
OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING, Mon, Mar 5, 4 - 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 6
WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR, Tuesdays, Mar. 6, 20, and 27, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., at Kīlauea VisitorCenter. Each performance lasts about an hour. To find out more about this living history program, visit the park website: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/walk_into_the_past.htm

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. Meeting, Tue, Mar 6, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS MEETING, Tue, Mar 6, 6 - 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: THE FIRST TEN YEARS OF KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT ERUPTION, Tue, Mar 6, 7 p.m., at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7
DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT MEETING, Wed, Mar 7, 6 - 8 p.m., New Thought Center in Kealakekua. Democratic Party Precincts of Ho‘okena, Miloli‘i & Ocean View. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

OPEN MIC NIGHT, Wed, Mar 7, 6 - 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING
TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.





Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Rapid Ohia Death, which destroys native forest and the watershed, is the subject of two reports
to the public in March. See flyer below. Photo from The Nature Conservancy
DEATH WITH DIGNITY BILLS ARE MOVING THROUGH THE STATE LEGISLATURE. Gov. David Ige sent a statement to a public hearing on Monday, urging lawmakers to pass House Bill 2739. At least 30 states have either enacted or considered enacting similar Death with Dignity bills.
     Two physicians who represent Ka‘ū in the Hawai‘i State Legislature, Sen. Josh Green and Rep. Richard Creagan, both support the measures. According to a Medscape survey, physician's opinions on the matter rose from 46 percent in favor in 2010 to 57 percent in 2016. Last year, the Senate Health Committee, chaired by Green - an ER doctor - passed the measure, and it passed the Senate. Green was quoted as saying, "This is landmark legislation." As of 2017, polls showed the number of residents in favor of the bill is near 80 percent.
Gov. David Ige
     This year, Creagan introduced House Bill 2218, with Hawai‘i Island Rep. Cindy Evans and 14 House members. Creagan estimated about 75 percent of the House supports medical aid in dying, and that there is about an 80 percent chance of the bill passing this year.
     "This isn't suicide," Creagan told Civil Beat. "This is wanting to leave this Earth peacefully. We don't want to make people shoot themselves if they want to die."
     The governor said, "It's time for this bill to become law. Mentally competent, terminally ill people who are in pain and who are suffering should be given the choice to end their lives with grace, dignity, and peace. I would be proud and honored to sign this bill into law if our state legislators pass this measure this session.
     Ige explained that "the bill establishes a regulatory process under which mentally competent adults with medically confirmed terminal illnesses with less than six months to live, may choose to obtain a prescription for medication to end the patient's life. The measure also makes it a criminal offense to tamper with a patient's request for a prescription or to coerce a patient to request a prescription."
     The Administrative Director of the governor's office, Ford Fuchigam, testified at the legislature on behalf of Ige: "The Governor's Office believes this bill is important to allow terminally ill patients to decide for themselves when and how their lives should end. We believe HB 2739 is well drafted in a context of a robust continuum of palliative and hospice care, and provides sufficient safe-guards for both patients and doctors to minimize abuse."
     Testimony from the Feb. 26 hearing can be read here, where more than 1300 testimonies are logged.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Dr. Josh Green, state Senator and
candidate for Lt. Governor.
SEN. JOSH GREEN SUPPORTS STATE-SUPPORTED HEALTH CARE AND REGULATIONS to offset anticipated federal cutbacks in health funding. Senate Bill 2340 is cosponsored by Green and the Women's Legislative Caucus. Green, who has represented Ka‘ū and Kona since 2008, also works as an ER doctor, and is running for Lt. Governor. Affordable healthcare is one of ten goals he lists to strengthen and support Hawaii families.
     SB 2340: "Ensures certain benefits under the federal Affordable Care Act are preserved under Hawai‘i law, including: extending dependent coverage for adult children up to 26 years of age; prohibiting health insurance entities from imposing a preexisting condition exclusion; and prohibiting health insurance entities from using an individual's gender to determine premiums or contributions," according to the description of the bill on the legislature's portal.
     The Senate bill was heard on Jan. 31, passing with amendments. On Feb. 23 it passed the Ways and Means Committee with zero 'no' votes. Its sister bill, HB2126, cosponsored by Rep. Cindy Evans, is also progressing.
     Links to testimony from both hearings can be found here. Green can be followed on his Facebook and at joshgreen.org.

