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Wednesday, March 07, 2018

Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Recent photo of Lua o Palahemo, the anchialine pond at Ka Lae, made famous in chants and songs. 
Photo from DHHL report
LUA O PALAHEMO IS ONE OF THE SPECIAL SITES noted in the South Point Management Plan, recently released by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. It is a popular recreational place, where locals and visitors get some sun and jump into a brackish pond fed by underground springs and ocean water. It is known for its rare anchaline shrimp, including ʻōpae ʻula and the endangered Vetericaris chaceorum. On the banks of Lua O Palahemo grow endangered Hawaiian plants such as the ʻōhai and the endemic nohu.
       Palahemo is within 710 acres designated as a National Historic Landmark by the federal government. According to the Cultural Impact Assessment of the Hawaiian Home Lands plan, the designation was given because the land "provides the longest and most complete record of human occupation in the Hawaiian Islands."
A New Zealand tourist photographed the sign warning people to
refrain from desecrating Lua O Palahemo. Photo by Richard Seaman
      The South Point Management Plan proposes "to improve the conditions in and around Palahemo by reducing vehicular access and discouraging recreational activities on motorbikes, ATVs, and trucks at South Point that have caused sedimentation from soil erosion. In addition, re-vegetating the vicinity of the pool with native plants will further prevent soil erosion at Palahemo."
     The report describes a visit to Palehemo with Hawaiian cultural practitioner and natural resources manager Nohea Ka‘awa, who shared the Hawaiian meaning of Palahemo. I ʻike ʻoe iā Kaʻū a puni, a ʻike ʻole ʻoe iā Palahemo, ʻaʻole ʻoe i ʻike iā Kaʻū. It means "If you have seen all Kaʻū, but have not seen Palahemo, you haven't seen Kaʻū." Another ʻōlelo noʻeau (proverb) is: I puni iā ‘oe o Ka‘ū a i ‘ike ‘ole ‘oe iā Palahemo, ‘a‘ohe nō ‘oe i ‘ike iā Ka‘ū. It means, "If you have been around Ka‘ū and have not seen Palahemo, you have not seen the whole of the Kaʻu District," Ka‘awa explained.
    Ka‘awa talked about the importance of taking care of the natural resources. "In our Hawaiian Culture, anything that gives us life is an Akua; water gives us life, fish gives us life, the air gives us life... In order for them to continue to sustain us, we need to feed that relationship by being responsible stewards of our resources."  Ka‘awa showed interviewers the yellow flowers scattered along the rim of the Palahemo pond and identified them as flowers of the endemic nohu plant, used in traditional Hawaiian medicine.
Nohu, an endemic Hawaiian flower, used in traditional Hawaiian medicine. 
Photo from botany.hawaii.edu
     The report states that Ka‘awa remembered seeing red ‘ōpae ‘ula (tiny native shrimp) at Palahemo when she was a child. Now the pond has a grayish-blackish shrimp, is seasonally wasp-infested, and the loosened dirt caused by vehicular access around the area enters Palahemo when it rains. The pond is heavily muddied and "quite a disgust to witness," she said.
     Palahemo is spiritually significant to many native Hawaiians. George Kalokalani Manuel, of Wai‘ōhinu - described in the report as a lineal and cultural descendent of the place, whose great-grandfather is buried at Kamā‘oa iwi kupuna at South Point - spoke to interviewers. "You can stand at Palahemo and see Kū Mauna," a mountain near Pāhala with a name associated with a Hawaiian water god. He said the mauka-makai connection between Palahemo and Ku Mauna "brings you closer to the gods." Boundaries of Ka‘ū with the Puna and Kona Districts are also visible from Palahemo. Many people say they can see the whole of Ka‘ū District from Palahemo.
      In addition to Lua O Palehemo, another significant site is Puʻu Aliʻi, which is a native Hawaiian burial ground. Another is Kalalea Heiau, a pre-Christian place of worship, which is historically said to be for men only. There are also canoe mooring holes - which are in multiple bays and sheltered places along the coastline, like at Māhana - and Lua Makalei, "a cave in the vicinity of the Barracks that is believed to have been used for sheltering and training warriors during Kamehameha the First's reign, serves as a habitat for the endemic pueo (Asio flammus sanwichensis), and contains burials," states the report.
     The ʻōlelo noʻeau (proverbs) can be read in the report from page 730.
     See March 3March 5, March 6, and future Ka‘ū News Briefs for more in the continuing series, covering the South Point Plan. See the 799-page plan online.

