Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, December 9, 2018

Santa, who has organized Pāhala Christmas Parade with the Eddie Andrade family for 40 years, looks on at the
characters surrounding one of the sponsors, Ed Olson, who owns Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Photos by Julia Neal

VETERANS CAN NO LONGER ENTER HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK free of charge on their way to Kīlauea Military Camp. Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald ran a story on the subject today after Tim Wright, a Navy and Hawaiʻi Air National Guard veteran, told writer Tom Callis that he became aware of the change Dec. 1, when he tried to enter the park to fill up gas at KMC on his way back to Hilo from Kaʻū, showing his retired military ID card.

Holy Rosary singers sang carols and later hosted participants
for lunch at the church.

     Neal Herbert, treasurer of Big Island Retired Military Association, told Callis he was informed of the policy change when planning a Christmas party for Dec. 1 at KMC. "Prior to this year, people like us retired military could get fee waivers," Herbert told the Tribune Herald. "A lot of us have senior (Park) passes. Some of us don't." Herbert said he "wasn't aware of people declining to attend if they had to pay the park entry fee."

     "I don't mind paying to go to the park," Wright told the Tribune Herald. "I don't think we should pay to go (through the park) to KMC."

     Weekly, annual and lifetime passes

Nā Mamo O Kāwā volunteers who help restore native plants and

wetlands at Kāwā, come from the classroom and families of

 Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences.

are available for HVNP. Passes good for a week cost $25 for a single non-commercial vehicle, with up to 15 people; $20 for a motorcycle; and $12 for a bicycle or pedestrian.
     Annual Senior passes, for those at lease 62 years of age, are $20. Lifetime Senior passes admit the Senior and up to three others 16 and older for a onetime cost of $80; those under age 16 enter free.
     Those with permanent disabilities can apply for a free park pass.
     Tri-Park passes that cover entrance to HVNP, Puʻuhonua O Hōnaunau, and Haleakalā National Park, and are $50 for a year. America the Beautiful passes, for entrance to all National Parks, are $80 per year. Seniors can buy a lifetime pass to all National Parks for a one-time fee of $80.

Pāhala Preschool rides and walks during
the Pāhala Christmas Parade today.

     Non-commercial groups entering the park in a bus or vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more are charged $12 for each person on board; anyone 15 or younger is exempt from paying an entrance fee.
     The requirement for vets to purchase a park pass was made effective in January of this year.

In the past, veterans could enter for free if they were going to KMC, if they showed a military identification card. Active-duty personnel can enter the park with a free Military Pass, but those passes don't apply to retired service members.

     Park spokeswoman Jessica Ferracane told Hawaiʻi Tribune, "Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park values and respects the sacrifices and service our military retirees and veterans have made for our country, and we have many veterans on our staff, and who volunteer with us. We regret that we will not be able to provide fee waivers, and we apologize for the inconvenience this may cause some KMC patrons."

Volcano School plays Christmas songs on ʻUkulele.

     Ferracane, reported the Tribune Herald, said fewer than 20 retired military personnel and veterans used a military ID to gain entry to KMC per week before the change was made. KMC has the only bowling alley in East Hawaiʻi, as well as a slightly less expensive gas station, and other amenities that veterans can use.

     Ferracane told the Tribune Herald school groups receive educational waivers when participating in a state Department of Education activity, such as staying at KMC or using the bowling alley.
     "Otherwise, a bowling team is subject to entrance fees like everyone else, and again, most regular park/KMC users already have one of the passes."

     Ferracane told the Tribune Herald the

Keiki meet the characters along the trail of Pāhala Chirstmas Parade.

special use permit - which allows KMC to use the park property for its cottages, dorms, lounge, restaurant, bowling alley, store, gas station, and other facilities - ends in 2021, and that the National Park Service and U.S. Army are "working collaboratively to address a new use agreement. NPS is also developing a site plan for future use and enjoyment of the area that will include the U.S. Army."
     All patrons can enter the Park fee on the five fee-free days in 2019 - see Dec. 7 Kaʻū Calendar News.

     Read the whole story in the Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald.

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Singers from The I Love Jesus Church, on Pikake Street in Pāhala.

EAST FACING SHORES OF HAWAIʻI ISLAND ARE UNDER A HIGH SURF ADVISORY through the next week, reports the National Weather Service. North-facing shores are expected to get waves of 20 to 30 feet, through Monday night.

     East-facing shores can expect, "rough and choppy surf" for most of the next week, as strong trade winds will persist.

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.

Trini Marques, Director of the Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant,
with Lilianna Marques, a Kaʻū Coffee Flower. 

