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Friday, January 09, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Jan. 9, 2015

Wood Valley horses graze peacefully among coffee trees as residents continue to recover from last weekend's storm. Some homes remain without phones and electricity, though all power lines have been restored to their properties. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAI`I COUNTY WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION has approved funding for a baseline and prospective psycho-social impact assessment to identify adverse impacts on Native Hawaiians associated with the development of geothermal energy generation facilities.
Palikapu Dedman Image from Big Island Video News
      Puna Pono Alliance, Pele Defense Fund, Sierra Club-Moku Ola Group, `Ohana Ho`opakele and Malu `Aina filed the claim for the study.
      The claim also includes a request that the commission establish a Native Hawaiian Health Study Review Board to provide advice regarding conduct of the study and keep the commission informed about its progress.
      Pele Defense Fund President Palikapu Dedman testified about geothermal impacting Native Hawaiian culture and religion. “You know what this is? Cultural racism,” he told the commission. “You impose yours on mine. Respect the host people.”
      Along with the nearly $300,00 approved yesterday, the planning commission last year approved $750,000 for a three-year geothermal health study, but, according to Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, it did not include Native Hawaiian issues.
      Callis reported Commissioner Charles Heaukulani saying, “There’s no question that kanaka maoli are adversely impacted. I support this without reservation.”
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com and bigislandvideonews.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PAHOA CONTINUES TO ADJUST to threats of lava changing the way of life there.
      Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and county Civil Defense report that lava remains stalled about a half mile from the intersection of Pahoa Village Road and Hwy 130, but breakouts continue upslope. One, about two miles above the highway, is moving northeast and could possibly cross Hwy 130 near Maku`u Farmers Market.
      According to HVO geologist Mike Poland, the past few months are a lesson on how pahoehoe lava flows work. They surge forward, broaden, inflate and send out new arms.
County Civil Defense map shows past and present lava activity mauka of Pahoa.
      Now that the lava flow heading toward Pahoa Marketplace has slowed down considerably, CU Hawai`i’s Pahoa branch will reopen with limited services on Monday. In preparation for the possible arrival of lava, the branch closed on Dec. 18 and moved employees and equipment out of harm’s way.
      Until an evacuation notice from Civil Defense, members who use the Pahoa branch may obtain cash from the ATM and conduct other transaction services through the remote teller station units. Members will be able to purchase negotiable instruments, such as cashier checks, money orders, and temporary checks. Members will also be able open new accounts and apply for loans.
      Services such as notary, signature guarantees, account reconciliation, wire transfers and plastic card re-pinning will not be available. Other branches across Hawai`i Island, including Na`alehu, can assist members with these services.
      For more information, see www.cuhawaii.com or call a CU Hawai`i member service representative at 933-6700.
      The Railroad Avenue alternate access road that was opened in advance of lava possibly covering Hwy 130 has been closed to all traffic. According to Civil Defense, this closure is necessary for road maintenance and to preserve the road until such time that it is needed, and alternate access roads will be opened well in advance of any threat or impact of the lava flow.
      Hours of operation at the Pahoa Transfer Station public lava viewing area have been adjusted effective today. New hours of 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily are based on peak hours of visitation.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Mazie Hirono
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO HAS BEEN NAMED the ranking member on the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Seapower. The assignment places Hirono in position to oversee matters directly relating to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. 
      “I am proud to serve as the ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on Seapower,” Hirono said. “There exists a strong relationship between Hawai`i and the Navy and Marine Corps. Hawai`i’s role is further enhanced as we continue our nation’s rebalance to the Asia-Pacific. Headquartered in Hawai`i, the U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. Marine Forces Pacific’s area of responsibility covers more than half of the earth’s surface. I look forward to working with Sen. Roger Wicker, the subcommittee’s new Chairman, to ensure that the Navy and Marine Corps are capable of keeping America and its interests secure.”
      The Subcommittee on Seapower is responsible for overseeing the vast majority of Navy and Marine Corps programs, Marine Corps ground forces, Navy and Marine Corps helicopters, Navy and Marine Corps research and development and strategic sealift and airlift research and development programs. The U.S. Pacific Fleet consists of approximately 200 ships, 600 aircraft, five aircraft carrier strike groups and 140,000 sailors and civilians. U.S. Marine Forces Pacific includes two Marine Expeditionary Forces, 86,000 personnel and 640 aircraft. Hawai`i is home to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Pacific Missile Range Facility and Marine Corps Base Hawai`i. Land & Sea Science Camp will be held June 29 to July 8, and Air & Space Science Camp from July 9 to 18.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Science Campers participated in a Ka`u beach cleanup last year. Registration
for this year's camp is now open. Photo from Science Camps of America
DATES ARE SET FOR SUMMER 2015 Science Camp for Teens Hawai`i. Headquartered in Pahala, campers explore “Nature’s Perfect Laboratory” – the Big Island of Hawai`i. 
      Science Camp is an opportunity for teens to get out into the field to learn science, do science, meet scientists, make new friends and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each day of camp, participants head out across the island to learn about volcanoes, the ocean, plants, animals, stars and more.
      A limited number of positions for counselors-in-training are available for teens ages 17 through19. Counselors-in-Training should be able to attend both sessions of Science Camp and are required to arrive one day before the start of camp.
      One of the field trips during Science Camp in 2014 was to South Point, where campers learned about ocean currents, plastic debris in the ocean and on beaches and then conducted a beach cleanup.
      Campers in the first session used the debris to make trash art which was then displayed at Science Camp’s booth at Volcano Village’ Fourth of July Festival. Science campers and staff were also in the Fourth of July parade that day, helped run the Keiki Games and offered science demonstrations for everyone to enjoy.
      “The beach cleanups and Fourth of July activities were great opportunities for Science Campers to participate in and give something back to the Hawai`i Island community which offers such a wonderful home for Science Camp,” said founder Michael Richards.
      Registration is now open. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
      See sciencecampsamerica.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

An exhibit of John D. Dawson's paintings opens tomorrow.
Photo from Volcano Art Center
OVER & UNDER: MORE OF HIS NATURE opens Saturday at Volcano art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The exhibit features original paintings by wildlife artist John D. Dawson, whose artwork and illustrations accompany park maps and interpretive signs, along with a collection of art on display in the renovated Kilauea Visitor Center. 
      Regarding the exhibit, which follows one in 2013, Dawson said, “I love being in the field, so we kept going out and taking in whatever was interesting and inspiring. From all that effort the new show developed and opened up on its own. As an artist, it is always exciting to still be discovering and learning. That curiosity seemed to propel this new art. I’m happy that this new work is helping to expand my vision and to look further under the sea and into the clouds and beyond.”
      The gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opening reception begins at 5 p.m. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Palm Trail at Kahuku is the site of a guided hike Sunday. Photo from NPS
KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers free programs this weekend. 
      Tomorrow at 10:30 a.m., participants can bring lunch and 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.
      Palm Trail Hike on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop trail that provides one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.

DURING THEIR SUNDAY WALK IN THE PARK from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park meet at Kilauea Visitor Center to explore Sulfur Banks and `Ilahi Trails. Non-members may join the group in order to attend. Call 985-7373 to sign up.

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Thursday, January 08, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park rangers offer tips for a positive and memorable visit to the park in the New Year.
Photo by Peter Anderson
HAWAI`I FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT a collection of unwanted, illegal and/or damaged fireworks from anyone wishing to turn them in for proper disposal. Members of the public will be able to drop off their unwanted fireworks islandwide on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Those wishing to participate can contact HFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2912 by Monday, Jan. 26 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to get more information regarding drop off locations and drop-off times.
Aerial luminary devices, illegal in Hawai`i,
can be given to the Fire Department for
disposal. Photo from wikipedia
      These fireworks are dangerous, and utmost care must be taken to keep them away from any spark or open flame. Fireworks may be soaked in water overnight and dried prior to transporting them to one of the drop-off locations. Acceptable items include all types of fireworks, fountains, sparklers, firecrackers, cakes, rockets, etc.
      Aerial luminary devices are also accepted. The state of Hawai`i deemed it illegal to buy, sell, use, possess, ignite or cause to ignite any such aerial luminary device. An aerial luminary device is defined as any homemade or manufactured device that has an open flame and which can be sent airborne or adrift, leaving the height and distance it travels to be determined by existing atmospheric conditions. These devices can start brushfires as well as entangle in electrical lines, and they have the ability to hit an aircraft if they drift near airports or in the vicinity of aircraft. Common brands found here are Sky Lanterns and Hawai`i Lanterns.
      No other hazardous materials or explosive products will be accepted.
      Hawai`i Fire Department would like to thank the community for its continued support in helping make the island as safe as possible.
      For more information, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2912.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, with Hawai`i Island headquarters in Ka`u, is one of several organizations offering presentations during an informational briefing at the state Legislature next week. The Senate Energy And Environment Committee and House Energy and Environment Protection Committee have scheduled the briefing on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. to get an update on invasive species threats to Hawai`i. The committees will hear from state departments and organizations tasked with implementing programs for prevention, control, research and outreach related to invasive species issues.
The Nature Conservancy, which helps Ka`u residents battle little fire ants, meets
with the state Legislature regarding invasive species next week.
Photo from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture
      The Department of Agriculture will be bringing deceased specimens of invasive species including the coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fires ant, coffee berry borer, coqui frog, brown tree snake, stinging nettle caterpillar and Madagascar hissing cockroach.
      “Invasive species threaten our quality of life, native species, the health of our agricultural industries and the economy as a whole,” said Sen. Mike Gabbard, chair of ENE. “Whether it’s little fire ants, coconut rhinoceros beetles, coqui frogs or albizia, all our communities are being negatively impacted. Eliminating the spread of invasive species continues to be a top priority for lawmakers. We’ll be looking at a variety of legislation this session to continue the fight against invasive species.”
      Rep. Chris Lee, chair of the EEP Committee, added, “The spread of invasive species is an environmental and economic issue. In recent months, we’ve seen the coffee berry borer make its way from Hawai`i Island to O`ahu and possibly now Maui. This briefing will help inform lawmakers on current threats, what preventive and offensive measures are in place and what more can be done.” 
      More presenters are Hawai`i Invasive Species Council, Department of Agriculture – Plant Quarantine Branch and Plant Pest Control Branch, Invasive Species Committees, Department of Land and Natural Resources – Division of Forestry and Wildlife Watershed Partnerships and Division of Aquatic Resources.
      The briefing is not scheduled for live broadcast on Hawai`i Island but will be available later at capitol.hawaii.gov. Select Senate Webstreaming or House Webstreaming.
      More information on the briefing can be found on the hearing notice: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2015/hearingnotices/HEARING_ENE-EEP_01-13-15_INFO_.HTM.
      Ka`u residents can contact the Legislature’s Public Access Room with questions at par@capitol.hawaii.gov or toll-free at 974-4000 ext. 7-0478.
      More information about the upcoming Legislative session is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and House Speaker John Boehner on opening day
of the 114th Congress. Photo from Office of Rep. Gabbard
ON OPENING DAY OF THE 114TH CONGRESS Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard assisted in advancing two pieces of legislation. The Hiring More Heroes Act, which encourages businesses to hire veterans, passed unanimously by a vote of 412-0. She also introduced the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act, which she co-sponsored to support housing opportunities for Native Hawaiians. 
      “As we begin the 114th Congress, passage of this bipartisan Hire More Heroes Act, which focuses on empowering and employing our veterans, is the perfect tone to bring in the New Year,” said Gabbard, a Captain in Hawai`i Army National Guard. “This legislation will help decrease the number of unemployed veterans and support our small-business owners as they work hard to grow our economy. I was honored to immediately offer my support and co-sponsor the bill because of the important constituency that it serves — those who willingly serve and sacrifice for our nation.”
      NAHASDA seeks to empower Native communities by assisting low-income families with affordable housing. Similar legislation was introduced last year that omitted Native Hawaiian benefits, but the Gabbard-sponsored bill that was introduced today includes key provisions to ensure that Hawai`i’s native people are not forgotten. Once passed, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands will be able to continue using NAHASDA funds to manage a trust established by Congress to support Native Hawaiians through homesteading.
       “Over 1,400 low-income families in Hawai`i have benefited from these services, and, in many cases, homeownership would not have been possible given the $640,000 median price of a single-family home on the island of O`ahu,” Gabbard said. “Nationwide, passage of this legislation would represent an important step toward removing roadblocks to economic success in Native communities and reaffirm the House’s long-standing commitment to tribal sovereignty and self-determination.”

A crowd gathers around Ranger Dean Gallagher to hear his "Life on the Edge"
talk at Jaggar Museum's observation deck overlooking Halema`uma`u.
NPS Photo by Janice Wei
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK rangers offer tips for a positive and memorable time in the national park. 
      Plan to arrive early and explore Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube) before 10 a.m. Not only is parking available, but the lava tube is virtually empty of people. As a bonus, birdwatching at Nahuku is best in the early morning.
      The four-mile Kilauea Iki Trail is one of the most scenic and popular trails in the park. Plan to hit the trail by 8 a.m. and be out by 10:30 a.m. to avoid crowds.
      Historic and scenic Chain of Craters Road originates at the summit of Kilauea and stretches 19 miles to Holei Sea Arch. Many overlooks, pullouts, and lesser-known hikes (Mauna Ulu, Pu`uloa Petroglyphs) abound, and it’s an ideal way to avoid the crowds and see more of what the park offers.
      The best time to observe the glow from Halema`uma`u is before sunrise or after 9 p.m., when most visitors have left. The park is open 24 hours a day.
      Jaggar Museum is the closest visitors can get to the summit eruption’s glowing lava lake, and it’s the park’s most popular spot after 5:30 p.m. More than 6,670 people were counted at Jaggar Museum one night in late December. If avoiding peak hours is not possible, work with park staff who are re-routing overflow traffic to Kilauea Overlook. Bring a flashlight and a jacket for the short walk to Jaggar Museum, or consider observing the glow from a less-crowded location, like Keanakako`i, `Akanikolea (Steam Vents), or Kilauea Iki Overlook.
      Mauna Loa Road is well worth exploring during peak hours, especially in good weather. Kipukapuaulu offers an easy, forested hike, and views and birdwatching are excellent along the way to the Mauna Loa Overlook at 6,662 feet.
Yellow `ohi`a lehua Photo by David Boyle
      Visit Kahuku, which is free, never crowded, and open to the public every Saturday and Sunday.
      “With a little planning and preparation, it’s easy for visitors to avoid the crowds and have a safe and memorable park visit,” said Acting Superintendent Rhonda Loh.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

PARTICIPANTS BRING LUNCH AND 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 during a free program Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 985-6011

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Wednesday, January 07, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015


A tangle of downed power lines and tree limbs prompted caution tape to be placed in front of Wood Valley Temple until HELCO crews could repair lines going into the valley, where many residents spend several days and nights without electricity. Photo by Julia Neal
ELECTRIC COMPANY CREWS WORKED through the night to restore service to customers affected by a storm system that passed through the islands last Friday and Saturday. As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Hawai`i Electric Light Co. reported 120 customers remained without power primary in Wood Valley and Hamakua.
Miguel Schwab drives his equipment to fix a water line after last weekend's storm
in Wood Valley. Photo by Julia Neal
      About 46,000 customers were without power at one time or another during the storm, according to HELCO. When the storm passed through Hawai`i Island, the company received about 6,700 outage calls over a two-day period. The company normally receives an average of 50 calls daily. Some employees from around the island were reassigned to help answer phones, manage outage reports and follow up with customers.
      “Hawaii Electric Light employees are committed to safely restoring service as quickly as possible,” said spokesperson Rhea Lee. “We live here, we work here, and we raise our families here. We understand the responsibility we have to our community, and we will do our best to serve our customers.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

WITH THE APPROACH 2015’s state Legislative Session opening on Wednesday, Jan. 21, the Legislature’s Public Access Room has information to share.
Albizia, eucalyptus silver oak and a few cedar were the
majority of trees that fell in Wood Valley. Native koa
and `ohi`a stood strong. Photo by Julia Neal
      The Senate Ways and Means and House Finance Committees have scheduled informational briefings over the next few weeks to explore the Executive departments’ budget requests. Most of them will be scheduled for broadcast. Meeting notices for the briefings appear under Current Hearings in the central column of the Legislature’s home page at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      For video information, use the Broadcasts link. Then select Capitol TV Broadcasts for the schedule of upcoming broadcasts.
      Select Senate Webstreaming or House Webstreaming to watch previously televised events. Contact the Public Access Room with any questions.
      Applications and instructions for 2015 Grant-in-Aid requests have been posted. A link currently appears under Recent Updates on the Legislature’s home page or by clicking on the Legislative Information bar.
      Ka`u residents can contact PAR with questions relating to the Legislature at par@capitol.hawaii.gov or toll-free at 974-4000 ext. 7-0478.
      More information about the upcoming Legislative session is available at capitol.hawaii.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Piles of tree trunks fill the front yard of Wood Valley Temple. Photo by Julia Neal
USDA HAS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES for small businesses and farmers/ranchers for energy efficiency and renewable energy. 
      The Rural Energy for America Program has two funding deadlines for Fiscal Year 2015. For applicants requesting $20,000 or less who wish to have their applications compete in the Grants of $20,000 or less set aside, complete applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. local time on April 30. For applicants requesting grant funds over $20,000 (unrestricted), complete applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 30 or 4:30 p.m. on June 30, 2015.
      For guaranteed loan only projects, applications will be reviewed and processed when received with monthly competitions on the first business day of each month for those applications ready to be funded.  
      Eligible entities are agricultural producers directly engaged in the production of agricultural products that obtain at least 50 percent or of their gross income from their agriculture business, or a rural small business. SBA small size standards can be found at http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Size_Standards_Table(1).pdf. Also, the business headquarters must be in a rural area.
Shallowly rooted eucalyptus, albizia and silver oak toppled along
Wood Valley roads, taking out electric lines. Photo by Julia Neal
      Nonprofit organizations and public entities are not eligible.
      For proposed projects to be eligible, they must:
  • Be for the purchase of a renewable energy system or to make energy efficiency improvements; 
  • Be for a pre-commercial or commercially available and replicable technology (no Research and Development, demonstration or pre-demonstration projects); 
  • Have technical merit; and 
  • Be located in a rural area. 
      Applicants must be owners of the projects (no leasing of systems).
      Technologies that are eligible for funding include biomass, anaerobic digester, geothermal – electric generation, geothermal – direct use, hydrogen, small and large wind, small and large solar, ocean (including tidal, wave, current, and thermal), hydroelectric and energy efficiency improvements.
      See more at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei_Eligibility. East Hawai`i residents may contact Lori Nekoba at 933-8312 or lori.nekoba@hi.usda.gov, and West Hawai`i residents may contact Denise Oda at 933-8323 or denise.oda@hi.usda.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sunset did not keep HELCO crews from
continuing to work on downed lines in
Wood Valley. Photo by Julia Neal
HAWAI`I’S U.S. SENATORS ARE APPLAUDING President Barack Obama’s intention to nominate former Bank of Hawai`i Chief Executive Officer Allan R. Landon to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. 
      “The Federal Reserve is responsible for regulating nearly every aspect of our banking industry, and it is critical that its members reflect the diversity in the industry,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “I am thrilled that President Obama has nominated … Mr. Landon to serve on the Federal Reserve Board. Drawing on his experience at Bank of Hawai`i, Mr. Landon will bring an essential community banking perspective to the Board. This perspective will be very important for states like Hawai`i that depend on a vibrant sector of community banks to serve their banking needs.”


      Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “Our nation’s economic policy should be focused on growing strong local economies that support local businesses, middle class families and vibrant communities. Allan Landon’s experience as a community banker and his record of service in the community make him a solid choice to serve on the Federal Reserve Board. His leadership at Bank of Hawai`i came at a time when our country went through the financial crisis, and he ensured the bank remained secure and sound. Allan Landon’s nomination demonstrates President Obama’s continued focus on strengthening the middle class.”
      In April 2014, Hirono joined a bipartisan group of senators in urging Obama to nominate someone with community banking experience to the Federal Reserve Board. She has also supported legislative efforts to ensure that one seat on the Federal Reserve Board be held by someone with community banking experience.
HELCO crews worked through last night to restore power
to Wood Valley residents. Photo by Julia Neal
      Landon served as Chairman and CEO of Bank of Hawai`i from 2004 to 2010. He also served on University of Hawai`i’s Board of Regents from 2005 through 2009 and was board chair from 2007 to 2009. After retiring in 2010, he served as a lecturer at UH-Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law.
      The Federal Reserve Board of Governors oversees the Federal Reserve System, which is made up of 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks. Hawai`i is served by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. The Board is made up of seven governors who are nominated by the President and must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Governors are confirmed to 14-year terms of service.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ALOHA KIDNEY OFFERS FREE KIDNEY CLASSES online to Ka`u residents through Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. and University of Hawai`i TASI Scopia Desktop. The goal is for chronic kidney disease patients to understand the condition and allow them to work better with doctors, family and friends. Participants learn what their kidneys do, what happens if they fail and how they affect health of the heart, brain and circulation and immune systems.
      Contact Heanu at KRHCAI at 928-0101 if interested in signing up.

A volunteer participates in Stewardship at the Summit, continuing in 2015.
Photo from NPS
KA`U RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO RESOLVE to protect the Hawaiian ecosystem from invasive, non-native plant species by volunteering for continuing Stewardship at the Summit programs in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 
      Programs begin at 9 a.m. and end at 12 p.m. Scheduled dates are Jan. 9, 15, 24 and 31; Feb. 7, 11, 20 and 28; and March 6, 14, 21 and 27.
      Participants meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kilauea Visitor Center. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate. Park entrance fees apply.
      Volunteers spent more than 2,000 hours restoring more than 15 acres of native rainforest within the national park last year. Countless Himalayan ginger, faya, strawberry guava and other invasive, non-native plants that threaten the native understory have been removed. In their place, once-shaded `ama`u and hapu`u tree ferns have re-emerged, and pa`iniu, kawa`u and other important native plants are returning to the stewardship plots.

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