Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, May 31, 2019

An endangered Hawaiian monk seal takes shelter in a mass of derelict nets and other fishing gear. Read below how 

harmful marine debris are to the ocean and its inhabitants. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

WITH HURRICANE SEASON BEGINNING TOMORROW, THE ELECTRIC COMPANY urges people to be prepared. It also reports that its crew is creating more resilient grids and keeping land cleared around power lines, power poles, and other equipment to gear up for the 2019 Central Pacific Hurricane hurricane season, which begins Saturday, June 1. HECO spent almost $17 million statewide in the last year to update infrastructure so weather causes fewer and briefer outages during storms. HECO "works year-round to strengthen the electric grids so that they are better able to withstand powerful storms. Much of that work centers around upgrading and reinforcing poles, lines, and equipment, and clearing vegetation," says a release from HECO'S local utility, Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co.

     Since 2018, HELCO has "continued collaboration with public agencies and community partners to promote emergency preparedness and hasten power restoration efforts following natural disasters." HELCO installed Trip-Savers and similar devices on power lines to help isolate and protect the electrical system during outages. HELCO also installed tie-lines between circuits to provide quicker restoration options during an interruption.

HELCO offers the safety handbook in English for Keiki, and adult
versions in English, Cantonese, Ilocano, Vietnamese, and Korean.

     The HELCO statement urges customers to prepare for hurricane season by referring to the Handbook for Emergency Preparedness available at hawaiielectriclight.com/prepare. Printed copies are available at HELCO's business offices in Hilo and Kona, and at Hilo and Kona public libraries. Call 327-0543 to request copies.

     Residents are urged to develop their own emergency plans and consider these tips:

     - Gather emergency supplies, such as a battery-powered radio, flashlights, lanterns, and batteries. Be prepared to monitor storm-related communications issued over emergency broadcast radio stations.

     - Store enough water, non-perishable food, medicine, and personal hygiene supplies for your family members and pets to last at least 14 days.

     - Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electric appliances and equipment during a storm or a power outage. When power comes back and is stable, plug in the equipment one at a time.

     - Shut off your electricity at the main breaker or switch if you need to evacuate.

     - Consider having a backup generator if you are dependent on an electrically-powered life support system. Or, make plans to go to an alternate location where electricity will be available. Be prepared to take your medical equipment and medications with you.

     - If your business or residence is equipped with a backup generator, learn how to properly operate the device to avoid causing damage or injury.

     - Prepare a list of emergency contacts that includes phone numbers for insurance agents, vendors, physicians, or any other important individuals.

     - See a downed power line? Assume it is energized and dangerous. Stay away from downed power lines – at least 30 feet or more.

     For power outage updates, follow Hawai‘i Electric Light on Twitter @HIElectricLight.

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Endangered Hawaiian monk seals bask in shallow water near a mini breakwater made partly of derelict fishing gear, 

as sea birds perch atop the marine debris. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF MARINE DEBRIS on ocean and wildlife are covered in a short film released this week by The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The film centers on clean-up efforts in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands.

     The film uses underwater and seascape photography "to convey the meaning of the ocean to Native Hawaiian culture," says a release from the foundation. It documents a joint clean-up project of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its Marine Debris program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in Papahānaumokuākea.
     Since 1996, the team has removed more than 2 million pounds of marine debris, which continues to accumulate at an estimated rate of 52 metric tons per year in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Marine debris includes derelict fishing gear, non-biodegradable household waste, plastics, and other debris.

A sea bird nests in marine debris. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

     Filmmaker Steven Gnam, who "specializes in exploring and illuminating our connection to nature and whose work is a celebration of the wild," says the release, created the film. It features music from Jack Johnson, the American singer-songwriter, actor, record producer, documentary filmmaker, and former surfer. Johnson, who was born and raised on the North Shore of Oʻahu and lives there now, is active in environmentalism and sustainability, often with a focus on the ocean.

     The film was funded by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in partnership with Sea Salts of Hawaiʻi.

A Hawaiian monk seal swims blithely by a tangle of derelict nets. 

