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Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Volcano Winery is the SBA Hawaiʻi County Small Business of the Year. Del (above) and Marie 
Bothof own the business. Photo by Julia Neal
VOLCANO WINERY'S DELWIN BOTHOF IS SBA TOP SMALL BUSINESS PERSON in Hawaiʻi County, says the U.S. Small Business Administration. Bothof and his Volcano Vineyards, LLC will be honored May 3 at the 32nd annual statewide SBA Awards for Hawaiʻi in Waikiki. He operates Volcano Winery with his wife, Marie Bothof.
The tasting room of Volcano Winery. Photo from volcanowinery.com
     The Bothofs purchased Volcano Winery in 1999 from its founder, retired O`ahu veterinarian Lynn "Doc" McKinney, who started the winery in 1986, after years of research.
    Volcano Winery grows grapes, makes and ages wine. It offers a tasting room with a selection of unusual wines, some made from honey from bees that work macadamia orchards and wild ʻōhia trees. The Bothofs also grow a selection of teas and figs.
     Volcano Winery, one of the core businesses serving both locals and visitors in Volcano, kept its doors open during the 2018 Kīlauea Eruption, despite all the disruption from daily earthquakes lowering tourism numbers. In September, before the eruption was finally considered over, and weeks before Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park reopened, Volcano Winery hosted its fifth annual fundraiser for The Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Despite the threat of tropical storm, a sold-out crowd raised $10,000 for the school, to go towards the purchase of a new van for learning trips.
Marie and Del Bothof, owners of Volcano Winery, at the
2018 Volcano School of Arts and Sciences fundraiser.
Photo by Aubrey Hawk
     Learn more about the winery at volcanowinery.com.

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BLOCKING AN ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS OF PESTICIDES ON ENDANGERED SPECIES led Hawai`i's Sen. Mazie Hirono and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) to ask the Department of Interior's Office of the Inspector General to investigate Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. The investigation would determine whether Bernhardt inappropriately blocked a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service assessment of the effects of toxic pesticides on thousands of endangered species.
     Said Hirono, "David Bernhardt should have neither been nominated nor confirmed to serve as Secretary of the Interior. Like with so many of his colleagues in Donald Trump's cabinet, Secretary Bernhardt has extensive conflicts of interests and is hostile to the mission of the Department he leads. I am concerned that the Secretary put his own interests, and those of his former clients in the oil and gas industry, above the Department's own career scientists. This new investigation by the Deputy Inspector General will get to the bottom of what happened so that we can hold the Secretary accountable."
     The Senator from Oregon said, "This is exactly why I wanted a delay in Bernhardt's consideration. We now have an Interior Secretary who has been on the job for one full business day and is already under investigation. With Bernhardt's track record and the number of allegations against him, it's no surprise. At least now, the American people will finally get the answers they deserve."
     Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall confirmed to Hirono that her office received seven complaints "alleging various potential conflict of interest and other violations" by Bernhardt and is "continuing to gather pertinent information about the complaints and have opened an investigation to address them."
     Earlier this month, Hirono, along with seven of her U.S. Senate colleagues, sent a letter to Kendall to request she investigate "the suppression of a Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Opinion that was due to be completed and released in December 2017." The letter specifically calls into question actions taken by Bernhardt to suppress scientific data and follows up on a letter the Senators previously sent requesting the Deputy Inspector General monitor and investigate any "instances of potential alterations to scientific reports, documents, or communications produced by the Department of the Interior (DOI) as well as instances of political pressure influencing science at DOI."
     After Bernhardt appeared before the Energy and Natural Resources Committee in March for his confirmation hearing to become Secretary of the Department of the Interior, Senator Wyden sent a letter to Deputy IG Kendall to request an investigation following concerns that Bernhardt potentially made misleading or false statements about his role in blocking the USFWS analysis.

