About The Kaʻū Calendar

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015

Before leaving USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, scientist Mike Poland shares his discoveries at After Dark in the Park Tuesday. Photo from HVO
 CREWS HAVE FREED AN ENTANGLED WHALE of lines and a buoy. The whale had been circling Hawai`i Island, and a rescue planned for Monday had to be cancelled when the whale moved into rough and inaccessible waters near South Point, reported Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today.
A crew works to disentangle a humpback whale from fishing line and a buoy.
Photo from R. Finn of NOAA
      “We decided to stand down and be patient and wait for the weather,” Ed Lyman, large whale entanglement response coordinator for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, told Yager.
      Lyman and two others used an inflatable watercraft to get close to the whale. With knives on a long pole and a cutting grapple, they removed nearly all of the entangling gear and expect the remaining line to be shed as a wound on the whale heals.
      According to Yager, the agency contacted the fisherman who owns the gear. “It’s about figuring out what’s going on, so we know the best thing to do,” Lyman said. “I’ve worked with fishermen, and I know that, if we can get the information to them, they will incorporate it.”
      Ka`u residents who see a distressed whale can report it to NOAA’s Marine Mammal Hotline at 888-256-9840.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE National Marine Sanctuary is seeking to fill primary and alternate seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public input into sanctuary matters and provides advice to the sanctuary management.
      “The members of our advisory council represent an extremely important element of our community,” said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent. “Their input, experience and expertise assist sanctuary managers in making informed and timely decisions on how best to protect and conserve our important cultural and natural resources.”
      Three primary seats are business commerce, commercial shipping and whale watching. Alternate seats are Native Hawaiian, Hawai`i County and commercial shipping.
      Alternates attend meetings when primary members are not available and assume a seat if a primary member resigns. All candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations and views regarding protection and management of marine resources.
      Established in 1996, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council provides advice and recommendations on managing and protecting the sanctuary. The council is composed of government and non-governmental seats for a total of 53 representatives who serve on a volunteer basis, represent a variety of local user groups, the general public and state and federal governmental jurisdictions.
      Applications are due March 31. To receive an application kit or for further information, contact council coordinator Shannon Lyday at Shannon.Lyday@noaa.gov, 808-725-5905 or http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov. Completed applications should be submitted to Inouye Regional Center, Attn: NOS/HIHWNMS/Shannon Lyday, 1845 Wasp Blvd, Bldg 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Rep. Richard Onishi
Rep. Richard Creagan
FUNDING FOR LITTLE FIRE ANT management is advancing at the state Legislature. The House Agriculture Committee passed HB 1403, introduced by several legislators, including Ka`u’s Reps. Richard Onishi and Richard Creagan. The bill mandates that the state Department of Agriculture establish a little fire ant Pesticide Treatment Coupon Pilot Project on Hawai`i Island. The project would distribute coupons redeemable for appropriate pesticides at suppliers or vendors within Hawai`i County at no cost to individuals who have reported and verified to the department the presence of LFA on their property within the county. Each coupon would be valid for a one-year supply of the department’s recommended treatment plan. 
      DOA would also create a map indicating all LFA sites in the county by using all its available data, including verified reports of LFA sites. The maps would be updated periodically and made available on the department’s website.
      Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reported that Onishi said the state needs to do more to help Big Island residents. “We saw what happened with the coqui frogs and the fact that there was no program for homeowners until later,” Onishi said. He said the bill would help county efforts to create a larger buffer zone around neighborhoods and park facilities.
      Information about LFA is available at littlefireants.com.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE FOOD BASKET WANTS TO CONNECT hungry customers to Ka`u farms’ fresh produce. The Food Basket’s islandwide Community-Supported Agriculture program is looking for more locally grown produce to supply customers’ food boxes. Local greens, fruits, squashes, root crops and other interesting crops will be considered.
      Contact The Food Basket’s Hilo office at 933-6030. For more information about The Food Basket, Hawai`i Island’s Food Bank, see hawaiifoodbasket.org.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Lei making is the subject of a contest and exhibition. Photo from DOFAW
KA`U LEI MAKERS CAN ENTER KAULUWEHI, a juried lei art contest and exhibition celebrating native species, Hawaiian culture and sustainable picking practices on Hawai`i Island. Kauluwehi features three main categories including kahiko (traditional style lei), `auana (contemporary lei), and lei hulu (feather lei). The kahiko category features several subcategories, each showcasing a particular material such as leaves, flowers or fruit and seed of a plant. The `auana category moves away from the traditional style of lei making by incorporating recycled materials, synthetic materials and exotic plant materials.
      Lei will be judged on craftsmanship, creativeness of design, uniqueness of material and complexity or effort put into it. Amateur and professional lei artist of all ages are invited to enter. 
      The contest and exhibition are sponsored by Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Hawai`i Island Natural Area Reserves, Three Mountain Alliance and Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center.
      For more information and to enter, go to dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE ARE URGING the public to be aware of hazardous conditions at roadside memorials. Nighttime vigils are particularly dangerous because of limited visibility by passing motorists, who might not see mourners or their parked vehicles until the last minute. Participants are encouraged to limit vigils to daytime hours.
      Visitors to roadside memorials should be alert to the close proximity of moving vehicles and should park their own vehicles safely out of the way of passing traffic. Motorists are asked to exercise extra caution in the vicinity of roadside memorials.
      “While the Police Department understands that roadside memorials can be part of the grieving process, we encourage everyone to exercise caution and common sense to avoid any additional tragedy,” Chief Harry Kubojiri said.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS holds a meeting today at 1 p.m. and a celebration from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Old Pahala Clubhouse. 
      Lunch is at 12 p.m., with kanikapila and heavy pupus at 6:30 p.m. Workshops, music and hula presentations take place throughout the day. See kauarts.org.

