Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, December 9, 2019

The Hawaiian goose, nēnē, the largest native land animal in Hawai‘i, is federally listed as a Threatened Species, 

its population growing during more than 50 years on the Endangered Species List. Photo from NPS/Janice Wei

NĒNĒ GEESE ARE A THREATENED SPECIES, UPGRADED FROM ENDANGERED after more than 50 years on the List. U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt made the announcement on Sunday during a trip to Oʻahu. He said he thinks the endemic goose, Hawaiʻi's State Bird, can safely be taken off the Endangered Species List. The nēnē population is estimated at over 3,000 birds and increasing, with over 1,000 on Hawaiʻi Island. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's population is over 250.

Learn about nēnē on the recent podcast series Voices of Science, which
discusses the geese, the Park's night skies, invasive coqui frogs, and
more, at nps.gov/havo/learn/nature/vos.htm. Photo from NPS/Janice Wei

     Bernhardt told state officials, "You have a tremendously inspiring story. This is a story about what the Endangered Species Act is supposed to be about, and the great thing here is we're moving this bird – really, in my opinion – from the emergency ward or the intensive care unit. It's still in the hospital. It still needs [us] to be protective of it and thoughtful of it."
     He contended that changing the listing for nēnē from Endangered to Threatened will "ensure that there's some flexibilities built in for the neighbors and folks that are gonna have some more experiences with these birds as their population grows."
     Sen. Brian Schatz said, "We have a long way to go before the nēnē is completely recovered – and it will require continued protections – but this is an important milestone. It shows how the Endangered Species Act is supposed to work: a science-based recovery plan and a strong partnership between the state and federal governments.

Often mistaken as flightless, this nēnē spreads its wings and flies 

towards Mauna Ulu. Photo from NPS/Janice Wei

     "Thanks to the Fish & Wildlife Service, the Hawai‘i Department of Land & Natural Resources, and the many environmental organizations and volunteers who have worked to save our iconic state bird."

     Maxx Phillips, the Center for Biological Diversity's Hawaiʻi director, said in a statement that "the successful efforts to recover the nēnē demonstrate how effective the Endangered Species Act truly is. Without this landmark law, wildlife in danger of disappearing forever, like the nēnē, would have little hope of recovery."

     However, Phillips pointed out that "the Trump administration has only protected 21 species under the Endangered Species Act — the lowest of any administration at this point in a presidential term," and that rollbacks to key Endangered Species Act regulations made earlier this year "could lead to extinction for hundreds of animals and plants."

Though nēnē are strong and frequent flyers, their short wing span, long legs,
and minimal toe webbing indicate that they walk but rarely swim.
Photo from NPS/Janice Wei

     Nēnē, the Hawaiian goose –which was on the Volcano House restaurant menu generations ago –was listed as Endangered in 1967.
     The National Park Service estimates 25,000 wild nēnē lived here when Captain Cook arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1778. The nēnē population dwindled to 30 by 1960.

     Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's website attributes the huge drop in nēnē numbers to: predation by intentionally introduced non-native species like mongooses, cats, and dogs; death by hunters; loss of habitat to intentionally introduced non-native foraging animals such as goats, pigs, and cattle; loss of food and cover plants from introduced plants; loss of lowland habitat, where more food is available that helps goslings grow; and being hit by road vehicles and golf balls on golf courses.

Park officials urge motorists watch for nēnē, which are fond
of eating the plants on roadsides. Photo from NPS/Janice Wei

     In the 1970s, captive breeding programs were started in the Park, but all the population-reducing factors remained. The Park began habitat restoration projects, in and around the Park. The Park launched education for visitors and residents alike, urging them to refrain from feeding – they eat native ‘ōhelo berries and other plants – and to watch for them on roadways, especially during breeding and nesting times of the year.

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TAKING AWAY FOOD STAMPS "in the middle of the holiday season is just cruel," proclaims Sen. Mazie Hirono. Kaʻū's U.S. Senator sent out an invitation this morning for citizens to sign a petition opposing Pres. Donald Trump's measure to take away food stamps from nearly 700,000 nationwide.

Holy Rosary Choir members sang and played along the winding route of
Sunday's 41st annual Pāhala Christmas Parade. See more photos below,
and on yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs. Photos by Julia Neal

     Said Hirono, "By creating additional hurdles for low-income, hard-working Americans, Trump is fueling the hunger crisis and making it harder for hundreds of thousands of families to pay rent and put food on the table.
     "Make no mistake -- this is about making up for the tax giveaways to the super rich and having struggling families pay for it. I'm asking you to add your name to my urgent petition demanding Trump rescind this attack on food stamp recipients." She posted a link for her petition.

     Hirono stated that Trump's new rule "is the first of three that will not only cut access to food stamps for three million people, but will also deny automatic eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals for one million children. Previous attempts to cut food stamps have failed in Congress -- so instead, Trump is making an end run around Congress and taking harsh steps by executive action in a targeted attack on struggling, working families.

Helen Mountain Farm's poinsettia-bedecked pickup transported one Kaʻū
Coffee Princess during the parade.