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HARMONY EDUCATION HOMESCHOOL ENROLLMENT REACHED FIFTY-FIVE KAʻŪ STUDENTS this school year. Laura Roberts, parent of several Harmony students and homeschool group organizer, said she is proud of the achievement. The homeschooling program "is a perfect fit for the more isolated district of Kaʻū." She said Harmony "provides a unique and flexible homeschooling program while partnering with local charter schools islandwide." Harmony is free of charge and fits into a variety of different parent schedules, she said.
     According to Roberts, who is also Startup Manager for the Ocean View Options Day site, Harmony offers "local keiki strong academic options as well as a once a week teacher-led electives day where students come together to learn Hawaiian Culture, music, art, lego robotics, STEM, cooking, sewing, and more. It's so important to have the social skills incorporated when doing school from home."
Harmony Education provides social interaction and schedule-friendly homeschool education. Photo from Harmony Ed
     Roberts homeschools four children in grades K-9 and runs a business from home. "Life is busy and crazy, but I know that my kids are receiving the best education possible without it being overbearing, and I love having them home with me." Five Options Day sites are offered to Harmony students in towns across Hawaiʻi Island.
     Diedra Stephens, who has two students in the Harmony program, said, "Options Day is my girls' favorite part of the week.
     Alisha Young, mom of six, said, "I can't believe that we have something like this out here in Ocean View, it's been such a blessing."
     Harmony supplies curriculum, additional educational resources, and resource funds for private lessons, books, park passes, and other educational items. Families choose the curriculum for each child and have their choice of whichever curriculum that they would like to use. Mentors answer questions and provide support. "The families involved are also a great support network," said Roberts.
     Julie Leonard, who said she was looking for something different for her son, said, "Harmony has been a game changer for us." 
     Layne Mills, who teaches Music and Art of the Masters at Options Day, said, " I am so glad to be a part of the community of homeschoolers and their families here in Ocean View. It has given me so much joy to be able to share my expertise in music and fine arts with the students every week. Over the course of this school year I have seen so much growth in their skills and knowledge as well as their willingness to try new things. I also teach private music lessons to many of the same keiki and their musicality has really blossomed. I look forward to next year and hope that more homeschool families will add our program to their curriculum. It really is a great option for our rural community."
     According to Roberts, the Harmony program also supports the local economy by purchasing supplies for Options Day, renting local facilities, and hiring teachers and managers. 
     Beyond the Harmony program, Roberts offers the Homeschool Co-Op gathering every other Monday free of charge. It encompasses all age groups, from infants to teens. Field trips include whale watching, Dolphin Quest, beach cleanups, art projects, and clothing swap days.
     For questions about the Harmony program or the homeschool Co-Op, call Roberts at 406-249-3351. To sign up for Harmony, visit https://harmonyed.com/hawaii/. Harmony will contact new families in May with official enrollment packets.

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KAʻŪ HIGH SCHOOL CAREER CENTER is in development, says a recent email from the school administration. Support for college preparation and application will be offered; all career-related training is included as "college" in the Career Center. The Kaʻū High Career Center website can be accessed through the Student Portal. The website can help students get started on planning their future after high school.
    Other Kaʻū High School updates are:
     Seniors who plan to attend Hawaiʻi Community College must schedule an orientation meeting before registering for classes. Orientation is mandatory for all new students and is available at the Manono Campus in Hilo, (808) 934-2720, and at the Pālamanui Campus in Kona, (808) 969-8816.
     The Career Center is accepting appointments for current juniors for individual college planning. Students and parents can make an appointment with Mrs. Cutts, downstairs in the main office on Mondays and Wednesdays. Mrs. Walker, the school counselor, is also available to meet with students regarding college planning.
     Early College at Kaʻū High enrollment meetings are coming up this month. Students who wish to enroll in college courses offered on the campus must attend a series of enrollment meetings.
     The College Fair field trip is coming up Wednesday, April 24. See Mrs. Walker to sign up. Open to juniors, this is a great way to explore several colleges in one setting.
     Summer is a great time to strengthen a college application. Many college applications include a section on community service. Volunteering is also a great way to learn about a career. Need help finding volunteer opportunities? Stop by and chat with Mrs. Cutts, or check out the ones listed on the Volunteer Page on the Career Center website.

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MISS KAʻŪ COFFEE TITLE CONTENDERS are preparing for the Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant, which takes place on Saturday, April 27, at Ka‘ū District Gym. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets and sponsorships are sold throughout the community.
Meet Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant contestants Friday, April 26 – the day before 
the pageant – at the kick-off of the 2019 Kaʻū Coffee Festival open house 
Paʻina, at Pāhala Plantation House. Photo from Trini Marques
     Meet the candidates on Friday, April 26 at the kickoff open house Paʻina for the Kaʻū Coffee Festival at Pāhala Plantation House, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Paʻina entertainment will include Bolo and hula dancer Sami Fo.
     The pageant is under the directorship of Trinidad Marques, herself a Ka‘ū Coffee producer and marketer. She promises an evening of beauty, talent, poise, confidence, prizes, food, and entertainment. The winners will receive scholarships and trophies. Sponsored by Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative and Kaʻū Coffee Fest.
     Candidates for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee are Helena Nihipali Sesson, 17; Bernadette Ladia, 16 (not pictured); and Kaitlyn Alaon, 15.
     Miss Kaʻū Coffee Peaberry contestants are Lilianna Marques, 6; Helen Miranda, age 10; and Kendall Haddock, 9.
     Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower contestants are Kysha Kaupu Manini, 4; and Adilyn Aetonu, 5.
     There are no Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee contenders this year; Cristina Kawewehi holds crown.
     Tickets, sold by contestants and their families, are $10 each for anyone from 12 to 55; $5 for children 5-11 and senior citizens 55-older.

