Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, April 25, 2019

Miss Kaʻū Coffee candidate Helena Sesson and other contenders for the court will help kick off the Miss Kaʻū
Coffee Pageants and the free, public gathering at Pāhala Plantation House from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. tomorrow.
 See more below. Photo by Julia Neal

HOʻOLA ONE is in Kaʻū and its student inventors are testing the machine's ability to sort sand from microplastics at Kamilo beach. The engineering students from University of Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada built it, winning national awards for its design to help solve the problem of plastics in beach sands around the world. Kamilo has earned international attention for the plastics that wash up there, despite its remote location on the Kaʻū Coast.

     A video released by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources shows the first test of the Hoʻola One machine. The engineering students are working on the machine daily at Kamilo through this month.

     Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, which continually leads volunteer cleanups along the Kaʻū Coast, helped sponsor the effort to bring the machine to Hawaiʻi Island. Megan Lamson, of HWF, remarked, "So far, so good. Hoʻola One has arrived to the beach. We're super blessed that it came alongside nine of the 12 engineering students from Sherbrooke… It's not working quite as well as they had hoped, but that's to be expected: a couple little fixes to get the vacuum perfect and then we're good to go."

Hoʻole One during its first test on Hawaiʻi Island. See video of 
the machine running. DLNR photo

     She said that once microplastics are removed at Kamilo, she hopes Hoʻola One "can travel to Maui… Oʻahu… The application in the state of Hawaiʻi and around the world can be huge." Lamson said that methods of sorting sand from microplastics have involved the use of sifting trays and attempting to float the plastics. She said the Hoʻola One invention will be a lot more efficient.

     Alexandre Savard of the Hoʻola One team said he became obsessed with the idea of removing microplastics from the shore after watching documentaries on the subject. Then, he found out about Kamilo beach, "which was renowned to be one of the most polluted" beaches on the planet.

     Said Savard, "If we can clean this beach, we can clean any beach in the world… We all agree on the team that this thing is so sad, because it's a machine that shouldn't exist, but it needs to exist clean up all the mess that's already here today."

     Lamson said humans created the microplastics problem: "We can't point the finger and blame any one country, we can't point a finger and blame any one industry. We all got into this problem and it's going to take each and every one of us to get out of it."
     The engineering students said that to come up with their invention, they turned to agriculture to study methods of sorting coffee, soy beans, corn, and other crops. During their stay at Pāhala Plantation House, they are meeting with farmers who are interested in developing more affordable methods of sorting coffee.

Bolo kicks off Kaʻū Coffee Fest week
on Friday evening.

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Boni Narito

KAʻŪ COFFEE FEST WEEK BEGINS TOMORROW, FRIDAY, April 26 with Bolo performing with Sammi Fo and Boni Narito at Pāhala Plantation House from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The free gathering gives the community an opportunity to meet Kaʻū Coffee farmers and the contenders in the Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant. Other musicians from the community
will perform on piano, guitar, and ʻukulele. It's a potluck paʻina, open to all.

     On Saturday, the Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant, directed by Trini Marques, begins at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. at Kaʻū District Gym. There will be tickets at the door.
     Next in the ten days of activities is Kaʻū Mountain Hike and Lunch on Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting at Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Ride through the coffee plantation, up the mountains, and into the rainforest to walk along waterways from sugar days of old. Reservations required; $45 per person. Call 928-0550.

     Kaʻū Valley Farms Tour and Lunch happens next, on Thursday, May 2, 9 a.m. to noon. Visit a plant nursery, food farm, coffee and tea plantings, native forest, and hidden valley, above Nāʻālehu. $40 per person, reservations required. Call 987-4229 or 731-5409.

     The next event is Kaʻū Coffee and Cattle Day, with a BBQ buffet, and hayrides at on Friday, May 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at historic Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm. $25, reservations required. Call 927-2252.

Sammi Fo will share hula at the Pāhala Plantation House
event on Friday.

