Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, May 2, 2015

Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a is in full swing, with a day of entertainment and booths, including Ka`u Rural Health Community Association Director Luz Miguel, center, promoting healthful living and health education. Photo by Julia Neal

“LUKE’S LAW NOW A REALITY,” Ka`u’s state Sen. Josh Green announced on his Facebook page. Green’s Senate Bill 791 calls for insurance companies to cover diagnosis and treatment of autism for children up to age 14.

Sen. Josh Green with Luke, the boy with autism who inspired
Luke's Law, requiring insurance coverage for the disease.
Photo from Sen. Green's Facebook page

      The bill’s name refers to a Big Island boy with autism whose family’s struggles with affordable health care raised awareness of the issue in Hawai`i. “So many people made this happen, but we dedicate the moment to Luke and the thousands of other young boys and girls in Hawai`i who will now have covered treatment to improve their lives!” Green said. 

      According to Green, the autism rate is as high as one in 68 children, “and families across Hawai`i are struggling with the enormous costs of the treatment they need to give their kids the best chance to lead healthy, productive lives.”
      Green fought to pass similar legislation during the 2014 legislative session and introduced SB 791 for the 2015 session on Jan. 23.
      “Over 38 states have passed legislation to ensure that treatment for autism is covered by health insurance,” Green said, “because they know the huge financial costs of leaving autism left untreated, both to families and to the state.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S current artist-in-residence, feather artist Rick Makanaaloha Kia`imeaokekanaka San Nicolas, is holding an open house Monday through Friday through May 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 1932 Administration Building (also called the `Ohi`a Wing).
      San Nicolas will also participate in the park’s upcoming BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival, Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16, from the `Ohi`a Wing, located between Kilauea Visitor Center and Volcano House.

Rick Makanaaloha Kia`imeaokekanaka San Nicolas displays
his feather creations. NPS Photo by Christa Sadler

      San Nicolas was recently bestowed the title of Ke Kumu Hulu Nui (feather master of ancient Hawaiian featherwork) by revered Kumu Hula (hula master) Kaha`i Topolinski. Early on, San Nicolas knew his calling was to learn from the most noted Hawaiian experts of this heritage art. His featherwork replicates the work of ancient Hawaiian masters whose finely crafted regalia were worn by Hawaiian royalty and warriors. He has honed his featherwork through research, talking to kupuna (honored elders) and by listening intently to all who want to share their story, traditions and process. Through their dedication, San Nicolas helps perpetuate the art of feather lei making for generations to come. More of his work is also on exhibit at Volcano House.

      The National Parks Arts Foundation, now in its second year of working with the National Park Service at Hawai`i Volcanoes, coordinates the park’s artist-in-residence program. The National Parks Arts Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 supported by donations from the public.
      To help fund upcoming artist-in-residence programs in a number of parks, call 505-715-6492, email admin@nationalparksartsfoundation.org, and see www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AFTER A HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE meeting that lasted over 18 hours, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016. The Committee passed the funding measure by a bipartisan vote of 60-2. 

      “With competing priorities, readiness needs and a variety of threats that are constantly evolving in different parts of the world, it’s important that we ensure our troops have the resources they need to do their job in keeping the American people safe,” Gabbard said.

Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba promotes her own
R&G Coffee at the ho`olaule`a today. Photo by Julia Neal

      “Given the evolving threats we face in the Asia-Pacific region, I’m pleased that in addition to almost $500 million in investment for Hawai`i military infrastructure, two of my own amendments were included in the bill that help ensure Hawai`i will be protected against missile threats from North Korea. Additionally, Congressman John Kline and I worked together to include an amendment that will keep the pressure on the Pentagon to provide access to affordable healthcare for those military retirees who live outside the TRICARE Prime service area. The Department of Defense’s 2013 policy change disproportionately negatively impacted our neighbor island residents, which is a wrong that must be fixed.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Aaron Delos Santos spoke of his great teachers and the need for education,
calling for an end to discrimination and racism. Photo by Julia Neal

AARON DELOS SANTOS, AN EIGHTH-GRADER at Pahala Intermediate School, thanked four of his teachers and shared his thoughts on education, discrimination and racism in an essay he read at Gilligan’s Café yesterday.  He volunteers at the restaurant, which is raising money for the new charter school set to open for the next school year.

