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Saturday, July 18, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, July 18, 2015

Hula Halau and other works by Avi Kiriaty are on display at Volcano Art Center Gallery, with an opening reception today
 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Image from Volcano Art Center
DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS has been awarded a Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant totaling $8.7 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to build affordable homes, make renovations and provide housing support for Native Hawaiian families. Hawaiian Homes owns more than 40 lots in Discovery Harbour, land mauka of Hwy 11 above Punalu`u, land in the Ka Lae, South Point area and land in Wai`ohinu.
      “This funding in the past has helped more than 1,400 low-income Native Hawaiian families build safe, secure homes and neighborhoods,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “Increased affordable homeownership has positive effects in our community on many levels. Since NAHASDA was enacted 18 years ago, preschool enrollment and proficiency rates in reading and mathematics have increased among Native Hawaiian children. Additionally, crime rates in the Native Hawaiian community have decreased, and health care disparities such as diabetes and heart diseases have been reduced. This grant will continue to build strong communities in Hawai`i for generations to come.”
       Sen. Brian Schatz said, “This investment will help DHHL build and maintain affordable housing units across Hawai`i, educate families about buying and financing a home, and offer loan assistance to make it easier for Native Hawaiian families to realize the dream of homeownership. The Native Hawaiian community continues to face unique challenges when trying to access affordable housing, and that is why funding programs like the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program are critical to reversing long-standing housing inequality.”
       Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “Access to affordable housing is a key to building strong communities. However, too many Native Hawaiian families struggle to finance their first home. Investments in home ownership and access to affordable housing are investments in Hawai`i’s future, and this funding will help DHHL’s beneficiaries pursue the dream of having a place to call home. In addition to meeting this responsibility, I will continue working with federal stakeholders to raise home affordability for all of Hawai`i’s families.”
       DHHL’s NHHBG planned activities for FY2016 include more than 300 rental and homeownership opportunities for Native Hawaiian Families, as well as funding for community health and safety promotion, rehabilitation assistance and energy saving investments for existing homeowners, and lending subsidies for homebuyers.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Snow limited access to Mauna Kea yesterday. Photo from East Asian Observatory
PLAINTIFFS HAVE FILED ANOTHER LAWSUIT attempting to stop construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope at the summit of Mauna Kea. 
      Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune-Herald, reported that two residents challenge University of Hawai`i’s authority to grant subleases on Mauna Kea because it is crown land that was owned by the Hawaiian monarchy and transferred to the United States following annexation. According to Callis, plaintiffs argue that the state doesn’t have authority over the land, UH’s lease incorrectly refers to the property as demised land, and subleasing the land is a violation of the Hawai`i Homestead Act of 1920.
      Hilo Circuit Judge Glenn Hara scheduled a hearing for Sept. 18. UH, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Office of Mauna Kea Management filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit that will be heard Aug. 19.
      While an emergency rule approved by BLNR and signed by Gov. David Ige continues to limit access to summit, tour companies that offer stargazing on Mauna Kea say their operations are back to normal.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Jim Alberts, of HECO.
NEARLY 70,000 ROOFTOP SOLAR photovoltaic net energy metering applications have been approved to install or interconnect across O`ahu, Maui County and Hawai`i Island, according to Hawaiian Electric Co. Since committing in October 2014 to clear a backlog of about 2,800 pending NEM applications, HECO has approved more than 15,000 applications to install or interconnect. 
      “Rooftop PV is an important option for many of our customers and a key part of the mix of renewable resources we need to meet our state’s goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2045,” said Jim Alberts, HECO senior vice president of customer service. “We’re working hard to provide our customers with options that support the continued growth of solar energy in ways that are safe and reliable while ensuring fair treatment for all customers.”
      As of July 15, a total of 69,330 rooftop solar NEM applications have been approved to install or interconnect by Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawai`i Electric Light Company.
      “We’ve worked closely with the PV industry and manufacturers of solar equipment to make improvements that help customers install rooftop solar systems safely and reliably,” Alberts said.
      Alberts said Hawai`i utilities have 20 times the national average in PV installed per customer.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. and Time Warner Cable, Inc., the parent company of Oceanic Time Warner Cable, LLC are seeking approval of indirect transfer of control of Oceanic’s six cable television franchises statewide pursuant to the merger transaction between Charter and TWC.
      The application to the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Cable Television Division includes a request for approval of the proposed financing mechanism needed to complete the proposed transaction. According to Charter and TWC, the proposed merger will result in new jobs and investments, a faster Internet experience at a better value and increased innovation and quicker rollout of advanced video technology, among other public benefits. In addition, Charter and TWC state that they are committed to, among other matters, protection of a “free and open Internet,” investment in infrastructure and customer service and a broadband program for low-income consumers.
      Under federal law, the Cable Television Division has 120 days from filing the application and all information required by the terms of the franchise agreement or state law to review the application and issue a decision. If no action is taken within the 120-day period, the application will be considered approved, unless an agreement is reached to extend this deadline.
      “We will thoroughly review the application and all related information regarding the proposed transaction to determine if it’s in the public interest,” said Cable Television Division Administrator Ji Sook “Lisa” Kim.
      Cable Television Division will issue information requests and/or clarification questions, as applicable, and seek input and comments from Cable Advisory Committee members and the general public. For this, Cable Television Division will hold a CAC meeting and statewide public hearings, details of which will be announced in the following weeks. Information regarding the proposed transaction will be made available online at cca.hawaii.gov/catv/.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u residents can donate backpack for schoolchildren.
Image from overstock.com
HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT IS AGAIN participating in a backpack drive for children who cannot afford to buy them. As in previous years, all police stations around the island will double as drop-off points for persons interested in helping children in need. Backpacks may be dropped off until Aug. 30.
     The  main police station in Ka`u is on the Volcano side of Na`alehu at 95-5624 Mamalahoa Hwy. Call 939-2520.
      Backpacks have been identified as the most requested non-food item for charities in Hawai`i. The donated backpacks will be distributed to children at women’s shelters, homeless shelters and transitional housing facilities around the Big Island.
      This is the seventh consecutive year the Police Department has worked in partnership with HOPE Services Hawai`i, formerly known as the Office of Social Ministry, which provides a continuum of homeless and transitional programs from outreach to emergency shelters, including permanent supportive housing placements.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KUMU PELE opens today at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, with an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This exhibition of original paintings and prints by Avi Kiriaty will be on display daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 23. The exhibit is free; park entrance fees apply.

