Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, February 9, 2019

The killing of a False Killer Whale and serious injury of another means that the longline tuna fishing fleet in Hawaiʻi
will be banned from some 112,575 square nautical miles of ocean, called the Southern Exclusion Zone.
See story below. Photo from Marine Mammal Commission

A BILL TO REDUCE DRUNKEN DRIVING passed the Judiciary Committee of the state House of Representatives this week. West Kaʻū Rep. Richard Creagan, who is a physician, supports House Bill 703. Those convicted of Driving Under the Influence would be prohibited from purchasing alcohol and from consuming it in public for three years following conviction or license revocation. It would also define habitual DUI as two or more convictions in a decade and increase fines as well as other penalties. The bill moves to the House Finance Committee.

     Mothers Against Drunk Driving supports the definition of habitual DUI and raising fines for repeat offenders. The state Office of the Public Defender opposes the three year prohibition on purchasing alcohol and drinking in public, describing the penalty as "excessive," recommending substance abuse treatment, instead of the stiffer penalty.
     See the testimony and read the bill here.

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.

DANGEROUS SURF AND WIND for Hawaiʻi Island is forecast by the National Weather Service to start tomorrow and last for several days.

     "Due to the unpredictable nature and extreme danger from high wind and surf," reports County of Hawaiʻi Civil Defense, the following are in effect: Secure all loose objects that may be affected by wind such as canopy tarps and yard furniture that maybe damaged or create a danger to others. Boat and aircraft owners must secure or remove all vessels. All preparations should be completed before nightfall.

     Consider postponing or canceling outdoor activity. Low-lying communities such as Miloliʻi are advised to stay alert for possible run-up and coastal erosion.

    The following locations are closed: All county and state beach parks and camp sites, including Punaluʻu, Honuʻapo, and Miloliʻi. Also closed are Mauna Kea Recreation Area; Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa Summit Areas; Namakani Paʻio Volcano National Park Camp Ground; Waipio Valley (open to Waipio residents only); and Bayfront Highway in Hilo.

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.

THE DEATH OF A FALSE KILLER WHALE and serious injury of another put the Hawaiʻi longline fishing industry beyond the limit allowed this year by the federal government. Environment Hawaiʻi sent out an alert today, saying the National Marine Fisheries Service "determined that the Hawaiʻi deep-set longline fleet, which mainly targets bigeye tuna, killed one false killer whale and seriously injured another within federal waters in January.

False killer whales are protected from longline fishing in Hawaiʻi. Photo from Marine Mammal Commission

     "Two is the maximum number of False Killer Whale mortalities or serious injuries allowed in a calendar year under rules intended to minimize the fleet's harm to the protected species." According to Environment Hawaiʻi, "Despite the rules, which were recommended by a federal False Killer Whale take reduction team several years go, the fleet has struggled to reduce its take of the whales."
     The killing and the injury in January led to the fishing fleet's loss of access "to a large swath of fishing ground south of the Main Hawaiian Islands, known as the Southern Exclusion Zone, for the second year in a row." The Southern Exclusion Zone encompasses 112,575 square nautical miles.
     A teleconference with False Killer whale take reduction team members will be held this Thursday, Feb. 14 to discuss the problem. 

Longlines with hooks and bait catch more than tuna. The killing and
seriously injuring of such marine animals as False Killer whales
 are limited. Image from hawaii-seafood.org

     According to Environment Hawaiʻi, National Marine Fisheries is expected to soon publish a Federal Register notice announcing closure of the fishing grounds for the long liners and keep it closed until reopening is approved by NOAA's Assistant Administrator for Fisheries; or there are no False Killer Whale killings or injuries over the next two years in federal waters that remain open; or NOAA reduces the mortality and serious injury rate; or recent average mortality and serious injury level in the fishery within the open federal waters is determined to be below the sustainable level for the pelagic stock.

     See more environmental news of the Hawaiian Islands and donate at EnvironmentHawaii.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.

Alysha Gacayan, age ten, offered her photos, many of them of Kaʻū, during the Children's Business Fair today at River
 of Life  Church in Pāhala. To buy photos, text Gacayan at 808-315-9800. The Avenue family, above, bought a
 turtle image.Photo by Julia Neal

Eli Crook, age eight, makes specialty signs as his business start-up.
For custom signs, text Crook at 808-345-0511. Photo by Julia Neal

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS CONVERGED ON PĀHALA today to show their stuff to consumers.

     During the first Acton Children's Business Fair, products created by keiki ranged from hand made signage to photography of nature and greenhouse flowers, jewelry, variously decorated brands of "slime," and food and drink – from cookies to sweet and sour libations.