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HAWAI‘I RESIDENTS PAY THE LOWEST PROPERTY TAXES in the United States, according to a recent WalletHub study. The average Hawai‘i household pays $1,459 in real estate property taxes. The average
American household spends $2,197 on real-estate property taxes, plus an additional $436 per household in 27 states with vehicle property taxes. There are no vehicle property taxes in Hawai‘i.
     More than $14 billion in property taxes nationwide go unpaid every year, according to the National Tax Lien Association.
     To determine who pays the least, relative to the state, WalletHub released its 2018 Property Taxes by State report, which compares home and vehicle taxes across the nation, and features insights from a panel of experts.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Rebecca Folsom will perform Saturday, March 10,
at Volcano Art Center. Photo from Folsom
REBECCA FOLSOM TEACHES THE ART OF VOCAL FREEDOM WORKSHOP, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Sunday, Mar. 11, announces Volcano Art Center. The workshop will merge art (either collage, drawing, or painting), singing, and writing prose. Attendees will be able to work/play with all three artistic mediums at the same time. It is open to all levels of singers.
     In the workshop participants will "learn to sing and express authentically with ease and flow tapping your own personal vocal freedom! We will uncover and polish the beauty and power of your individual authentic voice. Our bodies are powerful instruments of personal expression, the starting point where we shape the creative masterpiece of our lives. We will play with and practice simple exercises to enable your natural voice to shine through," suggests the event description.
     The class is experiential, and weaves a blend of traditional and non-traditional vocal technique, martial arts, yogic posture, Toltec, and Taoist exercises. Effective for singers and non-singers alike, participants will learn to relax physical strain, learn to flow with the rush of adrenaline, strengthen underdeveloped potential, and feel the freedom of liberating release. The event description states these techniques "are easy to learn, powerfully affect confidence, ease, and personal presence, and greatly impact your ability to connect and engage in dynamic flow with yourself and the world around you."
     The event description continues that participants will "practice within a loving environment releasing into the authentic voice you always knew you had within you. Practical, surprisingly transformational, and fun!"
Rebecca Folsom leads a vocal freedom
class at Volcano Art Center Sunday,
March 11. Photo from Folsom
     Participants are asked to bring one song to sing - a cappella, self-accompanied, or with a basic chart to be accompanied by Folsom. The class fee is $50 plus a $10 supply fee. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
     Folsom also gives a live performance the night before, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. She says working with students makes touring a much more rich affair. "The whole experience got deeper, because rather than just showing up in a town, we are immersed in the community," she said.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

ZENTANGLE: HALF PAST PAIZLEY, a workshop with Lydia Meneses, takes place on Saturday, Mar. 10, announces Volcano Art Center. The class, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., incorporates the paisley motif as a Zentangle string, using a mixture of Zentangle's official & non-official tangles to fill paisley artwork.
     Paisley pattern is a droplet-shaped vegetable motif of Persian origin. Sometimes resembling a twisted teardrop or fig shape, its western name derives from the town of Paisley, in West Scotland.
     The paisley artwork will be created on three different sizes of Zentangle's tiles. Students will receive a customized paisley stencil, designed especially for the class by Julie Evans, CZT, of Kala Creations, and a couple of pastel chalk pencils from General Pencils.
Learn the art of Zentangle, and how to incorporate the 
paisley motif. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     The class, open to all levels, will be guided with Zentangle's traditional ceremony and method: gratitude, appreciation, relaxation, mindfulness, and awareness. "We encourage guests to bring and share their Zentangle tiles or Zentangle-inspired creations, and have them displayed in da 'Z' Gallery area," says VAC's event description.
     The workshop fee is $30 for VAC members/$35 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. No Zentangle or art experience necessary. Participants are welcome to bring their favorite drawing tools. Very light refreshment will be served. Register by visiting volcanoartcenter.org or calling 967-8222.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
After walking 100 miles, OKK President Wayne Kawachi
 continues to raise money for senior housing in Nā
ʻālehu,

 with the group selling corned beef and cabbage lunches at
ʻālehu Methodist Church on St. Patrick's Day,
Saturday, March 17. Photo from OKK

