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Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Linda Morgan, librarian, offers to the public an opportunity to Give the Gift of Reading! at Nāʻālehu Elementary
School Library through this Friday. See story, below. Photo by Nalani Parlin
EARTHQUAKE REPAIRS NEAR VOLCANO bring Hwy 11 from two lanes to one lane at mile marker 29.3 The contraflow began this week and will likely continue through Wednesday, Dec. 19, according to Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation. The Kīlauea eruption earlier this year shook the road and its foundation apart, particularly around the Kīlauea Caldera rim. Many cracks, some of them deep, opened up in major thoroughfare, Mamalahoa Hwy 11. The emergency surface repairs require 24-hour single lane restriction.
Void that appeared at mile marker 28 during
months of daily volcanic shaking.
Photo from HDOT
     HDOT is repairing the eastbound lane through Friday and expects work to move on to the westbound lane on Saturday, continuing through Wednesday, Dec. 19. "All work is weather permitting; however, the closure will remain in place until the asphalt layer has been installed," said a statement from HDOT.
     From April 30 to Aug. 4, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory recorded approximately 60,000 earthquakes - with 4,400 measured at a magnitude 3 or greater, the largest measuring magnitude 6.9. The seismic activity contributed to formation of rifts under Mamalahoa Highway near the entrance to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park between mile markers 28 and 30.
     Since July 6, HDOT has repaired subsurface voids at mile markers 28.7, 30.05, 30.1, 30.6, and 31.7, along with embankment repair at mile marker 30, and has planned repairs at mile markers 28.7, 29.1, and 29.3. Ground truthing tests, including boring and camera reconnaissance, and ground penetrating radar determined size and depth of subsurface voids prior to repairs. This portion of Hwy 11 will continue to be monitored by HDOT using cameras at ops.punatraffic.com.
     Photos of the subsurface void at mile marker 28, the sinkhole at mile marker 30, a photo of the embankment repair at mile marker 30, and completed repairs at mile marker 30 can be viewed here.
Filling the voids opened up by many earthquakes on Hwy 11 near
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park entrance. Photo from HDOT
     HDOT closures for roadwork are posted on the HDOT webpage at hidot.hawaii.gov/high
on Thursdays and Fridays. Traffic advisories and notices are distributed via the Department's Facebook and Twitter accounts.

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BENEFITS TO HAWAIʻI IN THE U.S. FARM BILL, with lobbying and sponsorship by Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, passed the U.S. Senate on Tuesday and the House today. It heads to the President for final approval. According statements from Hirono and Gabbard, the Farm Bill does the following:
     Reauthorizing the USDA's Education Grants DOE institutions that serve Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native students for the purpose of helping with educational needs as they relate to food and agricultural sciences.
     Protecting benefits for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP assists more than 42 million participants nationwide - including 163,000 individuals in 83,000 households in Hawaiʻi.
     Reauthorizing The Emergency Food Assistance Program. TEFAP provides federal resources to support low-income individuals and households with fresh food through local food banks.
     Promoting Industrial Hemp. The bill includes provisions of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, a bill that Hirono cosponsored to promote development of industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity. The University of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture are exploring potential for industrial hemp production.
Lorilee Lorenzo, a Pāhala High School Senior who attends Myron B. Thompson Academy,
represented Kaʻū and the Hawaiʻi Horse Owners Association in two Christmas parades
this year, one at Keaʻau and one in Hilo. Photo by Keonaona Porter
     Reauthorizing and Providing Mandatory Funding for Organic Research and Extension. The bill includes permanent, mandatory funding for organic farming research, improves the organic certification process, and provides assistance to farmers who want to transition to organic food production.
     Reauthorizing the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, with renewal of funding for SCRI through 2023. Competitive funding from SCRI can be used by research organizations and institutions like the University of Hawaiʻi's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to conduct research on specialty crops such as floriculture, fruits, nuts, and coffee.
     Reauthorizing and Maintaining Funding for Conservation Programs. The bill reauthorizes a number of conservation programs through 2023, including the Conservation Reserve Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
     Maintaining Mandatory Funding for Rural Energy Programs. Energy costs have a major impact on farmers, particularly in Hawaiʻi, where we pay some of the highest energy costs in the nation. The bill renews funding for Farm Bill energy programs like Rural Energy for America to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses install renewable energy systems and improve energy efficiency.

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MORE AFFORDABLE HAWAIIAN AIRLINE SEATS to the mainland are expected, with a new lower ticket pricing for those willing to make no ticket changes, board last, and receive seat assignments at the gate without upgrade opportunities. Hawaiian expects to introduce the new ticket option soon, following lower demand for some of its flights, and less than expected revenue per plane seat. The option will be called Main Cabin Basic, according to a story in Pacific Business News today.
     Other ticketing options are Premium, Extra Comfort, and Main Cabin.

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A book fair in April at Nāʻālehu brought in book-buying funds for Nāʻālehu Library. This evening through
Friday, a Gift the Gift of Reading! book fair will do the same. Photo by Nalani Parlin
GIVE THE GIFT OF READING to help raise funds to buy more books for Nā’ālehu Elementary library. The public is invited to peruse the school book fair at the library, this evening, on Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Friday until 2 p.m.
     The book fair will open this evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., coinciding with the school's monthly family reading night. Guests check in at the school office, when visiting the fair during school hours.
     Books of all levels are available for purchase, ranging from first picture books for babies to chapter books and books for adults. Other fun items like activity and craft kits, special pens and pencils, bookmarks, and posters are also on sale. 

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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 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
Image from volcanoartcenter.org
VOLCANO ART CENTER HOSTS A ZENTANGLE INSPIRED ART POP-UP EXHIBIT AND RECEPTION on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at their Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The free event is open to the public, and features the work of local Zentangle artists and hobbyists.
     "Meet the artists and discover art created using the Zentangle method," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org. Volcano Art Center asks "all Zentangle artists and friends to come to this holiday gathering. This is a wonderful opportunity to display your Zentangle art and meet your fellow tanglers. Bring your friends, your art, and a light holiday pupu to share."
     Event attendees are welcomed to make and take home a Zentangle Inspired ornament.
     The event also offers door prizes, a Zentangle library, and the presence of Volcano Art Center's product storefront.
     No cost to exhibit or attend. Donations to Volcano Art Center are welcome. Registration not required. For more information, call 967-8222. See volcanoartcenter.org.

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.

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, 6:30pmUnited 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, 2-3pmKahuku 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, 6:30pmOcean 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, 10-2pmKahuku 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, 10-1pmOcean 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, 10-1pmVolcano 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, 12:30-3:30pmVolcano 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 Parknps.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.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Wed., Dec. 19, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Ocean View Community Association Special Membership Meeting, Wed., Dec. 19, 5-6pmOcean  View Community Center. Election of 2019 board. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

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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