     The venue was River of Life Church in Pāhala. The program was open to everyone of all faiths. Children who presented their products come from home schooling, Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences, and public schools. 

Addy Jensen, age seven, offers photographs of flowers grown at Hawaiian
Flowers on South Point Road., To purchase photos, text Jensen at 
808-935-4805. Photo by Julia Neal

     Students ran their own booths, booths, accepting money, with some using Square to take credit cards. They explained their ideas, and their execution and pricing, to customers.

     The Children's Business Fair is expected to be an annual event, said organizers and parents.

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.

MILOLIʻI-KAʻŪ JRS. VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT, to benefit Miloliʻi-Kaʻū teams, continues at Kaʻū District Gym tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 10 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Teams from all over the island in 14 and 16 year old groups will play. The public is invited to show support and enjoy the second day of this third annual tournament.

     Today, Miloliʻi-Kaʻū ten year old girls and boys beat Pio Pio Bears from Hilo. Twelve year old  Miloliʻi-Kaʻū girls beat Mau Loa girls from Hilo.

     Other teams playing included Cuzins I, Cuzins II, Cuzins Girls, and Cuzins Co-Ed.

     Contact Kaʻimi at 937-1310, Landa at 443-7133, or Tene at 333-7232.

Kaʻū District Gym is filled today and tomorrow with girls and boys volleyball teams, from all over the island.
 The event includes fundraising for the Miloliʻi-Kaʻū team. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

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.

TROJANS BOYS VOLLEYBALL IS RAISING MONEY with an invitational tournament on Friday, Feb. 15. The funding will help the team fly to Maui for a preseason tournament beginning Friday, Feb. 22.

     The Feb. 15 tournament at Kaʻū District Gym will see the Trojans host Kamehameha teams from Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island as well as teams from Kealakeke and Pāhoa High Schools.

     Donations can be sent to Kaʻū High School, c/o Athletic Director Kalei Namohala 96-3150 Pikake St, Pāhala, HI, 96777, with the notation "Boys Volleyball Tournament on Maui."

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.

11th ANNUAL KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT happens Saturday, Feb. 16, at Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. Organized by ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou, the event doubles as a canned food drive.

     Applications are available at the event, and before the event at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware, Pāhala Elementary School, Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, Pāhala Gas Station, Wiki Wiki Mart in Nā‘ālehu, Ka‘ū Learning Academy, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View, or Ocean View Auto Parts.

     Registration at the event is open from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Welcome, rules, and distribution of poles and bait from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Keiki, aged one to 14 years old, can fish from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A free lunch for all is available at noon, then awards and prizes are distributed at 1 p.m. Every participant gets a prize. For more information, call Guy Enriques, 217-2253, or Wayne Kawachi, 937-4773. See okaukakou.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.

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 Winter Sports Schedule

Boys Basketball:

Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA

Wrestling:

Feb. 20-21, Wed.-Thu., HHSAA

NEW and UPCOMING

COFFEE TALK AT KAHUKU returns Feb. 22, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit's Visitor Center. Honuʻea: The Endangered Hawksbill Turtle of Hawaiʻi Island will be presented by Lauren Kurpita, director of Hawaiʻi Island Hawksbill Recovery Project. She will talk about the difference between hawksbill and green sea turtle species, threats hawksbills encounter, and conservation efforts.

     "Honuʻea, or hawksbills, are critically endangered sea turtles, and only 165 nesting females have been documented since tagging began in 1991. Approximately 90 percent of all documented nesting activity in the state has occurred on Hawaiʻi Island," says the event description.

     Kurpita started on the Project as a volunteer in 2005, became a field technician in 2010, and Project Director in 2012. She has a BS from Syracuse University in biology, and an MA in secondary science education.

     Get to know the Park and neighbors at monthly Coffee Talk events, an informal conversation on a variety of topics. Kaʻū coffee, tea, and pastries are available for purchase. Entrance south of 70.5 mile marker on mauka side of Hwy 11.