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Tommy Akin, during the Jan. 29 . Commission meeting. Photo from KLA video
NO ACCUSATION OF DRUG USE AND SALE AT KAʻŪ LEARNING ACADEMY was made by a speaker at the public meeting held by the Hawaiʻi State Charter School Commission at Discovery Harbour Association Hall on Jan. 29. The Kaʻū Calendar and Kaʻū News Briefs mistakenly paraphrased, after listening to video recording of the meeting, that Discovery Harbour resident Tommy Akin said that there was "drug use and sale at the school." Akin brought the error to the attention of The Kaʻū Calendar. Upon review, it is confirmed that he said, "And actually there are people known for dealing drugs within a mile of the school." The reporter regrets the error. See the video, here.

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A MOBILE SPAY AND NEUTER VEHICLE will travel the island, starting this summer, courtesy of Hawai‘i Island Humane Society. The aim is to spay and neuter pets for free or low-cost in remote areas of the Big Island, such as Ka‘ū, and to help combat the island's pet overpopulation.
     The Humane Society's Fund Development Director, Whitney Sickels, said $120,000 was raised to purchase the vehicle, surpassing their original $100,000 fundraising goal. The $100,000 will be matched by the Laurence H. Dorcy Hawaiian Foundation.
     "We had a few $5,000 and $10,000 donations, but really the bulk of them were from the community," said Sickels. "The overwhelming response and generosity from the community was inspiring because it really shows the community realizes we have this (pet) overpopulation problem and wants to help. The clinic is for the community and purchased by the community, so it was really nice to see that."
An example of how the new mobile spay and neuter mobile clinic will appear. Photo from HIHS
     Sickels said the 26-foot specialty vehicle cost just under $200,000, including shipping it from Ohio; the additional money raised will be used for vehicle maintenance, operational costs, and surgery costs. The vehicle will include two anesthesia machines, 25 kennels, and an array of supplies and medical equipment.
     The mobile clinic is expected to arrive at the Hilo port in late May or early June. Once here, it will be parked at easy-to-access areas.
     To involve the public, the Humane Society launches a photo contest March 12. Make a donation and submit a photo of a spayed or neutered pet. After a public voting for best photos, judges will pick four winners - two dogs and two cats. Winning pets will be professionally photographed and their images included on the side of the mobile clinic. All proceeds will go toward spay and neuter services. For more information, visit www.hihs.org.

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Lisa Ginoza, newly nominated chief judge, 
Intermediate Court of Appeals.
Photo from governor.hawaii.gov
APPOINTMENTS OF NEW JUDGES FOR THE INTERMEDIATE COURT OF APPEALS AND FIRST CIRCUIT COURT were announced Tuesday. Gov. Daid Ige appointed Lisa Ginoza as chief judge, Intermediate Court of Appeals, and James Ashford to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit.
He selected the nominees submitted by the Judicial Selection Commission. Both are subject to state Senate confirmation.
     Ige selected Ginoza to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Intermediate Court of Appeals Chief Judge Craig H. Nakamura, who retires this month. Ginoza has served on the Intermediate Court of Appeals as an associate judge since May 2010. She was previously first deputy attorney general at the Department of the Attorney General, and as a partner at McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon from 1990 to 2005.
James Ashford, newly nominated to the 
Circuit Court of the First Circuit.
 Photo from governor.hawaii.gov
     Ginoza is a graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law and Oregon State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. She was also senior class president at Kailua High School where she was valedictorian for the Class of 1982.
     Ige selected Ashford to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former Circuit Court Judge Rhonda A. Nishimura last year. Ashford has served as a District Court judge since 2013. He worked as an associate attorney and partner at Cades Schutte LLP for most of his career in private practice.
     Ashford is a graduate of Loyola Law School and Claremont McKenna College where he was on the wrestling team.