TOP 10 INSIGHTS ABOUT WORKING at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: One Scientist’s Perspective is the topic at this week’s After Dark in the Park program.
      Mike Poland, a scientist with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, has spent the past 10 years studying volcanic and earthquake activity across the Hawaiian Islands. He came to HVO in 2005 to focus on deformation, changes in the shape of a volcano prior to and during an eruption, but quickly realized that monitoring volcanoes like Kilauea and Mauna Loa requires teamwork and innovation – two things in which Hawaiian Volcano Observatory specializes.
      Poland will soon return to USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory in Washington, where he was stationed prior to HVO. Before he goes, he shares what he has discovered over the past decade about Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes, as well as the scientists who work at HVO.
      The free program takes place Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

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


See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf.
See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2015.pdf.






Saturday, February 21, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015

Ka`u schools, including Na`alehu Elementary, participated in the Hawai`i District Science and Engineering Fair at `Imiloa in Hilo.
Photo by Nalani Parlin 
KA`U STUDENTS SHOWED THEIR PENCHANT for science and engineering with over 30 participants joining the Hawai`i District Science & Engineering Fair in both the junior and senior research divisions. The fair was held at `Imiloa and is a stepping stone to the state Science & Engineering Fair.
Pahala School participants register at the science fair.
Photos by Robert Bowman
      Ka`u High senior, Jennifer Tabios, walked away with several prizes, including best in the physics and astronomy category for her project, the Relation Between Viscosity, Surface Tension and Temperature. Under guidance of teacher Ted Brattstrom, Tabios also won Sierra Club Moku Loa Group’s Dr. Don Worsencroft Award and $50 cash, TMT Galileo Award and a Galileo telescope, Best in Astronomy/Astrophysics Award and a Mauna Kea experience, a certificate from American Meteorological Society and the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional award.
      Brattstrom’s students Chloe Gan and Jenny Mauricio-Henriquez, both sophomores, won best in the energy and transportation category, the Eccentric Scientist: Off the Beaten Path-Outside the Box Award and $50 cash and two prizes from Hawai`i Electric Light Co. including the Outstanding Renewable Energy Project of $100 and the Best in Engineering and/or Environmental Science Award and $50 cash.
Rayncin Salmo-Grace explains his project to a judge.
      Gissele Corpuz and Brandi Louis, juniors also under the tutelage of Brattstrom, won best in the earth and planetary sciences category with their project called Waves: Speed and Depth. The pair also won the Basic Science and Engineering Award of $100 and a certificate.
      Sophomores Janslae Badua and Masen Dacalio, mentored by teacher Chayanee Brooks, won the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award and certificate with their chemistry project When Science is Sweet: Growing Rock Candy Crystals. 
      Best in Behavioral & Social Sciences category went to Charisma Felipe and Pete Dacalio, sophomores in Brattstrom’s class, who submitted the project How Music Affects Human Efficiency.
      In the junior research category, three Na`alehu Elementary sixth-grade students received prizes. Deansen Grant-Breithaupt, mentored by teacher Amberly Keohulua, submitted a behavioral and social sciences project, How the Body Reacts to Stress and Relaxation, and won the Veterans of Foreign Wars Award and $50.
Rio Chopot and Izaia Pilanca-Emmsley's project was Soda Rust Remover.
      Amber Sugrue and Johnette Llanes-Masters, taught by teacher Nellie Davis, won the TMT Galileo Award and a Galileo Telescope for their physics project, a take on Newton’s Balloon Car.
      Other Na`alehu Elementary sixth-grade submissions chosen to represent their classes included Chesatie Kai’s Acid Egg Bath and Izaiah Pilanca-Emmsley’s and Rio Chopot’s Soda Rust Remover. Duke Moniz-Ducosin submitted an engineering project using alternative energy to power a fan and pencil sharpener, which he called The New Generation. Kaulana Aipia-Dolan and Tiane Kuahiwinui entered the energy and transportation category with their project the Solar Heat Oven, comparing efficiency of two solar oven designs. 
      Five projects from Pahala Elementary, guided by teacher Molly Larnie, won the Pahala School science fair and also advanced to participate in the district fair. In the electrical and mechanical engineering category were the following projects: Delson Dacalio and Preston Pua-Queja – Cooking by the Sun; Shacy Davis, Bernadette Ladia and Elysa Abellera – Wind Turbine Design Inquiry; Rebecca Kailiawa and CeAndra Kamei – Solar Hot Water Heating; and Melakai Keohuloa and George Yeager – Making a Battery. Micah Polido-Kalili, Arniel Libunao and Paul Sanchez entered the energy and transportation category with their project titled Hawai`i Energy Use.
Melakai Keohuloa and George Yeager presented Making a Battery.
      Other projects representing Ka`u High, guided by either Brattstrom or Tishanna Ben, included entries in the behavioral and social sciences category by Benly Bolaoen and Julia Chavez – Essential Oils: Real or Fake? and Rowland Flores and Evan Manoha – Gumcentration. Janet Parlin and Ka`ala Petrill-Abrojina partnered to enter their Bottled Water Filter project in the environmental management category, and Rayncin Salmo-Grace was chosen to enter his project, The Essential Solution, in the plant sciences category.
      All representatives were treated to a planetarium show, received a free science fair T-shirt and a certificate of participation. Donna Kohara, Science & Engineering Fair Steering Committee member, said, “In my 10-plus years of working on science fairs, this is the first year that both Na`alehu and Pahala Elementary participated.” Ted Brattstrom kicked off Ka`u High’s participation in 2009, and the school has been a part of the fair ever since. Kohara said that science fair participation for Ka`u schools has increased thanks to interest from administrators and teachers.
Janet Parlin and Ka`ala Petrill-Abrojina partnered on a water filter project.
      Kohara advised students interested in participating in next year’s science and engineering fair to begin thinking of questions and problems to investigate and possible solutions. She said, “Start early, and start thinking of what could be.” She mentioned that some students are already starting on their projects for 2016.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE on Tuesday will review a proposal from Hawai`i Department of Agriculture to expand the designated coffee berry borer infested area to encompass the entire island of O`ahu. The board’s designation of O`ahu as a CBB-infested area will authorize the PQB to implement quarantine measures to restrict movement of coffee and other CBB hosts to prevent further spread of CBB to uninfested areas. According to HDOA, the quarantine is necessary to prevent further spread of CBB to other islands.
Solar hot water heating was CeAndra Kamei and Rebecca Kailiawa's project.
      If the board approves expansion of the designation, movement of green coffee and other CBB hosts between infested areas will require a permit.
      Treatment, as well as inspection by HDOA Plant Quarantine inspectors, is also required. For unroasted coffee beans, acceptable treatments include fumigation, freezing and heat.
      Rules are available at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/4-72-HAR-2012.pdf.
      Ka`u residents can submit testimony to HDOA Biological Control Section Chief Darcy Oishi at darcy.e.oish@hawaii.gov or 1428 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96822.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.


KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN, who serves as Senate majority leader, has asked Gov. David Ige to withdraw his nomination of Carleton Ching as head of the Department of Land & Natural Resources. Ching is Vice President, Community and Government Relations, for developer Castle & Cooke Hawai`i, where he supports the organization’s real estate, agricultural and renewable energy initiatives.
Deansen Grant-Breithaupt describes his project to a judge.
      “After meeting with Carleton Ching to discuss his nomination, I have determined that Mr. Ching is the wrong choice for Director of DLNR. Although he is personally likable, he does not have the experience, background or expertise to lead this department. He simply is not qualified for the job.”
      Green also said, “We need a Director of DLNR who has a proven record of fighting to protect and preserve our natural and cultural resources, not a career lobbyist for the development industry who has a record of calling for the elimination of cultural and environmental protections.
      “This nomination is the wrong choice for Hawai`i, and we should not move forward with it. I call on Gov. Ige to withdraw this nominee and offer the Senate and the people of Hawai`i a nominee for Director of DLNR who has a proven record of protecting and preserving Hawai`i’s natural and cultural resources.
      “The future of Hawai`i depends on the choices we make now.”
      The Water & Land Committee considers Ching’s nomination on March 11. The public can testify at capitol.hawaii.gov. Bill number is GM 514.    
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Amber Sugrue and Johnette Llanes-Masters studied Newton's balloon car.
FROM THE SUMMONS OF ART opens today at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Patti Pease Johnson’s exhibit of silk, clay, pastel and watercolor creations explores colors and shapes of Hawai`i’s splendor. A reception takes place at 5 p.m. The gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
      Free; park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8222 for more information.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS holds a meeting tomorrow at 1 p.m. and a celebration from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Old Pahala Clubhouse.
      Lunch is at 12 p.m., with kanikapila and heavy pupus at 6:30 p.m. Workshops, music and hula presentations take place throughout the day. See kauarts.org.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN STILL SIGN UP for next Saturday’s Sanctuary Ocean Count. Volunteers count and monitor humpback whales at various coastal sites from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. See sanctuaryoceancount.org.

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


See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_February2015.pdf.
See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and
kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.







Friday, February 20, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Feb. 20, 2015