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU BINGO, SENIOR HOUSING, AND VOLUNTEERS are on the agenda in March and April. OKK continues to collect donations to help purchase land for new senior independent living housing in Nā‘ālehu.
     OKK will sell corned beef and cabbage lunches in front of Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church on St. Patrick's Day, Saturday, March 17, with all proceeds going to the senior housing project.
     OKK is collecting more surveys, to find out who would be interested in living in senior housing within the next five years. Anyone who will be 62 years or older within the next five years is welcome to fill out the survey. "We need your support!" said OKK President Wayne Kawachi.
     ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou will sponsor a Senior Bingo day on Wednesday, March 21, at Pāhala Senior Center. Kupuna are invited to have a free lunch at 11 a.m., and free bingo from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Everyone wins a prize at OKK bingo days.
     Those who would like to volunteer with OKK to help out keiki and kupuna are welcome to attend OKK's next meeting on Thursday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m., at the Aspen Center in Punalu‘u.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.htmlSee Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 
February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.
KUPU, HAWAIʻI YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS SUMMER PROGRAM deadline to apply is tomorrow, Wed., Feb. 28. Open to young adults 17 and up. Kupu program lasts seven weeks, during June and July, and is 40 hours per week. For info and to apply: http://www.kupuhawaii.org/hycc-summer/2018Scholarship

HFS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM open to Big Island seniors planning for a two or four-year degree at a College, University, or Vocational-Technical school in the 2018-19 academic year. Applications due tomorrow, Wed., Feb. 28, available at hfsfcu.org/news/2018Scholarship or at any branch location: Kea‘au, Hilo, and Kona.

NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY - through the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission - are due tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 28, no later than 4:30 p.m. Download application here, then email to the Commission Secretary, Maxine Cutler, at maxine.cutler@hawaiicounty.gov.

‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU IS ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS for school year 2018-2019. Scholarships are available to high school or home-schooled graduating seniors and to undergraduate college students. March 1 is the deadline. See the application form at www.okaukakou.org. Questions? Call Babette Morrow at 929-8076.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY HEADBANDS CLASS until Mar. 1, for keiki ages 6 to 12 years, for Fri., Mar. 2, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Girls Day, also called Hinamatsurin, is on March 3, a traditional Japanese day to celebrate the healthy growth and happiness of girls, with making headbands and specila foods, and displaying Japansese dolls. Call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. For more about these and other recreation programs: hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

KAHA KIʻI CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION is open to high school students. Digital files of 2D artwork due by March 5 at haearts@gmail.com. More info at: gabbard.house.gov
/serving-you/student-resources/art-competition

MY HAWAI‘I 2018 CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST is open to all 6th through 8th grade students in the state. Submit story or poem that addresses the theme, "Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu: From a strong foundation grows an abundant future," to align with the 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference. Submit online at hawaiiconservation
.org/my-hawaii/my-hawaii-story-project-2018 by 5:00 p.m., March 9. Email questions to myhawaiistory@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28
FREE LEGAL SERVICES available for those 60+ through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i's Kōkua Kupuna Project, at St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Wed., Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Contact Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to obtain a referral. All others seeking free legal services, call 1-800-499-4302 (O‘ahu), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. More info, email tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org or 329-3910 ext. 925.

LEI HAKU, a method of lei making that involves braiding materials into a base of leaves, has been announced by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as part of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. The free demonstration takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO

THURSDAY, MARCH 1
HAWAI‘I DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Mar 1, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com.

