Kaʻū News Briefs Thursday, November 15, 2018

Puna Taiko drummers came to Kaʻū this week to help celebrate Veterans Day on Monday at the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou
event at Nāʻālehu Ballpark. See more below. Photo from OKK

LITTLE FIRE ANTS HAVE BEEN DETECTED IN HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, reports Jessica Ferracane, Public Affairs Specialist at the Park. The "unwanted discovery" was found in the popular Steam Vents area and Mauna Ulu parking lot. These are the first known populations of LFA in the park.

Little Fire Ants. NPS photo

     Intensive sampling is underway to determine if the ants are more widespread. Park scientists are working with partners to "respond quickly to the threat and evaluate control options while ensuring visitor safety and protecting native ecosystems," No bites have been reported, and no ant-related closures are in effect, said Ferracane.

     LFA are an "extremely noxious invasive species, which can have devastating impacts to native ecosystems and human health." Since 2014, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes has sought to prevent the introduction of LFA by monitoring equipment, construction material, and the vehicles that transport them, before they enter the park. This year, officials have intercepted the small, biting ants a dozen times.

     David Benitez, park ecologist, said, "We are concerned for the health and safety of our staff and visitors, and the fragile Hawaiian ecosystems of the park. LFA really depend on humans to move them around. We need everyone to ensure their vehicles and gear are free of ants before coming into the park."

     For more information on LFA, how to control them and how to prevent spreading them, visit littlefireants.com.

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The Shootz band gets a couple up to dance on a toasty Veterans Day at Nāʻālehu on Monday. Photo from OKK

ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU'S VETERANS DAY PARADE drew many volunteers to feed and entertain the community. Veteran and OKK President Wayne Kawachi reports today that Tyler Johansen donated beef for the stew. Veteran Gary Tamondong cooked it. Hana Hou Restaurant donated mac salad, and Punaluʻu Bake Shop donated 25 loaves of sweetbread. Many people and businesses donated door prizes. The musical donations came from live performances by Shootz, Bottle of Blue, and Mark Yamanaka. Yamanaka accompanied Miss Keiki Hula champion Rhyan Faith Anoʻi Demello, 7, of Ocean View.
     Puna Taiko Drummers opened the free show at Nāʻālehu Ballpark on the Monday holiday.
     The next OKK event is the Keiki Fishing Tournament the last Saturday of February.

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THE EIGHTH ANNUAL FLOATING LANTERN CELEBRATION, "Honoring Past, Present & Future Generations," happens Saturday, Nov. 24, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park. The event is a scholarship fundraiser, with lanterns and limited edition t-shirts for sale. Entertainment includes Hilo Okinawa Kobudo Taiko Drummers, Tai Chi and Qidong demonstrations, and local musicians. The celebration is sponsored by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, and funded by Kaʻū Council member Maile David. Call 928-0101 for more.

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Local history is being recorded at Pāhala Library.
Photo from Sandra Demoruelle

KAʻŪ HISTORY PROJECT'S recordings from interviews of and stories told by local kupuna are available at Pāhala Library. Also available are DVD's of local events and celebrations in Pāhala and Nāʻālehu. Joe Demoruelle and Walter Wong Yuen are available every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pāhala Library to record "you or your Auntie's 'talk story' interview. Let's help to preserve the history and stories of Kaʻū!" says Sandra Demoruelle, of Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries.

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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule 

through end of 2018

Girls Basketball:

Nov. 23 and 24, Fri. and Sat., Kaʻū Tourney
Dec. 3, Mon., @Konawaena, 6pm
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., host Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., @Parker, 4:30pm

Boys Basketball:

Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Wed.-Sat., Waiakea and Keaʻau Preseason Tourney, Varsity
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 27., Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:

Nov. 17, Sat., @Kealakeha, JV
Nov. 24, Sat., @Konawaena
Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:

Nov. 17, Sat., JV @Waiakea
Nov. 28, Thu., Girls host Kealakehe, Boys host MLA
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa

Wreaths at Volcano Art Center Gallery from a previous exhibit.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

Dec. 3, Mon., host Kamehameha
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona

Swimming:

Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY, FEATURING THE 19TH ANNUAL WREATH EXHIBITION, returns to Volcano Art Center Gallery inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park this Saturday, Nov. 17. Christmas in the Country is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, Nov. 26. The Wreath exhibition is open, during the same hours, through Tuesday, Jan. 1. Admission to each exhibit is free; though park entrance fees apply.

     This year's Christmas in the Country promises an abundance of art and aloha to kick start the holiday season. Beginning the Friday before Thanksgiving, the gallery creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to the artwork, gallery visitors can find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including Volcano Art Center exclusives.
     The concurrent 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 

Christmas in the Country returns to
Volcano Art Center Gallery Nov. 17.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org

     A special book and print signing with Kathy Long is hosted on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the gallery. Long "will be on hand signing her extensive collection of prints which represent her many years of dedication to Hawai‘i’s unique culture captured in paint and pastel," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org. Free; park entrance fees apply.
     On Sunday, Nov. 18, the gallery offers a special lauhala ornament demonstration by master fiber artist and nationally recognized gourd artist Jelena Clay, who produces a variety of contemporary and traditional works in every natural fiber she can find, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clay's "interest in all Hawaiian art forms led her to lauhala weaving which she now graciously shares through her teaching. Jelena will demonstrate making lauhala stars which participants can take with them," states the event description. All supplies provided free of charge. Park entrance fees apply.

    The Christmas in the Country event expands to Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village on Friday, Nov. 23, and Saturday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as Volcano Art Center participates in the Volcano Hui tour. Live poinsettia will be on display and available for purchase as a fundraiser for the Volcano School Of Arts and Sciences. Free to attend.

     Aloha Friday on Nov. 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., features lei making with tropical agriculture farmer Kaipo Ah Chong as he shares his expert skills with Volcano Art Center Gallery visitors. "As a member of Halāu Na Kamalei, his unique experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions," states the event description. This 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. Free; park entrance fees apply.
     From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Sunday, Nov. 25, Volcano Art Center Gallery staff join participants in making one-of-a-kind, hand printed, woodblock holiday cards using the designs of Volcano Art Center's beloved artist Dietrich Varez. He and his wife, Linda Varez, loaned his small, prized hand carved, linoleum blocks to be used to create unique holiday cards which participants can take to share with family and friends. All supplies provided. Free; park entrance fees apply.
     A special preview event is open to Volcano Art Center members on Friday, Nov. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
     For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visits: Dental, Wed., Nov. 14, 8-5pm; Medical, Thu., Nov. 29, 1-5pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. Call 333-3600 to schedule appointment. See Cooper Center June and August newsletters for details. thecoopercenter.org

Lā‘au Lapa‘au - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau: Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Nov. 14, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Local practitioner Momi Subiono uses herbs to help the Hawaiian community and aims to create renewed awareness, understanding, and use of plants for traditional healing. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Nov. 14 & 28, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wednesday of every month thereafter. Free. Pre-registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Yarn Scarecrow, Arts & Crafts Activity, Wed., Nov. 14, 2:30-3:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For ages 5-12. Register through Nov. 7 to 13. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Nov. 15, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Nov. 15, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Family Reading, Thu., Nov. 15, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16
PATCH Class #407, Extending Books I, Fri., Nov. 16, 8-11am, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me. Open to all. Childcare not provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

PATCH Class #207, Social Guidance: Helping Infants and Toddlers Develop Positive Peer Interactions, Fri., Nov. 16, noon-3pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me. Open to all. Childcare not provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Volunteer Forest Restoration Project: Collecting and Processing Seeds, Fri., Nov. 16, 8:30-1pm, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, contact for meet-up location. Hosted by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age and able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain. Release forms required. Co-signatures of adult required for volunteers under 18. Contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Mon., Nov. 12. fhvnp.org

Exhibit: Christmas in the Country featuring the Annual Wreath Exhibition, daily, Nov. 16-Dec. 31, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Relay Races, Arts & Crafts Activity, Fri., Nov. 16, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, HOVE For ages 6-12. Register Nov. 7-14. Athletic shoes required. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ho‘onoua Anchialine Pond Volunteer Work Day & Marine Debris Survey at Kamilo, Sat., Nov. 17, contact in advance for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Seats full. BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Art Affair, Sat., Nov. 17, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Local artists sell and display their creations. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Fundraising Bazaar, Sat., Nov. 17, 9-2pm, Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church, Wai‘ōhinu. Free entertainment and "flea market" attendance. Church will sell Kalua Pig plate lunch, containers of Kalua Pig, and Smoked Meat bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts. Potential vendors submit Vendor Application by Fri., Nov. 2. $10 booth fee suggested donation. Individuals, schools, clubs, and sports/athletic groups invited to vend. Debbie Wong Yuen, dwongyuen.kauahaaochurch@gmail.com, 928-8039

Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Nov. 17, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Inspired Figure Drawing Workshop w/Rose Adare, Sat., Nov. 17, 10-3pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Out of the box way of drawing a model and connecting. Variety of drawing techniques covered, including The Tornado, Pop & Lock Draw. $60/VAC member, $65/non-member, $10 model fee. See volcanoartcenter.org for supply list and to register. 967-8222

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Nov. 17, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Ha‘amauliola Aiona w/Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u Public Charter School, Sat., Nov. 17, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Loke Kamanu and ‘Ohana, Sat., Nov. 17, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Multi-Cultural Demos and Activities: Learn a simple hula, Sat., Nov. 17, 12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hawaiian cultural demonstration and hands-on activity. Free, supplies provided. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Bunco & Potluck, Sat., Nov. 17, 6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18
People & Land of Kahuku, Sun., Nov. 18, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. Meeting, Tue., Nov. 20, 10am, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

After Dark in the Park, Nontuberculou Mycobacteria: A Kīlauea Volcano Study within a Study, Tue., Nov. 20, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Jennifer Honda introduces her on-going research to study the environmental, host, and microbial factors driving Nontuberculou Mycobacteria – bacteria found in soil and water-based biofilms that when inhaled, can cause chronic disease in susceptible individuals – lung disease emergence in Hawai‘i, which has the highest numbers in the U.S. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Turkey Trot, Wed., Nov. 21, noon-1:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For grades Pre-K to 6. Register Nov. 5 to 21. Joint program with Pāhala Elementary School. Homeschooled keiki welcome to register and attend. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed., Nov. 21, 12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Thanksgiving Nature Wreath, Arts & Crafts Activity, Wed., Nov. 21, 3-4pm, Kahuku Park, HOVE For ages 6-12. Register Nov. 13 to 22. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Fall Wreath of Thanks, Arts & Crafts Activity, Wed., Nov. 21, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For grades K-8. Register Nov. 13 to 20. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Free Thanksgiving Community Dinner, Thu., Nov. 22, noon-3pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored and hosted by Ocean View Community Association. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Thanksgiving Buffet, Thu., Nov. 22, 2-6pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes: Roast Turkey, Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham and "all the fixins." Meal tickets: $22.95/Adult, $12.95/Child (6-11 years old). Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Thanksgiving Dinner, Thu., Nov. 22, 3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

ONGOING

Registration for Track & Field Practice open through Wed., Nov. 21, Kahuku Park, on Paradise Circle in H.O.V.E. Program for ages 6-14 to be held Dec. 3-Feb. 8. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center, and in Nāʻālehu at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
     To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

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