     That evening is Kaʻū Stargazing. Learn about ancient Hawaiian culture and see the Hawaiian night sky and stars during Kaʻū Stargazing. On Friday, May 3, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.,  travel to the top of sacred Makanau during a new moon. Reservations required; $45 per person, includes refreshments. Call 938-0550.
     The main event, the Kaʻū Coffee Festival Hoʻolauleʻa, happens Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Enjoy free entry to a full day of music, dance, coffee tasting, demonstrations, food, snacks, educational booths, and games.

     Closing out the Kaʻū Coffee Festival, Kaʻū Coffee College is held at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 5. Get served education and see demonstrations for coffee farmers and Kaʻū Coffee enthusiasts.

     See KauCoffeeFestival.com.

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Kianie Medeiros Dancel. 

Photo from Kaʻū Athletics

KIANIE MEDEIROS DANCEL HAS WON A SCHOLARSHIP TO PLAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL. A senior at Kaʻū High school, she will join the Pierce College Raiders in Lakewood, Washington.
     Dancel holds a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.

     When not on a horse at her family ranch, she volunteers for her community. She gave over 100 volunteer hours, mentoring 5th grade students from Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Elementary schools. During the last two years, she helped students prepare for their annual fitness meet, and coached and refereed basketball for middle school students. She also received recognition for playing on the Division II All-Big Island Interscholastic Federation Championship First Team.

     Trojans Girls Basketball Assistant Coach Jennifer Makuakane provided the following biography:

     Dancel is a strong, passionate and ambitious young woman. After being with her hand in hand for the past four years, we have no doubt that she will become successful and we are extremely proud of her. She truly deserves it.

     She didn't have the perfect life. In fact it was far from it. She faced many struggles, loss, and for a long time she felt like life was unfair. Then at the age of 12, the first time she played basketball, she found serenity.

     The basketball court became her sanctuary. Playing the game she grew to love allowed her to clear her mind. It gave her the hope she needed to survive the next day. It gave her the wisdom she needed to pave the way to her success.

Top, left to right: Athletic Director Kalei Namohala, Assistant Coach 

Rodelyn Corpuz, Assistant Coach Jennifer Makuakane, Hanai Mom 

Gen Shibuya, Assistant Coach Allan Fernandez, Principal Sharon Beck. 

Bottom, l-r: Hanai sister Kaelyn Medeiros-Shibuya, Kianie Medeiros 

Dancel, Head Coach Cy Lopez Jr. Photo from Kaʻū Athletics

     When we first met Dancel at the age of 13, the first thing she said to us was, "Are you the basketball coaches? Ooh, I'm gonna be playing for you." Our first impression was, "Wow... she's confident and not afraid to show it."

     First day of tryouts came and she played like she was proving a point. She wanted a spot on the varsity team and she wasn't going to settle for less. She showed it in her attitude, level of effort, confidence, and abilities. At the end of the week, when the teams were determined and Dancel was told she made the varsity squad, her face lit up, she smiled with pride, and all she said was, "Yessss... Thank you!"

     After a few seasons came and went, Dancel started to realize that the end was coming near – and too fast. She didn't want to give up the one thing she loved the most; the game that saved her from her darkest days, the one thing that kept her on track and out of trouble. By her junior year in high school, she started reaching out to her coaches because the thought of not having another chance to play the game she was so passionate about would be heartbreaking. She started reviewing practice and game film to improve her skills. She started individual skills training, playing club basketball and doing all she could to become a better player, student, and person. She was also the Varsity team captain and she wanted to lead by example. Her work ethic, effort, dedication, and passion grew stronger than ever.

Hanai sister Kaelyn, Kianie Medeiros Dancel, and Hanai mom 

Gennifer Shibuya. Photo from Kaʻū Athletics

     Her senior year approached quickly, and she was more focused and driven. Her hanai parents, Daryl and Gen Shibuya and family, supported her and her dream. With motivation from her family, coaches, and teammates, she led her team to a very successful season. They made their first appearance in Div. II BIIF game in January 2019 and earned their state berth for the first time in school history. Despite their loss to University Lab on Day 1 at the State Tournament, Dancel played an incredible 32 minutes and was immediately contacted by Turner Sports Recruiting, LLC – a recruiter that connects Hawaiʻi student-athletes with college coaches. From her hotel room, she started finalizing her college applications and getting everything together she needed to get the ball rolling. The light at the end of the tunnel was shining bright and she realized her dreams were becoming a reality.

