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Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Peaceful ceremony over the weekend preceded a non-violent blockade of Mauna Kea Access Road today,
leading to 33 arrests of those who oppose the Thirty Meter Telescope. Photo by Manu Yahna
THIRTY-THREE PROTECTORS OF MAUNA KEA submitted themselves to peaceful arrests today. Some stood with canes. Some sat in wheelchairs. Some prostrated themselves on the access road to the future Thirty Meter Telescope site where astronomers and academic institutions aim to launch a decade of construction to complete the largest telescope on the planet. The Protect Mauna Kea group calls the project the desecration of a sacred site.
     Pua Case, an opposition leader, urged approximately 1,000 people gathered along Daneil K. Inouye Highway and the access road to remain quiet during the non-violent protests and arrests. Some chanted and some sang as those taken into custody were given misdemeanor citations and released.
     At 11:15 a.m., the state Department of Transportation shut down 30 miles of Daniel K. Inouye Highway - the Saddle Road - for 3.5 hours. County Police Department sent out a message saying the highway was closed, with protesters amassing there. Scientists and staff at the observatories already operating on Mauna Kea stayed away from the area, working remotely. Several activists said shutting down the highway was unnecessary since there was no violence. They also said they will come back to be arrested again as they continue their protest.
Noe Noe Wong Wilson, Executive Director of the Lālākea Foundation, arrested at Mauna Kea today.
  Photo by Big Island Video News
     Rapid Deployment law enforcement officers from Honolulu flew in to help to clear the roads for vehicles to take supplies, equipment, and crew up the mountain to the construction site. They wore protective vests and carried batons and pepper spray.
     One of those arrested, Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Hulu Lindsey, of Waimea, called Mauna Kea her family's piko, belly button or place where life begins. "I love this mauna," she said. Also arrested was Pua Kanakaole Kanahele and Noe Noe Wong Wilson, two esteemed cultural practitioners and kūpuna.
     OHA trustee Dan Ahuna commented on the situation: "Our kūpuna are being arrested. Fellow OHA Trustee Hulu Lindsey was taken into custody. Our voices are being ignored. I implore the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to immediately file an injunction to halt any further efforts by the State of Hawaiʻi, UH, and the Thirty Meter Telescope until the matters in our lawsuit are resolved," he said, referring to new legal attempts to stop TMT.
     Those arrested are set to go to court in Hilo on Sept. 20 at 8:30 a.m. on state charges of Obstructing Government Operations. The Protectors of Mauna Kea have been gathering along the highway and access road, as well as at Puʻu Hululu, since last weekend, when they held a ceremony and established a refuge.
     Throughout the islands, including in Kaʻū, some supporters of the cause to protect Mauna Kea as a sacred site, drove through towns flying Hawaiian sovereignty flags, honking their horns.
A protester and a member of law enforcement embrace, surrounded by other
protesters and law enforcement. Photo from Big Island Video News      
     On Oʻahu, a group of Hawaiians led by Kumu Hula Vickie Takamine Holt, visited the office of Suzanne Case, Chair of the state Board of Land & Natural Resources. Her Department of Land & Natural Resources oversees DOCARE - Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers, involved in making the arrests and keeping the peace. Takamine Holt said that the system is not working for Native Hawaiians.
     Activists also held ceremonies with chant and hula at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and outside Gov. David Ige's office.
     Late this afternoon, the governor issued an emergency proclamation, giving the state broader authority to close roads, control crowds, and call in the National Guard, if necessary. Ige described the protests as illegal when they block the roads and prevent other people from driving on them. He described law enforcement officers as very respectful but said that arrests will continue if roads are blocked. The proclamation says that "the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory, LLC, has a permit to construct the Thirty Meter Telescope and has a right to access Mauna Kea for such construction purposes." See the entire proclamation.
     According to polls conducted in 2018 by Ward Research and reported by Honolulu Star Advertiser, about 75 percent of residents, including Native Hawaiians, support TMT.
Puʻu Huluhulu, where Protectors of Mauna Kea set up a refuge. Photo by Manu Yanha

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STEAM VENTS PARKING LOT IS CLOSED TOMORROW, Thursday, July 18 from 8 a.m. to noon, as Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park staff continue efforts to eradicate little fire ants from the area. If the weather is unfavorable, Monday, July 22 will be the alternate date.
     Only the Steam Vents parking lot and the trail from the parking lot to Wahinekapu, Steaming Bluff, will be closed; Wahinekapu and Crater Rim Trail will remain open.
     Park pest control workers are treating Steam Vents every four to six weeks, with closures announced in news releases, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes, and via social media. The goal is to completely exterminate the ants from the area. To date, staff have completed three treatment cycles at Steam Vents, and have observed a decreased presence of LFA.
     For more information on LFA, how to control them and how to prevent spreading them, visit littlefireants.com.