Photo from marinesanctuary.org

     From mid-September through October of 2018, a team of scientists led by NOAA carried out a 41-day expedition to Papahānaumokuākea, conducting in-water and shoreline marine debris survey, and removal operations at French Frigate Shoals, Laysan Island, Lisianski Island, Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Midway Atoll, and Kure Atoll. All 164,906 lbs. of marine debris were transported back to Honolulu for recycling and disposal.

     Marine debris is any human-made, solid material that enters waterways directly through littering or indirectly via rivers, streams, and storm drains. Marine debris can discarded soda cans, disposable lighters, toothbrushes, or plastic bags that end up in the ocean. Nearly 80 percent of marine debris originates from land-based sources.

     Lost or abandoned commercial and recreational fishing nets, lines, pots, and traps are another form of marine debris, categorized as derelict fishing gear. These items, whether discarded intentionally or lost accidentally, may sit on the seafloor, get caught on rocky or coral reefs, or float on the ocean surface. The majority of this lost gear does not decompose in seawater and can remain in the marine environment for many years.

Marine debris crowds shoreline plant life. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

     Marine debris a crisis for the oceans as debris can kill and injure marine wildlife through ingestion and entanglement, disperse invasive species, endanger human health, cause damage to shipping vessels, and hurt businesses and tourism by polluting beaches and coastlines. As debris rolls across shoreline habitats and reefs, derelict fishing nets can entangle wildlife and damage corals. Derelict fishing gear is especially damaging to coral reefs. Derelict fishing nets wear down and break corals or can even grow into the reef structure, smothering living coral.

     Derelict fishing gear also poses a serious choking and entanglement hazard to many threatened or endangered marine species and seabirds in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, including the Hawaiian monk seal, green sea turtle, humpback whale, and Laysan albatross. If animals get entangled in nets or swallow plastic debris, they can suffocate, starve, or drown. Derelict fishing nets and gear can also constrict an entangled animal's movement, exhausting or injuring the animal.

Plastic debris is especially threatening because of its ability to absorb and concentrate toxic pollutants.

Marine debris gyres in the Pacific are perfectly placed to deposit debris on islands in Papahānaumokuākea Marine 

National Monument. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

     Ways to help stop marine debris: use reusable cups; avoid products with excess packaging; buy fresh and local; buy from bulk bins and avoid packages with individually wrapped items; avoid single-use plastic household items such as disposable lighters and plastic toothbrushes; invest in a reusable water bottle instead of using single-use plastic bottles; bring a reusable bag not only to the grocery store, but to all stores to reduce use of paper and plastic bags; say no to single-use plastic straws; and take part in beach cleanups.

A Hawaiian monk seal peers out from a tangle of net-based 

marine debris. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

     The foundation thanks Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaiʻi as a strong champion for the ocean, fighting to preserve and restore Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

     Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is the largest marine protected area in the Northern Hemisphere and one of the largest in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Papahānaumokuākea protects one of the last pristine ocean environments in the world, preserves Native Hawaiian traditions for future generations and safeguards the remains of those lost during World War II's Battle of Midway. Its extensive coral reefs are home to thousands of marine species, some found nowhere else in the world. Monument residents include endangered Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, 14 million seabirds, sharks, billfish, tuna, and four species of endemic land birds, including the Laysan duck.

A sea bird, perched with its catch atop marine debris.
Photo from marinesanctuary.org

     The destination's role in maritime and cultural heritage is equally significant. With the highest density of sacred sites in the archipelago, it is closely tied to the Hawaiian peoples' history. Within the boundaries are more than 60 known shipwreck sites spanning centuries as well as Midway Atoll, where the US forces irreparably damaged the Japanese fleet in the famous WWII battle.

     The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, established in 2000, is the official non-profit partner of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The foundation directly supports America's national marine sanctuaries through our mission to protect species, conserve ecosystems and preserve America's maritime heritage. The foundation accomplishes their mission through community stewardship and engagement programs, on-the-water conservation projects, public education and outreach programs, and scientific research, and exploration. The foundation fosters innovative projects that are solution-oriented, scalable and transferable, and develop strategic partnerships that promote the conservation and recovery of species and their habitats. Learn more at marinesanctuary.org.

     Learn more about the marine debris problem by viewing the film and web story.

Marine debris, clustered at the high tide mark in Papahānaumokuākea. Photo from marinesanctuary.org

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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.

JUST ANNOUNCED

MR. KNEEL VISITS PĀHALA PUBLIC AND SCHOOL LIBRARY MONDAY, June 3 at 2:30 p.m. Neil McIntyre – stage name Mr. Kneel – is an awarding-winning Hip Hop musician and educator.

     During the special library event, Mr. Kneel will demonstrate the art of beatboxing to keiki of all ages and adults, engaging onlookers with animal sounds and guessing games, plays on words, and sounds most people would have trouble making with just their mouths, hands, and a microphone. At a previous event at Nā‘ālehu Public Library, Mr. Kneel performed acoustic beatboxed songs as the children danced, playing freeze dance, Simon Says, and using other interaction techniques. His hip hop performance included songs about math, Dr. Seuss, and Seussian rhymes.

     According to his website, mrkneel.com, Mr. Kneel's "work at Warren Village in Denver, Colorado, a very special inner-city school, has led to a new kind of family music: 'Golden Era Hip Hop' music that parents will love as much as their kid, if not more.

     "With Beatbox and vocal percussion, Mr. Kneel can make magic and emotion. With words he can create and improvise well enough to be invited recently to perform at the American Jazz Museum!"

     He has performed at over 500 schools and venues in 43 of the United States and seven provinces abroad.

     For more library programs, see librarieshawaii.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.

UPCOMING

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Summer Reading Program: A Universe of Stories, June 1-July 13, all Hawai‘i Public Libraries including Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala. Starting June 1, sign-in and register at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org for free reading rewards, activities and programs for all ages and a chance to win a round trip for Four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.

Edible Wild Plants: A Hands-On Foray for Foragers and Foodies with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $40/non-member, plus $15 transportation fee. Class size limited. Register early. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Lā‘au Lapa‘āu Workshop, Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kaʻū District Gym. Free workshop open to the public from Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi Traditional Health team. 969-9220, hmono.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, June 1 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m. to noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Andy McKee Plays in Volcano at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, Saturday, June 1. Show begins at 7:45 p.m. A Park entrance fee may apply if arriving before 7:30 p.m. McKee is an acoustic guitar "virtuoso, a master practitioner" of folk, blues, bluegrass, and other musical genres. Information or purchase tickets, $48, at (808) 896-4845, kilaueamilitarycamp.com, or bluesbearhawaii.com.

SUNDAY, JUNE 2
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, June 2 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park. 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, JUNE 3

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Monday, June 3 (Committees), Tuesday, June 4 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program Applications, Monday, June 3, 10, 17, or 24, Tuesday, June 4, 11, 18 or 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Green Room, Ocean View Community Center. See hceoc.net/programs/energy for full list of requirements and to download forms.

Mr. Kneel Public Speaker and Professional Beatboxer, Monday, June 3, 2:30 p.m., Pāhala Public and School Library. Features math, reading, Dr. Seuss, and family friendly humor. 928-2015

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, June 3 and July 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 4
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, June 4, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
Early Head Start, Wednesday, June 5 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Master Gardeners: Plant Propagation, Wednesday, June 5, 2 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Sharing techniques to propagate plants. Free seeds and starts give away. 939-2442

All About Buddhism in the Jodo Shinshu Tradition, Wednesday, June 5 and every following Wednesday, 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Book study/talk story. Materials and light refreshments provided. Temple president Robert Kobzi, robertkobzi@aol.com

Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Sammi Fo, Wednesday, June 5 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, June 6 and 20 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9 a.m. to 10:30 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

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, June 6 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, June 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, JUNE 7
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 7. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Uplink All-Stars: Grades 6-8, Friday, June 7, to Friday, June 28, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Registration required, 313-4100

Stewardship at the Summit, Fridays, June 7, 15, 22, and 28, 8:45 a.m. to noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Summer Programs for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary registrations are open.
     Uplink All-Stars runs Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
     Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21.

     Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11.

     All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

     Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and free lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on weekdays , June 7 through July 11, except June 11 and July 4, in the school cafeteria.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, runs through Sunday, June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade Sign-Up Open until Thursday, June 20. 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.

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.

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