Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, February 21, 2018

The 16,355 acres above Pohuʻe Bay lands may be under consideration for a mini space launch facility. The real estate listing describes the property as the largest piece of land for sale across the state. 
Sales price is $18 million. Photo from LuxuryBigIsland.com 

LEGISLATION TO ISSUE $25 MILLION IN SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS to a company that wants to build a mini space port on Hawaiʻi Island goes to hearing Friday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m., at the State Capitol. Senate Bill 2703, submitted by Sen. Glenn Wakai of O‘ahu on Jan. 19, "Authorizes the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds to assist SpinLaunch Inc., with the financing of the planning, design, and construction of a satellite launch system" on Hawai‘i Island. Apparently, one possible location is in Ka‘ū. The 16,455 acre Pohuʻe Bay property, for sale for $18 million, could be on the SpinLaunch radar. Submit testimony online for SB2703.

     Harold Clarke, of Luxury Big Island, which represents the Pohuʻe Bay property owners, said Wednesday that he has heard for years of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's interest in the property. He said others have shown interest, but not anyone representing themselves as SpinLaunch, itself.
   

Pohuʻe Bay is known as an endangered hawksbill turtle site, 
and for its anchialine ponds. Photo by Peter Bosted

 Luxury Big Island by Harold Clarke real estate company promotes Pohu‘e Bay lands on its website as a "true sanctuary" and the largest piece of land for sale in the state. The "crowning jewel" is the bay itself. "People come to Hawai‘i for several reasons: the beauty of the environment, the slower pace of life, the ability to be in your own world, the rich history." With six miles of southwest-facing Pacific Ocean frontage and private white-sand beach, lush greenery, expansive lava fields, rich marine ecosystem, and ancient cave drawings/petroglyphs, it is listed as "a once-in-a-lifetime oasis found south of the Kaʻū Forest Reserve and the Mauna Loa volcano." The listing targets resort investors or conservationists, more than an aerospace launching installation. Pohuʻe Bay is known for nesting of the endangered hawksbill turtle and also for its anchialine ponds.

     In terms of its search for the right property, SpinLaunch states that it needs about eight acres, with thousands of acres around it as a buffer zone. The mechanics of the launch facilities are under wraps, as the company is still reportedly seeking patents, but the spaceport would use a launching mechanism only about 20 feet long, that would spin at more than 5,000 miles an hour, to sling small packages and satellites - about the size of a microwave oven - into low orbit.
     The companion bill, House Bill 2559, introduced Jan. 24 solely by state Rep. Cindy Evans, who represents the other side of the island, reads similarly to the Senate bill.

     The bills state the legislature finds that "support for the development of a small satellite launch system is in the public interest." It confirms that SpinLaunch proposes to construct an "electrical small satellite launch system on the Island of Hawaiʻi." And that the "issuance of special purpose revenue bonds to assist SpinLaunch Inc. in constructing a portion of its electrical small satellite launch system will make the development of such a system more economically feasible and provide numerous benefits." The bill names: the creation of "a market and a landmark for the first non-rocket based orbital launch technology in the world." The bill also states this would, "eliminate the need for chemical rocket fuel first stage propulsion and the resulting atmospheric pollution" and "reduce cost access to space and operating costs compared to conventional rocket launch programs."

     The bills state SpinLaunch would use, "abundant, infinite, renewable energy resources - solar energy and regenerative braking - to provide electrical loading," "generate millions of dollars in construction project spending and create long-term technical jobs relating to the operation of the launch facility," and contribute to growth in the space industry in general.

     While testimony for the state Senate can be submitted online for SB2703, the House of Representatives measure, HB2559 is yet to accept testimonies, as no hearing is scheduled.

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RECENT HEAVY RAINS DAMAGED THE SOLID WASTE TRANSFER STATION in Wai‘ōhinu. A portion of the retaining wall adjacent to the disposal chute was impacted. As a result, the county Solid Waste Division orders vehicles to keep away, and that users hand-carry refuse from vehicles to the disposal chute. Backing vehicles directly up to the disposal chute is prohibited until repairs are completed.
     The Division is asking that users of this site not overload their trash bags, so that they are easier to carry, and to bag all greenwaste, so that it can be carried to the disposal chute.

     A statement from Solid Waste says, "Please pardon this temporary inconvenience," and the public is asked to take precautions when entering the Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station. "The Solid Waste Division would like to thank the public for their patience and kōkua during the construction and improvements taking place at the Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station."

     The Division is in the process of bidding out for the construction of a new facility in Wai‘ōhinu. Construction is not expected to be completed for at least nine or ten months.

     For additional information, call 961-8270 or email SWD@hawaiicounty.gov.

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OFF FOSSIL FUELS FOR A BETTER FUTURE ACT continues to gain momentum, as it has added 28 Congressional cosponsors and over 400 endorsements from clean energy, climate change, and environmental organizations, says co-sponsor Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
     In a statement Wednesday, she said the OFF Act, H.R. 3671, is designed to develop a national 100 percent clean energy economy by 2035.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, for OFF Act, H.R. 3671.

     "For too long, our nation has failed to take action on climate change, putting the future of our people and our planet in danger. This inaction has led to record-breaking sea levels that are eroding our infrastructure, rising ocean temperatures that are dramatically altering marine life and destroying our coral reefs, and exacerbating natural disasters. All people deserve to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and believe in the promise of a bright future. We must build upon the momentum growing at the federal, state, and local levels, and pass the OFF Act to end our addiction to fossil fuels and transition the country to a 100% clean energy economy by 2035. This bill lays the foundation for a just and economic pathway toward a cleaner, more secure future for all."
     May Boeve, executive director of 350.ORG, notes that "'Keep it in the ground' has become a rallying cry for climate activists around the world. The OFF Act does exactly that: it keeps fossil fuels in the ground. In the fight to stop the greedy fossil fuel industry from wrecking our climate, seeing members of congress standing firmly on the side of 100% renewable energy gives our movement hope."
     Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY) states, "It is imperative that the United States breaks its addiction to fossil fuels. Clean energy is a better economic investment in our future and will ensure families are healthy, safe, and secure for generations to come. I'm proud to join Rep. Gabbard's effort to keep fossil fuels in the ground and invest in renewable energy."
     Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) contends that, "Climate change is real. We can already see its effects on communities across the United States, and the Earth is rapidly approaching a tipping point that threatens global health and security. To protect our planet for today and for tomorrow, we must reduce carbon emissions and embrace a sustainable energy future. That's why I'm proud to co-sponsor the OFF Act, which puts our country on a pathway to replace fossil fuels with clean energy."

Photo from foodandwaterwatch.org

     People's Action Institute deputy policy director Jessica Juarez Scruggs says, "Low income communities, communities of color and indigenous communities have paid the biggest price for pollution, for the climate crisis and for decades of disinvestment. The Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act is an important step forward because it takes bold action that will help the hardest hit communities: creating good jobs, ending fossil fuel extraction, cleaning up our communities and setting us on the path to a clean energy future we can all share."
     Jean Ross, RN, co-president of National Nurses United, says her organization applauds members of Congress who have cosponsored the Off Fossil Fuels for a Healthy Future Act, HR 3671. "As registered nurses, we see the negative health consequences of pollution and climate injustice when we care for patients at the bedside. We must act immediately to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels and slow the warming climate and environmental pollution that is threatening our patients. We urge every member of Congress to stand with us to protect patients, our communities, and our planet."
     Donna Smith of Progressive Democrats of America says, "The science is clear. There is no time to spare. We must move decisively to protect the planet through healthy energy policy. The Off Fossil Fuels For a Healthy Future Act, HR3671, sets the course forward by assuring that by 2035 we will rely on renewable energy sources. Progressive Democrats of America strongly urges Congressional members to stand on the side of science, health, and the well-being of future generations."
     Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch, states, "The OFF Act is the only legislation that prioritizes both environmental justice and a swift transition away from fossil fuels on a timeline that will give us a fighting chance to avoid runaway climate chaos. We applaud these members of Congress who share Rep. Gabbard's vision for tackling the greatest threat we face, even if it is a poke in the eye to the powerful fossil fuel industry."
     Those who want to be involved, can look here. Read the whole bill here.

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Learn about Kainani Kahuanaele, five time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award 
winner, in Volcano during a "talk story" moderated by Desiree Moana Cruz 
during Hula Voices on Mar. 1. Photo from Volcano Art Center

VOLCANO ART CENTER'S HULA VOICES FEATURES KAINANI KAHAUNAELE, five time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner, on Thursday, Mar. 1, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., held at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

     Kahaunaele is passionate about all things Hawaiian, working primarily through Hawaiian language revitalization and music. Her solo CD recordings, Naʻu ʻOe (2003) and ʻŌhai ʻUla (2010), feature mostly original compositions of Hawaiian poetry that have made their way into the repertoire of many fellow musicians, hālau hula, and music enthusiasts around the world. She is a teacher of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, music, and haku mele (composing) at Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language and Literature at UH Hilo. She is a wife, and mother of three budding musicians.

Desiree Moana Cruz moderates Hula Voices Mar. 1. Photo from gohawaii.com

     Hula Voices, moderated by Desiree Moana Cruz, features engaging, intimate “talk story” sessions with Hawai‘i's hula practitioners. Hear from kumu hula, musicians, long time haumana (students) and artisans, whose lives are centered around the practice of hula and its associated arts. Join Volcano Art Center for an engaging, informative, and fun hour as they share their hula genealogy, including the traditions, protocols, experiences, inspirations for songs, chants, and Hawaiian choreography based in antiquity.
     Hula Voices is supported in part by a grant from the County of Hawai‘i, Dept. of Research and Development and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

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‘IMILOA ASTRONOMY CENTER CELEBRATES TWELFTH ANNIVERSARY with a free birthday pā‘ina open to the public on Sunday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ‘Imiloa is "a world-class center for informal science education," located on the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo campus. Its centerpiece is a 12,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall, showcasing astronomy and Hawaiian culture as parallel journeys of human exploration, guided by the light of the stars. The visitor experience is amplified with programming using ‘Imiloa's full-dome planetarium, and 9 acres of native landscape gardens. The center welcomes approximately 100,000 visitors each year, including 10,000+ schoolchildren on guided field trips and other educational programs.
     A statement from ‘Imola says the theme of the pā‘ina, Celebrating ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, will feature "exciting outdoor and indoor activities for the entire ‘ohana, centered around the theme of Hawaiian Language. ‘Imiloa is thrilled to team up with organizations from across the island to share Hawaiian language and practices of Hawaiian culture that thrive in our community. ‘Imiloa is very grateful to KTA Super Stores for sponsoring this event and allowing the center to be open free of charge for this fun filled day!"
     Birthday offerings will include free birthday cake to the first 1,000 visitors, scavenger hunts, hula lessons, games, native garden activities, engaging activities in ‘Imiloa's exhibit hall, special shows for family and kids in the planetarium, science explorations, various displays and activities hosted by community partners, such as UH Hilo College of Hawaiian Language, Maunakea Observatories and much more. KTA Super Stores will offer a food tent with "‘ono food and beverage options" available for purchase throughout the day.
     "It is ‘Imiloa's hope that everyone who visits the Center during this special Birthday Pā‘ina will leave having learned new Hawaiian words, the names of native plants and more about Hawai‘i's rich culture. As a bilingual center, ‘Imiloa strives to share our ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian Language) with both visitors and locals alike through our exhibits, interactions and programming. We're thrilled to observe our 12th year of exploration at ‘Imiloa with the theme of ‘Celebrating ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i’ - which is dedicated to recognizing and honoring Hawaiian Language," says Ka‘iu Kimura, Executive Director of ‘Imiloa. "'We send our warmest mahalo to KTA Super Stores for sponsoring ‘Imiloa's 12th Birthday Celebration. KTA Super Stores continues to play a significant role in supporting ‘Imiloa's cultural and educational outreach, and has been a huge supporter from the very beginning."

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, at UH Hilo Science and Technology Park.

     "Happy 12th Birthday ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center! Twelve years of ground-breaking, cutting-edge discoveries have enriched our Hawai‘i island community and inspired generations of explorers and innovators," says Toby Taniguchi, President and Chief Operating Officer of KTA Super Stores. "KTA Super Stores is delighted to support such an advanced and state-of-the-art center focused on life-long learning."
     As a special birthday gift to the community and for one day only, ‘Imiloa will be offering $10 off all levels of membership, both for new and renewing members. This will be reserved for memberships purchased on-site on Sunday, February 25. Current members are welcome to take advantage of this discount and renew their memberships early. ‘Imiloa is located at 600 ‘Imiloa, at the UH Hilo Science and Technology Park. For more information, visit ImiloaHawaii.org, follow ‘Imiloa's Facebook, or call 932-8901.

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A FREE KA‘Ū MEET-AND-GREET CANCER SUPPORT EVENT, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, will be this Saturday, Feb. 24, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala. The organization invites the public to come talk story with other cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, and meet members of Mālama Ka Pili Paʻa - the Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi cancer support group established in 2011. For more details call 969-9220.

HUI MĀLAMA OLA NĀ ‘ŌIWI ANNOUNCES A GROW YOUR OWN LA‘AU CLASS, presented by Matthew Kaho‘ohanohano, to take place, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala. The free two hour class focuses on teaching participants how to grow plants beneficial to ones health, such as olena, lemongrass, mamaki, and others. To sign-up, visit HMONO.org/classes or call 808-969-9220.

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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com

/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 

weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.

February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, runs through Fri., Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at PāhalaCommunity Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

THURSDAY, FEB. 22

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL meets at Punalu‘u Bake Shop Thurs., Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. The council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month - ccco.k12.hi.us.

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

JOIN PARK RANGERS FOR COFFEE TALK, an informal monthly conversation on a variety of topics. This month: Did you know Ka‘ū Forest Reserve is part of the largest and most intact expanse of native forest in the state? Long-time Ka‘ū resident and conservationist John Replogle will talk about its unique ecosystems and species, value as a watershed, impact of Hawaiian culture, and benefit as a public use area. Fri., Feb 23, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free; occurs every last Friday of the month - nps.gov/HAVO.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Fri., Feb. 23, 9 p.m., at Pāhoa Lava Shack; Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

SATURDAY, FEB. 24

SANCTUARY OCEAN HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT, Sat., Feb 24, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; arrive 30 min. prior for orientation. Four locations near/in Ka‘ū: Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, and Ka‘ena Point - hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov for directions; park entrance fees apply. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Pre-registration required: sanctuaryoceancount.org.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat., Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This free, moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING is held Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a free luncheon while learning about what's coming up for the organization, and be involved with the election of new board members. Luncheon is complimentary, registration is required; register and get more info at fhvnp.org/events/annual-membership-meeting-luncheon-2018/.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $36 per person per class, space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

14TH ANNUAL LOVE THE ARTS fundraiser gala at the Ni‘aulani Campus, Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets, and sponsorship and artist donation forms, online at volcanoartcenter.org, or in person at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Art Center Gallery, and Basically Books in Hilo - $55 per VAC member, $65 for non-members.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

 SUNDAY, FEB. 25

TRAVERSE SCENIC PASTURES ALONG AN ANCIENT CINDER CONE, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer, Sunday, Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Moderately difficult, guided, 2.6-mile hike along the Palm Trail in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Free - nps.gov/HAVO.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST is Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

TUESDAY, FEB. 27

TALES OF EARLY RANCHING IN HUMU‘ULA,
event details to the left. Photo from nps.org/Peter Mills

HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue., Feb 27, 10 a.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, Tue., Feb 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

TALES OF EARLY RANCHING IN HUMU‘ULA, Tue., Feb 27, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Free, suggested donation of $2; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28

KUPU, HAWAIʻI YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS SUMMER PROGRAM open to young adults 17 and up; deadline to apply Wed., Feb. 28. Kupu program lasts seven weeks, during June and July, is 40 hours per week. For info and to apply: http://www.kupuhawaii.org/hycc-summer/.

HFS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM open to Big Island seniors planning for a two or four-year degree at a College, University, or Vocational-Technical school in the 2018-19 academic. Applications due Wed., Feb. 28, available at hfsfcu.org/news/2018Scholarship or at any branch location: Kea‘au, Hilo, and Kona.

LEI HAKU, a method of lei making that involves braiding materials into a base of leaves, has been announced by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park as part of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. The free demonstration takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY through the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, due Wednesday, Feb. 28, no later than 4:30 p.m. Download application here, then email to the Commission Secretary, Maxine Cutler, at maxine.cutler@hawaiicounty.gov.

UPCOMING

SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. For 66 years, its outreach to the Island has provided a safe and educational place for children after school.

     To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

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Ka‘ū News Briefs Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Ranchers and farmers of Kaʻū sent in testimony to support state House Bill 2115, which calls for the state Department of 
Labor and Industrial Relations to operate Agricultural Workforce Development in public schools. Above is Aikane 
Plantation which raises cattle, horses and coffee, operated by Merle and Phil Becker. Phil is President of Kaʻū 
Farm Bureau, and sent in supportive testimony. Photo from Kaʻū Coffee Festival

TRAINING IN AGRICULTURE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS is a bill in the Hawaiʻi Legislature and it goes to public hearing on Thursday. House Bill 2115 would appropriate funds to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for the operation of the K-l2 Agriculture Workforce Development Pipeline Initiative.

     The bill was approved by the House Committee on Education and is headed for the Finance Committee. The hearing will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday at the State Capitol. See testimony on the bill already posted.

The average age of farmers in Hawaiʻi, like Merle and Phil Becker, is over 60. Ranchers and 
coffee growers are calling for more training of young people. Photo from Aikane Plantation

     Phil Becker, of Aikane Plantation between Pāhala and Nāʻālehu, is a Kaʻū Coffee farmer, rancher, and President of the Kaʻū Farm Bureau. He wrote that the average age of commercial farmers in Hawaiʻi is over 60. "We need a new generation of farmers and ranchers equipped to assume the task of growing crops and livestock. This is critical to achieving Hawaiʻi's goal of increased self-sufficiency and sustainability."

     President of the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Randy Cabral, who owns a ranch here and retired from macadamia management in Kaʻū, pointed to the work of former state Chair of Agriculture, Russell Kokubun. Kokubun, who has farmed in Volcano, met with farmers, ranchers, educators, and other stakeholders. Cabral named the top theme of Kokubon's Hawaiʻi Agriculture Skill Panel Report as "increasing youth education and training." Cabral called the bill "an important step toward the future of agriculture in Hawaiʻi."

     Scott Enright, Chair of the state Department of Agriculture, wrote supportive testimony and noted that the average age of farmers in Hawaiʻi is 63 year of age.

     Corey Rosenlee, President of the state teachers union wrote, "We need to restore the balance in our public educational system in Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi's Career and Technical Education programs need to be expanded to provide greater opportunity to prepare young people to design their own futures." She

School gardens are seasonal on Kaʻū canoyses, like this one 
for taro planting at Nāʻālehu in 2014. Photo by Nalani Parlin

called for "training on all islands for teachers and school administrators, and students in agricultural self-sufficiency." She also noted that there is a common misconception "that farming is a low-paying, low-skilled job." She urged "developing ideas for innovation that are critical components to the growth and expansion of the agricultural industry in Hawaiʻi."

     John Cross who has managed agricultural start-ups in Kaʻū and local rancher Michelle Galimba also submitted testimony supporting the bill.

     The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Oʻahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Maui County Farm Bureau, Kona Chapter Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United, Beyond Organic Consulting Inc., Hawaiʻi Crop Improvement Association, Kamehameha Schools, Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United Farm Apprentice Mentoring Program, and numerous concerned individuals, support the measure.

     To submit testimony, go to the Hawaiʻi Legislature portal.

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The HI-SEAS space travel experiment is expected to
resume on Mauna Loa. Photo from HI-SEAS

HI-SEAS SPACE TRAVEL SIMULATION, which began last week, has been postponed following minor injury to a crew member who spent several hours at Hilo Medical Center. According to University of Hawaiʻi, the dome at 8,300 feet on Mauna Loa will be inspected, and any repairs made, before the eight-month long isolation of crew members to simulate life on Mars and traveling in space will resume. See more on the HI-SEAS experiment on the Feb. 16 Kaʻū News Briefs.

