Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Author and former Mauna Kea telescope visitor center guide presented his historical view of Mauna Kea
management and opposed pending rules on the operation of the campus that hosts international telescopes.
Photo from Big Island Video News. See the video.

TOM PEEK, OF VOLCANO, OPPOSED RULES FOR MAUNA KEA developed by University of Hawaiʻi. Yesterday's public hearing in Hilo was on administrative rules for leases for some of the world's best telescopes on land many Hawaiians deem sacred. Peek, the author of Daughters of Fire, a writing teacher, and former Mauna Kea visitor center astronomy guide, said management of Mauna Kea had an "unsavory history." He reviewed his experience involving the state owned top of Mauna Kea, managed by the Department of Land & Natural Resources and leased out to University of Hawaiʻi, Office of Mauna Kea Management. The land is leased by UH to telescope operators. See the proposed rules. Peek presented the following written testimony:
     "I'm Tom Peek, long ago an astronomy guide for the observatories and an eyewitness to 30 years of UH and DLNR malfeasance — malfeasance driven by a combination of ethnocentric prejudice and unrelenting pressure from Hawai‘i's construction and tourism industries. Given that unsavory history, I challenge the legitimacy of these rules and the Office of Mauna Kea Management that created them.

Office of Mauna Kea Management held a hearing Tuesday in Hilo on its new rules.
See the propose rules. Photo from Office of Mauna Kea Management

     "The seeds of these rules were planted in a notorious time, when a blistering 1998 legislative audit finally exposed decades of UH and DLNR malfeasance (which by then some of us insiders already knew).
     "Ten years earlier (1988), when I was beefing up our fledgling Visitor Information Station program, restricting islanders' access was definitely not supported by the mountain's astronomy staff. We knew islanders had long feared that astronomy would take over the mountaintop, and we all understood that Mauna Kea belonged to them long before we showed up.

Some of the world's top scientific telescopes fall under the
Mauna Kea Management Plan. Photo from OMKM

     "That understanding was upturned by UH President Kenneth Mortimer and Institute for Astronomy Acting Director Bob McLaren in their defensive — even vindictive — response to the audit.
     "Mortimer and McLaren — and the Board of Land & Natural Resources Chair — denied most of the auditor's conclusions, blaming the public for whatever problems existed. And they proposed the first public access limits — similar to those in these 'administrative rules.'
     "Sierra Club's Nelson Ho called that 'scapegoating the public' rather than dealing with the 'industrialization and commercialization of the summit.'
     "But even more disturbing, UH proposed creating their own management agency — an entity they could control — OMKM. OMKM was never intended to restore balance on the mountain but instead to use sham planning and carefully contrived cultural consultation as political cover for building more telescopes and to begin limiting noncommercial access to the summit.
     "Sierra Club, Mauna Kea Anaina Hou, the Royal Order of Kamehameha, Ka Lahui Hawai‘i, and others opposed OMKM's creation because of its obvious conflict of interest — 'a fox guarding the henhouse.' Instead, they proposed a wholly new management agency in which statutory 'rightholders' of this ceded land would manage the mountain on behalf of the public and Native Hawaiians, rather than for astronomers, tour companies, and the construction industry.

A lele, place of spiritual offerings, at the summit of
Mauna Kea. Photo from OMKM

     "But 'old boy politics' prevailed.
     "These rules are part of that unsavory history of malfeasance — tools to completely take over the mountaintop, as Big Islanders feared in the 1980s, and to further empower an illegitimate OMKM.
     "If enacted, the rules will almost certainly end up in court — as they should. And you Regents will be tainted — as you should.
     "Instead, please reject this rulemaking charade and embrace Hawaiian proposals for a new management agency that has no conflict of interest — and distance yourselves from this OMKM mess."
     Read the proposed rules and see more testimony at bigislandvideonews.com. Peek's Daughters of Fire is a novel, enriched with Hawaiʻi Island history and the interaction of science and culture.

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A pair of mated ʻAlalā. Photo from San Diego Zoo Global

ʻALALĀ COMPLETED A NEST in the forest where these endangered native Hawaiian crows were released, after growing up in captivity. The ʻAlalā Project recently posted to Facebook: "This nest is a species recovery milestone and a good indicator that the birds are establishing in this forest, regardless of the outcome of this particular nesting attempt. Since this is the first breeding attempt, they are learning and trialing many behaviors: how to build the nest platform, form and line a nest, incubate, and feed themselves and one another during the tireless process of nesting."

     The nest was built by Manaʻolana and Manaiakalani, two birds released in 2017. The monitoring crew noted signs that two other pairs released in 2017 – Kiaʻikūmokuhāliʻi and Ola, and Hoʻoikaika and Liliʻuwelo – are also nest building.

     The ʻAlalā Project posted: "It is inspiring to see the progress these released birds have made as they navigate nesting and breeding in their new forest home. They are really beginning to thrive and we are hopeful that they will continue to progress in fulfilling their cultural and ecological roles!"