     After receiving several offers, she weighed her options and made her decision. On April 15, 2019, Dancel signed her letter of intent and committed to Pierce College in Lakewood, Washington. She will be the second player from Kaʻū High to play under Raider's coach Arissa Wilson, after Denisha Navarro.

     Dancel will major in Fire Command and Administration and minor in Emergency Medical Services. After receiving her Associates degree, Dancel plans on transferring to a university to continue her education and receive her bachelor's in hopes of becoming a paramedic. Dancel also plans to enlist in the U.S. Army Reserve. 

Photo from Kaʻū Athletics Twitter

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YOU MATTER SHIRTS are sported by Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School administration, teachers, coaches, and other staff as part of a School Culture Project. Created by KHPES Freshmen students, the project message is: "You Matter! Every student matters when it comes to school, family, and friends. Lift each other up and rise as one. Haʻaheo Kākou ʻO Kaʻū – We are Proud of Kaʻū."

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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule

Baseball:

Fri., April 26, BIIF Finals

Sat., April 27, BIIF Finals

Wed.-Sat., May 8-11, HHSAA

Softball:

Wed., May 1-4, HHSAA

Boys Volleyball:

Thu.-Sat., May 2-4, HHSAA

Track:

Fri., April 26, 2 p.m., BIIF Semi-Finals

Sat., April 27, 3 p.m., BIIF Finals

Fri.-Sat., May 3-4, HHSAA

JUST ANNOUNCED

FULL-TIME TEACHING ASSISTANT SOUGHT by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

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.

UPCOMING

FRIDAY, APRIL 26
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Vendor Application Deadline for Ho‘olaule‘a, Friday, April 26. To become a vendor, contact Brenda Iokepa-Moses at biokepamoses@gmail.com or 731-5409

Coffee Talk at Kahuku - The Price of Paradise: The Story of Sandalwood in Hawai‘i, Friday, April 26, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Talk story with John Stallman, biologist and former Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park ranger. Free. nps.gov/havo

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Pā‘ina & Open House, Friday, April 26, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Pāhala Plantation House. Free; donations accepted for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Scholarship Fund. Julia Neal, 928-9811, mahalo@aloha.net. kaucoffeefestival.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Healing Through Words with Dr. Heather Rivera, Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Volcano Art Center. Creative writing workshop. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Sauerkraut and Kombucha with Jasmine Silverstein, Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant, Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m., doors open 5:30 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Tickets: $10 donation. Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Director Trinidad Marques, 928-0606, TrinidadMarques@yahoo.com, or Facebook Trinidad Marques. kaucoffeefestival.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 28
TO BE RESCHEDULED: Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest, Sunday, April 28, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Ka‘ū Coffee Mill will be delayed to a date to be announced.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, April 30, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Mountain Hike & Lunch, Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., meet at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, Wood Valley. $45; includes lunch. Reservations required. Limited to 30 people. 928-0550, kaucoffeemill.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

Early Head Start, Wednesday, May 1 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

May Day is Lei Day, May 1, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hands-on lei making demonstrations, live music and hula. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Hula Voices with Musician Christy Leina‘ala Lassiter, Wednesday, May 1 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Open Mic Night, Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests, 21+. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, MAY 2
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Thursday, May 2. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Valley Farms Tour, Thursday, May 2, 9 a.m. – noon, Ka‘alaiki Rd., Nā‘ālehu. $40; includes lunch and transportation from meeting site. Reservations required. 987-4229/731-5409, kauvalley.com, kaucoffeefestival.com

Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, May 2 and 16 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 17 – 3rd Friday monthly – 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, May 2, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, May 2 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, May 2, 6:30 p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

ONGOING

Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.

     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

Exhibit: On Sacred Ground by Dino Morrow is open daily through Sunday, May 5 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to see documentary and protrait photography of Hula Arts at the Kīlauea Program. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.