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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Laurence J. Capellas supporters met with Ka`u's County Council member Brenda Ford yesterday.
Photo by Julia Neal
GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE HAS CALLED for a special legislative session on marriage equity to convene on Oct. 28. “The decision to call a special session is based on doing what is right to create equity for all in Hawai`i,” Abercrombie said. “The merits of holding a special session include the opportunity for the Legislature to focus squarely on this important issue without having to divert attention to the hundreds of other bills introduced during a regular session. In addition, if full advantage of various tax and other financial issues is to be achieved for citizens, passage before the end of the calendar year is essential.”
Gov. Neil Abercrombie announcing his call for a special legislative
session on marriage equity. Photo from Office of the Governor
      Last month, the governor shared with legislators and the news media a marriage equity bill based on Senate Bill 1369, which was introduced in the 2013 regular session.
      Community input was taken into consideration while the state attorney general’s office worked closely with elected officials and a number of legislative staff to craft and further refine the bill.
      “I am calling for a special legislative session because we must ensure the civil rights of every citizen are protected,” Abercrombie said. “There is no reason to deny the benefits of marriage to any individual. Marriage is a choice that is made by people who want to make a lifelong commitment. This is a right that is as sacred as our right to vote.
      “This is a civil right, and it can no longer be denied. One of the lessons learned from the civil rights movement is that to achieve success in the fight for justice, we should not and cannot wait to correct a wrong. Now is the time to make this right.”
      For the latest version of the Marriage Equity Bill, see governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Marriage_Equity_Bill_AG_9_9_13.pdf.
      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE HAWAI`I REPUBLICAN PARTY EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT in the governor’s decision to call a special legislative session on marriage equity. “Although we respect the rule of law, this issue deeply divides our state and should be considered during the regular legislative session,” the party’s statement said. “Rather than welcoming an open dialogue, Gov. Abercrombie has once again resorted to strong-arm tactics to pressure members of his own party just to advance his polarizing agenda. Our high cost of living, under-funded state pension accounts, and lack of funding for school facilities and transportation are important issues to the people of Hawai`i, but the governor has never rushed to fix those issues in a special session. Ultimately, the governor is using this issue to ensure his win in the 2014 Democrat primary election and ignoring the many people of Hawai`i who feel that a special session will limit public input and lack transparency.” 
      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Capellas supporters listed the for school principal's
accomplishments. Photo by Julia Neal
KA`U RESIDENTS DISCUSSED ISSUES WITH THEIR COUNTY COUNCIL member Brenda Ford yesterday. Many of them expressed their for support for naming the new gym and emergency shelter, being built on the school campus in Pahala, after former school principal Laurence Capellas. They referred to Capellas’ successes in bringing the community together through sports, afterschool activities and other community efforts that “got people from Na`alehu to cross the stone wall” that kept Pahala and Na`alehu communities apart. 
      One of the last community-binding efforts by Capellas during his stay in Ka`u was to change the name from Pahala High to Ka`u High. He did this in a democratic way, asking the students to vote on the issue and then taking the results to management at the Department of Education and other officials. The name change came in 1959.
      He also started the kindergarten in Pahala. When Kapapala School shut down near the intersection where Wood Valley Road turns into the valley, he organized volunteers and the sugar company to haul pieces of the school down to Pahala to build it.
      When the meat-packing plant at Kapapala Ranch shut down, Capellas worked again with volunteers to bring the metal framing to form the framing to build Pahala’s swimming pool.
      He also created a shop program, even for first grade. The teacher was Herbert Watanabe, who later became a member of the state Board of Education.
      See more on other issues discussed during the meeting with Ford in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.
      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ocean View Family Health Clinic sees its last patients Friday.
Photos from Rick Crosby
OCEAN VIEW FAMILY HEALTH CLINIC will see its last patient this Friday afternoon, Sept. 13. It is the only medical clinic in Ocean View and is served by two nurse practitioners, Vickie Crosby and Cindy Cohen. They see 4,000 patient visits a year. Crosby, who owns the clinic with her husband Rick, who handles much of the administrative work, is moving to the mainland. 
      Practitioner Cohen and patients who contacted The Ka`u Calendar are hoping that someone will buy the facility and allow its service to continue.
      The property is two acres with a building of more than 4,000 square feet. There is a clinic on one side of the building and a separate three-bedroom, two-bath home on the other side.
     The clinic has two examining rooms, an office, a waiting room and two restrooms. The clinic is being sold with all of its equipment. The entire building is permitted to be a clinic, said Rick Crosby.
Vickie Crosby is moving to the mainland.
     Laura Scholz, an Ocean View resident and patient of the clinic, said that “losing the Ocean View Clinic would be a big blow,” as it is difficult to get appointments at Bay Clinic in the nearest town of Na`alehu. She said that nurse practitioner Cohen is beloved by the community.
      Cohen said she wants to continue to serve the community and bring in a doctor to work with her. “This is my home, and I want to stay here with my family. The Ocean View community is so dependent on us. So may people don’t have transportation” to go elsewhere, she said.
      The price posted on a youtube tour of the clinic is $690,000, but offers will be considered, said Rick Cosby.
      See youtube.com/watch?v=pgGLZVaego. Contact rick@oceanviewhealth.com.
      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