     "Every year, millions of people in our country -- including children -- go hungry. We should be expanding food assistance programs, not cutting them. Taking away basic food assistance will only exacerbate our poverty crisis," proclaimed Hirono.

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KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK WILL BE BE OPEN LONGER HOURS BUT CLOSED ON WEDNESDAYS starting on Jan. 1, New Year's Day. Kahuku will open an hour earlier, Thursdays through Sundays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
     Entrance to Kahuku, located between South Point Road and Ocean View's town center, will remain free.
       Post-eruption recovery in the Park's Kīlauea section continues as more trails and features are repaired and reopen to the public.

 Kaʻū Coffee Flowers had glad company along the parade route.

     A statement from the Park explains that the current five days a week schedule was established to serve visitors and the community during the Kīlauea closure, since it was farther from volcanic hazards. The Kīlauea eruption and summit collapse closed the main part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park for 134 days. Before the 2018 eruption, Kahuku was open three days a week, Friday through Sunday.

     Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Acting Superintendent Rhonda Loh said the Park plans to expand youth and visitor programs at Kahuku, with new ranger-led programs for school groups and "cultural activities that highlight the fusion of cultures that define Ka‘ū." Ranger-led hikes, special programs, trail descriptions and a map of Kahuku are featured on the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku.htm. 

Jesus Loves You Church took a trailer along the parade route, with
umbrellas for shade on the sunny Sunday.

     The Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is located on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, about 50 minutes south of the Park's main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, rain gear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended for all hikes.

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See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

Participants in character costumes braved the sunny day to delight keiki
during the Sunday's 41st annual Pāhala Christmas Parade.
Photos by Julia Neal

UPCOMING

TUESDAY, DEC. 10

Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Tuesday, Dec. 10 and 24, and Thursday, Dec. 12 and 26, 8-10a.m., Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park - Parking Lot, HVNP. Led by retired USGS Biologist Nic Sherma. Two hour birding tour. $40/person. Register online. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Lauhala Weaving Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano ArtCenter. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park: 100th Anniversary of the Mauna Iki Eruption, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. UH Mānoa geologist Scott Rowland explains the significance of this eruption. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

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.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11

Moa Pahe‘e Games, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Similar to ‘ulu maika, this game requires a little more strength and skill. In celebration of the annual Makahiki season. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, DEC. 12

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Dec. 12, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkeley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, DEC. 13

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Dec. 13, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SATURDAY, DEC. 14

Nā Mamo o Kāwā Community Access Day, Saturday, Dec. 14, gates open 6a.m.-6p.m., Kāwā. All cars must park at end of road fronting Kāwā Flats. Dogs must be on leash. No driving through fish pond. 557-1433, nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Dec. 14, 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Saturday, Dec. 14, 10a.m.-2p.m., Kīlauea Iki Overlook, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile (one way) hike. $80/person. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Holidays at Kahuku: Hawaiian-Made Craft Fair, Saturday, Dec. 14, 10a.m.-3p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free entry. Entertainment, food, shave ice. nps.gov/havo

Ocean View Keiki Christmas with St. Jude's Christmas Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 14, 10a.m-2p.m., Kahuku Park and lower parking lot of St. Jude's.

Zentangle Artist Inspired Workshop with Lydia Meneses, Saturday, Dec. 14, 10a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Creative tangle techniques inspired by Gustav Klimt and Keith Haring. Art supplies provided. Open to all levels. No experience required. Potluck, bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Kapuaikapoliopele Ka‘au‘a with Unuokeahi and Unuiti, Saturday, Dec. 14, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Hula Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Saturday, Dec. 14, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Jazz in the Forest: Christmas Jazz, Saturday, Dec. 14, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Featuring Jean Pierre Thoma & the Jazztones with Jeannine Guillory-Kane performing classics of the holiday season. Ticket are $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Purchase tickets online through Jan. 13, VAC Admin Office or VAC Gallery. Pūpū, wine, and beer available for purchase. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Christmas Lighting Parade, Saturday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m., along Hwy. 11, from Nā‘ālehu Elementary School to Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Refreshments to follow at Community Center. Ka‘ū Roping & Riding Association. Participants sign waiver by 5p.m. at school.

Soul Town Band, Saturday, Dec. 14, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Volcano Chorus: 25th Annual Holiday Concert, Saturday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Theater, in HVNP. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

SUNDAY, DEC. 15

3rd Annual Hawai‘i Bird Conservation Marathon, Sunday, Dec. 15, Volcano Golf and Country Club to Boy Scouts' Kīlauea Camp. Funds raised support endemic birds of Hawai‘i through the Hawai‘i Forest Institute for the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center Discovery Forest in Volcano. Race registration closed. Donations welcome; donors of over $100 invited to behind the scene tour of Keauhou Bird Conservation Center Discovery Forest, 10a.m.-noon, Saturday, Dec. 14. hawaiiforestinstitute.kindful.com

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sunday, Dec. 15, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Santa's Workshop Event Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Event takes place Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-7:30p.m. All ages. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Christmas Coloring Contest Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Deadline for entries is Thursday, Dec. 12, 6p.m. Grades Pre-K to 6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Holiday Ornament Registration, through Dec. 16, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.

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