Ka`u News Briefs Monday, September 9, 2013

After heavy rains Saturday night, chocolate waves washed onto Green Sands Beach. Gulches flowed, and the water
turned brown from sediment running into the ocean. Photo by Shalan Crysdale

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD OPPOSES President Barack Obama’s proposed U.S. military intervention in Syria. She made her decision after returning to Washington early last week for the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the situation in Syria and attending several classified briefings with Administration officials and meetings with her colleagues in the House and Senate. 

      “I am sickened and outraged by the carnage and loss of lives caused by the use of chemical weapons in Syria,” Gabbard said. “It is with gravity that I have carefully considered all the facts, arguments and evidence and soberly weighed concerns regarding our national security and moral responsibility. As a result, I have come to the conclusion that a U.S. military strike against Syria would be a serious mistake. I will therefore vote against a resolution that authorizes the use of military force in Syria. I will also strongly urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ka`u's U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

      “The reasons behind my decision are many. Here are a few:

• As a soldier, I understand that before taking any military action, our nation must have a clear tactical objective, a realistic strategy, the necessary resources to execute that strategy – including the support of the American people – and an exit plan. The proposed military action against Syria fails to meet any of these criteria. 
• Presently, Syria does not present a direct security threat to the United States. Military action will undermine our national defense, as even a limited strike could very easily escalate into a regional conflict, stretching thin a military that has been at war for more than 12 years. 
• We should learn from history; we cannot afford to be the world’s policeman. The United States should not insert itself in the midst of this civil war, which is rooted in sectarian hatred and animosity between various warring religious groups. 

      “All Americans are saddened and angered by the carnage that has resulted from the use of these chemical weapons. However, even after the many hearings and classified briefings I have attended, I am unconvinced that this military strike would eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons or prevent them from being used again. Indeed, the risk may increase, due to the possibility these weapons could fall into the hands of Syrian opposition group factions such as Al-Qaida, who we can be confident would use them without hesitation.”
      Gabbard joins Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa in opposition to the plan. Sen. Mazie Hirono has yet to announce her decision.
      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HTA president and CEO Mike McCartney

“HAWAI`I’S TOURISM ECONOMY HAS DONE WELL, and we are pleased with year-over-year increases in visitor expenditures and arrivals,” said Mike McCartney, Hawai`i Tourism Authority president and CEO. Statistics from HTA show that 2012 was a record year, with 2013 arrivals up 5.5 percent and expenditures up 5.7 percent year-to-date. 

      “Our overall economy is recovering with low unemployment and a strong state budget, which is a direct result of the collective efforts of our visitor industry and goodwill from our community,” McCartney said. “In order for us to maintain this momentum, it is important that we continue to invest in our destination, and we are grateful for the renewed funding from the Hawai`i State Legislature to achieve this.
      “We must be innovative and work harder to remain price competitive, while offering a quality and authentic visitor experience that best highlights our people, place and culture.
      “We must remember that it is our collective efforts that have led to our recovery. It is important for us to continue to work together to maintain this momentum and build upon the success of our visitor industry to further Hawai`i’s economic recovery into 2014,” McCartney concluded.
      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

LATEST STATISTICS FROM HAWAI`I TOURISM AUTHORITY show activity in July. Visitors who came to Hawai`i during the month spent a total of $1.3 billion, similar to last year. 

      Total arrivals, which have shown consecutive growth since Sept. 2011, rose 4.6 percent to 757,969 visitors.

      However, these visitors spent less on a daily basis (-3.7 percent to $185 per person), and their average length of stay was slightly shorter (9.36 days, down from 9.49 days) compared to July 2012.

HTA introduced potential visitors to Punalu`u Black Sand Beach on
its website gohawaii.com.