MARLEY STRAND-NICOLAISEN, KA`U’S STAR PLAYER on the University of Hawai`i-Hilo women’s volleyball team, helped the Vulcans beat Fort Hays State from Kansas last night, 25-12, 25-20, 25-14 at UHH Gym. Strand-Nicolaisen, a freshman, came up with 11 digs and 10 kills. The next challenge is at Hawai`i Pacific University on Sept. 22 on O`ahu. The Vulcans are undefeated with five wins, all at home. Nicolaisen is a resident of Mark Twain.
      Kurt De La Cruz, a Ka`u High graduate and academic adviser at UH-Hilo, recently posted on the Ka`u High alumni facebook page: “I get to see many great stories in the making, from when students enter as freshmen to the day they get their diplomas, to embarking on their first careers, etc. Here is a great story in the making, and this Trojan Alum (‘13) has come out swinging – literally! Calling Ka`u alums near and far – Marley Strand-Nicolaisen is a fast-rising star amongst the NCAA D2 Freshman ranks in women’s volleyball. In her first two starts at the college ranks, let’s just say she has not played like a freshmen. By no means is she a one-person show either, as Vulcan teammates have put in equally good work.
      “The team will visit O`ahu … and California this season. If you get a chance, come out and let this Ka`u grad know that we support her and her teammates. 
     “With hard work, humility, and her fierce competitiveness, Marley has the potential to go down as one of UH-Hilo’s great ones. And it just so happens to be that her heart bleeds maroon. Stay tuned ... hiloathletics.com/news/2013/8/31/WVB_0831135844 .aspx?path=wvball.”
      To comment on or “Like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AUGIE’S SUMMER OF LOL comes to South Side Shaka’s Restaurant Friday at 8 p.m. Comedian Augie T starts a month of shows here in Ka`u, with more shows later this month in Hilo and on Maui and Kaua`i. Special guest is Lanai. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 990-0474.

A STAFF MEMBER FROM U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD’S office meets with Ka`u constituents tomorrow from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Pahala Public & School Library to assist with casework and other issues. 
      For more information, contact Blaise De Lima at 
blaise.delima@mail.house.gov or 
808-987-5698.

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

A PAHALA POOL PARTY will be held this Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event to raise money for the Pahala South Swell Swim Team will feature food, shave ice and drinks. The 21 Ka`u novice swimmers will be traveling on Saturday, Sept. 21 to Kawamoto Olympic Pool in Hilo; on Saturday, Oct. 5 to Konawaena Pool; and on Saturday, Oct. 26 for the championship at Pahoa Pool. The swim team is looking to raise about $1,500.
      The public is invited, and prospective swimmers for next season are welcome to join in the fun. South Swell Swim team is comprised of youth 17 years and younger. Swim meets are sponsored by the county Department of Parks & Recreation. For more, call Pahala Pool at 928-8177.

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Monday, September 09, 2013

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

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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Sunday, September 08, 2013

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

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

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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