ʻAlalā, building a nest in the wild.
Photo from San Diego Zoo Global

      See the May 9, Kaʻū News Briefs report on two pairs of endangered Hawaiian Crow showing mating behavior and preparing nests in the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve. The Reserve is home to 21 ʻAlalā, who were released into the wild in several cohorts since 2017. This was the first mating and nesting behavior seen in the wild in almost 20 years.

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BECOMING AN OUTDOORS WOMAN workshop comes to Hawaiʻi Island for the first time Friday, Sept. 6 through Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area, formerly Mauna Kea Park. The nationally acclaimed program "teaches women a wide variety of outdoor skills," says a release from Department of Land and Natural Resources. The DLNR Hunter Education Program and the Safari Club International-Hawai‘i Chapter will host the inaugural Hawaiʻi workshop.

     BOW is a non-profit, educational program offering hands-on outdoor skills workshops, which focus on introductory level hunting, fishing, and non-harvest activities for adult women. With Hawai‘i added, 39 states and six Canadian provinces offer workshops each year, attended by tens of thousands of women.

     Andrew Choy, the coordinator of hunter education through the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement said, "We want to promote a supportive environment conducive to learning, making friends, and having fun. No experience is necessary, and the program is designed for women of all fitness levels. BOW is for you if you've never tried these fun and educational activities or if you want to improve some of your existing outdoor skills."

     Participants can choose which activities they like for morning and afternoon sessions. This year's class options include: Firearms Safety and Handling, Fishing, Backpacking Basics and Outdoor Survival, Outdoor Photography, Archery, Knife Making, Outdoor First Aid, Kayaking, Beginning, Rifle and Handgun, Hiking in Hawaiʻi, Horseback Riding and ATV, Beginner Shotgun and Sporting Clays, and Native Plants and Lei Making.

     The three-day workshop begins in the afternoon on Friday and ends early afternoon on  Sunday. Many of the daytime activities will occur off-site at various locations on the island. Lodging, meals, and nighttime activities will occur within the bunkhouse, dining room, and cabins at the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area.

     The $250 registration fee includes two nights lodging, all meals, transportation to activities, equipment, and materials. Shuttle service from and to Kona International Airport is available. There are only 45 spaces available for women, 18 years or older, so early registration is encouraged.
     Contact the Hunter Education Program at (808) 587-0200 or hawaiihuntered@hawaii.gov for more information and to request a registration packet.

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.

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JUST ANNOUNCED

GIVING TREE at St. Jude's happens Saturday, July 20. On Saturday, May 18, reports St. Jude's, the Giving Tree set up tents and tables in the lower parking lot and "gave out lots of clothing and various other items like toothbrushes and razors. This time they had a lot of new clothing to give away, as well as some used. They also had some shoes and coats. Many of the people visiting them came on up to the church to have a bowl of soup and some took showers." The event brought in people normally not seen at the church outreach. St. Jude's offers: "Come on by to see what they have and while you are there, come on up to the church building to share a bowl of soup, take a free hot shower, and use our community computer lab."

     Free haircuts will also be on offer July 20, courtesy of Kady and Drew Foster. The service integrates with the Free Hot Shower and soup kitchen programs, offering a trim after a shower.

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UPCOMING

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, June 8, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Stained Glass Basics II: Baubles, Bevels and other Embellishments w/Claudia McCall, Saturday and Sunday, June 8, 9, 15 and 16, 9 a.m. to noon, Volcano Art Center. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Open to those with prior copper foil stained glass experience. Advanced registration required. Limited to 6 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, June 8, meet 9:30 a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Zentangle Ulana, Appreciations of Weaving w/Dina Wood Kageler, Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. All welcome, no prior experience necessary. Supplies provided. Students invited to bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Jazz in the Forest: Binti Bailey & Larry Seyer with the Jazztones, Saturday, June 8, 5:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Refreshments available for purchase. Tickets available online, $20/VAC Member, $25/non-Member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, June 9 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

SUNDAY, JUNE 9
Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, June 9 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

MONDAY, JUNE 10
Summer Algebra Camp: Grades 6-8, Monday, June 10, to Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Supplies provided, free. Registration required, 313-4913, dexsilyn.navarro@k12.hi.us

Early College: High School Students, Monday-Thursday, June 12-July 11, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Registration required, 313-4100

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, June 10, 1p.m., contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12
Kapa Kuiki w/Cultural Practitioner Cyndy Martinez, Wednesday, June 12, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hawaiian traditional quilting methods demonstration and discussion. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

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, June 7 through July 11; no meals Tuesday, June 11 and 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.

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, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
     Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

     Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

     All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100. No classes Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.

Purchase Tickets for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, Sunday, June 15 at The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, from Teen USA candidate Kailee "Kamalani" Kuhaulua-Stacy. Tickets are $25; contact Kamalani at 808-315-4252 through Saturday, June 14 to purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes both competition for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA, for contenders 14 to 18 years of age, and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, for contestants 18 to 28.

     Supporters can vote for the candidate called Kamalani, contestant #7, for the People's Choice award, by liking her photos on the pageant Facebook. Deadline to vote by liking the contestant photo is this Sunday, June 9 at 7 p.m.

     See misshawaiiisland.com.

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

‘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

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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