      Arrivals by air from U.S. west increased 3.8 percent to 310,710 visitors in July, the 20th month of continuous growth. Lower daily spending (-2.7 percent to $146 per person) netted $437.8 million in total U.S. west expenditures, about the same as July 2012.
      Likewise, there was virtually no growth in total U.S. east visitor expenditures ($353.2 million) compared to last July, as increased arrivals (+5.3 percent to 177,162 visitors) were offset by lower daily spending.
      After 23 months of consecutive increases, arrivals from Japan dropped 2.9 percent to 128,363 visitors in July. These visitors spent significantly less on a daily basis (-16.5 percent to $250 per person), resulting in a 19.1 percent decline in total visitor expenditures to $197.8 million.
      In contrast, the Canadian market saw a 10.6 percent growth in total visitor expenditures (to $51.6 million), boosted by growth in arrivals (+3.3 percent to 26,237 visitors) and higher daily spending.
      Arrivals from all other markets increased 15.4 percent to 115,016 visitors, led by double-digit growth from Oceania (+37.4 percent) and other Asia (+19.9 percent) compared to July 2012. Combined total expenditures from all other visitors increased 12.6 percent to $275.1 million.
      One out-of-state cruise ship came to Hawai`i in July compared to zero out-of-state cruise ships in July 2012. Total cruise visitors (by cruise ship and by air) rose 3.1 percent.
      Total visitor expenditures increased on Hawai`i Island (+9.4 percent) compared to July 2012.
      Total air seats in July increased 3.2 percent to 995,526 seats, with double-digit growth in scheduled seats from Oceania (+42.5 percent) and Other Asia (+12.5 percent).
      See more at hawaiitourismauthority.org.

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THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IS ASKING FOODIES IN KA`U and across the state and country to nominate their favorite green restaurants for Nature’s Plate, a second annual people’s choice contest to find each area’s top green restaurant. “Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or a meat-eater, it’s a good bet the healthiest and tastiest food on your table came from nature,” said TNC executive director Suzanne Case. “From the taro lo`i that provides yummy poi to the apple bananas soaking up the sun at the farm in the country, to locally raised beef – healthy food needs a healthy planet.” 

      Nominations are open through next Monday, Sept. 16. Semifinal voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 1, and the winners will be announced Thursday, Oct. 17.
      “Some of our food-related conservation solutions in Hawai`i are among our most innovative and pragmatic,” Case said. “Whether we are working with communities to restore the He`eia ahupua`a and put poi on everyone’s plate, to helping families preserve their ranch land on Hawai`i Island, we are showing conservation and economics go hand-and-hand – and right to your plate.
      “While the contest is focused on restaurants, it’s only the start of a conversation about food, conservation and our work with farmers, fishermen, winemakers, and ranchers.”
      To vote, visit nature.org/naturesplate13 and click on Hawai`i.
      For more information, contact Case at scase@tnc.org or 808-587-6201.
      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A planning meeting for October's Ka`u Planation Days takes place
Wednesday. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U’S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER BRENDA FORD holds a talk story at Pahala Community Center today at 6:30 p.m. Ford seeks input from her constituents regarding naming of the new gym/shelter and other issues. 

A STAFF MEMBER FROM U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD’S office visits Pahala Public & School Library Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as part of Gabbard’s districtwide constituent outreach program. The program, called Tulsi in Your Town, allows Gabbard’s local staff members in every county to assist with casework and other issues. A staff member visits Pahala on the second Wednesday of every month.
      For more information, contact Blaise De Lima at 
blaise.delima@mail.house.gov or 
(808) 987-5698.

KA`U PLANTATION DAYS ORGANIZERS hold a meeting to plan the Oct. 12 event Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. For more information, contact Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740 or dpvierra@yahoo.com.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL downed Parker at home Saturday. Scores were 25-6, 25-14, 25-8. Next match for the lady Trojans is on Wednesday, hosting Christian-Liberty Academy at 6 p.m.

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Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013

Mauna Loa, on whose flanks Phoebe Gomes is shown here, has lost its standing as the world's largest volcano.
Photo by Bobby Gomes

HAWAI`I’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION presently is not supporting President Barack Obama’s plan for a military strike against Syria. Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa have expressed opposition, while Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Sen. Mazie Hirono are still reviewing and questioning the plan.

