Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, June 18, 2019

A Hawaiian honeycreeper drinks nectar from ʻōhiʻa lehua. Read story below about efforts to save the endemic trees from
 two devastating fungi. Photo from Saving ‘Ōhi’a: Hawai‘i's Sacred Tree, which won three Emmy's last weekend.

THE SINGLE-USE STYROFOAM BAN goes into effect Monday, July 1, says a reminder issued yesterday from Mayor Harry Kim. County of Hawaiʻi Ordinance 17-63, which passed in September 2017, prohibits food service vendors from "providing food to a customer in disposable (single-use) food service ware that is made from polystyrene foam, sometimes referred to as 'Styrofoam.'"

     Straws, lids, and cutlery are exempt. However, the County "encourages the use of environmentally preferable 

Containers like these are no longer permitted for plate lunch
 sold in Hawaiʻi County as of July 1. Photo from ewscripps

alternatives. Through this measure, it is the County's intent to improve environmental quality on the island and in the neighboring marine environment."

     Email Polystyrene@hawaii county.gov or call 808-961-8098 with questions. See hawaiizerowaste.org for more information.

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TACKLING RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH WITH NATURAL, GENETIC RESISTANCE BREEDING may be the most promising way to save the native forest from two deadly fungi. Some of the largest pristine ʻōhiʻa forests in Hawaiʻi are under attack by Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in Kaʻū and Volcano.
     A weakened forest threatens the habitat of endangered wildlife, the watershed that provides drinking water for people, a place that visitors and residents enjoy, and Native Hawaiian cultural resources. A film entitled Saving ‘Ōhi’a: Hawai‘i's Sacred Tree won three Emmy's last weekend.

     At the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Science Symposium at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo in May, scientists gave a detailed presentation on how genetic resistance might save – even restore – ʻōhiʻa in Hawaiʻi.

     Richard Sniezko, a forest geneticist with USDA Forest Service, said resistance programs involve an "interactive process of selection, mating, and testing," that will produce "genetically diverse, adapted seed" – seed that is resistance to ROD. "Sometimes there's confusion" about tree-breeding, said Sniezko. He said it's not gene editing, transgenics, or the like. "Those are tools, but they're not required for a successful resistance program."

ʻŌhiʻa lehua give life to bees, among other wildlife. Photo from Saving ‘Ōhi’a: Hawai‘i's Sacred Tree

     Sniezko put forth questions. How bad will ROD get? With funding a genetic resistance program "not cheap," how strong is public support? How will natural resistance be harnessed efficiently and in time to prevent forest devastation? Can resistance be harnessed without destroying natural genetic variation and integrity?

     Sniezko said other species have seen success with natural resistance. He called it a "green," organic, sustainable solution, with few or no side effects.

     Success requires "a few people who are really passionate and drive this – and have the public support it. A sense of urgency" is needed, said Sniezko.

Scientists studying ROD are still searching for
the reason the fungi attack the endemic trees
with such damaging results. UH-CTAHR photo

     In starting this natural resistance study, Blane Luiz with the USDA Agricultural Research Service said he was "able to calculate disease severity" by inoculating four ʻōhiʻa varieties – newellii, incana, glaberrima, and polymorpha – with Ceratocystis lukuohia, the more virulent of the two Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death pathogens.

     Said Luiz, "All the polymorpha varieties died – 100 percent mortality. However, with newellii, incana, and glaberrima, we did see some survivors emerge. After the 17 weeks, incana seems to be the most promising, having the most amount of survivors come out of it. We also are working on other metrosideros (tree) species in the Pacific. We have already tested M. excelsa/kermacadensis hybrids and the M. collina variety Tahiti Red in the lab. If I believe correctly, the M. excelsa/kermacadensis hybrids were not susceptible, but the M. collina was susceptible to disease."

     Luiz said Hawaiʻi Island, "based on what we saw screening the different varieties," may have some disease-resistant trees, but further testing needs to be done.

     Ceratocystis Resistance Working Group, comprised of U.S. Drug Administration Forest Service and Agricultural Research Service, Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Purdue University, Hawaiʻi Agricultural Research Center, and Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests, is working toward a full resistance program. The group has secured $150,000 from the USDA Special Technology Development Program, $120,000 from the USDA Pacific Southwest and Region 5, and $50,000 from Hawaiʻi DOFAW.

