Ka‘ū News Briefs Friday, February 2, 2018

Fees collected through TriPark passes have contributed to projects at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, including replacement of lighting in 
Nāhuku-Thurston Lava Tube. See story on the proposed Tri-Park Pass cost hike, below. Photo from NPS

TOXIC FUMES FROM VOLCANIC STEAM IS THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF DEATH of Sean King on Thursday morning. The tour guide-photographer, owner of Hawai‘i Stargazing Adventures, was found unresponsive, separated from the tour group of three that he was leading near Kalapana lava viewing area. His tour customers were found with minor injuries, but safe, and removed by helicopter.
     Hawai‘i County Managing Director Wil Okabe said "We don't believe there was any foul play," and confirmed that there will be an autopsy.

Lava entering the ocean can create hydrochloric acid fumes that
can overcome the ability to breathe. Photo by Jessica Ferricane/NPS

     In an interview with Hawai‘i News Now, friend of King, Ikaika Marzo, of Kalapana Cultural Tours, said: "We had a terrible, dumping rain this morning... I'm assuming that, that amount of rain, it got into all the crevasses where the lava is, and with that amount of rain, created a white-out - a blanket of steam - a massive amount of steam. Stretched for a couple miles. I haven't seen it that bad.
     "He's a well-loved person in our community, and I can't believe something like that happened. One of the best photographers out there," said Marzo.
     This is not the first time that a hiker has died from being overcome by volcanic steam on Kīlauea Volcano. In the year 2000, two hikers were found dead by rangers. Autopsies showed they died from swelling of the lungs - pulmonary edema caused by inhaling hydrochloric acid. Their bodies were found in a stage of advanced decomposition from being exposed to acid rain.
     As volcanic geotourism becomes more popular, and adventure tourists push the envelope in their explorations, managers of parks with volcanoes, worldwide, continue to plan for more safety precautions. For more info on gases created in and around volcanoes, go to volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/gas.html.

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.

A PROPOSED TRIPARK PASS FEE INCREASE FOR HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES and Haleakalā National Parks, and Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is open for comment through Friday, Mar. 2. The TriPark pass fee is set to go up from $30 to $50 per year on May 1. This annual pass allows unlimited entry to the three parks in Hawai‘i that charge for entry. None charge entrance fees to keiki under 16, nor to holders of America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Senior, Access, or Military passes.

Example of a TriPark pass. Photo from NPS

     During 2017, the number of TriPark passes purchased reached 13,413, a fee revenue of $6,787,910. This allowed Hawai‘i Volcanoes to engage in ongoing projects that protect native plants, animals, and structures. Hawai‘i Volcanoes worked to provide visitor safety; improve trails and accessibility - like adding wheelchair access to Mauna Loa Lookout; and maintain viewing areas - specifically, a new summit eruption viewing area at Jaggar Museum. Volcanoes installed new lighting n Nāhuku-Thurston Lava Tube. Park staff worked to add and maintain exhibits - such as the ancient Hawaiian Footprints in the Ka‘ū Desert. Volcanoes also worked on restoring the ‘Ōhi‘a Wing of the 1932 Administration Building into a cultural museum.
     Hawai‘i Volcanoes encourages public input on increasing the TriPark pass fee. Comments may be submitted online. The public can also address comments to: Superintendent, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawai‘i National Park, HI 96718. Comment cards are also available at Kīlauea Visitor Center seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
     According to a statement from Hawai‘i Volcanoes, the increase would bring Hawai‘i's parks in line with other parks with similar visitor amenities. The fee program, in place since 1997, sees 80 percent go directly to the park for which it was collected. The remaining 20 percent goes to fund the other six national parks in Hawai‘i that do not collect entrance fees. Half are on Hawai‘i Island: Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, and Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. The others are: Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Honouliuli National Monument, and WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument.
     Comments made, along with name, address, phone number, and email address, may be made publicly available at any time. Requests to have personal information withheld may be submitted, but cannot be guaranteed.

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 LEARNING ACADEMY, the Charter School in Discovery Harbour, invites the public to its board meeting on Monday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m. School administrators plan to film testimony to provide to the Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission and the state Department of Education. The meeting, to be held at the school, located in the old Discovery Harbour Golf Clubhouse, follows a Commission meeting that was cut short last Monday, Jan. 29. See more on Ka‘ū News Briefs on Thursday, Feb. 1, and Tuesday, Jan. 30, and in the January edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar print newspaper and online at kaucalendar.com.