A free program tomorrow at Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park introduces participants to Hawaiian goddesses Hi`iaka and Pele and the natural phenomena they represent. Photo from NPS
HAWAI`I LOST 400 SOLAR JOBS IN 2014, according to a report released by an independent nonprofit, the Solar Foundation. The report compares the loss with Hawaiian Electric, which some refer to as Hawai`i’s largest private employer. HECO had 2,764 employees in 2013. The solar job loss is equivalent to a loss of 15 percent of the largest private employer’s workforce.
      Robert Harris, spokesperson for the Alliance for Solar Choice, said, “It’s outrageous that Hawai`i – with all of its abundant sunshine – is losing the economic and environmental benefits of a vibrant solar industry. The blame for this loss rests on Hawaiian Electric. For almost two years now, Hawaiian Electric held up the solar industry on a false premise. The solar industry consistently maintained, and now Hawaiian Electric finally admits, that vastly higher amounts of rooftop solar can be installed on the grid.
      “But there’s ‘more of the same’ on the horizon. Instead of simply working to allow more of their customers to install cleaner and cheaper sources of electricity, HECO followed the national utility playbook of trying to eliminate net energy metering. It is our hope that the Public Utilities Commission will see HECO’s plan for what it truly is: an effort to stop competition and to eliminate rooftop solar in Hawai`i. We need to prevent even larger job losses in 2015.” 
      HECO recently announced plans to increase the number of customers it will allow to connect solar systems to its electric grid.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Henruy Curtis
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HAWAI`I Public Utilities Commission’s history, more than 30 entities have sought party status in a single regulatory proceeding, according to Life of the Land Executive Director Henry Curtis. PUC Docket Number 2015-0022, considering the purchase of Hawaiian Electric Co. by NextEra Energy, has 32 potential parties: four applicants, 27 interveners and the Consumer Advocate. 
      Potential interveners include Hawai`i County, Hawai`i Island Energy Cooperative, Ulupono Initiative, Blue Planet Foundation, Tawhiri Power, Hawai`i Gas, state Office of Planning and state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.
      According to LOL Executive Director Henry Curtis, the organization “asserts that all interests should be at the table, should be able to present their positions and should be able to ask questions to NextEra.”
      The utilities recently sent a letter to the PUC asking commissioners to reject LOL’s motion to intervene.
      Randy Iwase, Gov. David Ige’s nominee to chair the PUC, told a state Senate committee that if confirmed, he plans to hold public meetings regarding the merger, according to a report in Civil Beat by Nathan Eagle.
      See ililanimedia.blogspot.com and civilbeat.com.
      See puc.hawaii.gov for more information about and documents in the docket.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u Learning Academy's founder is seeking county approval to open the charter
school in Discovery Harbour at the current site of Gilligan's Cafe.
KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY is on the Windward Planning Commission’s next meeting agenda. KLA founder Kathryn Tydlacka applied for a Special Permit to allow establishment of the charter school and related uses for 65 students. The site is currently Gilligan’s Café, where founders are raising funds for the school by serving meals Friday and Saturday evenings on a nonprofit basis. The facility is on 3.69 acres of land within the state Land Use Agricultural District at 94-1572 Kaulua Circle in Discovery Harbour. 
      The meeting takes place Thursday, March 5 at Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo. Public statements are welcome.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Gov. David Ige
GOV. DAVID IGE IS IN WASHINGTON, DC for the winter meeting of the National Governors Association. 
       Governors at the meeting are expected to focus on collaboration to solve national issues. Ige serves on the Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee and will be participating in a panel discussion on Sunday. The governors will also meet with President Obama at the White House.
       In addition to the NGA meetings, Ige will be meeting with federal transportation, health and housing administration officials to maximize Hawai`i’s share of federal dollars. Elizabeth Kim, Ige’s appointment to serve as a Special Advisor, will attend these meetings with him. Ige will also meet with Army officials to reiterate his commitment to strengthening the state’s relationship with the military. 
      Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui is Acting Governor until Ige’s return the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 25.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve is seeking advisory
council members. Photo from Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument
NOAA’s NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, part of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, is seeking applicants for two seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public participation in reserve management and provides advice and recommendations to the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries regarding the reserve. 
      “Community representatives on our advisory council are an extremely important part of our team,” said David Swatland, acting superintendent for the monument. “Their input is an integral part of managing this special place.”
      The reserve is accepting applications for alternate Native Hawaiian elder and alternate Native Hawaiian.
      Candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations and views regarding protection and management of marine resources. Applicants who are chosen as members or alternates should expect to serve a two-year term or until a different advisory body is created pursuant to the monument’s management plan.
      The advisory council consists of 15 primary and alternate members representing a variety of public interest groups, including conservation, education, research and ocean-related commercial and recreational activities, as well as the Native Hawaiian community.
      Applications are due March 31. To receive an application kit, or for further information, contact Hoku Johnson, acting deputy superintendent, at hoku.johnson@noaa.gov or 808-725-5800. Application kits can also be downloaded at http://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/council/.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A Hawai`i Island high school student
learns about farming as an intern.
Photo from The Kohala Center
KA`U HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS interested in learning more about farming, ranching, food production and sustainability can apply for The Kohala Center’s spring cohort of its High School Agriculture Internship Program. Internships offer paid stipends for participants to take field trips to island farms, gain hands-on experience in organic and natural farming methods and learn more about career opportunities in agriculture. The program runs March 16–20, during spring intersession, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with each day beginning and ending in Honoka`a.
      For more information and to apply, visit koha.la/farminterns. Application deadline is Wednesday, March 11.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers a free program tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participants discover the Hawaiian goddesses, sisters Pele and Hi`iaka, and the natural phenomena they represent through epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku on an easy 1.7-mile walk on the main road in the park.

`Ohi`a Forest Path
by Patti Pease Johnson
FROM THE SUMMONS OF ART opens tomorrow at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Patti Pease Johnson’s exhibit of silk, clay, pastel and watercolor creations explores colors and shapes of Hawai`i's splendor. A reception takes place at 5 p.m. The gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
      Free; park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8222 for more information. 

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS holds a meeting Sunday at 1 p.m. and a celebration from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Old Pahala Clubhouse.
      Lunch is at 12 p.m., with kanikapila and heavy pupus at 6:30 p.m. Workshops, music and hula presentations take place throughout the day. See kauarts.org.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN HELP Dr. Claire Horwell with her study on how people cope with vog during a survey at Ka`u Farmers Market in Na`alehu next Wednesday. See https://www.facebook.com/groups/421925067973152/ for more information about her research.

FREE VISION SCREENINGS are available for Ka`u residents when Project Vision’s mobile unit comes to Pahala and Na`alehu next month. Along with screenings, keiki receive free UV protection sunglasses. Adults receive retina screenings for glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, cataracts and more. Adults can also get free reading glasses.
      Health insurance information and education and guidance to follow up eye-care are also provided.
      Events are scheduled for Wednesday, March 4 at Na`alehu Community Center and Thursday, March 5 at Pahala Community Center. Sponsored by Tutu & Me, Project Vision Hawai`i and Hawai`i Health Connector.
      For more information, call Jessica Steele at 808-464-2676 or Betty Clark at 929-8571.

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