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Sunday, October 13, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, October 13, 2019

Sirens are not working at Punaluʻu to warn people about tsunamis. A tsunami took out this house at Punaluʻu in 1975.
Since then, other tsunamis have reached the Kaʻū Coast.  USGS Photo
BROKEN EMERGENCY SIRENS AT PUNALUʻU AND NAʻALEHU are drawing concern from county Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno and Mayor Harry Kim. The Civil Defense sirens, vital for tsunami evacuations that have sent people fleeing numerous times, are the responsibility of the state Emergency Management Agency. Two sirens in Kaʻū are among nine out of order. The others that are inoperable along the coast and inland are at Napoʻopoʻo and Hapuna Beach Park, Baker Ave in Hilo, Carvalho Park, Hawi and Hawaiʻi Paradise Park 2. The Ainaloa siren is considered iffy. The other 82 sirens around the island were functional during the Oct. 1 monthly testing.
The tsunami from Japan in 2011 picked up this house and moved
it at Okoe Bay near Miloliʻi.  Photo by Kai Kahele
     The alternative notification for tsunami and other warnings is through cell phones but people must sign up, which leaves out most visitors and those in spots with poor cellphone reception. Signing up for the alerts is through the Hawai‘i  County Civil Defense website or via the Everbridge smartphone app.
    The county Civil Defense administrator told reporter Laura Ruminski, of West Hawaiʻi Today,
that representatives of state Emergency Management blamed lack of repairs on contractors proposing to charge too much money to fix the sirens. Magno said the state is attempting to repair them in house.
      West Hawaiʻi Today and Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald reported this morning that the mayor called the situation “totally unacceptable,” and "very disappointing to hear. I don’t care if it (the bids) came in over budget, we need to find the money. This is inexcusable.”
     He told the West Hawaiʻi reporter that  the money to fix the sirens must be found immediately. The state's agreement with a contractor to make repairs expired in June.
A tsunami from British Columbia on Oct. 28, 2012 tore into
Punalu`u Beach. Photo by Julia Neal
     The Punaluʻu siren is considered essential for residents and visitors. Historically, the Kaʻū Coast has been inundated numerous times, with tsunamis taking out homes, commercial buildings and other infrastructure.

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DISCOVERERS' DAY HOLIDAY ON MONDAY, Oct. 14, will be celebrated with a Hawaiian sailing canoe and a demonstration from Kamuela arriving for area school children in the morning at Volcano Art Center, followed by the presentation of the film Moananuiākea: One Ocean. One People. One Canoe.  The screening will begin at 6 p.m. with an introduction by its producer, director Nāʻālehu Anthony. The film is presented by the Polynesian Voyaging Society and ʻŌiwi Television Network, in association with Palikū Documentary Films.
    A $5 donation is recommended by Volcano Art Center.

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HAWAIʻI TOURISM AUTHORITY'S  CULTURAL GRANTS were announced last week, including money for the hula arts program at Kīlauea. HTA awarded funding to 43 programs in the Hawaiian Islands through its Kūkulu Ola program for the 2020 calendar year, an increase from 28 recipients in 2019.
      HTA also issued 95 grants for 2020 through its Community Enrichment program, and 34 grants through its Aloha ‘Āina program, announced last month. The money comes from tourism dollars collected by the state through the Transient Accommodations Tax, paid by those staying in hotels, condos, homes and other transient accommodations throughout the state.
      HTA’s Kūkulu Ola program funds community-based nonprofit organizations which represent cultural practitioners, craftsmen, musicians and artists committed to perpetuating and strengthening a broader understanding and appreciation of the Hawaiian culture.
     A statement from HTA says that one of its goals is to reinvest in the Hawaiian community. "Without it, Hawai‘i would be like any other island destination in the world. The uniqueness and authenticity of the Hawaiian culture and community are integral to the sustainability of our home."
The hula arts program held in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will receive funding from the
Hawai`i Tourism Authority. Photo from HTA
     HTA issued a request for proposals on May 2 with the deadline of July 5 to submit applications. HTA staff held informational briefings about the submission process on all six islands during the month of May.
     Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, HTA’s Director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs, said, “It’s imperative that the tourism industry recognizes the importance of perpetuating the Hawaiian culture. The culture here is what makes the Hawaiian Islands unique and underpins the authenticity of the visitor experience. As we support these practitioners in strengthening and perpetuating cultural practices in their communities, it’s important for tourism to do its part to give back.”
Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority's
Director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs.
Photo from HTA
     Statewide, Kūkulu Ola Awardees are ‘Aha Kāne Foundation for the Advancement of Native Hawaiian Males -  Hō‘ā Hou; Awaiāulu, Inc. for Māhuahua Translation Training Project: Phase IV; Hawaiʻi Institute for Music Enrichment and Learning Experiences, Inc. for Steel Guitar Festivals on Kauaʻi, Maui and Hawai‘i Island;  Hawaiʻi Museums Association  for Mākau Moʻomeheu: Cultural Competence in Hawai‘i's Museums; Hula Preservation Society for  Bringing Hula Kiʻi To Life and
Polynesian Voyaging Society for  Preparing for Moananuiākea: Exploring the Pacific.
    Hawaiʻi Island programs funded for 2020 are: Edith K. Kanakaʻole Foundation for Haʻa - Research and Management of the Health and Wellness of Hula Dancers;  Hawaiʻi Forest Institute for Hoʻōla Ka Makanaʻā o Kaʻūpūlehu; Hilo-Hāmākua Community Development Corp. for Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hāmākua; Hui Mālama i ke Ala ʻŪlili (huiMAU) for  HoAMa Youth Mentorship Programs and  Pōhāhā I Ka Lani for Ka Lau o Ke Kāhuli.