VETERAN'S CENTER AND VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Thurs., March 1 & 15, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit with VA counselor and benefit specialist. Contact Matthew at 329-0574 - ovcahi.org

STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. Participants meet at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers should bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water; wear closed-toe shoes. Clothing may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meeting, Thu, Mar 1, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

HULA VOICES with Kumu Hula Kainani Kahauhaele, Thu, Mar 1, 7 - 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates event. Free, educational event occurring on the first Thursday of each month (excluding Apr. and Dec. 2018).

FRIDAY, MARCH 2
KAʻŪ'S BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS NEED SUPPORT; purchase tickets and sponsor persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Fri., Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. The evening includes a banquet-style meal, youth led entertainment, silent and live auctions, guest speakers, and honors will be presented. Learn more about helping to create great futures at bgca.org.
     To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 3
SECOND ANNUAL RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH SYMPOSIUM-WEST, Sat, Mar 3, 8:30 - noon, West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, County Council Chambers. Register at www.RapidOhiaDeath.org

HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND VOLUNTEER BEACH CLEAN UP, Sat., Mar. 3, 8:45 a.m., meet at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Help clean up trash and debris washed up on the shore at Kamilo on the Ka‘ū Coast below Nā‘ālehu. Reserve a spot in a 4WD vehicle with HWF in advance. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, Mar. 3, 9, 16, 23 & 31, 8:45 a.m. Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit
/summit_stewardship.htm

INTRODUCTION TO OIL PAINTING WITH STEVE IRVINE, Sat., Mar. 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Class fee $55 for VAC members, $60 for non-members. Class supplies not provided; receive a full list upon registration. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

HI‘IAKA & PELE, Sat., Mar. 3, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

ZENTANGLE: BASICS, Sat., Mar. 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn the foundations of Zentangle art form and the philosophy behind it from Certified Zentangle Teacher Dina Wood Kageler. All art supplies provided. $30/VAC members, $35/non-members, plus $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 4
HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO HELP LOAD NETS - previously collected from the coast - into a container at Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station on Sunday, March 4, starting at 9 a.m. Bring personal drinking water. To sign-up, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

HAM RADIO POTLUCK PICNIC, Sun., Mar. 4, noon to 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. Sponsored by South Point Amatueur Radio Club and Amateur Radio Emergency Service. View sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058.

MONDAY, MARCH 5
OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING, Mon, Mar 5, 4 - 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org





Monday, February 26, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, February 26, 2018

Alakahakai Trail to Pohuʻe Bay and its 16,455 acres, which may be eyed by a space launch company,that the Hawaiʻi Legislature
 is considering for $25 million Special Purpose Revenue Bonds. See local testimony below. Photo by Peter Bosted
FUNDING FOR IMPROVED CARDIAC CARE at Hilo Medical Center is important to Kaʻū Hospital, said its administrator Merilyn Harris, on Monday. She encourages Kaʻū residents to submit testimony remotely to the Senate Ways & Means Committee by this Tuesday, February 27, at 10:30 a.m. The Committee will hear Senate Bill 1235, which would appropriate $2 million in funding to improve the health care services related to cardiac care at the Hilo hospital.
     Harris said, "These funds would be used to create a program at Hilo Medical Center where people who were having a heart attack could get care on island instead of having to be transferred to ‘Oahu or Maui for cardiac catheterization and cardiac intensive care.
     "Because an individual suffering from cardiac complications must receive interventional care within two hours to recover completely," continued Harris, "by the time the patient is evaluated and airlifted to ‘Oahu or Maui - especially if they are starting out in Ka‘ū - due to the distances, most of the time, that two hour window has passed, increasing the risk of the patient not fully recovering.
     "Of all the communities on the Big Island this issue is most important to us. Testimony is due by TUESDAY, Feb 27, at 10:30 a.m., so the timeline is short," she concluded.
     An announcement from Elena Cabatu, Director of Marketing and Public & Legislative Affairs for Hilo Medical Center, Hale Ho‘ola Hamakua, and Ka‘ū Hospital, urges the public to speak up: "Help us Save Lives and Stop Heart Attacks! We need your testimony in support of SB 1235. Here are ways you may submit your support: online, fax to 808-586-6091, or email to sendelacruz@capitol.hawaii.gov. Please call me at 333-7223 if you need more information. Click on the link to see our video Improving Heart Attack Care at Hilo Medical Center, to see the cardiac care we currently provide at Hilo Medical Center and what we CAN do with this funding!"

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

TESTIMONY AGAINST PLACING THE PROPOSED SPINLAUNCH SPACEPORT FACILITY in Kaʻū has come from Kaʻū residents. SpinLaunch announced it is looking at Hawaiʻi Island as one of five possible locations, where small satellites and packages would be flung into space using a spinning device, at much lower cost than sending up large rockets. In recent months, scouts from a space endeavor have looked at the 16,455 acres around Pohuʻe Bay.
Pohuʻe Bay and surrounding lands; part of the 16,455
acres for sale. Photo from Luxury Big Island
     While much of the testimony from scientists and space companies support the idea and funding of SpinLaunch, none of their supportive testimony nor the funding bill have identified any location or requirement to consult the community where the site would be developed.
     In light of Kaʻū being a possible site, the state Department of Land & Natural Resources' Aha Moku Advisory Committee has submitted testimony to the state legislature. Jeffrey Kekoa, Aloha Beck Darlyne Vierra, and Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka ask for the residents of Kaʻū to be consulted before funding the project, should the proposed site be in Kaʻū district. They wrote:
     "We are dismayed and disappointed that our Legislators have decided to support an endeavor that does not have the support of the people, especially in the area that is designated to hold this launch system. We know nothing about this project and if there were any public scoping meetings in Kaʻū, we were not approached. We have fought for decades to keep Kaʻū - KAʻŪ. We are saddened and frustrated that we had to find out about this on social media, a tool that many of us here in the country do not have, because many do not have internet or computers. We depend on our legislators to let us know when something of this magnitude is planned where we live.... We understand the Legislature's wish to increase the economy for Hawaiʻi and see the need to reduce cost access to space, to meet a mandate to expand access to space and to facilitate a growth environment for commercial space industry. How will this be accommodated and keep Kaʻū - KAʻŪ?"
     The advisory group asks the Senate to hold the bill until the group speaks to legislators, County Council members, and developers of the plan.
     Mary Ann Omerod wrote, "I strongly oppose SB2703 relating to Special Purpose Revenue Bonds to assist SpinLaunch, Inc., with financing of the planning, design and construction of a satellite launch system on Hawaiʻi Island and especially at Pohuʻe (Kahuku Ahupuaʻa) in Kaʻū.
Kanonone Waterhole at Pohuʻe Bay is an anchialine pond that hosts 
endemic and native speciesPhoto by Shalan Crysdale
     "Our Kupuna disagreed with a space port when it was proposed at Ka Lae (South Point) in the 80's. I don't think a mini space launch facility being at Pohuʻe, (Kahuku Ahupuaʻa) would've changed their minds in today's day and age. We don't need another site in Kaʻū being desecrated thus directly affecting any more of the health or our people and the well-being of our environment!"
     Hawk Jones wrote, "We don't want rockets or missiles to be launched from down here in the Kaʻū, we don't want new solar fields down here in Kaʻū; we don't want objects begin flung into space from Kaʻū and the Kaʻū residents absolutely oppose a private company buying, for any reason other than stewardship and conservation, Pohuʻe Bay.
     "Pohuʻe Bay is one of our great last 'secrets' down here, untouched and pristine. Why is the State not purchasing the land and making it a reserve for it  biological (Hawksbill Turtles nesting beach) reasons, along with its cultural significance?"
     Laura Roberts testified in opposition to the project, should it impact Pohuʻe Bay. "These are sacred lands near Pohuʻe Bay. Please consider another location to do this."
     Dr. Nancy Bondurant testified, "You have got to be kidding! How in the world is a satellite launch service going to benefit our struggling agricultural community? It is not enough that you are denying Kaʻū basic services, i.e. police, water, fire, community schools, emergency shelter, garbage, etc. but now you are considering not only funding but sitting this endeavor in Kaʻū? Are we just a dumping ground?.... The residents of Kaʻū are firmly against funding this project and siting it in our neighborhood! You can put it next to your house!"
     Puaʻena N. Ahn wrote, "This does not sound like a wise investment. Is this an experimental technology? An industrial accident or human error could have devastating consequences for people and the environment. I fail to see how this is the best interest of public health, safety and welfare."
     Shannon Rudolph called the proposal "The definition of insanity; taxpayer guarantee of $25 Mil in bonds to a new, untested company with no product and no history. That funding is needed in sooooo many other places!"

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Photo from hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov
THE HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT on Saturday drew more than 649 volunteers statewide to the shores: from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to Punaluʻu, South Point and Miloliʻi, all the way up the chain of inhabited Hawaiian Islands. It was the second of three events of the 2018 Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count.
     Volunteers collected data from 44 sites statewide on February 24. A total of 135 whale sightings were recorded during the 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count. Weather conditions were unfavorable for viewing whales due to poor visibility. Multiple Ocean Count sites on Hawaiʻi Island cancelled the count due to continuous rainfall and zero visibility.
     Ocean Count promotes public awareness about humpback whales, the sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities. The sanctuary holds Ocean Count three times each year during peak whale season. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whale activity from the shoreline.
     Preliminary data detailing whale sightings by site location are available at http://www.sanctuaryoceancount.org/resources/. Additional information is available on the sanctuary's website at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
     The sanctuary, which is administered by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, protects humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters where they migrate each winter to mate, calve, and nurse their young.
     NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine resources. See NOAA's TwitterFacebookInstagram, and other social media channels.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

2nd Congressional District winner from 2017.
KAHA KIʻI CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION, part of a nation-wide high school arts competition, is sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Each spring, the competition opens to all high school students in Hawaiʻi's 2nd Congressional District. The winning artwork is displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, along with winning artwork from all participating districts around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on the Congressional Art Competition page. Get information for submissions here.
     The deadline to submit an entry is Monday, March 5. Digital JPG files of 2D artwork must be sent to haearts@gmail.com, along with the required 2018 Student Release Form. Personal information should not be part of the submitted JPG.
     Finalists drop off physical entries by Saturday, April 14, at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, where an art exhibition of the pieces will be held from Monday, April 16, through Saturday, May 12. The awards ceremony will be held that day, at 10:00 a.m.
     All entries must be: two-dimensional; no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches thick when matted/framed; no more than 15 pounds in weight when matted/framed; original in concept, design, and execution, and not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Work entered must be in the original medium, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing. Acceptable Mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are: Paintings in oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.; Drawings in colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (it is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed); Collages - must be two dimensional; Prints - lithographs, silkscreen, block prints; Mixed Media - use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.; Computer-generated art; Photographs.
1st Congressional District winner from 2017.
     Contact Anya at Anya.Anthony@mail.house.gov or call (808) 541-1986 with questions.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

KA‘Ū GIRLS SOFTBALL KICKED OFF THE SPRING SEASON by hosting Konawa‘ena February 26, with three more games happening within the week: Feb. 27, 3 p.m., against Pāhoa, hosting; Feb. 28, 3 p.m., Honoka‘a, hosting; and March 3, at Kohala, 11 a.m.
     The Feb. 26 game saw Reishalyn Kekoa Jara with 2 hits, and Chaunalisa Velez and Analei Emmsley, both each with one hit. The final score for Ka‘ū was 4 hits, with Kona ending the game at 23.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.htmlSee Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 
February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.
MY HAWAI‘I 2018 CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST, open to all 6th through 8th grade students in the state. Submit story or poem that addresses the theme, "Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu: From a strong foundation grows an abundant future," to align with the 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference. Submit online at hawaiiconservation.org/my-hawaii/my-hawaii-story-project-2018 by 5:00 p.m., March 9. Email questions to myhawaiistory@gmail.com.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

TUESDAY, FEB. 27
HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue., Feb 27, 10 a.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, Tue., Feb 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

TALES OF EARLY RANCHING IN HUMU‘ULA, Tue., Feb 27, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Free, suggested donation of $2; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28
KUPU, HAWAIʻI YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS SUMMER PROGRAM open to young adults 17 and up; deadline to apply Wed., Feb. 28. Kupu program lasts seven weeks, during June and July, is 40 hours per week. For info and to apply: http://www.kupuhawaii.org/hycc-summer/2018Scholarship or at any branch location: Kea‘au, Hilo, and Kona.

