Ka‘ū News Brief Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Family at Nāʻālehu Elementary's EXPLORE! Fair on March 8, playing a board game design to educate about Hawaiʻi's watershed. 
See story below. Photos from Na`alehu School

HAWAI‘I COUNTY HIT 200,000 RESIDENTS as of July 1, 2017, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures released last week, growing faster than any of the other counties.

     The state population shrank between July 1, 2010, and July 1, 2017, down by 1,145 people - about 3 people per day - the loss mainly on O‘ahu. Hawai‘i Island saw an increase of about 1.1 percent during the same period.

     The origin of those moving to Hawaiʻi Island during the period was about 54 percent from the mainland, and 46 percent from foreign countries. Hawaiʻi Island birth rates fell to 11.76 percent, from 13.17 percent in 2010, and death rates increased to 9.67 percent, from 7.52 percent, in the same period.

     There were 200,381 people registered as residents on Hawai‘i Island as of July 1, 2017, up from 198,681 in 2016. These figures may indicate a trend that will see further and faster growth in coming years, according to Eugene Tian, state economist.

     More figures can be found at census.hawaii.gov/home/population-estimate/.

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FARM-TO-SCHOOL AND SUSTAINABLE & ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS are topics of public before the Hawaiʻi Legislature's House Finance Committee Wednesday, March 28.

     SB2928, "Establishes and appropriates funds for a farm to school grant pilot program within the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to provide grants to schools, early care and education centers, nonprofits, soil and water conservation districts, and food producers participating in the Hawai‘i farm to school program. Requires the Hawai‘i farm to school coordinator to submit a report to the legislature. Makes appropriations to continue the Hawaiʻi farm to school program and coordinator position and to assist farmers and ranchers achieve Good Agricultural Practices Certification from the United States Department of Agriculture."

     SB2075, "Appropriates moneys for three positions and operating expenses of the Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program administered by the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources."

     Hawai‘i Farmers Union United urges residents to submit testimonies in support of the bills.

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Families participated in a hurricane challenge, created in 
conjunction with Kamehameha School's Kealapono staff.

NĀ‘ĀLEHU GYM BUSTLED WITH SOUND AND EXCITEMENT in early March, as approximately 100 families engaged with science experiments. Make-and-take activities tested their wits in math games. These were just a few of the many STEAM activities at the Nāʻālehu Elementary's EXPLORE! Fair, which included free food and snacks, as well as a chance to interact with teachers, staff, and community organizations who all came together to volunteer and make the night a success.
     Families were challenged to visit at least eight booths, to receive a letter punch on a passport and earn the chance to win door prizes sponsored by Nāʻālehu ACE Hardware, KTA SuperStores, Bee Boys, and kindergarten teacher Mary LaGrandeur.
    ACE Hardware employees, Maeanne Salvador and Kerri Domondon, helped students make slime, showed them how to create lava lamps, and gave out free fidget cubes and spinners to kids for visiting their table. They also showed how simple hardware items could be transformed into fun experiments and tricks, such as suspending a ping pong ball in the air by blowing through a plastic tube connected to a funnel, and figuring out how to free themselves and a partner from a rope tie, without using their hands.
     Salvador said of the event, "It was a blast! We wanted to show the kids that ACE has more than tools. You can find supplies to make fun things like slime." Salvador invited ʻohana to her monthly science day, every first Saturday, at Nāʻālehu ACE, from 11 a.m. to noon. This month, it will be on April 7, and the theme is Tricks and Gadgets, where she will demo some of the tricks from the EXPLORE! Fair, and others.

Bob Martin's computer lab,
teaching the fun of coding.

     School librarian Linda Morgan shared the value of recycling, teaching how to create recycled paper with used paper, water, a blender, and old window screens. The preschool teachers tested the accuracy of people's five senses, having them guess smells and sounds, among other things. Kindergarten, which recently studied weather in science, displayed student-engineered sunshades from recycled materials, and assisted visitors to create wind socks to take home. First grade teachers shared the life cycle of a butterfly and helped students to create their own paper butterflies.
     Second-grade teachers passed out a variety of seeds - such as roma tomato, amaryllis, buttercrunch lettuce, flat parsley, and native seeds like mamane - packed by their students for EXPLORE! participants to cultivate at home. Families could also take home bean and lettuce seedlings that second-graders planted after experimenting with germination techniques, and handed out student-written informational paragraphs explaining how to grow and take care of plants.
    Third and fourth-grade teachers created math games designed for fun, testing the crowd's knowledge of fractions and calculating polygon perimeters.
    Fifth grade hosted the hurricane challenge in conjunction with Kamehameha School's Kealapono staff. Students were challenged to engineer a tall tower that could hold a tennis ball during their bi-weekly science classes with kumu Sheilah Okimoto. During the fair, civil defense warning sounds were played periodically, announcing a simulated hurricane on its way. Families were invited to join the challenge and create a tower to compete with student tower entries, battling winds from a large box fan, to see which was the strongest.

Kevin O'Connor of Bee Boys shared
his fascination of the honey bee.

     Sixth grade tested the gray cells of passersby to see who could create the longest paper chain out of one piece of paper, and figure out how to one could manipulate an index card so that your head could pass through the center of it. On display were also science fair experiments, such as Taijah Beck's investigation to see which liquids have the worst effect on teeth enamel. Beck explained she soaked different eggs, whose shells have similar properties to teeth enamel, for 24 hours in three types of soda (Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Orange Crush), coffee, tea, and water. All shells came out darkly stained in color except for the eggs soaked in water.

     School administration passed out free window boxes, potting soil, and seedlings to school families, encouraging to have each student create their own home garden.
     School Technology guru, Bob Martin, set up laptops for students to explore how to easy and fun it is to learn computer coding, and promoted a global educational movement called Hour of Code. See hourofcode.com for more information.

Simple hardware transformed into fun 
science, courtesy of Ace Hardware.

     School staff Debra Kohara, Emma Flores, and Aprille Cariaga, worked non-stop throughout the event to pop fresh popcorn for a never-ending line. The secret to the delicious popcorn is librarian Morgan's topping: nutritional yeast.
    Nohea Ka‘awa represented Three Mountain Alliance and The Nature Conservancy, helping families to learn about water conservation through a special board game.
     Nā Mamo o Kāwā executive director, James Akau, shared the virtues of the native milo tree, demonstrating how to create lei out of its leaves. He passed out milo seeds and seedlings, pots, and soil for interested parties to start their own backyard native nurseries, with the idea that those who want to could later outplant their trees at Kāwā. He also promoted NMOK's monthly workday, which happens the second Saturday of each month. This month it will be held on April 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, email namamookawa@gmail.com, or call 561-9111.
     Beekeeper Kevin O'Connor - representing Bee Boys, a local organic honey company with a store in Nāʻālehu shopping center - brought an observation bee hive and shared the amazing qualities of honeybees. In February, O'Connor visited the Nā'ālehu second grade to share his enthusiasm about honeybees and what makes them great pollinators.

People young and old participated in STEAM challenges.

     Ocean View artist Don Elwing turned the back wall of the gym into an art gallery, displaying his art pieces created from marine debris he collects from Kamilo Beach, where currents bring in a tremendous amount of trash from around the world onto the shore. Elwing encouraged visitors to use 3-D glasses while viewing, which caused aspects of his artwork to float off the canvas boards. He is also Ke Ola Magazine's featured artist for March and April. Read more about him at keolamagazine.com.

     EXPLORE! Fair committee members, including kindergarten teachers Mary LaGrandeur and Raina Whiting, second-grade teacher Ryan Holderbaum, and Kealapono literacy resource teachers Sheilah Okimoto and Nālani Parlin, said they were thrilled by the success of the event, and thanked all the many volunteers and sponsors that made it possible.

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NĀ‘ĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL seeks nominations for a community representative to serve a two-year term that will run for school year 2018-2019 and SY 2019-2020. The School Council will also hold a special election for a parent representative to serve one year during the 2018-19 school year.

     The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu School employee. Nominations for both positions will be accepted between April 2 until April 16 at 3 p.m. Campaign period will start April 16, with the voting period running April 30 through May 11. Those interested can contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or leave their name and number at the main office line, 313-4000.

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Jelena Clay demonstrates Lauhala Weaving on Friday, 
March 30. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

HAWAI‘I ISLAND ARTIST JELENA CLAY DEMONSTRATES LAUHALA WEAVING at Volcano Art Center's Aloha Friday this week, March 30. Clay shares her love for Hawaiian culture and arts by demonstrating weaving techniques using the Pandanus leaf, lauhala, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Volcano Art Center Gallery Porch inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

     The free cultural event is supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i, Dept. of Research and Development and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. National Park entrance fees apply. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more.

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

Girls Softball: Saturday, Mar 31 @ Honoka‘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: Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea

   Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū

   Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘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.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING, Wed, Mar 28 (Council), in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

KŌKUA KUPUNA PROJECT, Wed, Mar 28, 9 - 11 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors, 60 years & older, encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

HŪ (HAWAIIAN TOP) DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Mar 28, 10 a.m. to noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Make a Hū and learn the game. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

THURSDAY, MARCH 29

STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU Thu, Mar 29. Meet at 9:30 a.m., Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Rd, off Hwy 11. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, water, closed-toe shoes; fabrics may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com

POETRY READING WITH 'THE POETS OF 1958' - Laura Mullen, Marthe Reed, and Susan M. Schultz - Thursday Night at the Center, March 29, 7 to 9 p.m. Free; $5 donation suggested. volcanoartcenter.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 30
COFFEE TALK, Fri, Mar 30, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Park. Join park rangers in an informal conversation on a variety of topics. This month: Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

SATURDAY, MARCH 31

LAST 2018 SANCTUARY OCEAN COUNT, Sat, Mar 31, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; arrive 30 min. prior for orientation. Four locations near/in Ka‘ū: Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, and Ka‘ena Point - hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov for directions; park entrance fees apply. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Pre-registration required: sanctuaryoceancount.org

STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT Sat., March 31. Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center, 8:45 a.m. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants, and bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment, or written consent, required for volunteers under 18. Visit park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm

VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Saturday, Mar. 31, to Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222
     A free lecture titled "The Last Truth," offered by Lucia Tarallo, takes place at 3pm on the opening day of the exhibition. The lecture will be followed by an opening reception where the public is invited to meet the artists.

SECOND ANNUAL KA‘Ū WELLNESS FAIR, GET YOUR SPRING, Sat, Mar 31, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., multi-purpose room at Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala. The event features an Egg Hunt and Healthy Fun-Run-Walk, both of which begin at 9:30 a.m. - registration begins at 9 a.m. Also offered are a Blue Zones Purpose Workshop, from 10 a.m. to 11 a..m., and Book Time - Read A-Loud with Friends of the Ka‘ū Libraries, starting at 10 a.m. P.A.T.H. makes a presentation at 10:30 a.m. Vision Screenings, Keiki I.D.s, and Biometrics from Ka‘ū Public Health will be available. Several organizations will also provide information booths for the event: Bay Clinic, Ka‘ū Rural Health Clinic, Ka‘ū Rural Hospital, Project Aware - Your Mental Health First Aid, HSTA, Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool and Home Visitor Program, and more.

PU‘U LOKUANA, Sat, Mar 31, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu‘u Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time, and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Kaʻū. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

SUNDAY, APRIL 1
EASTER BRUCH, Sun, Apr 1, 7 a.m. to noon. Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Main entrees: Ham, Beef Pot Roast, and Breakfast Veggie Stir Fry. No reservations required. $17/Adult, $9.50/Child (6-11 yrs). KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

EASTER EGG HUNT, Sun, Apr 1, 9 a.m., ‘Ōhi‘a Room, Kīlauea Military Camp, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Open to keiki 10 years and under. Registration accepted from 7:30 - 8:45 a.m. Bring a basket. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Pre-register children: 967-8352, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

FOURTH ANNUAL KA‘Ū COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT, Sun, Apr 1, 1 - 3 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Park. Over 6,000 candy filled eggs, over 300 prizes. Free chili & rice bowls. Donations welcome. Free; open to all ages, infants to adults. Pam/Lance, 929-8137, Henri, 464-5042

MONDAY, APRIL 2

SLOGAN/MOTTO CONTEST - Pāhala Public & School Library, continues through Mon, Apr 2. Submit ideas to Nā‘ālehu or Pāhala Library. $55 grand prize awarded on Fri, Apr 13. Friends of Ka‘ū Libraries President Sandra Demouruelle, naalehutheatre@yahoo.com, 929-9244

EASTER EGG HUNT, Mon, Apr 2, noon, Flyin’ Hawaiian Coffee, CU Hawai‘i lawn, Nā‘ālehu. Judy Knapp, 640-4712

OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING, Mon, Apr 2, 4 - 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 3
SPECIAL MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL EVENTS, Tue, Wed, Thu, Apr 3, 4 & 5, 11 - 1 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Honoring 55th Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, live music. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETINGS & TRAININGS, Tue, Apr 3 & 24, 4 - 6 p.m., Apr 17, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS MEETING, Tue, Apr 3, 6 - 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

HOW THE PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER WORKS, Tue, Apr 3, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Nathan Becker, Senior Oceanographer describes PTWC operations. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

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.

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