KDEN SUMMER PRODUCTION of The King and I continues this evening at  7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 for seniors and students and $10 children 12 and under. Available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and at the door. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com for more information.

PARTICIPANTS LEARN ABOUT the People and Lands of Kahuku on a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes of the Kahuku unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park near South Point Road, tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
      For more information, call 985-6011.

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.
See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.






Friday, July 17, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Friday, July 17, 2015

Ka`u's County Council member Maile Medeiros David and state Rep. Richard Creagan, sitting at left, were among those listening to Ocean View-area residents during yesterday's meeting about a proposed solar project makai of Hwy 11. Photo by Julia Neal
SOLAR FARMS AT HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW RANCHOS, a project apparently sold to Chinese investors, received a bashing at Ocean View Community Center last night. The founder of South Point U-Cart, Stan Troeller, who provides propane and home improvement and construction equipment, supplies and services in Ocean View, said the project is an example of “a large corporation blindsiding a little subdivision.”
Native lama trees are found on lots proposed for ground-mounted solar arrays.
Photo from Native Plants Hawai`i
      The investment group has purchased and arranged to use numerous agricultural house lots by clearing and covering them with solar panels. Hawai`i Electric Light Co. plans to build a substation in Ranchos and buy the electricity from the company.
      Concerns coming from many speakers included probable loss of archaeological sites, mature `ohi`a trees and the endangered native lama tree, also called Hawaiian ebony or Hawaiian persimmon, as lots are bulldozed. Another issue: loss of opportunity for Ranchos and other Ocean View residents to install solar to sell power to HELCO, should the project take up all the capacity for the utility to receive solar energy into its system in the neighborhood. Residents talked about losing the residential feel of the community should numerous lots be cleared, fenced and covered with panels. Some houses would be bordered by solar farms and their fencing. They talked about traffic associated with the project damaging roads they work hard to maintain themselves. Community security is another issue. Some said it is a certainty that thieves will steal solar panels, fencing and copper in the remote locations.
      When asked whether anyone could come up with any redeeming value to the community from the project, one person said perhaps fewer power outages. When asked if residents have a problem with power outages, no one raised a hand. When asked how many people opposed the project, most raised a hand. Any benefit to local residents? Another called out, “Not unless we sell our souls.” Several stated that the project would not provide local jobs or any discounts in electric rates.
Most residents found no redeeming value in the proposed solar project.
Photo by Julia Neal
      The group talked about signing up an attorney. West Ka`u state House of Representative member Richard Creagan said he would look onto the Public Utilities Commission’s role in the issue and would speak to the governor this morning. He said he would look into whether the number of lots and land area to be used for the solar project taken as a whole would trigger an Environmental Assessment requirement and also the idea of finding other, state land for the solar project. He said the situation is an example of unintended consequences of policy aimed at making Hawai`i more self-sustaining in energy production. He said to change the law that allows such projects in housing areas would take years, “like turning around a big ship.”
      The Dolittle estate, adjacent to Ranchos, was also mentioned as a place with more than 400 acres with permits that would allow felling `ohi`a and lama trees and covering it with solar panels.
      County Council member Maile Medeiros David encouraged Ocean View and Ranchos residents to organize and said she would look into ways for the community to have more input in such situations. Since solar is allowed on ag land, and Ranchos is zoned ag, it is an allowable use, even though the community is considered residential by its occupants. If the county had required the project to go before the Planning Commission, “you would be entitled to a contested case," the council woman said, promising to look into the issue at the county regulatory level.
      Ocean View resident Ralph Roland said that if communities were allowed to incorporate in Hawai`i, these issues could be handled locally. He predicted more problems on the horizon from outside decision-making.
      Ocean View Community Association offered a place to meet, and committees were formed to study the issues and come up with an action plan. Acting Ocean View Community Association President Sandi Alexander said the biggest problem “is that we found out only recently about how far along the project had come without involvement of the community. We don’t want this coming into the community without our input.”
      Anyone wanting to be involved with the issue can call Ocean View Community Association at 939-7033.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ka`u public schools are preparing for opening day. Photo from KHPES
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPEN SOON. Ka`u Learning Academy in Discovery Harbour has scheduled its inaugural opening for Wednesday, July 29 for grades three through six. At Na`alehu Elementary, pre-k through sixth grade starts on Thursday, July 30. In Pahala, school begins for student preschool, kindergarten, seventh and ninth grades on Friday, July 31. Grade eight and all other classes in Pahala start school on Monday, Aug. 3. 
      Pahala and Na`alehu classes start at 8 a.m. Ka`u Learning Academy classes start at 8:45 a.m.
      Call the Pahala public school campus at 928-2088, Na`alehu at 939-2413 and Ka`u Learning Academy at 808-213-1097.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

PUBLIC SCHOOL UNIFORM PICK-UP has been scheduled for Pahala and Na`alehu Schools in communities around the district.
      For the Pahala campus, students choose between black and white T-shirts for ninth through 12th grades and maroon and grey for pre-k through eighth grade. In addition to the T-shirt, students are able to wear shorts, long pants or skirts of their own to complete their uniforms for school.
      On Saturday, July 25, Ka`u High, Intermediate and Elementary school uniforms that were pre-ordered will be available at Ocean View Market from noon to 2 p.m. and Na`alehu Shopping Center from at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. In Pahala, uniforms will be distributed at the campus office starting Monday, July 27, weekdays until school begins. Some extras are available for those who did not pre-order. The cost of each T-shirt is $7 for most sizes. Double- and triple-XL cost $8.50.
      For Na`alehu Elementary School, students choose T-shirt colors between Kelly green, lime green and goldenrod. Cost is $7, $8.50 for double- and triple-XL. Pick-up is at the school office weekdays starting July 25.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

School meals include a variety of foods. Photo from Hawai`i DOE
PUBLIC SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PRICES for Ka`u have been announced. The charter school, Ka`u Learning Academy, provides free breakfasts and lunches. In other public schools, for students pre-k through eighth grade, lunch price is $2.50. For ninth- through twelfth-graders, lunch costs $2.75. For students on a reduced price program, lunches will be 40 cents. 
      Breakfasts for regular students pre-k through eighth grade will cost $1.10. For ninth- through 12th-graders, breakfast will be $1.20. The reduced cost breakfast is 30 cents.
      For breakfast and lunch, bottled water costs 60 cents each. Milk is free for the first carton; each additional costs 50 cents. Breakfast starts at 7:15 a.m. at Na`alehu, 7:20 a.m. at Pahala and 8 a.m. at Ka`u Learning Academy.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

GOV. DAVID IGE HAS COMPLETED ACTION on bills the state Legislature sent to him. Ige signed 239 of the measures and vetoed eight. Four bills became law without Ige’s signature.
      HB541 requires each University of Hawai`i campus to prepare an operations plan to be reviewed by the President and VP for Budget and Finance and CFO of UH for each fiscal year.
      SB1092 repeals or reclassifies various non-general funds in accordance with the Auditor’s recommendations in Auditor’s Report Nos. 14-05 and 14-13.
      SB1297 amends the cigarette tax and tobacco tax law by changing the amount allocated to the trauma system special fund and establishing maximum dollar amounts that shall be distributed among certain non-general funds after June 30, 2015.
      SB118 requires and appropriates funds for Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, with assistance of DOTAX, to study the impact of real estate investment trusts in Hawai`i.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

People & Land of Kahuku explores the area's human history.
NPS Photo by Julia Espaniola
KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers free programs this weekend. 
      Participants 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 one-hour program takes place tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.
      People and Lands of Kahuku is a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Participants learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped and restored this land on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
      For more information, call 985-6011.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.
See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.






Thursday, July 16, 2015

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, July 16, 2015

Rimban Jeffrey D. Soga, of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuian, presided over two Obon services in Ka`u Monday. More services and
 Bon Dances take place at Honpa Hongwanji Hilo and around the island this weekend. Photo by Julia Neal
HAWAI`I’S MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES bill became law following Gov. David Ige’s signing of HB321 (Act 241) yesterday. The law establishes a licensing system for the dispensaries.
      “I support the establishment of dispensaries to ensure that qualified patients can legally and safely access medical marijuana,” Ige said. “We know that our challenge going forward will be to adopt rules that are fair, cost effective and easy to monitor. The bill sets a timeline. We will make a good faith effort to create a fair process that will help the people most in need.”
      The law also prohibits counties from enacting zoning regulations that discriminate against licensed dispensaries and production centers; allows the legal transport of medical marijuana in any public place, under certain conditions by qualified patients, primary caregivers or owners/employees of medical marijuana production centers and dispensaries.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Williamson Chang
THIRTY METER TELESCOPE OPPONENTS are challenging emergency rules pertaining to access to the summit of Mauna Kea, according to an Associated Press story in Honolulu Star-Advertiser. The rules, approved by the state Board of Land & Natural Resources last week, went into effect after Gov. David Ige signed them on Tuesday. They limit access between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. and prohibit camping equipment in the area.
      Representing two opponents, Williamson Chang filed a petition yesterday with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources seeking to repeal the rule, saying that it prevents TMT opponents from legally exercising their rights to peacefully protest.
      According to reporter Timothy Hurley, state Attorney General Douglas Chin’s office is reviewing the petition.
      See staradvertiser.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND & NATURAL RESOURCES provided answers to frequently asked questions about the emergency rules limiting access on Mauna Kea:
      What is the restricted area? 
This is defined as any lands in the public hunting area that includes the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road and one mile on either side of the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road.
      When are you not permitted in the restricted area?
 You cannot enter or remain in the restricted area during the hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Exceptions are for transiting through the restricted area on the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road or while lawfully within or entering or exiting an existing observatory or a facility operated by the University of Hawai`i.
      What does transiting mean?
 This means driving or being a passenger in a vehicle traveling at a reasonable and prudent speed and having regard to the actual and potential hazards and conditions.
      What types of gear are restricted? 
It is illegal to possess or use sleeping bags, tents, camp stoves or propane burners in the restricted zone.
Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road has limited access between
10 p.m. and 4 p.m. Photo from University of Hawai`i
      Is hunting illegal in the restricted area? 
No, as long as it is done following all existing state laws regarding hunting on public lands. However, under previously existing rules, hunting is only allowed from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, which does not fall between the restricted hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
      Can you protest and exercise free speech on Mauna Kea during the emergency rule period?
 Yes, as long as it does not otherwise violate existing laws. Protesters may not obstruct the lawful movement of authorized vehicles and personnel on the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road and are not allowed in the restricted area during the nighttime closure hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., except as provided for in the rule.
      Can people engage in customary and traditional practices in the restricted area?
 Yes, as long as these practices are not conducted between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Exceptions can be approved by the Chairperson of the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources.
      Is stargazing permitted on top of Mauna Kea?
 Yes, as long as you are not in the restricted area during the hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. As indicated above, remaining on the mountain during these hours is currently prohibited.
      Can I go to the top of Mauna Kea? 
Yes, either by traveling with an authorized tour company or on your own, subject to the restrictions in the rule. Please be aware that much of the Mauna Kea Observatory Access Road is gravel with sharp corners, steep drop-offs, and fast-changing weather conditions. Four-wheel drive is recommended for travel on the road at higher elevations. You may not be in the restricted area during the closure hours of 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. (subject to the exceptions noted above). Please check with the Office of Mauna Kea Management before starting your trip to learn about any special conditions. (808) 933-0734
      Can the road be closed during additional hours?
 Yes, if the University of Hawai`i, Office of Mauna Kea Management deems that natural or man-made conditions or hazards pose a threat to public safety, it has the authority to impose additional road closures.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Randy Cabral discussed challenges facing the macadamia industry on KITV.
RANDY CABRAL, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT of Operations at Royal Hawaiian Orchards, has retired. His last working day was this past Monday. Cabral is a leader in the development of macadamia, having worked in ag at the company, its predecessors, including ML Macadamia, and other previously related firms for more than 41 years. 
      “We sincerely appreciate Randy’s contributions to Royal Hawaiian Orchards during his long tenure. Randy is certainly a leader in the Hawai`i agriculture industry, and I sincerely wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Scott Wallace, President & CEO of Royal Hawaiian Orchards, L.P.
    Cabral is vice  president of the statewide Hawai`i Farm Bureau and owns a small ranch in Ka`u where he raises horses.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

STUDENTS AT KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY will be served breakfast and lunch at no charge, Managing Director Joe Iacuzzo announced yesterday. Meals are provided under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the 2015-2016 school year.
      KLA plans to begin classes in grades three through six on July 29 and follow the public school calendar.
      For additional information, contact Ka`u Learning Academy, Attn: James Pickett, Meals Program, PO Box 809, Na`alehu, HI 96772. Call 808-498-0761 or email kaulearning@gmail.com.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

New Horizons spacecraft has reached Pluto and is sending data and photos
back to Earth. NASA photo from Lew Cook
“DO YOU RECOGNIZE WHERE THIS IS?” asks astronomer Lew Cook, author of Stars Over Ka`u for The Ka`u Calendar. “It is an satellite shot of the mountains of Pluto! Taken by the New Horizons spacecraft as it whizzed by at 31,000 miles per hour, this picture shows mountains that look as if they were formed recently, at least on the geologic time scale. This is part of the treasure trove of information coming from over three billion miles away. The radio signals take 4.5 hours from the time they leave the spacecraft until we receive them here on earth. 
      “There will be a steady stream of data over the next year and a half coming from this piano-sized craft as it downloads the data and pictures it has taken. Why so long? Because of the weakness of the transmitter and the three billion miles the signal must travel.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A PROPOSED SOLAR PROJECT in various Ocean View areas is on the agenda of a meeting today at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Owners of parcels in Ranchos plan to install two-acre solar arrays on three-acre lots scattered throughout Ranchos and more on additional lots in neighboring locations. Sandy Alexander, president of Ocean View Community Association, said Hawaiian Electric Light Co. also has plans to build a 10-megawatt substation on Hwy 11 across from Ocean View Market to receive electricity generated by the project.
      Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan and County Council member Maile Medeiros David plan to attend.

NOE NOE KEKAUALUA presents Hula Arts tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Bon Dances like this past one at Na`alehu Hongwanji continue
around Hawai`i Island this weekend.
AN OBON SERVICE WAS HELD at Pahala Hongwanji on Monday, followed by a second service at Na`alehu Hongwanji, overseen by Rimban Jeffrey D. Soga, of Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuian, where an Obon service at 6 p.m. and Bon Dance at 7 p.m. will be held tomorrow and Saturday evenings. Other services at 6 p.m. with Bon Dances at 7 p.m. this weekend will be at Honoka`a Hongwanji and Kona Hongwanji, both on Saturday.

KDEN SUMMER PRODUCTION of The King and I continues tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets are $14 general admission, $12 for seniors and students and $10 children 12 and under. Available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and at the door. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com for more information.

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. 
See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July2015.pdf.