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Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Humpback whales visiting Hawaiʻi in the winter and spring months may be declining in number. A mother 
humpback supports her calf in the warm waters of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine 
Sanctuary, accompanied by a male escort. Photo from caringforcalves.org
A POSSIBLE DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF HUMPBACK WHALES coming to Hawai‘i each winter - to give birth, take care of their calves, and mate before heading back north to feed - is the subject of meetings today and tomorrow. Invited by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, whale experts are convening in Honolulu to discuss the number of humpbacks in Hawaiian waters declining some 50 to 80 percent in the past four years.
Hawai‘i has seen and heard humpbacks in smaller numbers since 2014.
Photo from Ed Lyman/NOAA, under NOAA permit #15240
     Whale scientists estimate that about 6,000 to 11,000 humpbacks make the trip to Hawai‘i each year.
     The annual humpback whale count - monthly in January, February, March, and April each winter in Ka‘ū and elsewhere - has documented the decline, along with scientists recording fewer whale songs. Crew members on watch from ships coming in and out of Hawaiian waters report fewer sightings.
     Humpback whales are no longer on the Endangered Species list but are federally protected as threatened. NOAA comes up with regulations and law enforcement, based on research on the humpback whale status.
     Whale watching season, with boats going out of Kona, begins in mid December. Some whales have been reported in nearshore Hawai‘i Island waters since mid November.
Humpback whales come to Hawaiʻi to give birth and raise calves 
in the winter and spring. Photo from NOAA
     The decline of the number of humpbacks numbers wintering in Hawai‘i was first recorded in 2014, with lower numbers also recorded in their summer home of Alaska. By 2017, humpback numbers in Hawai‘i had decreased by about half, and mother-calf pairs were down an additional 35 percent.
     A possible reason for lower humpback numbers is a smaller food supply, due to warmer ocean waters, which affects krill, the humpback's major food source. Scientists posit the whales have not starved, but have moved to different feeding - and birthing and mating - grounds, possibly in the Bering Sea and in the Gulf of Alaska, where more humpbacks than normal have been reported. There could also be more humbpacks wintering in the northern Hawaiian Islands where there are fewer people to see them.
     Learn more from Sept. 6 and Aug. 26 Kaʻū News Briefs.
About 5 percent of Hawaiʻi lands statewide burn each year,
Map from Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization 

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GIVING TUESDAY IS TODAY AND LOCAL NONPROFITS ARE REACHING OUT as public officials weigh in.
     Given the recent destruction of homes by wildfires in California and the recent wildfires on Maui and Oʻahu that destroyed houses, Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization is asking the community to help protect its villages, farms, ranches, and nature: "It is more important than ever that we work together to make our communities and natural areas more resilient and better prepared in the face of growing wildfire threats. Your support will keep our non-profit's engine running. HWMO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that fills a critical need to serve as a hub of wildfire projects and activities among government agencies, land managers, communities, and other organizations across the state. We are the only 100% wildfire focused organization in Hawaiʻi and our ability to maintain and grow our efforts relies on the generous support of people like you!" See the Facebook page and website.
Keiki celebrates a new home and family
ownership through Habitat for Humanity.
     Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island, which helps families to become homeowners through sweat equity and qualifying for mortgages, noted that Paypal is partnering with Facebook to match up to $7 million in donations.
     "You can help Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island receive a portion of these funds by donating to us. Any dollar amount given will help us continue our mission to build more homes for families in need on our island. 100% of the funds raised for us on Facebook will be given to us! Please support our cause!" See Facebook page.
     Rep. Tulsi Gabbard today recognized #GivingTuesday as part of a global day for giving, volunteerism, and service to others. The lawmakers introduced a bipartisan resolution - H.Res. 633 - last year to recognize the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday as #GivingTuesday, an opportunity to provide charitable giving to those in need.
     Gabbard said: "United by a common purpose to be of service to others, #GivingTuesday provides an opportunity for us all to come together and support the causes in our communities that inspire us. Today, as millions around the world donate their time, talents, or a piece of their paychecks – or simply perform an act of kindness – let us be inspired by the spirit of #GivingTuesday and continue to be a force for positive change in our communities."
     U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, a Republican, said, "The spirit of giving throughout the holiday season is always an important reminder that much more unites us than divides us. If we focus on these things as Americans, we can continue to be the greatest nation in the world. Giving Tuesday is the perfect example of how we come together to help those in need, and I'm proud to have worked across the aisle with Rep. Gabbard to make the designation of this important day official."
     Giving Tuesday, the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving, was launched by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation in 2012, and has since become a worldwide movement, harnessing the power of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change. In its first year, #GivingTuesday brought together more than 2,500 organizations in all 50 States, and it has continued to gain momentum every year since, with more than 35,000 partners in the United States and around the world.