Sen. Brian Schatz

Sen. Mazie Hirono

      Sen. Brian Schatz said, “Though all of us are outraged by the Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons, I have concluded that a military strike against Syria is not the answer.”
      Rep. Colleen Hanabusa said, “As it stands now, U.S. military involvement in Syria lacks a solid legal basis, a clear long-term strategy, and vital international and domestic approval. Though intelligence has been presented by the Obama Administration, I am not convinced that it serves the purpose of justifying military force or other intervention in Syria.
      “The U.S. must find a way to remain credible in the region and also respond to any use of weapons of mass destruction. However, before taking action we should focus on building partnerships and enhancing both international and domestic credibility. All diplomatic means have not been exhausted in the pursuit of these goals, and there is still time for the Geneva Two diplomatic process to work. We can accelerate that process by maintaining discussions with key regional stakeholders, and continue working with the UN to solve this crisis.”

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

      Rep. Tulsi Gabbard called for the president to seek Congressional authorization for a military intervention in Syria and also joined several of her House colleagues in a letter to the President requesting that he consult with Congress before authorizing military force.
      “The importance of this debate and the process of seeking Congressional approval for a military intervention is critical,” Gabbard said. “It is an opportunity for the American people and their representatives to review the facts and evidence, and understand what the endgame and next steps would be for any type of U.S. military intervention. This is a very big decision with tremendous impacts here at home, in Syria and the Middle East region.”
      In a statement to Civil Beat, Sen. Mazie Hirono said she is still undecided on the issue. “This is one of the toughest decisions a member of Congress makes. I am reviewing the facts surrounding the reported chemical weapon attacks, the administration’s plan and the scope of the authorizing resolution,” Hirono said. “The use of chemical weapons is universally abhorrent and deplorable, but we should always be cautious about the use of force abroad, especially after the rush to war in Iraq. My decision will rest on whether the administration’s plan would advance our national interests.” 

      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

“BETTER LAND PLANNING AND GRANT MONITORING would help Office of Hawaiian Affairs fulfill its duties,” concludes an audit by the state of Hawai`i. In the report, auditor Jan Yamane wrote regarding the agency’s real estate acquisitions, “OHA’s land management infrastructure is inadequate, unable to support the office’s growing portfolio nor any future land involvements.” Yamane also criticized the agency for “inadequate and inconsistent grant monitoring that fails to ensure that grants are achieving their intended results.” The report makes several recommendations to OHA’s Board of Trustees:

Jan Yamane

      “Follow through on its real estate vision, mission, and strategy by ensuring that supporting policies are developed and adopted.
      “Request information from the Transitional Assistance Program staff on grant outcomes and evidence of program success and evaluate grant performance to ensure grants generate their intended activities, results, and outcomes.
      “The Office of Hawaiian Affairs chief executive officer should take steps to ensure stability within the Land Management Division’s staff.
      “The Land Management Division should implement best practices in its real estate acquisition and management operations and develop, implement, and communicate to the board real estate reports that detail the status of properties and track their historical costs, ongoing stewardship expenses and forecast liabilities.
      “The Transitional Assistance Program should improve its administration of OHA grants by developing, and providing to the Board of Trustees for adoption, a manual that describes criteria, policies, and procedures for monitoring compliance with grant terms and conditions; requiring more specificity in grantees’ expenditure reporting to provide grant monitors a better understanding of how grant funds are expended; adopting an information system to track grant status and project deliverables; increasing site visits and reviews of financial and progress reports for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project goals, particularly for new grantees and grantees with problems managing their grants; ensuring that awards are made only to applicants whose outputs and outcomes are consistent with OHA’s strategic goals; modifying future grantees’ contract terms and conditions to require grantees to include expected outputs and outcomes in their applications and report progress in achieving those outputs and outcomes; and increasing reporting of grant outcomes to the Board of Trustees by providing evidence of program success.
      The audit is available at state.hi.us/auditor.