THE FORTIETH PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE moved through the hilly neighborhoods today under sunny skies with music, Christmas characters, classic cars, schools, Kaʻū Coffee farmers, churches, and community groups participating.
     Eddie Andrade and his friends and family thanked the community for their longtime support, including an annual donation from Ed Olson, founder of Kaʻū Coffee Mill.
     Holy Rosary Church hosted participants and attendees for a free lunch at the church after the parade. Along the parade route, Pāhala residents and visitors gathered in yards, on porches, and curbside to receive the well wishes of Santa and candy thrown with help from this elves. See more photos of the parade in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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 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 December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
     Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
     Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

SANTA'S COMING TO TOWN AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH in Ocean View on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until gifts run out. The free event celebrating Christmas and keiki features: a Rudolph's Reading Room, in which keiki can get a free book; a visit with Santa at the North Pole, where keiki can get a free stocking from Santa; and a Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, where keiki can get a free cookie and drink. For more information, call 939-7000 or visit stjudeshawaii.org.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION HOSTS A POTLUCK AND PARADE OF LIGHT & SOUNDS, on Saturday, Dec. 15, with the potluck beginning at 3 p.m., and the parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event takes place at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more information, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

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.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10
Free STD Testing, Mon., Dec. 10, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 2nd Monday, monthly. Call for individual appointment for different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
AdvoCATS, Tue., Dec. 11, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org

The Fascination Method w/Anthony Chrisco, Tue., Dec. 11, 2-4pm, Volcano Art Center. Brief instruction of the method and tool Chrisco developed to bring more healthy awareness to bodies. See full list of ailments The Fascination Method can help alleviate at volcanoartcenter.org. $25/person. thefascianator.com. 967-8222

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Dec. 11, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios/ Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

After Dark in the Park, He Inoa No Hi‘iakaikapoliopele, Tue., Dec. 11, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12

Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visits: Dental, Wed., Dec. 12, 8-5pm; Medical, Thu., Dec. 27, 1-5pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appointment. thecoopercenter.org

Huewai Demonstration - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Dec. 12, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Dec. 12 and 26, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wed. of every month thereafter. Free; registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Santa's Workshop, Wed., Dec. 12, 5:30-7:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register keiki of all ages Dec. 3-12. 928-3102

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Dec. 13, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Dec. 13, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Clean-Up with Konawaena Middle School Recycling Club, Fri., Dec. 14. Contact for meet up details. BYO-4WD welcome; no seats available. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Arts & Crafts Activity: Holiday Pom Pom Wreath, Fri., Dec. 14, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View. Register keiki, ages 6-12, Dec. 5-12. 929-9113

Christmas Coloring Contest Entry Deadline, Fri., Dec. 14, by 4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 13; open to keiki Pre-K to Grade 6. 928-3102

Christmas Feast and Candlelight Service, Fri. Dec. 14, Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji. Registration at 5pm, Dinner at 6pm. Thy Word Ministries brings 14 churches together. Hula and music. Pastor Bob, 936-9114

Christmas Concert, Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Everyone invited. Singing, refreshments, and gifts for keiki. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol, Dec. 14-23, Thu., Fri., Sat., 7:30pm, Sun., 2:30pm, Kīlauea Military Camp Theater inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $20/person - cash or check, available at door. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. KDEN, 982-7344

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
Stewardship at the Summit, Sat., Dec. 15 and 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo

Realms and Divisions, Sat., Dec. 15, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

Keiki Christmas, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-2pm, Kahuku Park, Ocean View on Paradise Circle. Food for all, gifts for keiki, raffle prizes for kūpuna, activity booths, and music. Free. Kathie, 937-5865

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Santa's Coming to Town, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pm or until gifts run out, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Get a book at Rudolph's Reading Room. Get a stocking from Santa at North Pole. Get a cookie and drink at Mrs. Claus' Kitchen. Free. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

Zentangle: Inspired Art Pop-Up Exhibit & Reception, Sat., Dec. 15, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Reception and potluck for Zentangle artists and friends. Free; no cost to exhibit or attend. Open to public. Bring friends, personal art, and light holiday pupu to share. Make and take home a Zentangle-inspired ornament. Door prizes. Zentangle library. Donations welcome. Registration not required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Hula Kahiko - Kapuaokalaniikapoliopele Ka‘au‘a w/Unuokeahi, Sat., Dec. 15, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula - Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe w/Hālauolaokalani, Sat., Dec. 15, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Waiho‘olu‘u Ola Indigo Dyeing Workshop, Sat., Dec. 15, 12:30-3:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Learn the process of dyeing natural fibers with nature's oldest natural dye, indigo, using traditional methods of banding and folding in traditional and modern shibori styles. $50/VAC member, $55/non-member, plus $25 supply fee/person. Space limited; registration required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Potluck and Parade of Lights & Sounds, Sat., Dec. 15, potluck at 3pm, parade at 6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
Holidays @ Kahuku, Sun., Dec.16, 12-3pm, Kahuku Unit, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Music and hula by Russell Mauga, Kīpapa, Lori Lei Shirakawa's Hula Studio. Crafts, food booths, shave ice, coffee truck. Free. Sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 

     Christmas in the Country runs through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
     The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition 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.
     Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing through Monday, Dec. 31. The event features a row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with various characters and Christmas decor - with Kīlauea Military Camp employees responsible and competing for a popularity vote. The public is invited to admire the decorations and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Basic Stretch and Strengthening Exercise Class, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nū ʻŌiwi, happens Wednesdays at Nāʻālehu Community Center and Thursdays at Pāhala Senior Center; no classes between Dec. 14 and Jan. 8. The free classes – donations accepted – run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The class offers "basic stretches and muscular endurance exercises that will help improve your flexibility and strength. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch." Learn more at hmono.org, facebook.com/HMONO.org/, @hui_malama_ on Instagram, or call 808-969-9220.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

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. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are 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.