     De Los Santos praised his teachers,  including Ms. Tran, by quoting Rita Pierson:  "I am somebody. I was somebody when I came. I'll be a better somebody whenI leave. I am powerful, and I am strong. I deserve the education.....”
      In praising Tran, he also quoted La'ech:

      “You are my other me. If I do harm to you, I do harm to myself. If I love and respect you, I love and respect myself."

      Delos Santos said Mr. Bowers taught him to think outside the box and how to solve matrix and imaginary numbers, “subjects I thought I would never learn until high school.” He said Bowers was one of the greatest teachers he’s ever had.

Local Buzz from South Point Road features mac nuts, coffee and honey.
Photo by Julia Neal

      Delos Santos thanked Mr. Findlay for “opening my eyes to just how smart I am and never letting me quit!” He said Findlay “provided me with so much positivity and knowledge” and helped him improve in mathematics. Findlay also shared with Delos Santos the term Meliora – Always striving to be ever better.
      The 13-year-old said Ms. T taught him that education is like a building. “If we missed parts in our education, the foundation of our structure will be weak,” he said. He thanked her for “your patience for us and the time you took out of your own life to fill in the missing parts of our education.”

      “I would like to thank all the educators, not just the ones here bout also around the word,” Delos Santos said. “You guys are the key to education.”
      Delos Santos encouraged listeners to understand Martin Luther King’s dream: “He dreamt of a nation where different races could live in peace and tranquility.”

`O Ka`u Kakou provides security for the ho`olaule`a and raises money
for its community work through selling shave ice. Photo by Julia Neal

      In closing, Delos Santos said, “Together we the people can achieve greatness and surpass the expectations of others! We can change this community to one that is greater than others. A place where there is no discrimination or racism. Together we can make Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream a reality.” 
   For more on the new charter school, see www.kaulearningacademy.org.

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

U.S. SENS. BRIAN SCHATZ AND MAZIE HIRONO have joined other Senate Democrats in introducing the Raise the Wage Act, a bill to increase the minimum wage to $12 by 2020 to help more families make ends meet, expand economic opportunity and help build an economy that works for all families.
      “If you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to support your family. But too many working families today can barely make ends meet because our federal minimum wage has not kept up with the cost of living,” Schatz said. “Raising the minimum wage would lift millions of families out of poverty and put them on the path to the middle class, helping build a stronger, more resilient economy for everyone.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Brenda Iokepa-Moses, co-chair of the coffee festival, helps with the Ka`u
Coffee Mill booth. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A continues today until 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center, featuring a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Experience, educational displays and demonstrations, farm tours, vendors and Ka`u Coffee. 

      Emcees Skylark and Debbie Ryder opened the ho`olaule`a at 9 a.m. Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu, Hands of Time, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana hula halau performed this morning. Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria Miranda and the Miss Ka`u Coffee Court appeared at 11:30 a.m., with Miranda playing piano and her court sharing their talents.
      Afternoon performances begin with Keaiwa and Demetrius Oliveira at 12:15 p.m., followed by Halau Hula O Leionalani at 1 p.m.; Bolo at 1:45 p.m; South Side Serenaders at 2:30 p.m., Keoki Kahumoku at 3 p.m.; and Kulele at 3:45 p.m.
      The Buy Local, It Matters drawing for a $1,000 check takes place at 4 p.m.
      Moses, Makana & Bradley play at 4:15 p.m., and Kookoo Bird & Friends play at 4:45 p.m.
      See kaucoffeefest.com.

KA`U COFFEE COLLEGE is tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Pahala Community Center. The free educational series features coffee researchers and industry professionals. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.

PALM TRAIL HIKE, TOMORROW from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit, is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop trail provides one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. 985- 6011 or nps.gov/havo

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.

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, May 1, 2015

Visitors and local residents explored the old plantation water system during two days of hikes sponsored by Ka`u Coffee Mill as part of then days of activities during the Ka`u Coffee Festival. Repairs to the water systems between Kapapala Ranch and Wai`ohinu are in the planning by Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District. Photos by Jesse Tunison

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S draft general management plan, wilderness study and environmental impact statement is now available for public review.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park seeks public input
on a draft document.

      General management plans are intended to be long-term documents that establish and articulate a management philosophy and framework for decision making and problem solving in national parks. In the 548-page document, three alternatives for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park are presented. Each alternative offers a different approach to protecting and managing park resources, using facilities and providing a range of access and visitor experiences to meet the needs of local residents, off-island visitors and students of all ages. These alternatives were developed with the intent to include and celebrate Native Hawaiian values such as malama `aina (nourishing and taking care of the land) and kuleana (responsibility).
       These alternatives are the result of five years of public scoping and comment, interdisciplinary research, field assessments, stakeholder discussions and Native Hawaiian consultation and are based upon the park’s purpose and significance, issues that need to be addressed, legal mandates and public comments provided on the preliminary alternatives.


      “We encourage everyone to give these alternatives serious consideration, take the time to comment and continue to stay involved to help your national park determine how this national and international treasure will be protected and managed over the next 20 years,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando.
      To review the DGMP/WS/EIS and provide comments online, see http://parkplanning.nps.gov/havogmp.
      The park will host a talk story session at Kilauea Visitor Center on June 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to answer questions and take comments. In addition, a formal wilderness hearing will be held during this meeting to receive comments specific to the wilderness study.
      Comments can also be mailed to Superintendent, Attn: DGMP/WS/EIS, PO Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718-0052. The public comment period will remain open through June 30.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Hikers follow recently laid pipe next to the old flume
system on the Ka`u Mountain Water System Hikes.

THE 2015 KA`U MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEMS HIKE was extended an extra day this year to accommodate those interested in joining the hike after all 35 spots for Wednesday’s event were filled. 

      Participants met with guides at Ka`u Coffee Mill on Wednesday and Thursday morning to be shuttled to the trailhead.
      The guided hike over moderate terrain wanders through the Hawaiian rainforest of `ohi`a, uluhe, hapu`u and many other native plant species. Hikers were serenaded by endemic birds like `apapane, `amakihi and `i`iwi. The path follows that of historic flume systems from the sugarcane era that have recently been repaired and are now being reused for agricultural purposes in the Wood Valley area. Eventually these flumes will help generate enough electricity to power Ka`u Coffee Mill and other agricultural endeavors, such as mechanically hulling macadamia nuts. Those on the walk saw development of the hydroelectric power project.
      Hikers were welcomed to take a further journey to the natural water source, a tunnel that contains a naturally forming pool of fresh water filtered by the native rainforest.
      Participants were invited to sit and appreciate the natural beauty of their surroundings, refreshments, pre-packed lunches and talk story about their journey. This official Ka`u Coffee Festival event was designed and offered by Ka`u Coffee Mill, a subsidiary of Edmund C. Olson Trust II.

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

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS, which originally supported the Thirty Meter Telescope, yesterday rescinded its support following opposition by Native Hawaiians and their supporters and arrests of 31 of them.
      According to a story by Richard Wiens in Civil Beat, Trustee Peter Apo said, “We are back to square one. We want to go back and review the documents.” Apo said the board’s decision was based on new information received since 2009, including several issues raised about the overall management of Mauna Kea.
      “This was an opportunity I think for us to try to hit a reset button and begin to review and take another look at the public trust responsibility that the state has to Hawaiians and walk that trail again,” Apo told Wiens.

      Kealoha Pisciotta, one of those arrested last month, was disappointed that OHA did not decide to oppose the project outright. “If they said they actually oppose it, I think it would have helped because we could have said ‘OHA is not in support of this.’ What are we saying now? What does it really mean?” she asked. 

      Henry Yang, chair of TMT Observatory Board, said, “We are naturally disappointed that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs has changed its position on the Thirty Meter Telescope project. However, we are by no means discouraged. We must now redouble our commitment to respectfully continuing dialogue and engagement with OHA and all other stakeholders.”
      See civilbeat.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Lava that overflowed onto the floor of Halema`uma`u crater is visible at center,
with the vent at right. Photo from USGS/HVO

THE LAVA LAKE WITHIN HALEMA`UMA`U Crater remains at or just below the rim of the Overlook crater, according to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. The lake did not overflow onto the floor of the crater over the past day. Yesterday afternoon, the lava level was one yard below the crater floor. 

      This morning, the lava level was slightly higher and very close to the rim of the Overlook crater.
      According to HVO, recent overflows have accumulated and built the rim of the Overlook crater up a few yards above the crater floor.
      See updates at hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I FARM BUREAU FEDERATION and Project Vision Hawai`i are two organizations with a Ka`u presence approved by state House and Senate budget conferees to receive a portion of $28 million in Grants-in-Aid. 

A bridge carried water and hikers across a gulch on the
Ka`u Mountain Water System route.

      The funds go to organizations serving the public and working to improve the state of Hawai`i. Total appropriations amounted to nearly $20 million in capital improvement projects funding and $8 million in operating funds. The funding agreements were made as lawmakers agreed on House Bill 500, relating to the state budget. 

      HFBF, which requested $750,000, would receive $350,000 for its Food Safety Viability for Hawai`i’s Farmers program.
      Project Vision Hawai`i, which brings its van to Ka`u for vision checks, would receive $155, 770, its requested amount, to expand its statewide keiki and adult health screening and vision correction services for poor and medically access-challenged residents.
      Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island, which applied for a $150,000 grant for its Hua Ola Puna & Pahala project, did not receive funding.
      The agreement culminated nearly two weeks of discussions on a wide range of issues such as social services, mass transit, healthcare, education, the environment and support for statewide government services. HB500, CD1 now goes before the full House and Senate for a final vote.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT FORMATION and various uses of Pu`u o Lokuana and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u on a moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone. The guided hike takes place tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Kahuku unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL EVENTS continue through Sunday. Details are at www.kaucoffeefest.com.

John Cross talks story with participants one of two Ka`u Mountain Water System
Hikes, events leading up to tomorrow's Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a.

DURING KA`U STAR GAZING today from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., participants travel to the summit of Makanau to observe the heavens. $35 includes refreshments and shuttle transportation. kaucoffeemill.com or 928-0550.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center features a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Experience, educational displays and demonstrations, farm tours, vendors and meet the farmers. 

      Emcees Skylark and Debbie Ryder open the  ho`olaule`a at 9 a.m. Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu performs at 9:15 a.m. followed by Hands of Time at 10 a.m. and Hannah’s Makana `Ohana hula halau at 10:45 a.m. Miss Ka`u Coffee Maria Miranda and the Miss Ka`u Coffee Court will appear at 11:30 a.m., with Miranda playing piano and her court sharing their talents.
Afternoon performances begin with Keaiwa and Demetrius Oliveira at 12:15 p.m., followed by Halau Hula O Leionalani at 1 p.m.; Bolo at 1:45 p.m; South Side Serenaders at 2:30 p.m., Keoki Kahumoku at 3 p.m.; and Kulele at 3:45 p.m. 

      The Buy Local, It Matters drawing for a $1,000 check takes place at 4 p.m. 

      Moses, Makana & Bradley play at 4:15 p.m., and Kookoo Bird & Friends play at 4:45 p.m.

      See kaucoffeefest.com. 

KA`U COFFEE COLLEGE on Sunday at 9 a.m. at Pahala Community Center is a free educational series featuring coffee researchers and industry professionals. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550.

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

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

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, April 30, 2015

Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu, under the direction of Ab Valencia, is scheduled to perform at 9:15 a.m. during Saturday's Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a at Pahala Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal

HALEMA`UMA`U CRATER’S LAVA LAKE level began to drop after Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists record the start of deflationary tilt around 4 a.m. today. The lava lake level had been at or near the rim of the Overlook crater over the past day, with several brief episodes of lava overflowing a short distance onto the floor of the crater. Spattering had been common along the south margin of the lake over the past day. Yesterday at noon, the lava level was measured at two yards above the floor of Halema`uma`u. This morning, the lava level dropped slightly and is now several yards below yesterday’s measurement.

Following overflows of lava onto the floor of Halema`uma`u, lava has begun
to drop into the Overlook crater. Photo from USGS/HVO

      HVO explained the current activity as “an increase in magma supply to the Kilauea Volcano magma reservoir or storage system, something that has occurred many times during the ongoing East Rift Zone eruption. Increased supply and shallow storage can explain the higher magma column in the Overlook crater, as well as the continuing inflation and elevated earthquake activity in the summit region. Higher volumes of magma moving throughout the summit and upper East Rift Zone pressurizes the reservoir and magma transport system and causes small earthquakes and inflationary tilt.”
      Regarding what the future holds, HVO said, “As long as magma supply is elevated, we expect continued high lava lake levels accompanied by additional overflows. Lava from these overflows could cover more of the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater floor, form a perched lake, or result in some combination of these two processes. Spattering or lava fountaining sources can migrate across the surface of the lava lake, as recently observed. We expect continued rockfalls, intermittent explosions and ash fall and continued high levels of gas release.
      “The evolution of unrest in the upper East Rift Zone is less certain. It is possible that a surge of lava will reach Pu`u `O`o and lava flow output will increase, both on the flanks and within the crater of Pu`u `O`o. It is also possible that lava will form a new vent at the surface. If this happens, it will most likely occur along a portion of the East Rift Zone between Pauahi Crater and Pu`u `O`o. Other outbreaks in the summit area or along either rift zone on Kilauea cannot be ruled out. If a new outbreak or surge in lava to Pu`u `O`o occurs, we will expect a drop in the summit lava lake.”
      During HVO’s close monitoring of Kilauea Volcano, scientists are especially watching for any sign of unrest that may precede a new outbreak of lava or a change in output at either Pu`u `O`o or the summit Overlook crater vent.

      See daily updates at hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

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

Kalika Kastein

KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY STILL HAS openings for students to begin classes July 29. The charter school’s enrollment is currently above 80 percent, and the final lottery takes place June 30.
      Academy staff includes two recently hired teachers.
      Kalika Kastein joined the Peace Corps in 2011 as a computer literacy educator and immediately fell in love with teaching, later becoming an arts electives teacher as well. When she wasn’t teaching primary or secondary school, she worked on computer lab, library and microscope acquisition projects for local schools. After her service, Kastein worked for a community relations department at a Girl Scout World Centre in India before becoming a part of educational nonprofit WorldTeach in early 2014. With WorldTeach, she worked as an Admissions Coordinator and later as a Field Director in Chuuk, Micronesia where she not only trained and managed a team of 27 volunteer teachers, but also acted as an administrative assistant, substitute teacher and occasional bus driver for a local public school. She is a current Teach for America corps member working on her master’s in education from Johns Hopkins. She will teach English Language Arts at KLA.

Kalena Roark

      Kalena Roark is a recent graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, where she majored in elementary education and learning behavioral disabilities. Throughout her time at Eastern, Roark was extremely involved within her campus and her community. She served as vice president of several collegiate honor societies, and in her senior year was elected president of Kappa Delta Pi Teacher’s Honor Society, where she devoted her time to volunteering and improving the educational experience of others. Roark was recognized for her outstanding achievements, being awarded the Outstanding Four-Year Member Award from Student Alumni Ambassadors, also receiving awards for being the most involved and most dedicated ambassador. Her devotion to education is apparent through four consecutive years of placement on the Dean’s and President’s list, as well as honors she received upon graduating. At KLA, the current Teach for America corps member will teach Social Studies.

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

HAWAI`I STATE LEGISLATURE HAS PASSED a bill prohibiting powdered alcohol. SB 550 outlaws consumption, purchase, possession, selling, offering for sale, or otherwise distributing the substance that can be added to water to make alcoholic beverages.
      Any person who violates the law is guilty of a misdemeanor.
      The bill defines powdered alcohol as “a powdered or crystalline substance that contains any amount of alcohol for either direct use or reconstitution.”
      Ka`u’s Sens. Josh Green and Russell Ruderman, who were managers during Senate Conference on the bill, voted in favor of the ban.
      The bill now awaits Gov. David Ige’s signature.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u High boys volleyball team begins BIIF play tomorrow.
Photo from Taylor's Sport Photography

FINISHING THEIR REGULAR SEASON with nine wins and four losses, Ka`u High boys volleyball team begins Big Island Interscholastic Federation play tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. at Hilo Civic Auditorium. 

      The teams traveled to Hawai`i Prep Saturday, April 25. Junior varsity won in two straight sets, 25-12 and 25-19. Varsity lost in three straight sets, 17-25, 16-25 and 10-25.
      Both teams won their only home matches in April against Wai`akea Tuesday, April 21. Junior varsity scores were 25-20 and 25-22. Varsity went to a fifth-set tie-breaker, 25-8, 22-25, 25-20, 20-25 and 15-12.
      Cameron Enriques made 29 kills, with nine in the fifth set, and Brian Gascon made 12 kills, three of them in the fifth set.
      At Ehunui Wednesday, April 15, Ka`u won in three straight sets with scores of 25-9, 25-17 and 25-16.
      Kamehameha School Hawai`i Warriors took Ka`u teammates prisoners on Monday, April 13. JV scores were 17-25 and 9-25. Varsity’s were 13-25, 19-25 and 25-27.
      On Tuesday, April 7, Ka`u took the fourth set 25-22 for a 3-1 win over Pahoa’s Daggers. Final scores: 25-19, 23-25, 25-9 and 25-22.
      The Trojans overpowered Christian Liberty Academy in three straight sets Tuesday, March 31, with scores of 25-14, 25-9 and 25-12.

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

May Day is Lei Day at Volcano Art Center

MAY DAY IS LEI DAY, and Volcano Art Center celebrates tomorrow. With hundreds of fragrant blossoms and plant materials provided by the Volcano Art Center Gallery, Aunty Puna Suganuma and her `ohana share tips on sewing the perfect lei, the proper protocol of giving and receiving a lei and more.
      Volcano-area musician Wes Awana teaches local favorites and popular hapa-haole tunes on the `ukulele.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL EVENT details are at www.kaucoffeefest.com. They continue through Sunday:

COFFEE & CATTLE DAY is tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Aikane Plantation. Participants find out how descendants of Ka`u’s first coffee farmer integrate coffee with other agriculture. $25 includes all-you-can-eat buffet. aikaneplantation.com or 808-927-2252. See kaucoffeefest.com.

DURING KA`U STAR GAZING tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., participants travel to the summit of Makanau to observe the heavens. $35 includes refreshments and shuttle transportation. kaucoffeemill.com or 928-0550. See kaucoffeefest.com.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center features a free, full day of music, hula, Ka`u Coffee Experience, educational displays and demonstrations, farm tours, vendors and meet the farmers. See kaucoffeefest.com.

KA`U COFFEE COLLEGE on Sunday at 9 a.m. at Pahala Community Center is a free educational series featuring coffee researchers and industry professionals. Call Chris Manfredi at 929-9550. See kaucoffeefest.com.

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_April2015.pdf.