Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, May 21, 2019

See the entire Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks 2018 Impact Report online, with its history of challenges
brought on by the volcanic activity of 2018. Cover image from Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association

HAWAIʻI PACIFIC PARKS ASSOCIATION released its 2018 Impact Report yesterday afternoon, detailing its challenges and accomplishments. During the earthquakes, eruption, and destabilization of the Jaggar Museum, the Association lost its book store there, one of three inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
     A letter from the Association's board chair Rosemary Stancampiano and its Executive Director Margot Griffith introduces the report. It says 2018 is notable for "the great hulihia (overturning, change) wrought to the lands of Kīlauea, the landscape of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park - and to all of us who are privileged to live and work on or near this wahi pana (legendary place)."
     The letter notes that in early 2018, "Visitors flocked to the viewing platform at Jaggar Museum... to enjoy the awe-inspiring sight of the active lava lake in the Summit Overlook Vent, which had overtopped its rim and flowed onto the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu in April.

     "Then came the series of volcanological events that began on April 30th: the draining of the lava lake in Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō on Kīlauea's Middle East Rift Zone; the onset of the eruption in the Lower East Rift Zone on May 3; the 6.9 earthquake on May 4; and the draining of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u. In anticipation of elevated activity at the summit, most of the park was closed for an indeterminate amount of time beginning on May 11." The two largest Hawaiʻi Pacific Park Association venues closed. "In the days and weeks that followed, Halema‘ma‘u and the surrounding caldera floor subsided dramatically, accompanied by collapse explosions registering as 5+ magnitude earthquakes, thousands of smaller magnitude felt earthquakes, and 60,000 quakes overall."
     The letter describes a "remarkable staff" who moved the Association to temporary locations and "ventured in to Jaggar Museum to affect the rescue of our inventory and equipment." Staff "sorted out real estate, insurance, and other matters; and adapted to new sales environments outside the park in Hilo, all while continuing to deliver service with aloha, and remaining positive."
     After the period of calm on Kīlauea began in early August, lava stopped erupting in lower Puna, and summit subsidence and earthquakes ceased, the park reopened on Sept. 22. The Association resumed operations at Kīlauea Visitor Center, and visitors are returning to the park and its "new normal."
     The letter notes that "More areas are opening all the time, but the park will have tremendous needs in the near future, as the results of assessments of roads, trails, and infrastructure become clear. This time has not been easy for our board, staff, or our park partners. We have had to employ a considerable amount of belt-tightening to our overhead budget, with impacts to staff, and continuing to provide aid to parks funding to our partners has also been challenging. We continued to fund key park programs such as West Hawai‘i park cultural festivals, and fulfilled our commitment of $40,000 in support of endangered species protection at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park."

     In 2018, Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association provided financial support to the Park for Interpretation and Volunteers, Species Protection, Hale Rehabilitation, Cultural Programs and Events, and Youth Programs, valued at $690,764 of in-kind support and money, much of it raised through the stores at Kīlauea Visitor Center, Kahuku Unit, and before it closed, Jaggar Museum.
     The Association also supports Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site on the north Kohala Coast; Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, north of Kailua-Kona; Haleakalā National Park on Maui; and National Park of American Samoa.
     See the entire Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks 2018 Impact Report online.
     See more at hawaiipacificparks.org.

Nippon Air passengers can purchased a stuffed Flying Honu
named Lani on flights to and from Hawaiʻi.
Image from All Nippon Airways

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THE SECOND OF THREE AIRBUS PASSENGER PLANES -- PAINTED UP LIKE HONU, the threatened Hawaiian green sea turtle -- was recently delivered from its French manufacturing plant to All Nippon Airways. Aviation Pulse news says the planes come in "a unique livery. Inspired by the
crystal-clear water of the ocean surrounding

Inflatable Flying Honu toys.
Image from All Nippon Airways 

Hawai‘i, the green livery depicts the face of a Hawaiian Honu (turtle) with a welcoming smile."

Flying Honu model plane.
Image from All Nippon Airways

     Aviation Pulse quotes Yutaka Ito, Executive Vice President of All Nippon Airways: "We are excited to welcome the second A380 into our world class fleet of aircraft. With its visually distinct livery that evokes the folklore and traditions of Hawai‘i, and the outstanding features of the A380, the beautiful Emerald Green FLYING HONU lives up to the ANA standard of excellence. We are ready to welcome the plane to Narita Airport so that we can begin operations."
     The three Aribus A380 Flying Honu are planned for flights between Narita, Japan and Hawai‘i. The first Flying Honu will begin service May 24, the second in June. Passengers can make purchases of Flying Honu toys, including a model Flying Honu plane, inflatable Flying Honu planes, and a soft toy Honu named Lani.

All Nippon Air received 2,197 entries in its design contest for its
new planes. The Honu design won. Photo from All Nippon Airways

    To come up with the Flying Honu name and design, All Nippon Airways launched a design contest in 2016. The airline received 2,197 entries and reported, "For the winning entry, we chose a turtle family-themed design featuring a sea turtle relaxing together with its children in the blue Hawaiian ocean."
     A statement on the All Nippon Airways website says that good luck went into the decision to use the honu for its new aircraft: "The Hawaiian word 'honu' is a term of endearment used towards the sea turtle, and reflects the widespread love that the Hawaiian people feel for this animal. It is believed to be a sacred creature in Hawai‘i, and those who manage to catch a glimpse of one are said to be blessed with good fortune and prosperity. We decided to name these special liveries FLYING HONU (meaning 'flying sea turtle') in the hope that our customers traveling to Hawai‘i on these aircraft will also be blessed with good fortune."

All Nippon Airways decorates its three new Airbus passenger planes, made in France, with images of
the threatened Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, the Honu, and has named the fleet the Flying Honu.
Image from All Nippon Airways

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A MEETING ABOUT THE WIND FARM ON KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL LANDS at South Point will be held this Thursday, May 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Public input on the Pakini Nui Wind Farm, operated by Tawhiri, along South Point Road, will be taken by the Environmental Protection Agency. The concern is for protection of endangered species such as native Hawaiian bats and endangered birds. The wind farm has presented a plan to help prevent their injury and death. The meeting also concerns wind farms on Maui and O‘ahu. See more in the May 10 Ka‘ū News Briefs.

Cattle grazing near Pakini Nui at South Point. Photo by Peter Anderson

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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

KĪLAUEA LUAU BUFFET happens every Friday night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Adults $16.25, keiki ages 6 to 11 $8.25. Free Hula Show on June 7, 14, and 21 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 967-8356 for more information. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

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UPCOMING

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

Story Time with Auntie Linda of Tūtū & Me, Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Pāhala Public and School Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571

Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Star Hanging, Wednesday, May 22, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 16-21. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, MAY 23
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, May 23, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

FRIDAY, MAY 24

Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association's 21st annual Rural Health Conference and General Membership Meeting happens Friday, May 24, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. The meeting features youth achievements recognition and community resource networks, and offers free health screenings, informational booths, food exhibits, and door prizes.

     Special guests are Dr. Neal Palafox, MD, MPH Professor; University of Hawaiʻi; John A. Burns School of Medicine; and Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. A focus of the event will be embracing and understanding the cultural transition of Marshallese.

     To be a vendor at the event, call the Resource and Distance Learning Center at 928-0101. See krhcai.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 2515th Annual Celebration of Life Lantern Floating, Saturday, May 25, 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Reed's Bay, Hilo, same day Pre-Event, 1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m., Ka‘ū Hospital, Pāhala. Pre-event features motorcycle and classic car community riding in procession to the hospital to meet and greet patients, staff and Ka‘ū Community before riding to main event. Celebration of life bracelet available online, $10 donation, limited supply. Public welcome to both events. Benefits Hawai‘i Care Choices. 969-1733, hawaiicarechoices.org

Support Ka‘ū Coast Stewardship by attending the Of Water classical piano and opera concert at Pāhala Plantation House on Saturday, May 25, at 6 p.m. Reserved seating tickets are $25, donations for stewardship are welcome. See more, below.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Public Update on Senior Housing happens Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m. okaukakou.org

MONDAY, MAY 27
Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday, May 27, 3 p.m., Front Lawn, Kīlauea Military Camp. Keynote speaker: Lt. Col. Loreto Borce, Jr., Commander of Pohakuloa Training Area. Open to public. In case of rain ceremony will be moved indoors. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Memorial Day Buffet, Monday, May 27, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. BBQ Pork Ribs, Local Styles Fried Chicken, Smoked Vegetable Kabobs, salads and more. $20.95/Adults, $11.95/Child (ages 6-11). No reservations required. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

TUESDAY, MAY 28
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, May 28, 10 a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, May 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

After Dark in the Park – Hawai‘i's Landfill Crisis: From Hopeless to Hopeful, Tuesday, May 28, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Special guest speakers Lori Kahikina, P.E. Director, Department of Environmental Services and Jim Howe, Emergency Services Director present sobering look at Hawaiʻi’s future and a call to action that provides hope while separating myth from reality. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

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

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

     All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.

     Open to all people under age 18, no registration required, the Seamless Summer Program 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 in the school cafeteria.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition,  runs through 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

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.

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.

___________________________________________________________________
A CONCERT TO RAISE MONEY FOR STEWARDSHIP OF THE KAʻŪ COAST will be held on Saturday, May 25, 6 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The concert is one in a series of performances during the Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, in its third season in the islands. The series is called Of Water.

Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy
Shoremount-Obra. HIMF photo

2018 International Bach Competition
Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum.
HIMF photo

     The recital features internationally acclaimed artists Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra and 2018 International Bach Competition Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum. They will perform works by Turina, Mahler, Fauré, Rachmaninoff, Duke, and more.
     Donations accepted at the event go to Kaʻū Coast non-profit stewardship organizations, including Nā Mamo O Kāwā, nmok.org; Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo, honuapopark.org; Ala Kahakai Trail Association, alakahakaitrail.org; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, wildhawaii.org; and Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, hoomalukau@gmail.com.
     In addition to the opportunity to donate to coastal stewardships, an opportunity to support Hawaiʻi International Music Festival is available by reserving best seats for $25 each. They are available at recitalpahala.bpt.me and at the door – cash or check only. See the concert schedule for other islands at himusicfestival.com. For overnight accommodations, contact Pāhala Plantation Cottages at 928-9811.
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