     The Ceratocystis Resistance Working Group goal is improved understanding of resistance, and methods for screening and testing, for ROD; and creating a large supply of ʻōhiʻa for large-scale planting for restoration, landscaping, and biocultural applications.

Some ʻōhiʻa are said to be resprouting after ROD infection.
UH-CTAHR photo

     People in the community have also been pitching in to try to help with ROD. Oils, minerals, and chemicals, and processes such as freezing, have been suggested by various members of the public to the ROD Facebook page. A posted response, made by Corie Yanger, Educational and Outreach Specialist at CTAHR Hawaiʻi County, let the public know that researchers do consider testing out these suggestions. Researchers ask: "Does the compound completely kill or stop the growth of the pathogen – Ceratocystis fungus – in the lab (in a petri dish)? If not, the process stops there. If yes, then they have to figure out how to apply the compound in a real world setting – meaning, to a live ʻōhiʻa. An 'effective' application means that the compound gets into the tree and comes into contact with the fungus."

     Yanger posted that community members are "sharing that they see ʻōhiʻa trees, once thought to be dead, resprouting in lava-impacted areas of Hawaiʻi's Puna district." She said researchers say "We don't yet have data connecting a tested and confirmed ROD affected tree in that area to resprouting observations. That means we don't know for sure that Ceratocystis, the ROD-causing fungus, was actually the killer of those trees. Trees don't 'recover' from fungal infections the way that humans can – with medicine. An infected plant walls off progress of an infection and might grow out again from a healthy part. Trees affected by C. huliohia (less aggressive ROD fungus) might be able to wall off infection, but trees affected by C. lukuohia (highly aggressive ROD fungus), won't.

     "It's definitely a positive sign that trees are flushing back. However, we can't say that there's any connection between the volcanic activity and ROD. There is one case on another part of (Hawaiʻi Island) where Ceratocystis lukuohia was confirmed in a tree and ~1.5 yrs later that tree was found to resprout. Our researchers are currently testing cuttings from that tree to learn more about what might be happening."

Healthy (green), diseased (red), and dead (grey) ʻōhiʻa. UH-CTAHR photo

     Yanger posted that boot brushing station blueprints are available for anyone by contacting ohialove@hawaii.edu. "These stations have been established at all State Na Ala Hele trailheads on Hawaiʻi Island," she said, "and are starting to be installed on other islands. They were designed to catch dirt (that might have #rapidohiadeath fungal spores) and seeds that stow away on our shoes. Whether you use these, or your own brush and bottle of rubbing alcohol, you're helping to show how we help to take care of Hawaiʻi."

     Yanger also posted that the 30-minute documentary, Saving ‘Ōhi’a: Hawai‘i's Sacred Tree, savingohia.com/full-documentary – made by Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, UH Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, CLUB SULLIVAN, Christy Martin, and the multiagency Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Response Team – was nominated for six and won three Emmy Awards last weekend.

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PREPARE FOR HURRICANES and other weather during this hurricane season - expected to be above average this year, through Nov. 30. Though hurricane season began more than two weeks ago, with little action on the storm front, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency has issued additional warnings to prepare now to avoid long lines at gas stations, grocery stores, and ATMs.

     HI-EMA states that, had last year's storm Lane made landfall, it "would have resulted in devastating potential damage to residents and their property" and would have caused "catastrophic destruction to our economy due to the isolated location of Hawaiʻi. With the shutdown of ports, goods and services would have been weeks or even months away."

Hawaiʻi Island, top center, was brushed by the edges of Hurricane Lane last season. Kaʻū escaped with comparatively
little damage. If landfall was made by Lane, the damage would have been much worse. NOAA image