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EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL has released new details, describing the upcoming event as "a celebration of arts and culture that springs from the creative rain forest community," to showcase and share it with residents and visitors. The Fest happens Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at locations all around Volcano Village. Admission to all events is free. A shuttle runs through the Village once an hour. Main parking areas suggested are Lava Rock Café, Volcano Winery, and Akatsuka Orchid Farm.
     Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy art, food, music, and performances. Events span the whole of the Volcano area, from Akatsuka Orchid Gardens to the Volcano Winery, with a concentration of activities in the heart of historic Volcano Village. See schedule for activity times and locations.
     Restaurants will feature special menus. Aunty Pons Thai Food Truck will be at Volcano Winery all day Saturday. Tuk Tuk Thai food truck will be at Akatsuka Orchid Farm all day Saturday and at Volcano Winery all day Sunday.
     A variety of musical performances are offered, including Randy Lorenzo, Lito Arkangel, Loyd Longakit & Doug Espejo, Loren & Lauren, Keoki Kahumoku, and Ola Tripp Jr. on Saturday. On Sunday, Lauren Elle Broido, Veronica Rose, The Brown Boys, Makana Kamahele, and William Kauhane perform.
     Hawaiian culture activities include an opening oli, chant, both days at 9 a.m., and ʻukulele lessons, hula performances, and lei making.
     Attendees are invited to get directly involved with the creation of artwork through make-and-take projects at Volcano Garden Arts, and to see ongoing art demonstrations at Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus.
     Offered especially to keiki are Lili Farm House Petting Zoo, Kids Activity Corner, and Keiki & ʻOhana Time Activities.
     Winery and orchid tours are offered. Attend a workshop or demonstration about tea (booking in advance – see schedule), quilting, Hawaiian block printing, poi pounding, ceramics, pottery, orchids, batik, bansai, raku, wine, and more. Take a group walk in the rainforest or to learn about Historic Homes of Volcano, or take a self-guided rainforest tour.
     There is also a drawing that is entered by attendees having the schedule, available at the event, stamped at each of the main locations: Volcano Garden Arts, Lava Rock Café, Kīlauea Lodge, Volcano Winery, Volcano Art Center, Akatsuka Orchid Farm, and 2400 Fahrenheit Glass Studio. Cards are turned in at the seventh location visited. Prizes include a two-night stay at The Crater's Edge worth $500. The drawing happens Monday, July 29.
     Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the recovering economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced visitor counts. "Long appreciated as one of the 'hidden gems' of Hawaiʻi, Volcano is more than just a gateway to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park," states the website for the group and Fest. See experiencevolcano.com for a full event schedule and map.


     The Fest is coordinated with Volcano Village's new annual race, ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, which happens Saturday, July 27. The event includes a 5K and a Keiki Dash. The half-marathon begins at 7 a.m. at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences' Haunani Road campus. The 5K starts from the same location at 7:15 a.m. The Keiki Dash takes place in the VSAS field at 10 a.m., and will consist of two races: a 300 meter run for the 6 and under age group, and a 600 meter for the 7 to 10 year old age group. Registration online at ohialehuahalf.com.
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon course.
     When Volcano resident, Keely McGhee, and local runners, Nick and Kelly Muragin, heard that Volcano Rain Forest Runs was cancelled, said McGhee, they "came together to create this new race for a cause that they all strongly believe in," to "bring business to the Volcano area while providing a low cost running event for the community." A portion of the proceeds from the race will go to assist with research on the prevention of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death through University of Hawaiʻi Foundation.
     Directed by Hawaiʻi Island Racers, the new race will fill the gap left by the end of Volcano Rain Forest Runs' nine years of competition.
     Volcano School of Arts & Sciences will open their campus to runners and spectators to sponsor the inaugural event and aid in the fight against ROD.
     Registration prices before/after July 25: Half Marathon $75/$85, 5K $40/$45; Keiki Dash is $10/child. Late registration packets can be picked up Friday, July 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., location to be determined, or Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the VSAS race site.
     The Half Marathon and 5K feature an elevation change of 500 feet, rolling hills, and aid stations.

     To register and for more info, visit ohialehuahalf.com. Questions? Email the Race Director at ohialehuahalf@gmail.com.

