Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013

Santa arrived in a classic car at Ocean View Community Association's Keiki Christmas Party and feast. Photo by Melissa Tveter

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE LATEST draft document for the Ka`u Community Development Plan. Appendix V4C: Local Economic Development Plan Analysis is available to read at area libraries and community centers and online at kaucdp.info. The public can submit testimony using feedback forms found with the reference documents and on the website.

Ka`u CDP shows population distribution in the district.

      “There are many demonstrated ways in which communities like Ka`u can play pro-active roles in their own economic development,” according to the draft document. “In fact, based on the unique nature of Ka`u’s economy … a community-based approach to economic development seems the most appropriate for Ka`u.” Such an approach would feature a regional focus, local initiative and control, incubation of local micro-enterprises and an equitable distribution of benefits.
      The analysis lists 10 categories of strategies for advancing community-based economic development:

• Enhance Regional Identity by preserving and improving the natural, cultural, architectural, artistic, historic, and recreational resources that contribute to the local community character and sense of place; 
• Build Local Industry Clusters to develop competitive advantages of place- and sector-specific businesses that can mutually benefit from coordination, like agriculture, renewable energy, education, health and wellness, heritage arts and entertainment, and tourism; 
• Connect to Anchor Institutions like schools, hospitals and large landowners to leverage their redevelopment, hiring and purchasing power; 
• Advance Innovation by developing products and services unique to the character and needs of the region; 
• Build Entrepreneurial and Business Capacity to innovate and create jobs through incubation, training and other supports; 
• Build Workforce Capacity through local education and workforce development programs (to) help local residents capitalize on opportunities within local clusters; 
• Democratize Ownership of enterprises in local industry clusters with organizational models that reflect local values, strengthen local control and retain local wealth; 
• Diversify Investment and improve access to capital by attracting investment from firms and investors that embrace local values and by creating opportunities for local residents to secure a stake in local businesses; 
• Promote Regional Assets like distinctive features and unique, place-based products in order to build long-term relationships with markets within and outside the region; and 
• Foster Network Leadership that supports community-based economic development initiatives by uniting the community behind its unique identity, connecting local industry clusters, building local collaborative capacity and interfacing with markets and government officials. 

      “To be most effective, each of these should be employed simultaneously and in coordination with one another. In other words, taken as a ‘whole,’ these strategies are ‘greater than the sum of their parts,’” the analysis concludes.

A PUBLIC MEETING OF AHA MOKU O KEAWE COUNCIL OF KA`U is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center to discuss many important issues, said representative Darlyne Vierra. Items on the agenda include plans for a sewage treatment plant in Na`alehu, with speaker Keoni Fox; a water line planned at Ka`iholena; lo`i, with speaker Paul Makuakane; and possible development at Kawala. President of the Ka`u branch of the statewide councils is Vierra. Vice-president is Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka.
      For more information, contact Vierra at dpvierra@yahoo.com or call 640-8740.

Ed Olson, with Santa at last week's Pahala Christmas Parade,
 opened a new retail store, Big Island Trading Co.this morning in Hilo,
where Ka`u Coffee and mac nuts will be featured. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U-GROWN COFFEE AND MACADAMIA NUTS have a new retail location in Hilo. Big Island Trading Co. opened this morning on Kamehameha Ave. near Ken’s House of Pancakes. The location is a former Volvo dealership with two buildings, one for retail and one that will open as a coffee shop in January with lots of outdoor seating. Owned by a hui led by Ed Olson, the business will feature Ka`u Coffee Mill coffee, Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co., which sources much of its macadamia from Ka`u, and many other local products. The opening today was soft, and the grand opening will be scheduled for late January, said Olson.
      Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Logo produced by Tanya Ibarra and
Local Productions, Inc. 

KA`U’S U.S. REP. Tulsi Gabbard is co-sponsoring legislation designed to stop the overuse of antibiotics on livestock. The Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act aims to preserve the effectiveness of medically important antibiotics, according to a statement from Gabbard. It requires the government to not approve a new animal drug if it reduces the effectiveness of human antibiotics and drugs.