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Tamu Massif is about 60 times larger than Mauna Loa.

MAUNA LOA, PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED to be the largest volcano on Earth, is dwarfed by the newly discovered Tamu Massif. Research published in the current issue of Nature Geoscience confirms that the inactive undersea shield volcano about 1,000 miles east of Japan has a surface area of about 120,000 square miles and is about 60 times the size of Mauna Loa. 

      The structure was originally thought to be made up of several volcanoes, but research by
University of Houston oceanographer William Sager revealed that all the lava flows on its flanks came from one central point.
      Sager said the volcano’s land mass isn’t its only unique feature. “Its shape is different from any other submarine volcano found on Earth, and it’s very possible it can give us some clues about how massive volcanoes can form,” Sager said. “An immense amount of magma came from the center, and this magma had to have come from the Earth’s mantle. So this is important information for geologists trying to understand how the Earth’s interior works.”

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Brenda Ford wants to hear the public's thoughts regarding naming
the Ka`u Gym & Disaster Shelter after former Ka`u High principal
Laurence Capellas, shown here in a photo next to Noel Kawachi.

KA`U’S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER BRENDA FORD holds a Talk Story session tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. The first item on the agenda is the naming of the new Ka`u Gym & Disaster Shelter. Ford said she has received requests to name the gym after former principal Laurence Capellas and wants to hear from the community about this and other ideas. She also said she is open to discussing any other community issue. 

     Capellas is known among older Ka`u residents for launching numerous school sporting teams, raising money and volunteer labor for school facilities and encouraging Ka`u students to work hard for their dreams.

The topic at Tuesday's After Dark in the Park is Grand Adventures in
the Desert Southwest. NPS Photo by Jay Robinson

GRAND ADVENTURES IN THE SOUTHWEST DESERT is the topic at After Dark in the Park Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ranger Jay Robinson explores deep canyons, painted mesas, hoodoos and arches sculpted from layers of rock deposited over eons. He takes attendees on a raft journey into the heart of Grand Canyon National Park, which, like Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He encounters bighorn sheep, condors and lizards and sleeps beneath the stars with scorpions, tarantulas and rattlesnakes. He also explores narrow slot canyons and the slick rock deserts of Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks and the newly created Vermillion Cliffs and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. $2 donations support park programs; park entrance fees apply. Call 985-6011 for more information.

Del Bothof, of Volcano Winery
Photo by Julia Neal

VOLCANO WINERY’S FIRST HARVEST FESTIVAL next Sunday offers a rare opportunity to tour the acres of vineyards, tea garden, new fig plantings, greenhouse and vat room of Volcano Winery. 

      The Harvest Festival includes Hawaiian and popular music with Lito Arkangel and other entertainers, heavy pupus and wine. Volcano Rotary Club will sell hulihuli chicken.
    Volcano Winery grows a variety of grapes, including Pinot Noir, Cayuga White, Symphony, Marechal Foch and Chambourcin. Tea has become an important part of Volcano Winery’s business in recent years, particularly with the introduction of tea-infused wine, said owners Del and Marie Bothof.
      The event, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., is limited to 100 persons. Pre-sale tickets are $25. Call 967-7772 or see volcanowinery.com.

IN KA`U HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS, girls volleyball hosts East Pac Wednesday at 6 p.m. On Saturday, they play at home again, hosting Konawaena at 10 a.m. Also on Saturday, Cross Country travels to Waiakea for a meet at 10 a.m., Air Riflery shoots at Kamehameha at 10 a.m., and the bowling team meets Waiakea and Kea`au at Hilo Lanes at 8 a.m.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

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Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013

Ka`u High Trojan quarterback Chance Emmsley-Ah Yee carries the ball during Hawai`i Island's inaugural eight-man
football game last night in Pahala. Photo by David Berry

THE KA`U TROJANS SCORED 20 POINTS last night in the first-ever Eight-Man High School Football game on Hawai`i Island, hosting the Cowboys from Maui’s Seabury Hall. Down 7-0, the Trojans used quarterback Chance Emmsley-Ah Yee’s arm and Cy Tamura’s height to complete a long pass down field to tie the game. At the half, Ka`u was up 13-7. A long run from scrimmage by Tamura put the Trojans on top.