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POHOʻIKI AND ISAAC HALE BEACH PARK WILL REOPEN in lower Puna to everyone Thursday, Dec. 6. The county Department of Parks and Recreation announced today a blessing ceremony to be held at 1 p.m., after the new emergency roadway to Pohoʻiki opens at noon.
     The emergency access, a road bulldozed over this year's lava flows, will remain open until further notice, said the statement from the county. "This new park created is dedicated as a safe and
Pohoiki, with a new black sand beach, will open to the public Dec. 6.
Photo from DLNR
peaceful place for our families. Please kōkua to keep it a nice and safe place for the ‘ohana."
     The County plans 24-hour security with park hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with no camping, and no showers or drinking water. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own water and discouraged from entering four thermal ocean ponds created by the lava flowing across Pohoʻiki bay and preventing access to the boat ramp. The state Department of Health warns of a risk for bacterial infections, and advises to refrain from entering, particularly with wounds.
     The shore break on the new black sand beach and ocean currents can be dangerous and cause injury. "Enter the ocean at your own risk," the county advises.
     This Thursday, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and Hawaiʻi Civil Defense Agency, will test the Pohoʻiki siren intermittently between noon and 2 p.m.

Kaʻū Girls Soccer Team tried hard against Kamehameha
today. Photo by David Berry
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KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS AND BOYS KICKED OFF SOCCER SEASON TODAY with hosted games against Kamehameha. During the girls' games, the referee called the game, as Kamehameha had scored 17 and Kaʻū, 0. The boys also faced a loss, with zero points to Kamehameha's 6.

Kaʻū Boys Soccer, using fancy footwork against
Kamehameha today. Photo by David Berry
     The next soccer game, boys host MLA and girls host Kealakehe tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 28. The teams will be traveling as far as Honokaʻa and Kohala. See remainder of 2018 sports season schedule, below.

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A GRANT PLANNING WORKSHOP, conducted by The Kohala Center, will be held primarily for coffee farmers on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Kaʻū District Gym's Community Room at 96-3150 Pikake St. in Pāhala. The workshop is to help with planning and preparing to apply for grant programs to support United Ka‘ū Farmers Cooperative. The Kohala Center's agricultural business development specialist, Megan Blazak, will facilitate the session. The workshop is intended for members of the co-op so they can collectively work on project planning for the co-op's initiatives.

SITE VISITS TO KAʻŪ COFFEE FARMS will be made by appointment on Thursday, Dec.  6, 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m., by Maile Woodall. Sponsored by The Kohala Center, the outreach support will be from one to two hours per farm and consist of a needs assessment, program orientation, and site walk-through. Appointments are subject to availability and are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Contact mwoodhall@kohalacenter.org.

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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
Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule 
through end of 2018
Girls Basketball:
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:
Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Nov. 28, Wed., Girls host Kealakehe, Boys host MLA
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
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

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Angel Ornament, Wed., Nov. 28, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For grades K-8. Register Nov. 19 to 27. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Nov. 28, 9-11am, 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

Pū‘ohe - Hawaiian Bamboo Trumpet - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau: Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Nov. 28, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff as they share their knowledge and help attendees make their own pū‘ohe. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Nov. 29, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Nov. 29, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home - for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

Craft Class, Thu., Nov. 29, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Coffee Talk: Little Fire Ants in Ka‘ū, Fri., Nov. 30, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join the talk story with rangers and other park visitors. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
Multi Family Yard Sale, Sat., Dec. 1, 9-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Palm Trail, Sat., Dec. 1, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Art Express, Sat., Dec. 1, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Monthly. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Dec. 1, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030, and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

Disney Sing-Along, Sat., Dec. 1, 2:30-3:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-8. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Keiki Jump Rope for Fitness, Sat., Dec. 1, 4-4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-14. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sun., Dec. 2, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Dec. 2, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.
com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Net Patrol along Wai‘ōhinu Coastline, Mon., Dec. 3, 17, and 27, contact for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Limited seats available for all three days. BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Spay and Neutering Clinic, Monday, Dec. 3, 7:30-4pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View.

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Dec. 3, 17, and 31, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon., Dec. 3, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon., Dec. 3, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Free Diabetes Management Program, Mon., Dec. 3, 5pm. Registration required and for location of class in Ka‘ū. For those with Type 1 or 2 diabetes. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, hmono.org, 969-9220

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Health Insurance Sign-up, Tue., Dec. 4, 9-4pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Family Yoga Class, Tue., Dec. 4, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 3-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring mat, if can, as supplies are limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

A Walk into the Past w/ Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, Tue, Dec. 4, 11, and 18, 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Tour Jaggar's tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments with Dick Hershberger as "Dr. Jaggar." Supported by the KDEN. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue., Dec. 4, 4-6pm, Dec. 18, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue., Dec. 4, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

After Dark in the Park, All About Anchialine Pools, Tue., Dec. 4, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hawai‘i State Parks Dena Sedar presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5
Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Wed., Dec. 5 and 12, 9:30-10:30am, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign-up. Free; donations accepted.

Arts & Craft Activity: Paper Tree Table Top, Wed., Dec. 5, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 5; open to keiki Grades K-8. 928-3102

Open Mic Night, Wed., Dec. 5, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

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.

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.orgfacebook.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.

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