      “I am deeply concerned about the overuse of antibiotics in the livestock industry because it has weakened the effectiveness of drugs important to combat dangerous microorganisms,” Gabbard said. “This is very troubling as the health of all Americans could be compromised should they become ill from bacteria only to discover it is resistant to antibiotics.
      “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ‘voluntary’ plan … to phase out antibiotic use in farm animals falls too short in protecting consumers. The FDA’s ‘voluntary guidance’ does not actually require drug manufactures to do anything, and does not adequately address the public health concern at hand.”
      Gabbard cites an FDA report released in April 2013 that says antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been found in more than 50 percent of turkey, pork chops and ground beef tested. Gabbard says FDA’s voluntary program only addresses some of the problematic uses. For example, it only asks animal pharmaceutical companies not to promote over-the-counter antibiotics and instead move to a system requiring veterinary oversight. “As the livestock industry accounts for about 80 percent of their sales, animal drug manufacturers might be reluctant to reduce its market share,” Gabbard said.
      Constituents can contact Gabbard through her website at gabbard.house.gov.

Keiki received stockings full of gifts and a photo with Santa at Ocean View Community Center. Photo by Melissa Tveter.

KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY sponsored by Ocean View Community Association yesterday was a huge success, according to its organizers, with 188 kids receiving a stocking along with a picture with and gift from Santa. Fun, food, games, raffles, face-painting, decorating Christmas cookies and a chocolate fountain entertained keiki waiting for Santa.

Ocean View Community Association fed 400 with a free Christmas meal.
Photo by Melissa Tveter

      The party started at 11a.m., and Santa arrived in a classic car just before noon. The Ocean View Community Association fed around 400 keiki and adults with a free Christmas meal. Fortune Otter managed the event, with many volunteers and donations from the community.

KA`U STUDENTS OF ALL GRADE LEVELS, parents and guardians are invited to learn about financial aid available for continuing education Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. A light dinner and refreshments begin at 5:30 p.m., and the event ends with a surprise giveaway.
      For more information, call Steve Stephenson at 313-4120.

PROPER PESTICIDE USE AND SAFETY is the topic at a free workshop Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Presenters will talk about Federal Worker Protection Standards for ag workers and pesticide handlers, use, application, storage and disposal.
      To register, call 322-4892 or email ginab@hawaii.edu by Tuesday, Dec. 17.

The public can vote for their favorite holiday decorations at Kilauea Military Camp.
Photo by Dave Berry

AWARD-WINNING SLACK KEY GUITARIST, composer and recording artist John Keawe rings in the holidays with his music Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. His wife Hope provides interpretations of his music with her hula. CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase. Free; park entrance fees apply. 

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S ANNUAL Holiday Challenge is on, with the front row of cottages decorated. The public is welcome to walk along the sidewalk fronting the cottages in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and vote for the best decorations through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Park entrance fees apply.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013

Tutu & Me goes on holiday Dec. 19 and reopens Jan. 6, but not before celebrating Christmas in such events as the Pahala Christmas Parade this week. Photo by Julia Neal

DEC. 23 IS THE DEADLINE FOR DEMOCRATS in good standing in Hawai`i House of Representative’s District 5 to apply for appointment to the seat being vacated by Rep. Denny Coffman, whose resignation is effective Dec. 20. The geographic area of those qualified to be considered includes Na`alehu, Ocean View, Captain Cook, Kealakekua and Kailua-Kona.

      According to John Buckstead, vice chair of the Democratic party for West Hawai`i, requirements for persons interested in applying are as follows:

• Candidates must meet the state requirements for election to this office; 
• Candidates must have been members in good standing of the Democratic Party of Hawai`i for at least the past six months; 
• Candidates must show their support within the District 5 Democratic Party by securing signatures from at least five District 5 DPH members. An alternative method is to provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least five District 5 DPH members who will be available and are willing to be called by the District Council to verify their support of the candidate; 
• Candidates must send a short (no more than two pages) cover letter describing why they are interested, as well as their experience, community activities and efforts that make them good candidates. Candidates may submit additional material, but are not required to do so.

      A brief form has been developed for candidates’ use in complying with these first three requirements; candidates may request a copy of this form by emailing Buckstead at jbuckstead@hawaii.rr.com. Candidates are not required to use the form, but must submit all required information.
      All required materials from candidates must be received by Buckstead via postal mail no later than Dec. 23 or by hand delivery to the Buckstead residence at 77-6356 Halawai Place, Kailua-Kona, HI, 96740 no later than midnight Dec. 23.
      Depending on the number of candidates, the District 5 District Council may choose to interview candidates. If interviews are necessary, candidates will be so informed.
      Buckstead also listed roles of the District Council:

• The District Council is responsible for considering candidates and nominating three whose names will be forwarded to Democratic Party chair Dante Carpenter for transmission to the governor for his selection; 
• Members of the District Council who decide to be candidates will not be allowed to participate in the nomination process; 
• The District Council will meet after candidate documents have been received in order to finalize and carry out the process; 
• The District Council will complete its part of the process in compliance with all DPH requirements and in a timely manner. 

      Candidates seeking clarification on the requirements should contact Buckstead at jbuckstead@hawaii.rr.com.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A three-year-old female nene focuses on fattening up for nesting season
while her mate stands guard.

ANOTHER NENE HAS BEEN KILLED by a vehicle on Hwy 11. The location was around mile marker 41 between Pahala and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s entrance. The bird was most likely hit sometime on Thursday. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and look for nene geese along the stretch of highway. Nene are the Hawai`i State Bird. Their nesting season continues until April. 

     “Nene are most vulnerable to vehicles this time of year. They are focused on eating and could be out foraging from dawn to dusk. They blend in with their surroundings, and in low-light periods, they are especially hard for motorists to spot,” said Kathleen Misajon, Nene Recovery Project manager.
     The park has posted nene crossing signs that highlight key roadside areas that nene use. These include sections of Hwy 11, Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road. Motorists are urged to use extra caution in signed nene crossing areas and to obey posted speed limits.
      Nene are endangered, and in the mid-1940s, only 50 birds remained. Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park began efforts to recover the species in the 1970s. The Nene Recovery Program continues today, and more than 200 birds thrive in the park from sea level to around 8,000 feet. As many as 2,000 or more nene exist statewide.
    “We’ve had a great deal of success protecting nene and maintaining the population in the park,” said Misajon. “But it is imperative that humans keep a respectful distance from the geese, especially during this sensitive time.”
      Visit nps.gov/havo/photosmultimedia/nene_psa.htm for more information. To report nene on the road in the park, call 985-6001. Outside the park, call 974-4221.

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

A Solomon Islands beach with Miss Hawaiian Islands, Ulu Makuakane, of Ka`u.

KA`U’S OWN MISS HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, Ulu Makuakane, has completed her tour to the Solomon Islands for the Miss South Pacific Pageant. The week-long event, including visits to historic and scenic sites as well as charitable organizations and a float parade, was held in Honiara with the grand finale on Dec. 7. The program hosted contestants from American Samoa, Samoa, the Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Hawai`i, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tokelau and Tonga.

     Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lili noted that it was the first time for the Solomon Islands to host the event. “Our people have truly embraced this pageant and ensured that this regional is a success. The event presents us with the perfect opportunity to show the world what we are capable of achieving.”

Ulu Makuakane in the sarong competition.

     The winner was Miss Cook Islands. Makuakane, through local fundraising, enabled Hawai`i to be represented.  Makuakane not only is Miss Hawaiian Islands; she was also the second Miss Ka`u Coffee.

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

TUTU AND ME goes on holiday after Dec. 18 and starts up again on Jan. 6 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Pahala Community Center. Program director Betty Clark said that the team invites families to visit any Tuesday or Thursday morning. “Our program is free, and we are here to help families with children age birth to five provide a quality early childhood education for their keiki by providing the tools, resources, materials and activities that encourage their social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Parents, tutus, aunties and uncles are all welcome to enroll with up to three children. For more information, call 929-8579.
      While a trial to provide transportation was conducted in 2012, Tutu & Me is unable to provide transportation for 2014. The Ka`u Calendar newspaper regrets publishing, in error, a story in the December issue stating that a transportation trial program is planned for next year. 

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

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Bring lunch to this free program. Call 985-6011 for more information.

FINANCIAL AID NIGHT for Ka`u students of all grade levels, parents and guardians is this Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. The event is a once-a-year chance to learn more about available financial aid and college scholarships. From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., representatives of the University of Hawai`i at Hilo Financial Aid office, Kolby Santiago and Sara Beth Andres, present important scholarship and Free Application for Federal Student Aid information. The opportunity includes time to talk story and gather information from organizations providing scholarships such as Kamehameha Schools, Ka`u Chamber of Commerce, Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u, `O Ka`u Kakou and more. A light dinner and refreshments begin at 5:30 p.m., and the event ends with a surprise giveaway.
      For more information, call Steve Stephenson at 313-4120.

PROPER PESTICIDE USE AND SAFETY is the topic at a free workshop this Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Presenters will talk about Federal Worker Protection Standards for ag workers and pesticide handlers, use, application, storage and disposal.
      To register, call 322-4892 or email ginab@hawaii.edu by Tuesday, Dec. 17.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

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.

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Dec. 13, 2013

Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School is one of five Big Island schools where students are unable to access campus libraries during school hours, unless accompanied by a teacher, because there is no school librarian. The library is also a place where anyone can
follow the state legislature online. Photo from Hawai`i State Library System

“THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE in the legislative process are you and me,” said Suzanne Marinelli at a workshop on how the public can participate in lawmaking and tracking legislation in Hawai`i. Marinelli, who heads Hawai`i’s Public Access Room at the state Legislature, said that in order for the process to work, “the Legislature needs you to add your voice.” She suggested that the best time to talk to state representatives and senators is when the Legislature is not in session, when they are in their districts rather than at the Capitol in Honolulu. That time is now. The 2014 Hawai`i State Legislature begins Wednesday, Jan. 15. 

      Martinelli noted that Hawai`i has the most transparent legislative process in the country in that anyone, even in a remote place like Ka`u, can go online at capitol.hawaii.gov to testify and search for any word, from surfing to taxes, and find out all the legislation proposed and where it is in the process. Those without computers can go to Pahala Library, which has many computers for public use.

      As well as talking with their senators and representatives, members of the public can also discuss issues with others involved in the legislative process. Marinelli suggested finding out who is on committees that would be involved in an issue and contact them. For example, if someone has an idea for a law regarding traffic, that person could contact members of the Transportation and Public Safety Committees.
      Marinelli also said it’s good to get to know representatives’ and senators’ staff members.
      She also gave tips on submitting testimony for bills:

• Testimony can be submitted at capitol.hawaii.gov. 
• Call or write a letter instead of emailing. 
• If sending email, include your name. 
• Be brief, clear and to the point. 
• Direct testimony to the relevant committee. 
• Instead of following a form letter, use your own words. 
• Explain your position and why it matters. 
• Include return address or contact information.

      The workshop included an overview of the Legislature’s website at capitol.hawaii.gov, where the public can find a wealth of information on current and past Legislatures, track measures and sign up for email notification of progress of measures as they go through the legislative process.

Hawai`i State Legislature's website at capitol.hawaii.gov offers a wealth of information
for citizens who want to follow the upcoming legislative session.

       Marinelli encouraged the public to be persistent, pointing out that during each two-year legislative cycle, a bill that did not make it through the first session automatically comes up for reconsideration in the second year. If it doesn’t make it through the second year, then it dies. Even then, it is possible to continue trying to have an idea considered in future sessions. “Bills die, but ideas never die,” Marinelli said.
      Among those who attended the workshop were Ka`u Farm Bureau vice president Phil Becker, Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative and Friends of Ka`u Libraries member Ann Fontes, South Point Road resident Paul Komara of No GMOs Hawai`i, Ka`u Scenic Byway committee member Lynn Hamilton and former head of the local Democratic party Sara Witt.
      PAR’s website is hawaii.gov/lrb/par. For more information, call 974-4000 x 7-0478 or email par@capitol.hawaii.gov. 

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

LIMITED PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT ACCESS to Pahala Public & School Library and other Big Island libraries is the topic of a story in Hawai`i Tribune-Herald. The library is part of the state library system, and because the school has no school librarian, “students are unable to visit the libraries during normal school hours unless accompanied by a teacher or school administrator,” the story says. 

      According to reporter Megan Moseley, funding of a school librarian position is decided by each school’s administrators, and funding comes from the Department of Education. While Hawai`i State Public Library System is separate from the DOE, but both institutions report to the Board of Education.
      Moseley said Hawai`i Island BOE representative Brian De Lima was aware of a similar situation at Pahoa, where “they have a public library that’s attached to the school, and it presents some challenges for that school, and is something we really need to take a look at,” he said.