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FARMING METHODS THAT THRIVE IN A DECARBONIZED WORLD Webinar will be held Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Join LightWorks in exploring the latest research and advancements in agriculture methods. The panel will consider the benefits of rotational grazing and other soil management strategies to help farmers become more sustainable and resilient to changes in weather and ecosystem conditions. These advances are protecting jobs, creating new business opportunities, and improving the health of the planet, says a statement from University of Arizona. Register for the Webinar.

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HAWAIʻI FARMERS UNION UNITED ANNUAL STATEWIDE CONVENTION will be held Nov. 8 to 10, Friday through Sunday on Maui. Tickets are on sale. Convention pricing has been reduced. Early Bird rates apply through October 18th. Vendor space is also available. Register here..

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Image from WalletHub
HAWAIʻI HAS THE THIRD LOWEST HEALTH UNINSURED RATES in the county, according to a recent report by WalletHub. The national uninsured rate is back on the rise, stated WalletHub, growing to 8.5 percent in 2018 from 7.9 percent in 2017. The personal-finance website compared the rates for 548 U.S. cities and the 50 states, in addition to a breakdown by age, race and ethnicity, and income level.
     The Aloha state has had some of the lowest uninsured rates over the last ten years. The uninsured rate in the states dropped 3.81 percent from 2010 and 2018; the national average is 6.56 percent. Hawaiʻi's expanded Medicare uninsured rate is 4.08 percent.
     Hawaiʻi does well in insured rates for all ages, races/ethnicities, and income levels, remaining below the national average in most cases. People 0 to 18 years of age have an uninsured rate of 2.61 percent, seventh best in the nation. People 19 an older have an uninsured rate of 4.52 percent, second best in the nation. Whites are uninsured at a rate of 3.21 percent – sixth; blacks at 4.75 percent, fourth; and Hispanics at 7.21 percent, second. Households with low income are uninsured at 6.83 percent, fourth in the nation, while high income households are uninsured at 2.36 percent, sixth in the nation.
     See the full report at wallethub.com/edu/uninsured-rates-by-state/4800/.

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HAWAIʻI PREPARATORY ACADEMY FACED KAʻŪ HIGH on Saturday, with the football team from Kamuela winning 19-12 on the Trojans' home turf. Kaʻū will host Pahoa on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. - the last home game of the season.

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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 Fall Athletics Schedule
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:
Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa
Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m., Kohala hosts Kaʻū
Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship
Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals
Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., BIIF Div II First Round at Keaʻau
Tue., Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m., BIIF Div II Semifinals at Keaʻau
Wed., Oct. 16, 4 p.m., BIIF Div II Finals at Keaʻau
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu

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

UPCOMING
MONDAY, OCT. 14
Monday Movie Night: Moananuiakea, Monday, Oct. 14, 6-7:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $5 donation suggested. Popcorn and snacks available for purchase. Bring a cushion. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

TUESDAY, OCT. 15
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Oct. 15 (Committees), Wednesday, Oct. 17, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.govThese meetings affect the temporary location of the Nā‘ālehu Public Library

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Ti Leaf Lei Making with Jelena Clay, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 11a.m.-1p.m.Volcano Art Center. Pre-registration required; class size limited. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Why Hawaiian Honey May Be the Best on Earth, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Local beekeepers and representatives from the Big Island Beekeepers Association discuss the island's varieties of honey, with samples to taste. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Oct. 16, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Nāʻālehu School Family Reading Night, Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Nāʻālehu School Cafeteria, 6-7p.m. Family reading, make & take activities, and snacks provided. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

THURSDAY, OCT. 17
Nāʻālehu School Family Reading Night, Thursday, Oct. 17, Ocean View Community Center. 6-7p.m. Family reading, make & take activities, and snacks provided. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, OCT. 18
Forest Restoration Project, Friday, Oct. 18, 8:30a.m.-3p.m., HVNP. 12+; under 18 require adult co-signature. Pre-registration required - include first and last names, email address, and phone number of each participant. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Patty Kupchak, 352-1402, forest@fhvnp.orgfhvnp.org