Ka`u wide receiver Cy Tamura caught a long pass for a touchdown.
Photo by David Berry

      In the second half, it was all Cowboys, except for Kupono Leffwe-Palakiko’s 78-yard run. Though the final score of 32-20 did not favor the Trojans, their never say die attitude kept the game close. Cramps and injuries plagued members of the home team, but they kept fighting until the end.
      Up next for the Trojans is a game on Sept. 20 at home vs. Kealakehe JV.

      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

A BILL INTRODUCED BY KA`U’S COUNTY COUNCIL member Brenda Ford that would have banned genetically modified organisms is dead, reports Tom Callis in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. The bill was one of two considered during a meeting of the Committee on Public Safety & Mass Transit. The second bill, introduced by Kohala Council member Margaret Wille, is still alive and will be considered during a continuation of the meeting. Wille’s bill exempts GMO papaya from the ban.
      “We don’t want to be exempted,” papaya grower Eric Weinert told the committee members. Weinert expressed concern that the bill would cause GMO papaya to be considered bad and that “it will taint our reputation” and cause irreparable harm to the industry.
      Callis said the Council seems to be in favor of some action against GMOs, “including keeping the main biotech companies off the isle.”
      See more at hawaiitribuneherald.com.
      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A bill by Brenda Ford would ban fracking on Hawai`i Island.
Image from today.uconn.edu

KA`U’S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER BRENDA FORD is also introducing a bill that would ban fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, a process that uses pressurized liquid injected into the ground in order to extract resources. Ford told Tom Callis of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald that her concern about the practice is that it could contaminate the island’s drinking water supply. “We need to stop it before it starts,” she said. 

      According to Wikipedia, “proponents of hydraulic fracturing point to the economic benefits from the vast amounts of formerly inaccessible hydrocarbons the process can extract. Opponents point to potential environmental impacts, including contamination of ground water, depletion of fresh water, risks to air quality, noise pollution, the migration of gases and hydraulic fracturing chemicals to the surface, surface contamination from spills and flow-back, and the health effects of these.”
       While Hawai`i Island has no sources of hydrocarbon, Ford said she is concerned about the possible use of fracturing in geothermal energy development.

      The bill will be considered during the Public Safety & Mass Transit Committee meeting Tuesday, Sept. 17.
      See more at hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kathryn Matayoshi

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION asks parents of public school students to complete and return to their school a federal census survey card that was sent home on Sept. 4. The annual survey determines the number of federally connected students in the public school system for whom the state receives impact aid funds which provide partial reimbursement to the state for local tax loss resulting from tax-free federal installations. 

      “Federal impact funds are critical to support our students, educators and the overall operation of our schools,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “All parents are encouraged to complete and return the cards.”
      During the 2011-12 school year, the state accounted for more than 30,000 federally connected students and received more than $80 million — or an average of nearly $2,700 per student — in federal impact aid the following school year. The amount represents about 20 percent of the state’s average per-pupil expenditure.
      Parents should contact their school in case they have not yet received a survey card. Cards should be filled out and turned in as soon as possible.
       To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Volcano House held an open house and grand opening yesterday. Photo by David Boyle

VOLCANO HOUSE HELD PUBLIC TOURS, events and a blessing yesterday, followed by an event hosted by Ortega National Parks, the company that won the concession to renovate and operate Volcano House Hotel, campgrounds, restaurant, lounge and gift shops. Ortega and National Park representatives said they looked forward to being the stewards of one of the most beautiful and exciting locations on the planet. Diana Aki played music in a place where she entertained decades ago, looking out over Kilauea caldera. Spontaneous hula erupted among Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park staff members and friends.