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Experience Hula Kahiko in an authentic outdoor setting
 with Kumu hula Pele Kaio presenting UNUKUPUKUPU 
on Mar. 10. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
KUMU HULA PELE KAIO PRESENTS UNUKUPUKUPU with students of Unalua, in a Hula Kahiko performance on the kahua hula (platform) in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Mar. 10, announces Volcano Art Center. Combining ancestral knowledge with the rigors of academia, Kaio of Hawaiʻi Community College and UNUKUPUKUPU dance from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
     "More than just the performative folk culture of Hawaiʻi, these dancers express hula as a process for deep inner reflection and analysis. Through hula they define and exercise their unique contribution to this world we live in," states the event description.
Learn about "all things hula" at a free 
cultural demonstration offered by 
Loke Kamanu and her ‘ohana on Mar. 
10. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     This performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. For the series, hula hālau from across Hawai‘i are invited to perform each month. Hula Kahiko will be presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine, without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats.
     The free program is supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i, Dept. of Research and Development, and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, and individual funding from members of the Volcano Art Center's ʻohana. However, National Park fees apply. For more, see volcanoartcenter.org.

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CULTURAL SPECIALIST LOKE KAMANU AND HER ‘OHANA give a cultural demonstration of "all things hula," Nā Mea Hula, on Saturday, Mar. 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., announces the center. The demonstration will take place on the lānai of Volcano Art Center Gallery within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The once-a-month program is offered in conjunction with the Hula Kahiko performance at the kahua hula. Kamanu and ‘ohana will share a variety of instruments, implements, and lei styles that play an integral role in the life of the hula practitioner. The demonstration is hands-on and family friendly. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, see volcanoartcenter.org.

#NATM2018. Photo from Ka‘ū Athletics
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BOYS VOLLEYBALL AT HPA ON MONDAY saw another shining example of #NATM2018: "National Athletic Trainers Month 2018: Compassionate Care for All!!"
     The boys went to HPA for a set of JV and Varsity volleyball games on March 5. There, Heather Berry, Athletic Trainer for HPA, stepped up to take care of "our BVB." "We Thank You for keep our Athletes in The game!" shouted the tweet from @KauAthletics.
     Ka‘ū JV lost to HPA in a low-score game of 2 to 1.
     The Varsity teams played three games that day, with a couple of close games, though Ka‘ū did not score a win: 25 to 21, 25 to 20, and 11 to 25.
     See full Girls Softball and Boys Volleyball schedule, below.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.htmlSee Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 
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: Friday, Mar 9, @ Hawai‘i Prep
   Tuesday, Mar 13, @ Hilo
   Saturday, Mar 17 @ Konawaena
   Monday, Mar 19, KSH @ Ka‘ū
   Saturday, Mar 24 @ Kealakehe
   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: Friday, Mar 9, @ Kohala
   Monday, Mar 12, @ Makua Lani
   Wednesday, Mar 14 Ehunui @ Ka‘ū
   Friday, Mar 16 @ Konawaena
   Monday, Mar 19 @ KSH
   Friday, Mar 23 Pāhoa @ Ka‘ū
   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

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MY HAWAI‘I 2018 CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST is open to all 6th through 8th grade students in the state. Submit story or poem that addresses the theme, "Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu: From a strong foundation grows an abundant future," to align with the 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference. Submit online at hawaiiconservation.org/my-hawaii/my-hawaii-story-project-2018 by 5:00 p.m., March 9. Email questions to myhawaiistory@gmail.com.

REGISTER FOR KAʻŪ RURAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL MEETING by March 9 by calling Kaʻū Resource & Distance Learning Center at 928-0101. The gathering will be Fri., March 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.

MISS KA‘Ū COFFEE PAGEANT - REGISTRATION DEADLINE, Sat, Mar 10, 6 p.m. Event held Sat, Apr 21, Ka‘ū District Gym. Those who sign up early will be offered more opportunity for training and sponsorships. Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Director Trinidad Marques, 928-0606, TrinidadMarques@yahoo.com, or Facebook Trinidad Marques.

ARTS & CRAFTS: ST. PATRICK'S DAY TOP HAT, Wed, Mar 14, 3:30 to 5 p.m.Pāhala Community Center. Register until Mar 13. For grades K-8. Free. Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro, 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, MARCH 8
STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 8, 15, 22, and 29. Participants meet at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers should bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water; wear closed-toe shoes. Clothing may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.

DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Mar 8, 9:30 - 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Provided by Paula Boyer of Big Island Disability. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

MOKUHANGA: TRADITIONAL JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTMAKING, Thursdays, Mar 8 - Apr 5, 1 - 3:30 p.m., Volcano ArtCenter. Five hands-on sessions w/ Sensei Glenn Yamanoha. Water-based printing by hand using non-toxic natural materials. No experience necessary. $72/VAC members, $80/non-members, plus a $40 supply fee. Registration online, volcanoartcenter.org

Scientist Leimomoi Viernes, a kindergartener,
examines geodes at the third grade booth
at last years' fair.
EXPLORE! FAIR, Nāʻālehu School Gym, Thurs, Mar 8, 4 - 6 p.m., free. STEAM (Science,Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) is the theme, with hands-on experiments, make-and-take activities, student-work showcases, and brain-challenging games. Enjoy free food and refreshments, and a chance to win door prizes.

FOUR DAYS OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP COMING TO KA‘Ū, with Big Island Faith Crusade, at Ka‘ū District Gym, Thursday, March 8, at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 9, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 10, at 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 11, at 9:30 a.m.; doors open one hour beforehand; free. Contact Thy Word Ministries Pastor Bob Tominaga at 936-9114 or Herb Schneider at 327-9739 for more information.

FRIDAY, MARCH 9
STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT Fri, Mar 9. Participants meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants, and bring a hat, rain gear, 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

SATURDAY, MARCH 10
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND RAFFLE, Sat, Mar 10, 8 - 11 a.m., OceanView Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, Sat, Mar 10, 9:30 a.m., Kāwā. Sign up with James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, at namamookawa@gmail.com or 430-3058.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat, Mar 10, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit's newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack.

ZENTANGLE: HALF-PAST PAIZLEY, Sat, Mar 10, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Lydia Menses incorporates a paisley motif as Zentangle string, using a mixture of Zentangle's official and non-official tangles to fill. No experience necessary. $30/VAC members, $35/non-members, plus $10 supply fee. Light refreshment provided. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org

RED CROSS MEETING, Sat, Mar 10, 3 - 5 p.m.Ocean View Community Centerovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

AN EVENING WITH REBECCA FOLSOM, Sat, Mar 10, 7 - 9 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Awarding-winning artist. $20 per VAC member and $25 per non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11
THE ART OF VOCAL FREEDOM WORKSHOP WITH REBECCA FOLSOM, Sun, Mar 11, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn to sing and express authentically with ease and flow. Incorporates a blend of traditional and non-traditional volcano technique, martial arts, yogic posture, Toltec, and Taoist exercises. Open to all levels of singers. $50 per person, plus $10 supply fee.

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, Sun, Mar 11, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the 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. nps.gov/HAVO

TEEN CHALLENGE CHOIR, Sun, Mar 11, 10 a.m., River of Life Assembly of God, Pāhala. The group will minister through song and testimony, as well as spreading awareness of the Teen Challenge Program. rolhawaii.com, 443-9394.

MONDAY, MARCH 12
PHOTO CONTEST FOR HAWAII ISLAND HUMANE SOCIETY starts March 12. For a donation, owners can submit a photo of their (spayed or neutered) pet. All proceeds will go toward spay and neuter services. For more information, visit www.hihs.org

PAINTING WITH PEGGY, Mondays, Mar 12 & 26, noon - 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Acrylic painting class with Margaret "Peggy" Stanton. Ongoing series of workshops for artists of all levels. $15 VAC members/$20 non-members, per session. Email questions to peggystanton007@yahoo.com. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org

TUESDAY, MARCH 13
C.E.R.T. DISCOVERY HARBOUR/NĀĀLEHU, Tue, Mar 13, 4 - 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, as well as participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com410-935-8087.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS, Tue/Wed, Mar 13 (committees)/14 (Council), Hilo, & Tue/Wed, Mar 27 (committees)/28 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS, Wed, Mar 14 (Council), Hilo, & Tue/Wed, Mar 27 (committees)/28 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

KAULA DEMONSTRATION, Wed, Mar. 14, 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Uncle Larry Kuamo‘o demonstrates how to make traditional cordage from native Hawaiian plants. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO

FILM SCREENING OF KĪLAUEA SUMMIT ERUPTION: LAVA RETURNS TO HALEMA‘UMA‘U, followed by a question and answer session, Thu, Mar 15, at Volcano Art Center, from 7 to 9 p.m. Free; $5 donation to VAC is suggested. volcanoartcenter.org

ONGOING
KDEN HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES - March 9 through 24. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m, Kīlauea Military Camp’s Kīlauea Theater, Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network performance. KMC open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call KDEN for ticket info, 982-7344.

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.

TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, is open to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.

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