   According to the story, De Lima later said he was not aware of any complaints concerning availability of the libraries at the other four schools discussed in the story, including the Pahala campus. “The only concerns that have been raised have been at Pahoa, and issues haven’t come up elsewhere,” he said.

      The subject had previously come up during the 2012 state Legislature, when the state was considering transferring Pahala Public & School Library from the state library system to the DOE. In her testimony, Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School principal Sharon Beck said, “When the school could no longer afford to fund the librarian’s position, the library would not allow students to use the facility without DOE personnel accompanying them.”   

      Pahala Public & School Library, which had until recently been open 15 hours a week, is now open 34 hours a week. Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Mazie Hirono 

PROVIDING EXPEDITED TAX RELIEF for Americans making charitable donations in support of Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts in the Philippines is the purpose of the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act, bipartisan legislation co-introduced by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono. The bill is intended to spur donations to charitable organizations by allowing taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts to receive tax benefits nearly a year faster than usual.

 

      “With up to 6,000 casualties, almost 1,800 missing people and more than a million destroyed houses in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, it is clear that our work to help this community rebuild is not over,” Hirono said. “We simply cannot wait to support recovery efforts in the Philippines. To help all families during the holiday, the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act will boost charitable giving by providing tax relief this year for those who donate to help communities rebuild homes, schools and roads.”
      Edmund Aczon, chair of the Filipino Community Center Board of Directors, sent a mahalo to Hirono and her colleagues for encouraging Americans to contribute this holiday season. “It has been truly heartbreaking to witness the death and destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Many families are still struggling to rebuild their lives, facing displacement and hunger. Everybody can make a difference, even if it’s donating just a little bit.”
      Taxpayers can claim a tax deduction for contributions they make to charities, but they receive the tax incentive many months later after they file their tax returns the following year. The Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act would eliminate this delay by allowing taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts in the Philippines before March 1, 2014 to take the charitable deduction when they file their 2013 tax returns.
      Original co-sponsors of the bill also include Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.

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

Arlene Araki and Dick Hershberger sing and play horn for Ka`u Chamber
of Commerce last night in Ocean View. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE held a meeting and Christmas celebration for the public yesterday at Tiki Mama’s in Ocean View, featuring Christmas music with baritone horn, trumpet, accordions, baritone `ukulele, washboard bass and electric bass, drums and piano. A general membership meeting will be announced for January, when The Directory 2014, the Ka`u phone, business and community organization guidebook, will be presented and distributed, said Chamber president Dallas Decker.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE LATEST draft document for the Ka`u Community Development Plan is due this Monday, Dec. 16. Appendix V4C: Local Economic Development Plan Analysis is available to read at area libraries and community centers and online at kaucdp.info. The public can submit testimony using feedback forms found with the reference documents and on the website.
      The appendix discusses opportunities in various sectors of Ka`u’s economy, including construction.
      While the construction sector is still struggling, particularly with new homes, and “it is unlikely any immediate substantive increase in jobs related to construction will be seen in Ka`u, there may be limited opportunities” in this economic sector, according to the analysis. The draft document mentions the possibility of an increase in home remodeling, both from local residents and secondary homeowners.
      Another area of construction possibilities may come from growth in other sectors including renewable energy, health and wellness, education and research, visitor and retail, the document states. 

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

BIG ISLAND POTTERS TR ANDREWS, Ron Hanatani, Shannon Hickey and Carol Yamashita show and sell a variety of their functional and sculptural work at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus on the lawn beside Hale Ho`omana from 9 a.m. to 4 pm. tomorrow during the Second Saturday Volcano Pottery Sale. 

THY WORD MINISTRIES PRESENTS CHRISTMAS IN KA`U tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Hongwanji. The event offers free lunch plates while supplies last, live entertainment and a craft fair.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S Keiki Christmas Party begins at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Ocean View Community Center. Call 939-7033 for more information.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT THE VITAL ROLE of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a lehua tree and its flower Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Bring lunch to this free program. Call 985-6011 for more information.

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.