Kupuna offered hula `auana at the grand opening of Volcano House.
Photo by David Boyle

      During the open house, coffee and cookies were served in the lobby. At the Pa Hula, Rupert Tripp, Jr. played music, and kupuna presented hula `auana. One-hour History of Volcano House interpretive walks and guest room tours were offered.

      The Ortega group presented illustrations on screen and in print – the before and after – of their changes at Volcano House.
      Regarding the Grand Lobby, Ortega writes: “Volcano House has undergone many changes since it was originally built in 1941. The simple elegance of the 1940s had long been lost, leaving the hotel tired and dated. Prior to our remodel, the grand lobby was a dark room that was not inviting. Now the grand lobby is open and airy with lighter colored wood paneling and the original polished concrete floors. The grand lobby previously served as a queuing area for a lunchtime buffet, which made sitting and relaxing in the room unpleasant. We changed the lunchtime food service style to eliminate the queuing problem. The lobby is once again the center of Volcano House and invites guests to relax by the fire.”

Lobby of renovated Volcano House, with retail space in the background.
Photo by David Boyle

      Regarding the guest rooms, Ortega writes: “The remodeled guest rooms retain historic elements such as the original built-in desks. Island prints and natural materials have been incorporated into the room décor. Guest reviews have been very positive; many visitors voice their surprise at seeing such a high quality guest room in a National Park.”
      Ortega writes: “Views and Public Sitting Area ‘Reclaimed.’
      The previous concession located the main retail store in the original lanai footprint. The merchandise blocked views of the caldera. We moved the main retail store and ‘reclaimed’ the famous caldera views and created an inviting sitting room for the public.”
      “Excellent Thematic Merchandising – Very Local,” states Ortega. “The thematic retail product mix has been upgraded significantly. We carry 92 Hawaiian vendors and artists, and 76 percent of our retail products are made or finished in the USA.”

Volcano House guest rooms include island prints and natural materials.
Photo by David Boyle

      Regarding Uncle George’s Lounge, Ortega writes: “We transformed Uncle George’s Lounge from a snack bar with hot dog roasters and ketchup packets to a fully functioning, classy bar. The original polished concrete floors were restored, and an outdoor deck was added for visitor enjoyment.”
      Regarding the dining room, Ortega writes: “We expanded the usable dining space for visitors and guests, removed unusual features (e.g. dance floor), added a service bar, created two outdoor decks to view the caldera and replaced or refinished all of the personal property in the dining areas.
      “In the recent past, the Volcano House dining experience did not match its special location and amazing views. Volcano House has become the premier dining spot in the area, where visitors and locals come to enjoy the view, have a nice dinner and cocktails, and even celebrate special occasions,” states the Ortega presentation.
      Regarding the view from Volcano House, the Ortega presentation states, “The glow is not the sunset – it’s the lava!”

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IN CELEBRATION OF ENERGY AWARENESS MONTH in October, Hawai`i Electric Light Company invites all Ka`u students in grades K-12 to participate in its My Clean Energy Hawai`i poster and poetry contests.
      The poster contest is for students in grades K-6, and the poetry contest is for grades 7-12. The contests offer students the opportunity to explore clean energy in Hawai`i and to share their ideas with the community in a creative way. Posters and poems should show how the students plan to do their part to conserve, save, and help keep Hawai`i beautiful for future generations.

Brenda Ford comes to Ka`u Monday.

      Entry deadline is Friday, Sept. 20. Entries from the finalists will be displayed at Hawai`i Electric Light’s Clean Energy Fair on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo. Winning entries will be announced during the fair. Winners receive prizes ranging from mega electronics kits to clean energy-themed field trips.
      For more information, call 969-0137.

MEDICINE FOR THE MIND, free Buddhist healing meditation for beginners and advanced practitioners, takes place tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. For more information, call Patty Johnson at 985-7470. 

KA`U’S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER BRENDA FORD holds a talk story at Pahala Community Center Monday at 6:30 p.m. Ford seeks input regarding naming of the new gym/shelter and other issues.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.

 

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES