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Tuesday, July 01, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Appearing Saturday in her last Na`alehu Independence Day Parade as Ka`u's County Council member, as her term
 limit is reached at the end of this year, was Brenda Ford. Photo by Julia Neal
CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICES joined the Na`alehu Independence Day Parade & Celebration Saturday. Their names will be on the ballot of the primary election next month, on Saturday, Aug. 9.  All three candidates vying for County Council District Six made appearances. Richard Abbett is from Ocean View, Maile Madeiros David is from Captain Cook, and Jim Wilson lives in Volcano.
       State House of Representative District Five candidates Dave Bateman, of Holualoa, Rep. Richard Creagan, of Na`alehu, and Gene (Bucky) Leslie, of Holualoa, also participated in the parade. The other candidates are Jon LaLanne, of Ocean View and Randy Ruiz, of Ocean View.
Richard Abbett, candidate for Hawai`i County Council District Six
Photo by Julia Neal
      Rep. Richard Onishi, state House candidate for District Three, participated along with challenger Bill Dickson, of Mountain View. The other candidate is Fred Fogel, of Volcano.
      Michael Last, of Na`alehu, promoted his candidacy for state Senate District Three, challenging Josh Green, of Kailua-Kona.
     Joe Kent, of Lahaina, Maui, the Libertarian cndidate for Congress, also joined the parade.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW FISCAL YEAR for the state and Hawai`i County, with several measures going into effect along with budgets. 
      One measure removes mandatory court appearances for violators of the ban on using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. The fine is now $297, or $307 for violations occurring in school or construction zones.
      Sgt. Robert Pauole, of Hawai`i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section, told Hawai`i Tribune-Herald reporter John Burnett the change is a result of overcrowding of courts. “I think it’s a big problem,” Pauole said. “I think the officers are just scratching the surface of it when they’re issuing citations. I’m an avid runner. When I run, I’d say every two out of 10 cars I see, there’s some kind of electronic device violation. I issue (citations) on the road all the time.”
Maile Medeiros David, candidate for Hawai`i County Council District Six
Photo by Julia Neal
      The measure exempts use of hands-free communication devices such as Bluetooth for drivers 18 years of age or older. Also exempted are navigation and emergency assistance devices.
      Smoking age is 21 in Hawai`i County as of today. The law, passed by County Council last November and signed into law by Mayor Billy Kenoi in December, raises the allowable minimum age for buyers of cigarettes from 18 to 21. The vote on the Big Island was only one day after New York’s mayor, Michael Bloomberg, signed a new law making the Big Apple the first major U.S. city or state to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. Hawai`i County’s law applies to electronic smoking devices as well as cigarettes, chewing and pipe tobacco, snuff and cigars.
     Retailers must post signs about the new law and are subject to fines of up to $2,000 for violations of the new measure.
     To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

REGISTERING TO VOTE WILL BECOME EASIER, with Gov. Neil Abercrombie signing House Bill 2590 (Act 166), a measure that allows voter registration at absentee polling places beginning in 2016 and late voter registration, including on Election Day, beginning in 2018. 
Jim Wilson, candidate for Hawai`i County Council District Six
Photo by Julia Neal
      “Our system of government depends on individuals exercising their right to vote, one of our most cherished duties as citizens,” Abercrombie said. “I applaud members of the Legislature for advancing HB2590 in the interest of removing barriers to voting, and I support the measure as long as it can be achieved from a sound technical standpoint.”
      Act 166 appropriates $100,000 to the Office of Elections for county implementation, which may include upgrading the registration process through purchase of electronic poll books.
      Thursday, July 10 is the deadline to register to vote at this year’s primary election on Saturday, Aug. 9
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

THE GOVERNOR ALSO SIGNED SEVERAL measures passed by the state Legislature relating to health. 
Dave Bateman, candidate for state House of Representatives District Five
Photo by Nalani Parlin
      House Bill 2052 increases access to Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment by updating references from “physicians orders for life-sustaining treatment” to “provider orders for life-sustaining treatment.” The measure also expands health care provider signatory authority to include advance practice registered nurses and corrects inconsistencies of terms describing who may sign a POLST form on behalf of a patient.
      House Bill 1616 adds to Hawai`i State Planning Act’s objectives and policies for health, the identification of social determinants of health and prioritization of programs, services, interventions, and activities that address identified social determinants of health to improve Native Hawaiian health in accordance with federal law and reduce health disparities of disproportionately affected demographics.
      House Bill 1723 amends notice requirements for the discharge of an involuntary patient committed pursuant to legal proceeding involving fitness to proceed and requires the family court to conduct a timely hearing prior to termination of a standing commitment order.
State Rep. Richard Creagan, candidate House Photo by Julia Neal
      House Bill 2320 establishes health equity as a goal for the DOH and requires the DOH to consider social determinants of health in assessing health needs in the state. The measure is known as “Loretta’s Law” for the late DOH Director Loretta Fuddy, who was passionate proponent.
      House Bill 2581 establishes the State Innovation Waiver Task Force and requires the task force to submit two interim reports and a final report to the Legislature.
      Senate Bill 2469 requires equivalent reimbursement for services, including behavioral health services, provided through telehealth as for the same services provided via face-to-face contact between a health care provider and a patient. The measure also clarifies that health care providers for purposes of telehealth include primary care providers, mental health providers, oral health providers, physicians and osteopathic physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, psychologists and dentists. For consistency purposes, the bill changes statutory references of “telemedicine” to “telehealth.”
      House Bill 2400 provides temporary disability benefits to employees who suffer disabilities as a result of donating organs.
Gene (Bucky) Leslie runs for state House District Five. Photo by Nalani Parlin
      Senate Bill 1233 requires certain private employers to allow employees to take leaves of absence for organ, bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell donation. Unused sick leave, vacation, paid time off or unpaid time off may be used for these leaves of absence. The measure also requires employers to restore an employee returning from leave to the same or equivalent position and establishes a private right of action for employees seeking enforcement of provisions.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC CO. IS NOT ASKING FOR A RATE HIKE at this time, recognizing that its customers “are already in a challenging high electricity bill environment,” reports Duane Shimogawa, of Pacific Business News.
     “We know how tough high electric bills have been on our customers,” Hawaiian Electric Vice President of Corporate Relations Lynne Unemori, told PBN. “What we are doing is focusing our efforts on lowering customers’ bills by going after the main driver of high bills — expensive imported oil.”
      According to Shimogawa, Hawaiian Electric is pursuing more renewable energy, lower-cost liquefied natural gas and modern smart grids. “And we’ll continue to make this our priority,” Unemori said.
State Rep. Richard Onishi, candidate for District Three
Photo by Julia Neal
      Shimogawa also reports that in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing yesterday, the utility said that it is “focusing on developing and executing the new business model, plans and strategies required by Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission’s rulings in April, as well as other actions that will reduce rates.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PAHALA PUBLIC & SCHOOL LIBRARY has a job opening for a part-time Student Helper II position. Applicants must be full-time college students (classroom or on-line) and have computer skills.
Michael Last, candidate for state Senate District Three, walks with Joe Kent,
Libertarian candidate for Congress. Photo by Julia Neal
      Interested students can call Debbie Wong Yuen at 928-2015 or go to the library during open hours: Monday,Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 to 1 p.m.); Tuesday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. (closed 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.); and Friday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
      The deadline to apply is Tuesday, July 15.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

VOLCANO VILLAGE HOLDS ITS FOURTH OF JULY Parade & Celebration on Friday. The parade begins at 9 a.m. at the post office and travels Old Volcano Road to Wright Road to Cooper Center, site of vendor booths and tables, entertainment, keiki games and silent auction. 

KA`U CONTINUES ITS FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES with Ka`u Roping & Riding Association’s Rodeo this Saturday and Sunday. Events include Open Dally, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Ranch Mugging and Wahine Mugging.

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




See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.


Monday, June 30, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, June 30, 2014


Hui Okinawa Kobodu Taiko returned to Ka`u to join the Fourth of July Parade & Celebration in Na`alehu Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal
HOW TO TEST FOR LFA IS THE TITLE of a new three-minute video produced by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. The video shows step-by-step procedures for testing for little fire ants. LFA, originally from South America, are considered among the world’s worst invasive species. 
      “LFA is a serious threat to plants, people, and property across Hawai`i,” said William Aila, Jr., chair of Board of Land and Natural Resources. “This tiny ant can inflict painful stings to children, pets and adults, but fortunately, testing for its presence is easily done. The state has a well established system in place for people to submit their surveys for further testing to determine whether LFA has spread to a particular property or plant material.”
Little fire ants are small even under magnification. Photo from DLNR
      Scott Enright, chair Hawai`i Board of Agriculture, said, “We cannot express enough how important it is to find any infestation before it becomes widely established.”
      LFA are tiny ants, measuring 1/16 of an inch long, and are pale orange in color. LFA move slowly, unlike Tropical Fire Ants, which are established in Hawai`i, move quickly, and are much larger with larger heads in proportion to their bodies. LFA can produce painful stings and large red welts and may cause blindness in pets. They can build up very large colonies on the ground, in trees and other vegetation, buildings and homes and completely overrun a property.
      Suspected invasive species should be reported to the state’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE – 643-PEST (7378).
      The video, available at dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2014/06/19/fire-ants, was produced by DLNR in cooperation with HDOA and other agencies that are jointly addressing the LFA issue. It features invasive species biologist Domingo Cravalho, Jr., of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one of the participating agencies. The video is also available on HDOA and DLNR Facebook and YouTube pages.
      For updated information on LFA in Hawai`i, see hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/main/lfainfo.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

After the parade, taiko continued at Na`alehu Park.
Photo by Julia Neal
HAWAI`I BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES at its meeting on Friday approved of a sublease for the Thirty Meter Telescope. However, the decision is hold while the board hears objections. 
      The University of Hawai`i, which leases state land on Mauna Kea where the telescope would be built, is subleasing the land to the Thirty Meter Telescope group. UH Board of Regents unanimously voted to support the project several years ago.
      The sublease is the last major bureaucratic hurdle for scientists. The project also faces the threat of lawsuits by opponents who have raised questions about whether appraisals of the land were done properly and whether Native Hawaiians were properly consulted.
      Some Native Hawaiians who oppose the project believe it would defile a summit they consider sacred. Environmentalists who oppose the project believe it could harm the rare wekiu bug.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR IS HOLDING public meetings on Hawai`i Island this week to solicit comments and feedback on whether and how the process of reestablishing a government-to-government relationship between the United States and the Native Hawaiian community should move forward. Meetings are at Keaukaha Elementary School Wednesday, July 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Waimea Community Center, Thursday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Kealakehe High School, Thursday, July 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
      In addition to the public meetings, comments can be submitted online through the Federal eRulemaking portal at regulations.gov or via U.S. mail to Office of the Secretary, Department of the Interior, Room 7329, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240. Include Regulation Identifier Number 1090-AB05 on comments.
      For more information, see doi.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A frightening but friendly dragon creeps through Na`alehu Park during
Saturday's Fourth of July festivities. Photo by Julia Neal
KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK has announced upcoming dates for its ongoing hikes offered July through September.
      Palm Trail is a moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures. A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered July 13 and 26, Aug. 9 and 31 and Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
      People and Land of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Participants learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is offered July 19 and 27, Aug. 23 and Sept. 13 and 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
      `Ohi`a Lehua offers an opportunity to learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `ohi`a tree and the lehua flower. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile or less walk. The `Ohi`a Lehua program is offered July 12 during the annual Cultural Festival from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and July 20, Aug. 3 and Sept. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. parking area.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

The dragon snarls and smiles at a young Fourth of July celebrator
at Na`alehu Park. Photo by Julia Neal
FRIDAY, THE FOURTH OF JULY IS FILLED WITH EVENTS in the Volcano area. The annual parade begins at 9 a.m. at the post office and travels down Old Volcano Road to Wright Road to Cooper Center, where festivities continue. 
      Entertainers include cast members of KDEN’s upcoming summer musical Ruddigore, singer Boni Narito, keiki from Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani, Dan Nix and Komakakino.
      Food options include Thai from Suporn Kroll and Tuk Tuk truck, breakfast goodies from Papa`aloa Bakery, Rotary’s rotisserie chicken and pulled pork sandwiches, Village Church’s stew and rice and other goodies, all topped off by hot dogs and chili sponsored by Cooper Center and a Friends Feeding Friends bake sale.
      Friends of the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park will have their annual silent auction inside Cooper Center.
      Information booths include Rainforest Runs, Coqui group, Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, Volcano Community Association and Rainbow Friends.
      After festivities at Cooper Center, attendees can head on to more events:

SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL TO BENEFIT the art department at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Garden Arts. It includes lauhala weaving by Ku`uipo Morales, a make-and-take recycled art workshop, a reading and book signing by children’s author Catherine Killam, Zentangle art demonstrations by Earl and Lois Stokes, a bake sale, a student art sale, a cast concrete demonstration, live music, family fun activities and a special plate lunch by Cafe’ Ono.

Volcano Art Center celebrates the Fourth of July with `ukulele and hula programs Friday.
WES AWANA PRESENTS `UKULELE DEMONSTRATIONS from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts a Fourth of July Buffet from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring Ka`u-style BBQ chicken, chili con carne, jumbo hot dogs, corn on the cob, tossed salad, potato salad and more. Price is $15.25 adults and $8 for children 6 to 11. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.

SUNSET HULA TAKES PLACE AT 6 P.M. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, featuring NoeNoe Kekaualua and `ohana from Keaukaha. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 967-8222.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S LAVA LOUNGE in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park hosts a Country Bash beginning at 7 p.m. DJ Tiki spins the night away with the best of Country & Western music and other great tunes. No cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 after 4 p.m.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.





Sunday, June 29, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, June 29, 2014

Hawai`i County Band treks annually to Na`alehu for the Independence Day Parade. The band will also march on July 4 in Volcano Village, where the parade begins at 9 a.m. See more parade photos in tomorrow's Ka`u News Briefs. Photo by Nalani Parlin
HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS will cast their third and final vote on a bill calling for a change in the length of the County Clerk’s term this week. Bill 253, calling for a change in the term from two to six years, has passed two of its three required readings with a two-thirds majority. Ka`u’s Council member Brenda Ford was one of three voting against the measure at both previous readings. 
      If the bill passes its third reading, an amendment to Hawai`i County Charter will appear on the November ballot for residents to vote on.
      The council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo.
      Council committees meet Tuesday in Hilo.
A climbing tower provided exercise and a test of strength and
agility at Na`alehu's Independence Day celebration yesterday.
Photo by Julia Neal
      Governmental Relations & Economic Development Committee meets at 9 a.m.; Finance, 9:15 a.m.; Public Works & Parks & Recreation, 9:45 a.m.; Environmental Management, 10:15 a.m.; Planning, 10:30 a.m.; and Agriculture, Water & Energy Sustainability, 1:30 p.m.
      Ka`u residents can participate via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
      Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ, Chair of the Subcommittee on Tourism, Innovation, and Competitiveness, has announced plans to work with the U.S. Department of State on legislation to make it easier for low-risk international travelers to visit the United States, boosting tourism and helping the government achieve its goal of attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2021. 


      “With an increasing demand for visas from international visitors, we have a great opportunity to grow our tourism industry and our economy,” Schatz said. “We need to do everything we can to speed up the visa process and make it easier for low-risk travelers to revisit our country. I am committed to working with the State Department on legislation to expand the visa Interview Waiver Program and find ways to strengthen our tourism industry and create jobs.” 
      The State Department is interested in working with Congress on a legislative proposal to expand the existing visa Interview Waiver Program, making it easier for low-risk travelers to visit the United States while maintaining high levels of security. The Interview Waiver Program allows certain individuals seeking renewals of previously issued visas to have their applications processed without having to attend visa interviews at U.S. consulates. In fiscal year 2013, the State Department waived more than 380,000 interviews.


      U.S. Customs and Border Protection is close to reaching an agreement to include Japan in the Global Entry program, which will facilitate travel to Hawai`i. Global Entry provides expedited clearance for prescreened, low-risk travelers at U.S. ports of entry. CBP is also closer to expanding the Preclearance program to Japan. The Preclearance program stations CBP officers in foreign airports, clearing travelers at their point of origin to avoid lengthy processing at busy U.S. airports. This would also allow airports without CBP international facilities, including Kona Airport, to begin accepting international flights.
      Last year, Japanese tourists made up 18 percent of Hawai`i’s visitors and brought more than $2.5 billion into the state’s economy. CBP currently operates 15 Preclearance locations in six foreign countries.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR’S Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program has awarded two Hawai`i organizations — U.S. Vets and The Strategist —a total of $500,000 in grant funds to ensure their programs are sustained through Program Year 2014. The organizations provide job placement, career counseling, life skills, money management mentoring and assistance in finding housing.
Kids cool off on giant water slides as parents watch with envy at yesterday's
Independence Day celebration in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal
      Awarded grants total $36,710,368 to 156 organizations nationwide to provide more than 12,000 veterans with training to help them succeed in civilian careers.
      “I applaud the Reintegration Program for their support of community organizations dedicated to serving homeless veterans as they transition to independent living and succeed in building civilian careers,” said Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a twice-deployed combat veteran. “Hawai`i organizations like U.S. Vets and The Strategist are empowering veterans in our community by creating opportunities for them to continue their mission of service. 
“Those who wear the uniform raise their hand to serve and put their life on the line; that commitment to service does not end when the uniform is laid down. Our service members come home and look for ways to continue this mission of service. They are leaders: disciplined, and physically and mentally tough. They know how to make decisions, work as a member of a team and, most importantly, put the mission first, setting aside their own self interests. “Sometimes, a mentor offering career counseling and job training is all that a veteran needs to be reengaged in the community, and get back on their feet.”
 

      Grant funds are awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. These grantees are familiar with the areas and populations to be served and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs to help homeless veterans, Gabbard said.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
       
ALTERNATING SINGLE LANE CLOSURES on Hwy 11 in both directions between mile markers 45.6 and 39.5 in the vicinity of Volcano to Kapapala Ranch will occur tomorrow, June 30 through Thursday, July 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for roadway pavement reconstruction.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KRRA's annual Fourth of July Rodeo is coming up next weekend.
Photo by Julia Neal
KA`U CONTINUES ITS FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES with Ka`u Roping & Riding Association’s Rodeo this coming Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6. Events include Open Dally, Team 90s, Double Mugging, Ranch Mugging and Wahine Mugging.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK announces new hikes and special holiday programs offered at the Kahuku Unit from July through September. All are free. 
      The 34th annual Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival takes place Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants enjoy hula kahiko and music, watch skilled practitioners demonstrate their art and try their hand at Hawaiian crafts. Traditional Hawaiian foods are available for tasting. Two hikes are also offered, the new Pu`u o Lokuana cinder cone hike from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and `Ohi`a Lehua from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Hikers should bring water, rain jacket and ground mat or chair, plus sunscreen and a hat.
      Lunch and beverages will be available for sale. This is a family-friendly, drug- and alcohol-free event. Sponsors include Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Ka`u Hawaiian Civic Club, Kilauea Military Camp and sister parks in West Hawai`i. Call 985-6011 or email havo_interpretation@nps.gov for more information.
Kahuku offers a new hike to the top of Pu`u o Lokuana.
Photo by Michael Szoenyi
      A short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike takes participants to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu`u o Lokuana, where they learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u. This hike is offered during the annual Cultural Festival on July 12 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and again on Friday, Aug. 15 (Statehood Day) from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
      Another new hike is called Kahuku: Born from a Hotspot. Hikers learn about the birth of the islands from the Hawaiian hotspot and about past eruptions that impacted Kahuku, which straddles the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Visitors will be able to identify various pu`u (hills) and other volcanic features and learn about their formation. Kahuku: Born from a Hotspot is offered Sunday, Aug. 17 and Monday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day) from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
      Hi`iaka & Pele focuses on the two Hawaiian sister goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent. Visitors experience the sisters coming alive through epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku on this easy, 1.7-mile walk on the main road in Kahuku. The Hi`iaka and Pele program is offered on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
      For all hikes, sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.
Click at bottom right to turn pages.