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Guided Cultural Tour of the Ni‘aulani Forest, Friday, Oct. 18, 9:30-11a.m., Volcano Art Center. Kumu Hula Ryan McCormack leads. Tour focuses on Hawaiian protocol, traditional chants, history, and lifeways, as they relate to the native forest ecosystem. Free; open to public. Spaced is limited, reservations suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Dances of Universal Peace, Friday, Oct. 18, 6-7:30p.m., Methodist Church hall, across from Nā‘ālehu Post Office. Fun, easy to learn dances from many traditions evoking peace. Donations welcome. No registration necessary. 939-9461, hualaniom2@yahoo.com

SATURDAY, OCT. 19
Food from Wood: Growing Edible & Medicinal Mushrooms on Logs, Stumps & Wood Chips, Saturday, Oct. 19, 9a.m.-2:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member; includes shiitake mushroom log kit and King Stropharia mushroom kit. Pre-registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Free Haircut Day, Saturday, Oct. 19, 9a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Kady and Drew Foster. 12 slots available. Also, Free Shower Day and The Big Island Giving Tree to hand out clothes and various items like razors and toothbrushes. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

Birth of Kahuku, Saturday, Oct. 19, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy-to-moderate hike. nps.gov/havo/

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Oct. 19, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua with AKAUNU, Saturday, Oct. 19, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.comvolcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula with Loke Kamanu and ‘ohana, Saturday, Oct. 19, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.comvolcanoartcenter.org

Ka‘ū Skate Club Fundraiser for Kahuku Roller Rink in Ocean View: Dave Lawrence & Green Machines Concert, Saturday, Oct. 19, 4p.m., Tiki Mama's, Ocean View. Suggested donation of $15 per person for Ka‘ū Skate Club, plus one can of food for Hawai‘i Island Food Bank. Ka‘ū Skate Club President Lzena Barrett, 747-1147

Oktoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 19, live music, pretzels and beer from 4p.m., dinner served 5-7p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Brats, sauerkraut, German potato salad and more. Bring Cooper Center mug for $1 off beer; purchase one for $10. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

Pupule Papales Band performance, Saturday, Oct. 19, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. Open to eligible patrons; certain Terms of Service. Free; park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, OCT. 20
Pu‘u Lokuana, Sunday, Oct. 20, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4 mile hike. nps.gov/havo/

45th Anniversary: Party Like It's 1974, Sunday, Oct. 20, 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. More details to be announced. Details to be announced. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

ONGOING
Help Shape Hawaiʻi Island at upcoming SpeakOuts and workshops on the General Plan. The community is encouraged to "come share your manaʻo," opinion.
     SpeakOut meetings will be held in Kona, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Liquor Commission Boardroom; Capt. Cook, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pukaʻana United Church of Christ; and Waikaloa, Thursday, Oct. 246 p.m. to 8 p.m., Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School.
     Topic Workshops will be held in Kona at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Council Chambers on Saturday, Oct. 19 on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m; and Hilo at County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging on Saturday, Oct. 26, on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
     Submit feedback online by Thursday, Oct. 31. See more Info on the Draft General Plan at hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/.


Trunk or Treat at Kaʻū District Gym will be held Thursday, Oct. 315:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Organized by Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary school, the free event offers a haunted house, healthy recipes, a family-friendly atmosphere, and Trunk or Treat, where keiki and youth go from parked car to car, asking for treats.
     For those interested in participating in Trunk or Treat, distributing goodies, prizes will be awarded for the best decorated car: Most Beautiful, Most Original, Spookiest, and a special awards for teachers or staff who decorate; decoration not required. Contact Nona at 928-3102 or Angie Miyashiro at 313-4100.

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.

Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū Cultural Festival Booths can be reserved. The free event on Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center, will feature cultural practitioners and demonstrators; workshops; crafts; food; music and entertainment from artists such as Bali Hai from Mexico, Vero Cruz Folklore Dancers, taiko drummers, UH-Hilo Filipino/Samoan dancers; and hula from Mexico, Japan, Virginia, ʻOahu, and Hawaiʻi Island. Interested vendors can apply for food, craft, or information booths. Email leionalani47@hotmail.com or call 808-649-9334. See hookupukau.com.

Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21.
     Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org

Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 299 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

King Cab 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale by Holy Rosary Church of Pāhala and the Sacred Heart Church of Nāʻālehu. The parishes are selling the truck to raise funds to benefit both churches. The truck is a great 6 cylinder, 2WD automobile. The churches are asking for $21K or best offer. Only cash or cashier's check will be accepted. Anyone interested should contact the parish secretary Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 928-8208.

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 Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.

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