Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Nainoa Thompson is one keynote speaker at the Western Governor's Conference on this island, where the first
 Polynesian Voyagers are believed to have landed, discovering Hawaiʻi at Punaluʻu or South Point. See story below.
Photo from hokulea.com by Sam Kapoi,ʻŌiwi TV

THE MACADAMIA TREE HEALTH INITIATIVE, to support some of Ka‘ū's largest employers, is in the 2018 Farm Bill that passed the U.S. Senate today and goes on to the House of Representatives for final approval and signature of the President.

     Sponsored by Sen. Mazie Hirono, the macadamia measure prioritizes research into combating the macadamia felted coccid, the invasive pest threatening the macadamia nut industry. The Farm Bill sets policy and funding levels for ag and nutrition programs through 2023. It passed the Senate with an 87-13 vote.

Macadamia feltid coccid, attacks macadamia. More research to find a
solution is included in the Farm Bill that passed the U.S. Senate today.
Photo from state Department of Agriculture

     "Today's vote brings much needed federal resources to combat the macadamia felted coccid, which has been ravaging our $46 million macadamia industry for over a decade," said Hirono.
     Hawai‘i Macadamia Nut Services, Mac Farms, and Olson Trust are major Ka‘ū employers growing thousands of acres of macadamia, along with small independent farmers.

     Hirono noted that the Farm Bill is a "strong bipartisan agreement" that "also protects needy families from painful cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and supports many programs that are critical to Hawai‘i farmers and growers. I urge the House to pass this legislation and for the president to sign it as quickly as possible."
     Hirono teamed with Sen. Brian Schatz and Alaska's Sen. Lisa Murkowski to provide small grants for individuals, food banks, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and other nonprofit organizations to promote food security and the availability of fresh food for local communities throughout Hawai‘i. See more on the 2018 Farm Bill in tomorrow's Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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POLYNESIAN VOYAGING, RENEWABLE ENERGY, AND THREATS OF INVASIVE SPECIES are topics for the 11 Western Governors of states and territories meeting on Hawaiʻi Island. Chair of the Western Governors Association is Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige, who organized the event.

     Keynote speakers include Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, which honors the maritime skills of the first Polynesians in Hawai‘i, believed to have landed at South Point or Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach.

     Governors attending are: Lolo Matalasi Moliga of American Samoa, and Territorial Gov. Ralph Torres of the Northern Mariana Islands; Western Governors Vice Chair and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum; Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter; Montana Gov. Steve Bullock; Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval;

Henk Rogers, Dutch video
game magnet and Blue
Planet founder.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin; Oregon Gov. Kate Brown; South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard; Utah Gov. Gary Herbert; and Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead; Territorial Gov.

     Also on the speaking schedule is Henk Rogers, of Blue Planet Foundation. Rogers helped win approval for Hawaiʻi's Governor's bill, directing Hawaiʻi's utility companies to generate 100 percent renewable energy by 2045. He is also turning the Mars simulation station on Mauna Loa into a moon station. See story in tomorrow, Wednesday's, Ka‘ū News Briefs.

     Other keynote speakers are U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, and U.S. Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon.

     The Western Governors Meeting is today through Thursday, at the Orchid Fairmont Hotel on the Kohala Coast. Blogspot and YouTube provide livestream links to Ige's remarks, keynote speeches, workshops on biosecurity and prevention, little fire ants and Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, invasive species management and economics, and roundtable discussions: WGA Blog or YouTube/WGA.

Veterinarian and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
is on island today and tomorrow, and will meet with ranchers
and farmers. Photo from Perdue twitter

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U.S. SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE SONNY PERDUE IS ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND today and tomorrow. He met with papaya and orchid growers from lava and volcanic gas devastated areas, as well as cattlemen and other agricultural leaders. He is a keynote speaker at the Western Governors Association's winter meeting, hosted by its chair, Gov. David Ige, at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel.
     Perdue posted on his Twitter account today:

State Ag Chair Scott Enright (left) goes over farms affected
by the lava flows and fumes this year with U.S. Agriculture
Secretary Sonny Perdue. Photo from Perdue Twitter

"Sat down for a discussion with ag producers from Hawaiʻi. There are so many diversified commodities grown on the islands and this group represents some of the best growers and ag leaders the state has to offer."

     This morning, he posted, "Touring volcano damage in Hawaiʻi this morning w/@hdoapio Chairperson Scott Enright, who brought several ag producers impacted by the lava flow and gas emissions from the eruption. The evidence of the fury of the volcano is staggering."
     The federal government has promised enormous help with recovery to agriculture.

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COUNCIL FOR A LIVABLE WORLD is an organization that Sen. Mazie Hirono recommends. She sent out a statement today, saying that Council for a Livable World is "one of my close allies in Washington and a true friend of ours."
     It was founded shortly after the Cuban Missile Crisis as a grassroots advocacy organization "dedicated to reducing the threat of the world’s dangerous weapons, including nukes. They supported nearly 50 candidates across the country, including me, and raised more than $1.2 million as part of their work to build a national network of activists ready to win."

   She recommended going to Council for a Livable World.

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GROWING ʻULU, BREADFRUIT, one of the staples of the Polynesian diet, is the subject of presentations this weekend in East and West Hawaiʻi. Sustainable ʻUlu Production Practices will feature Dr. Noa Kekuewa Lincoln, Professor of Indigenous Crops and Cropping Systems at University of Hawaiʻi. He will share knowledge gleaned from a survey of more than 60 ʻulu farmers. His findings include specific management practices affecting tree and soil health, fruit yield, and quality. He will explain traditional Hawaiian production practices and ʻulu cropping systems, and share natural fertilization methods that can be applied in modern times.
     The Saturday, Dec. 15, presentation will be at Honalu Marshaling Yard, 79-1017 Honalu Road.
The Sunday, Dec. 16, presentation will be at Sweet Cane Cafe, 48 Kamana St., Hilo. See eatbreadfruit.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.

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. 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 and his helpers in the 40th annual Pāhala Christmas Parade.
See more photos, below. Photos by Julia Neal

KEIKI CHRISTMAS AT KAHUKU COUNTY PARK, on Paradise Circle in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, takes place on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event features food for all, gifts for keiki, raffle prizes for kūpuna, and activity booths and music. For more, contact Kathie at 937-5865.

Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower Telia Espejo-Navarro during Sunday's

Christmas Parade. 

HOLIDAYS AT KAHUKU takes place on Sunday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The free event features music and hula by Russell Mauga, Kīpapa, and Lori Lei Shirakawa's Hula Studio. Participants can also enjoy crafts, food booths, shave ice, and a coffee truck. The event is sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. See nps.gov/HAVO.
     Interested in a craft booth? Contact Wendy Vance at (808) 937-4506 for details, or to request an application to reserve a space. "To qualify for a craft booth we ask that: all work be handcrafted and made in Hawai‘i; booth be open from 12:00pm – 3:00pm; you provide your own 10'x10' tarp, tables & chair; you will be responsible for the cleanliness of your area," says Vance.

Miss Kaʻū Peaberry Princess, 
Tenielle Blanco, in the 
Pāhala Christmas Parade.

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.

Junior Miss Kaʻū Coffee, Cristina Kawewehi, in the Pāhala
Christmas Parade last Sunday.

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

Lilianna Marques, a Kaʻū Coffee Flower, in Sunday's parade.

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.

Tony Villegas and his hot car in the Christmas Parade.

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

Tūtū & Me in the 40th annual Pāhala Christmas Parade.
Photos by Julia Neal

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Dec. 17, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Dec. 18, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

ONGOING

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.

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

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