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TALK ACTION, TAKE ACTION SURVEYS regarding 2018's Kīlauea eruption recovery are available for all Hawaiʻi County residents through Aug. 4 at recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/connect/i
mpact-status-survey-suite
. The surveys focus on different areas of recovery: households, businesses, and community. They are part of the second phase of recovery under the county's Talk Action, Take Action initiative. The initiative will use these three surveys to collect community input, which will shape both near- and long-term recovery efforts on Hawaiʻi Island, with a particular focus on the Puna District.
     The county also invites residents to drop in at the Kīlauea Eruption SpeakOut event on Saturday, July 27 at Keaʻau High School, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This fun family-friendly event will be interactive and offer practical know-how.  Refreshments will be available.
     Hard copies of the surveys can also be picked up at Council member offices, the Department of Research & Development, the Planning Department, and at the SpeakOut and at other community events.
     Diane Ley, Director of Research & Development for the county, said, "We hope anyone affected by the Kīlauea eruption will fill out these surveys. By better understanding the specific needs of the community, individuals and businesses at this time, the recovery framework and resulting initiatives will better address the improved well-being of all still recovering. We invite everyone invested in Hawaiʻi Island to respond. The greater the participation, the more clarity the County and its community partners will have moving forward on recovery."
     The Household Impact and Opportunity Assessment will help clarify what unmet needs families are experiencing. It will guide family outreach and long-term community planning.
     The Community Impact and Opportunity Assessment will provide direction for decisions about long-term recovery, including hazard mitigation, land use, natural and cultural resource management, infrastructure investments, housing, and economic development. The Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee will use the survey to make informed recommendations on priority objectives at its Tuesday, August 6 meeting.
     The Business Impact and Opportunity Assessment follows up on last year's business survey. The results will identify ongoing economic impacts as well as challenges and opportunities for business recovery. 
     Unless one chooses to be contacted individually, the information from the surveys will be anonymous.
     The surveys cover a range of topics, from questions about development in areas with adequate access, to asking individuals and families if they are still in need of replacement housing.

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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
2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.

Football, Division II:
Mon., July 22, first day Full Pads, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala

Cross Country:
Mon., Aug. 5, 2:30 to 4 p.m., first day practice
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty

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UPCOMING
FRIDAY, JULY 19
Hawai‘i State Little League Tournament, Friday through Tuesday, July 19-23, first game at 11:30a.m., second game at 2:30p.m. Nā‘ālehu Community Center Ball Field, Hwy 11. Winners go to regionals. Concessions available. No admission charged. Josh Crook, 345-0511

Taiko Drumming Presentation by Kenny Endo, Friday, July 19, 1:30-2:15p.m, Pāhala Public & School Library. Suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by parent or adult caregiver. Free. Carol Dodd, 928-2015, librarieshawaii.org

SATURDAY, JULY 20
Free Haircuts, Saturday, July 20, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Kady and Drew Foster. Sign-up sheet on church bulletin board. stjudeshawaii.org

Giving Tree, Saturday, July 20, lower parking lot, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Free clothing and self care items. stjudeshawaii.org

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Data Survey and Clean-up at Kamilo, Saturday, July 20. Free; donations appreciated. Full - waitlist only. RSVP required. 769-7629, kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com

Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Saturday, July 20, 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, 796-0107, hihs.org

3rd Annual Ka‘ū Multicultural Society Pig Hunt, Saturday, July 20, weigh-in open 10 a.m.-5p.m., parking lot adjacent to 96-3258 Maile Street, Pāhala, near old Radio Station Building. Food booths and variety of contest categories. Kalani Vierra, 938-2005, Darlyne Vierra, 6408740, or Liz Kuluwaimaka, 339-0289

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, July 20, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Beginner & Intermediate Mixed Media Encaustic with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, July 20, 10a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $25 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Hālauolaokalani, Saturday, July 20, 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 Loke Kamanu & ‘Ohana, Saturday, July 20, 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

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, July 20, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Sounds at the Summit, Desiree Moana Cruz & the Bill Nobel Quintet performance, Saturday, July 20, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Be-bop, swing, bosanova, salsa, and smooth-jazz-funk. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Tickets available for purchase online. Beer, wine, and pupu available for purchase at event. volcanoartcenter.org

SUNDAY, JULY 21
Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce Mtg., Sunday, July 21, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, JULY 23
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, July 23 (Committees), Wednesday, July 24, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, July 23, 10a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com, hoveroad.com

After Dark in the Park - A Rock in the Park: Tale of the Wanderer, Tuesday, July 23, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Join historian Hugh Montgomery and actor Dick Hershberger in a two-man play that brings the epic tale of a rediscovered rock within the Park and the voyages of Benjamin Boyd to life. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24
Kāhili Demonstration, Wednesday, July 24, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Create a small kāhili pa‘a lima, a handheld feather standard. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING
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.

Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's Summer Musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., through July 28 at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Tickets are available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, The Most Irresistible Shop, and at door. $20/general admission, $15/student or over 60, $12/age 12 and under. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com, kden.org

Enroll at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences for the 2019-2020 school year, which starts Aug. 5; orientation for new students is Aug. 2. Spaces are available in 1st through 8th grades of the expanding Kula ‘Amakihi Community-Based Education (CBE) Program; the school may also have space or short wait lists for certain grades in the regular on-campus programs. Contact 808-985-9800 or email enrollment@volcanoschool.net to enroll.

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

Enroll in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 & 6, with programs continuing following week in Nā‘ālehu on Monday & Wednesday, 8:45-10:45am, and Pāhala, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-10:30am. Space is limited. pidfoundation.org

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., Saturday, Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.orgkaucoffeemill.com

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