     Governor David Ige said, "Hurricane season brings the very real threat of high winds, rain, storm surge, and potential flooding to the Hawaiian Islands. There could be significant impacts even if a hurricane doesn't hit us directly. I urge Hawaiʻi's residents and businesses to prepare now. Make an emergency plan, talk about it with your families and employees, and gather supplies to ensure that our communities are resilient."
     Emergency kits of a minimum of 14 days of food, water, and other supplies are recommended by HI-EMA. Thomas Travis, Administrator of HI-EMA, said the 14 days are recommended "because of Hawaiʻi's location in the Pacific... Everyone who plans ahead and prepares an emergency kit helps not only themselves, but... their entire community."
     HI-EMA says: "Build an emergency kit – now." Keep emergency kit supplies fresh by rotating, consuming, and replenishing them over time, HI-EMA officials say. HI-EMA also recommends planning with family and neighbors; prepare for medication, medication refills, and other needs; keep important documents in protective containers; deciding to shelter in place or evacuate and under what circumstances; assessing living spaces and surrounding areas for storm hazards; secure buildings and equipment for high winds or flooding; prepare pets and pet supplies - a carrier is required to stay in a pet-friendly shelter; monitor weather updates and emergency broadcasts (i.e., HNL.Info); and keep vehicle gas tanks filled.
    HI-EMA urges visitors to download the GoHawaii App and read the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority's Travel Safety Brochure.

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.

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19

Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, June 19, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hilinaʻi  Initiavtive Community Meeting happens Wednesday, June 19, 6 p.m., at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Keakealani campus, second floor at 19-4024 Haunani Rd., in Volcano Village. Facilitated by Bob Agres and Keiko Mercado County of Hawaiʻi Kīlauea Recovery Initiative Community Engagement Team, the goal is to move toward a "comprehensive community resilience plan for upper Puna and Kaʻū." Hilinaʻi Kaʻū, kālele iā Puna; Hilinaʻi Puna, kālele iā Kaʻū: Kaʻū is independent, supported by Puna; Puna is independent, supported by Kaʻū, is the slogan on the announcement.

     Dinner is provided, and attendees are welcome to bring a local, healthy dish to share, if can. To get involved, email resilience@volcanoschol.net.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20
SIGN UP for Nā‘ālehu July 4th Parade, open until Thursday, June 20. Parade and Keiki Fun Day held June 29, 10a.m.-1:30p.m. - see separate event listing. Sponsored by ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872. okaukakou.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 22
Dementia Caregiver Boot Camp, Saturday, June 22, 9a.m.-4p.m., Kaʻū Rural Community Health Assoc. in Pāhala. RSVP by June 17. Free. Three workshops, movie, and lunch. Attend one or all segments. Learn more and RSVP at alz.org/Hawaii or 800-272-3900.

A-Mazing Triangles, Bookbinding Workshop with Charlene Asato, Saturday, June 22, 9a.m.-noon, Volcano Art Center. $32/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. See supply list. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Abstract Collaging Workshop with Darcy Gray, Saturday, June 22, 10a.m.-2:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $90/non-member, plus $20 supply fee. Advanced registration required. Limited to 10 adults. See supply list. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily, June 22 through Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Opening Reception, Saturday, June 22, 2-4p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, JUNE 24
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, June 24. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

TUESDAY, JUNE 25
Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Tuesday, June 25, 7:30a.m.-4p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, hihs.org, 796-0107

HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, June 25, 10a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, June 25, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

Performing Arts Activity: Karaoke Sing Along, Tuesday, June 25, 2-3p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6 & up, June 17-21. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

ONGOING

Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School cafeterias. Meals are available weekdays through July 11; no meal Thursday, July 4. Kaʻū High serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call (808) 939-2413 for Nāʻālehu Elementary mealtimes.

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou's Annual Nāʻālehu 4th of July Parade and Summer Fun Fest happens Saturday, June 29. The Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Mission. The parade features floats, Paʻu riders, Kaʻū Coffee Court members, and more.

     The Fest, which begins after the parade, features water slides and bounce castles, hot dogs, watermelon, and shave ice, plus Senior Bingo and lunch at the community center for seniors. The free event is open to the public, no registration required.
     To participate in the parade, volunteer, or donate, contact Debra McIntosh at 929-9872 by Thursday, June 20. okaukakou.org

Volcano Village 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Craft Fair happens Thursday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The parade starts at the Volcano Post Office, travels down Old Volcano Road, and ends at Cooper Center on Wright Road. Free entry to activities, food, and entertainment. Leashed dogs allowed. Provided by Cooper Center Council, Volcano Community Association, and more. To be in the parade, download the entry form at volcanocommunity.org and email to vcainfo@yahoo.com. Vendors, download applications at thecoopercenter.org and email to idoaloha@gmail.com, or call Tara Holmes, 464-3625, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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 bags 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.

Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors. Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash on the 27th. Apply at experiencevolcano.com/vendor-application.
     Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register at ohialehuahalf.com.

6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com

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