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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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
Fri., April 19, BIIF Semi-Finals
Sat., April 20, BIIF Semi-Finals
Fri., April 26, BIIF Finals
Sat., April 27, BIIF Finals
Wed.-Sat., May 8-11, HHSAA
Softball:
Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals
Sat., April 20, BIIF Finals
Wed., May 1-4, HHSAA
Boys Volleyball:
Fri., April 19, 6 p.m., host Honokaʻa
Mon. April 22, BIIF First Round
Wed., April 24, BIIF Semi-Finals
Thu., April 25, BIIF Finals
Thu.-Sat., May 2-4, HHSAA
Track:
Sat., April 20, 9 a.m., @Kamehameha
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
STORY TIME AND CRAFT with Auntie Linda of Tūtū & Me happens Wednesday, April 24, 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Public and School Library. The story Stick by Irene Dickson will be read, followed by a craft using sticks. Free and open to all, toddler and pre-K ages recommended. See librarieshawaii.org for more.

NEW PiYo LIVE CLASSES happen Thursdays, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Pāhala Community Center. This full-body, low-impact workout improves core strength, flexibility, and balance with moves inspired by Pilates and yoga. Bring a mat and water, shoes optional. Donations welcome. Contact Sara for more information, 520-389-0620.

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UPCOMING
THURSDAY, APRIL 18
Family Reading Night, Thursday, April 18, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Slide Show Presentation: On Sacred Ground, Thursday, April 18, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Dino Morrow, documentary and portrait photographer, shares an intimate collection of hula images. Free; $5 donations accepted. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 19
Keiki Jiggle Bums, Friday, April 19, 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

SATURDAY, APRIL 20
Fee-Free Day at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Saturday, April 20. Park entrance fees waived in celebration of National Park week. nps.gov/HAVO

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Earth Day Community Cleanup, Saturday, April 20. Free; donations appreciated. BYO-4WD welcome. RSVP: kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest Application Deadline, Saturday, April 20. sales@kaucoffeemill.com, kaucoffeemill.com,
kaucoffeefestival.com

Annual Wellness Fair and Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Kaʻū District Gym. Easter Egg Hunt begins at 10 a.m. Educators encouraged to participate. Volunteers welcome. Free.

Junior Ranger Day at Kahuku, Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Program debut. Keiki who complete the junior ranger handbook (illustrated by Hawai‘i artists) earn a wooden junior ranger badge, junior ranger certificate, and will be sworn in by a National Park Service ranger. Free. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, April 20, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

SUNDAY, APRIL 21
Easter Brunch, Sunday, April 21, 7 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café. Menu includes Honey Glazed Ham, Beef Pot Roast with Gravy, Omelet Station, Waffle Bar with Sauce and Toppings, and more. No reservations required. $17.95/adult, $10.95/ages 6-11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 21, 9 a.m. in the ‘Ōhi‘a Room, Kīlauea Military Camp. Open to keiki 10 years and under; bring Easter basket. Register: 967-8352 before 8:45 a.m. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Easter Sunday Services, April 21, 9:30 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. 939-7000

MONDAY, APRIL 22
Hypertension Management, Monday, April 22, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Kaʻū District Gym, with Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi.

TUESDAY, APRIL 23
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, April 23 (Committees), Wednesday, April 24 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, April 23, 10 a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Merrie Monarch Festival Events at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Tuesday, April 23 and Wednesday, April 24, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Day 1: Weave coconut leaves, make lei. Rupert Tripp Jr. performs. Day 2: Learn/play the Hawaiian board game kōnane, learn about the tools, alter and plants that symbolize hula. Ti "Kawehi" Chun and Pōki‘i Seto perform. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Arts and Crafts Activity: Paint a Rainbow, Tuesday, April 23, 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 April 15-18. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Read to Me, Tuesday, April 23, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Open to keiki grades K-6. Free. Register April 15-22. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

After Dark in the Park: Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption, Tuesday, April 23, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Carolyn Parcheta recounts the progression and shares her experiences monitoring this dramatic eruption. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, April 24, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i. Referral required: 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

ONGOING
Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths 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. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208PāhalaHI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

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.

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