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.

SUPPORT FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View in Ka‘ū can be raised by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration. It will be held Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. The Boys & Girls Club has served Hawai‘i Island for 66 years. Its outreach to Ka‘ū provides a safe and educational place for children after school.
     During Youth of the Year, Boys and Girls Club members will perform ‘oli, mele, mo‘olelo, and kalena, to celebrate ‘ohana, community, and ‘āina. The event will include a banquet-style meal, youth led entertainment, silent and live auctions, guest speakers, and honoring outstanding community supporters.

Keiki and staff of BGCBI clean up a beach.

     One highlight will be hearing from the 2018 Youth of the Year, selected for leadership, academic achievement, and community service.
     The honored member will receive an academic scholarship and will serve as spokesperson for BGCBI in the coming year. BGCBI's Youth of the Year winner will represent Hawaiʻi Island at the state competition in the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, and has the chance to compete at the regional and national levels; earn additional scholarships; and possibly visit the White House.
     Learn more about how the Youth of the Year program is helping to create Great Futures at bgca.org.
     The adult Honoree of the Year will be William Walter, who served as Chief Volunteer Officer of BGCBI from 2009 – 2011. "He helped bring stability and executive expertise to BGCBI during his terms on the Board and continues to serve as a valued adviser," says a statement from the organization. Walter is Chairman and CEO of W.H. Shipman, Ltd.

BGCBI keiki collaborate on an art project.

      The Youth Champion Award will go to Russell Chin, who served on the BGCBI Board for over 10 years and headed up the Annual Tee Off for Kids Golf Tournament Fundraiser. In 2013, he led the development of the Youth of the Year on Hawai‘i Island. Chin is Matson District Manager, Hawai‘i Island.
     Tickets range from $80 for one seat, to $3,500 for a Premier 8-person table with many perks.
     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.

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.

STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOUG CHIN WILL STEP IN AS 13th LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR of Hawai‘i, filling the place vacated by Shan Tsutsui on Jan. 31.
     Chin is known nationally for challenging the Trump administration in federal court on its travel ban and other immigration policies. He is also running for Congress.
     "Public service is a privilege," said Chin. "This was not my plan, but it is the order of succession and I am answering a call to serve. In 18 years, I have been a prosecutor, and the managing director for the City and County of Honolulu, and Hawai‘i attorney general. Each opportunity has shown me how important and valuable the people of Hawai‘i are, and how critical it is for our leaders to find solutions and preserve Hawai‘i's values."

Doug Chin left the AG post to become Lt. Governor and
is also running for Congress.

     Gov. David Ige, who appointed Chin to AG in 2015, has appointed First Deputy Attorney General Russell Suzuki to serve as Acting Attorney General, a position which he may hold for up to 60 days, by which time the next Attorney General must be appointed and confirmed by the Senate. Suzuki has been deputy for 36 years.
     Chin plans to continue his campaign to replace Colleen Hanabusa, to serve as the First District Representative in the US House. Hanabusa is challenging Ige for the governorship.
     "My family and I have been humbled by the outpouring of support since I announced my campaign for Congress," Chin added. "Today, I am more motivated than ever to be Hawai‘i's strong voice in Washington, D.C."

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.

WITH THE HAWAI‘I STATE LEGISLATURE opening on Jan. 17, many bill packages associated with common interest groups have been proposed.

Opening day, 2018 Hawai‘i State Legislature.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

     In this second year of the two-year legislative session, some bills - sometimes referred to as "zombie bills" -  left over from the 2017 session, are also being considered.
     Learn more at Hawai‘i Legislature's Public Access Room. Search for topics of interest found in bills. Key words like surf, guns, forest, air and taxes will always bring up a bill. Search for lobbyists, sponsors and other interested parties associated with bills.
     New bills have numerical designations indicating submission date: Senate bills begin with 1602 or higher, and House bills begin with 2001 or higher. Each bill has its own webpage, with status, history, title, and indicating whether there is a companion bill. It names who introduced the bill, provides hearing notices, reports, testimonies, and provides the ability to submit testimony if a hearing has been scheduled. Search for specific bills at capitol.hawaii.gov.

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.

DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW GEOCHEMICAL TOOL TO PREDICT VOLCANIC UNREST AND EARTHQUAKE ACTIVITY is discussed at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's After Dark at the Park program on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
     Dissolved gasses in groundwater can sometimes precede volcanic unrest or earthquake activity. Previously, portable instruments to measure these gases have not been reliable, says an event description on nps.gov/HAVO.
     Starting at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium, Dr. Gary McMurtry of SOEST, University of Hawai‘i, describes a brand new means of sampling in the field to detect any rapid changes, in time for effective hazard response and planning. If successful, this new Helium isotope instrument could help save lives and mitigate societal costs of volcanic eruptions and major earthquakes.
     Free; suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. Park entrances apply.

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.

PRESIDENT'S DAY STAR HANGING, an arts and crafts class hosted at Pāhala Community Center, has been announced for Wednesday, Feb. 21. The free class is scheduled to take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and is open to keiki grades K-8. Register Feb. 12 to 20. For more, call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102, or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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.html. 

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at 
kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.
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

Boys Basketball: Saturday, Feb. 3, @ Kamehameha.

Wrestling: Saturday, Feb. 3 @ Kealakehe.

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.

FOOD FROM WOOD: GROWING EDIBLE & MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS ON LOGS, STUMPS, AND WOOD CHIPS Workshop takes place at Volcano Art Center on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon. Zach Mermel teaches the basics of mushroom cultivation using locally sourced, undesirable exotic trees. The class fee, $50 per VAC member and $55 per non-member, includes one shiitake mushroom log kit and one King Stropharia mushroom kit. Pre-registration is required. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN GODDESSES, HI‘IAKA & PELE, and the natural phenomena they represent on a free, moderate, one-mile walk in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, A BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, meets three times in Pāhala at Ka‘ū District Gym in February. The class is held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday - Feb. 3, 17, and 24. Po‘okela Ikaika Dombrigues of Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi leads and shares traditional health at this free class. To register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team. Visit hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

A PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTATION FOR ARTISTS WORKSHOP is hosted at Volcano Art Center, from 9 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, Feb. 3. Class fee is $35 per VAC member and $40 per non-member. Artist Gwendolyn O'Connor shows how to professionally prepare art for galleries and competitions. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

VOLUNTEER FOR THE STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT PROGRAM on Saturday, Feb. 3, and help native plants grow by removing non-native plant species from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.  Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO. This event will be offered again on Feb. 9, 17 and 19.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, BY FEB. 6, FOR A YEAR OF THE DOG WALL HANGING arts and crafts class that takes place Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center. Free. Call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, for more.

SOUTH POINT AMATEUR RADIO CLUB AND AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE sponsor a Ham Radio Potluck Picnic on Sunday, Feb. 4, from noon to 2 p.m., at Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. For more, call Rick Ward at 938-3058, or visit sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home.

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Cooperative meets Tuesday in Pāhala. 
Event details below. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

LEARN ABOUT NATIVE PLANTS THAT PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN HAWAIIAN CULTURE in a free, moderate, guided hike along the Palm Trail - approx. 2 miles - on Sunday, Feb. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, takes place in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Observe the catastrophic change and restoration of the land as it transitions from the 1868 lava flow to deeper soils with more diversity and older flora. Free. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

A SUPER BOWL EVENT, WITH QUARTERLY PRIZES, IS OFFERED AT Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Feb. 4. Doors open at 11 a.m. and kick-off is at 1:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Call 967-8365 after 4:00 p.m. for more details. Open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS on Monday, Feb. 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

AN ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY ROAD CLEAN-UP, between mile markers 78 and 79 on Highway 11 in Ocean View, is hosted by Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Bags, water, and vests (volunteers shirt sizes should be emailed to address below) are provided. Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m., and are advised to wear work gloves and sun protection. Confirm meet-up location by emailing Pat at mcmathorama@gmail.com. Ocean View Community Association can be reached at 939-7033 or by visiting ovcahi.org.


DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā‘ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at  Pāhala Community Center.

PRESERVATION OF STONE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE: Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park, is presented Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Archeologist MaryAnne Maigret gives an historical overview of early and mid-20th century restorations of Hōnaunau, and a behind-the-scenes look at 50-plus years of preservation at the park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

Moli Navigation Cylinder by Heather Mettler is available
for viewing at Volcano Art Center Gallery.
Event details below. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEETS TUESDAY, FEB. 6, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Both meetings occur in Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. The Council will meet again on Tuesday, Feb. 20 (committees), and Wednesday, Feb. 21 (Council), in Kona. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

ADVOCATS, INC., comes to Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., to perform free cat spay and neuter services. For more, call 895-9283.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE HOSTS OPEN MIC NIGHT on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. KMC is located inside 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. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be shown until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

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.