FREE LEGAL SERVICES available for those 60+ through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i's Kōkua Kupuna Project, at St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Wed., Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Contact Hawai`i County Office of Aging at 961-8626, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to obtain a referral. All others seeking free legal services, call 1-800-499-4302 (O‘ahu), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. More info, email tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org or 329-3910 ext. 925.

LEI HAKU, a method of lei making that involves braiding materials into a base of leaves, has been announced by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as part of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. The free demonstration takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY through the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, due Wednesday, Feb. 28, no later than 4:30 p.m. Download application here, then email to the Commission Secretary, Maxine Cutler, at maxine.cutler@hawaiicounty.gov.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1
‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS for school year 2018-2019. Scholarships available to high school or home-schooled graduating seniors and to undergraduate college students. March 1 deadline, application form at www.okaukakou.org. Questions? Call Babette Morrow at 929-8076.

HAWAI‘I DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Mar 1, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com.

VETERAN'S CENTER AND VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Thurs., March 1 & 15, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit with VA counselor and benefit specialist. Contact Matthew at 329-0574 - ovcahi.org.

STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. Participants meet at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers should bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water; wear closed-toe shoes. Clothing may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.

OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meeting, Thu, Mar 1, 6 - 7 p.m.Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Join Kumu Hula Kainani Kahauhaele
for Hula Voices - details, left.
HULA VOICES with Kumu Hula Kainani Kahauhaele, Thu, Mar 1, 7 - 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates event. Free, educational event occurring on the first Thursday of each month (excluding Apr. and Dec. 2018). volcanoartcenter.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 2
REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY HEADBANDS CLASS from Feb. 26 to Mar. 1, for keiki ages 6 to 12 years, for Fri., Mar. 2, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. For more about these and other recreation programs: hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

KAʻŪ'S BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS NEED SUPPORT; purchase tickets and sponsor persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Fri., Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. The evening includes a banquet-style meal, youth led entertainment, silent and live auctions, guest speakers, and honors will be presented. Learn more about helping to create great futures at bgca.org.
     To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 3
SECOND ANNUAL RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH SYMPOSIUM-WEST, Sat, Mar 3, 8:30 - noon, West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, County Council Chambers. Register at www.RapidOhiaDeath.org

HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND VOLUNTEER BEACH CLEAN UP, Sat., Mar. 3, 8:45 a.m., meet at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Help clean up trash and debris washed up on the shore at Kamilo on the Ka‘ū Coast below Nā‘ālehu. Reserve a spot in a 4WD vehicle with HWF in advance. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org.

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, Mar. 3, 9, 16, 23 & 31, 8:45 a.m. Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

INTRODUCTION TO OIL PAINTING WITH STEVE IRVINE, Sat., Mar. 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Volcano Art Center. Class fee $55 for VAC members, $60 for non-members. Class supplies not provided; receive a full list upon registration. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

HI‘IAKA & PELE, Sat., Mar. 3, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO.

ZENTANGLE: BASICS, Sat., Mar. 3, 10 a.m. to 1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn the foundations of Zentangle art form and the philosophy behind it from Certified Zentangle Teacher Dina Wood Kageler. All art supplies provided. $30/VAC members, $35/non-members, plus $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4
HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO HELP LOAD NETS - previously collected from the coast - into a container at Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station on Sunday, March 4, starting at 9 a.m. Bring personal drinking water. To sign-up, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

HAM RADIO POTLUCK PICNIC, Sun., Mar. 4, noon to 2 p.m.Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. Sponsored by South Point Amatueur Radio Club and Amateur Radio Emergency Service. View sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058.

ONGOING
TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.

TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, is open to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

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