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.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Women's Wave meets the 2nd Sunday of the month, 2 p.m., at Punaluʻu bakery. Feb. 10 topic is expected to be comparing Women's Walk stories.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Free STD Testing, Mon., Feb. 11, 9-noon, 2nd Monday, monthly, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Arts & Crafts Activity: Valentine's Day Card, Tue., Feb. 12, 2:45-3:30pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 Feb. 4-8. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Feb. 12, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios. Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visit: Dental, Wed., Feb. 13, 8-5pm. Medical, Thu., Feb. 28, 1-5pm. Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appt. thecoopercenter.org

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Feb. 13 and 27, 2-3:30pm, 2nd and last Wednesday, monthly, PARENTS Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Free. Registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Arts & Crafts Activity: Valentine's Day Love Bugs, Wed., Feb. 13, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 Feb. 4-12. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Feb. 14, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Valentine's Day Buffet, Thu., Feb. 14, 5-8pm, Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib au Jus, Lemon Butter Ono w/Tropical Salsa, and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/adult, $14.95/child, ages 6-11. No reservations required. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply. 967-8356

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Feb. 14, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15
PATCH Class #428, Building Emotional Literacy, Fri., Feb. 15, 8-11am, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū and Me. No childcare provided. Register at 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

PATCH Class #619, Relationships w/Families in your Family-Centered Care, Fri., Feb. 15, noon-3pm, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū and Me. No childcare provided. Register at 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16
11th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament, Sat., Feb. 16, 9-2pm, Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. For keiki 1-14 years. Free. Event day registration open 8-10am. Pre-registration packets available at Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware, Mizuno Supertte, Pāhala Gas Station, Nā‘ālehu Wiki Wiki Mart, Kahuku Country Market, and Ocean View Auto Parts. Free lunch and prizes. Guy Enriques, 217-2253, Wayne Kawachi, 937-4773. okaukakou.org

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Sat., Feb. 16, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Keala Ching w/Nā Wai Iwi Ola, Sat., Feb. 16, 10:30-11:30am, performance at hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Wes Awana, Sat., Feb. 16, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Panaʻewa Stampede takes place this year just outside of Hilo, the weekend of Feb. 16-18, Saturday through Monday, with rodeo competitors from Kaʻū and around the island joined by rodeo clowns and other entertainers. See HawaiiRodeoStampede.com.

Ham Radio Mtg., Sat., Feb. 16, 2-3pm, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

ONGOING

Harry McKee Foundation Scholarships for Kaʻū Students are open through Feb. 15. College bound high school seniors and current college students encouraged to apply for a $1,000 scholarship. Students must be residents of Kaʻū District and plan to attend any accredited college, university, technical institute, or vocational school, anywhere in the U.S. Students must enroll full time in the fall of 2019.

     The application and more information are at mckeescholarshipfoundation.weebly.com. Applications must be mailed to the foundation office in Ocean View by Feb. 15.

Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi classes offered in Ka‘ū include: Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) on Wednesdays through Feb. 19. See more at hmono.org; Diabetes Management Classes on Mondays in February. Sign up by calling 969-9220 or online at hmono.org/classes.

Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant will accept applicants through Feb. 28. The pageant will be held again at the Ka‘ū District Gym on Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m. Miss Kaʻū Coffee and her court will represent the Kaʻū Coffee industry throughout the year at events in the community and beyond, her appearances sponsored by the Edmund C. Olson Trust, II. Pageant Director is Trinidad Marques. Scholarship Committee Directors are Julia Neal and Gloria Camba.

     The community can support the pageant through purchasing tickets, volunteering, and providing scholarships.
     Girls three to 24 years of age are encouraged to enter the pageant. Talents often include hula and singing. Competitive categories include Talent, Gown, Photogenic, Career-Interview, Characters Outfit, and Swimsuit for Miss Kaʻū Coffee. Pageant hopefuls contend for titles of Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee, Miss Kaʻū Peaberry, and Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower.
      Email trinimarques@yahoo.com.

Volunteer on Midway Atoll for Six Months. The volunteer will serve as a communication assistant out on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, on or about March 12 through August. Applications are due by Feb. 28. Potential to be extended to a full year. Get more info and instructions on how to apply.

Applications for a Job to Help Kids with Healthy Eating and Living in Kaʻū are open through March 15. The position, through FoodCorps, is a full-time 11.5-month commitment from August 1, 2019 through July 15, 2020, at Pāhala Elementary School.

     In exchange for service, members receive: $22,000 living stipend paid bi-weekly over the 11.5-month term; $6,095 AmeriCorps Segal education award upon successful completion of service; Student loan deferral or forbearance, if eligible; partial childcare reimbursement, if eligible; Health insurance; Ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development.

     Apply at foodcorps.org/apply. See the service member position description for more details. Visit foodcorps.org, Facebook page, or contact seri.niimi-burch@foodcorps.org for more information.

Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.

Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths to serve the public at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See KauCoffeeFestival.com.

     Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. Campaign and other political displays are not invited. Fifty percent discounts are provided to bona fide non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Each vendor is responsible for a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each, to be displayed at each booth.

     Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208, Pāhala, HI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona. Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance, before taxes; a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefit, if eligible; and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
     Application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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.