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AN ALL HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS IMPROVEMENT ACTION PLAN was released Tuesday by Gov. David Ige and Brig. Gen. Kenneth Hara, Deputy Adjutant General of the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Defense. The plan was initiated by the governor's Executive Order, following the mistaken nuclear missile alert that put people in fear from Kaʻū to Niʻiahu on Saturday, Jan. 13. The forward to the report says the false alert "confused, angered, and panicked the public." The 38-minute delay in sending out the retraction "severely degraded the public's trust of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Administration and the systems used to notify the public of impending dangers."

Read the report on the false nuclear missile alert and plan for
improvement to deal with all hazards.

     According to Ige, the Action Plan reviews current emergency response systems, including notifications and warnings, and makes recommendations for improvement. "We are moving forward with a strategic vision that enables emergency managers in Hawaiʻi to identify gaps and vulnerabilities for handling all hazards. I’ll be asking the Legislature for more than $2 million right now to build capacity. It’s all about the safety and security of the people of Hawaiʻi," said the governor.

     Hara called the plan "a roadmap for emergency management planners. It could be used as a guide to help reshape how emergency management is organized and how resources are prioritized and allocated to respond to any hazard efficiently and effectively."

     A statement from the governor's office says the report focuses on: preparations for any disaster, not only ballistic missile threats; identifies the need to prepare a Strategic Plan for Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and update the All Hazards Catastrophic Plan to include a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Annex; recommends including all emergency management stakeholders in the planning process to address gaps and vulnerabilities that exist today; and confirms and agrees with findings from the recent investigative report.

     The statement notes that "a complete comprehensive annex or plan to address the Ballistic Missile Preparedness threats had not been fully developed prior to commencement of missile alert siren testing and internal missile alert drills, nor had a risk assessment been conducted." It says that there is "a misconception that Gov. Ige and other elected officials are primarily responsible for timely warning and notification. The responsibility to identify requirements for the existing alert system and rapid notification remained with HI-EMA."

The many communities involved in emergency preparedness are shown in the new
All Hazards Preparedness Improvement Action Plan.

      The report says that the "State Warning Point's established Ballistic Missile Alert Checklist did not have a step to notify the HI-EMA Public Information Officer. The missing key step to notify the PIO contributed to the delay in rapidly informing the media and public." The investigative report also states that, "Observations point to the improper management of HI-EMA. HI-EMA senior leadership lacked awareness of personnel issues within the SWP."
     The plan recommends the following: Conduct comprehensive review and assessment of organizational roles and performance; make needed improvements in technological capabilities; enforce current statutes and executive orders dealing with emergency management; develop and deliver training and education programs for the public, government leaders, and EM employees.

     The report also recaps previous, worst-case threat analyses that would impact Hawaiʻi's response and recovery efforts to a catastrophic event. View the full report at http://dod.hawaii.gov/blog/news-release/fma-final-report/.

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The summit lava lake at Halema‘uma‘u Crater, which has been active since 

March 19, 2008, is the focus of an After Dark in the Park presentation 

on March 6. See story, right. Photo by Matt Patrick, USGS

THE FIRST TEN YEARS OF KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT ERUPTION is the subject for After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, Mar. 6 at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The free presentation begins at 7 p.m. at the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium; park entrance fees apply.
     March 19 marks the 10th anniversary of the volcanic vent that opened within Halema‘uma‘u at the summit of Kīlauea. During the past decade, the eruption has consisted of continuous degassing, occasional explosive events, and a fluctuating lava lake in an open crater that is now 640 ft. by 840 ft. in area, and still growing. Join USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Matt Patrick as he recounts the first 10 years of Kīlauea Volcano's ongoing summit eruption, including an overview of what scientists have learned from it, and the new techniques they use to monitor the lava lake and associated volcanic processes. Visit nps.gov/HAVO for more.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com

/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 

weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.

February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, runs through Fri., Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at PāhalaCommunity Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21

HAWAI‘I COUNTY FULL COUNCIL MEETS WED., FEB. 21. Meetings occurs in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

THURSDAY, FEB. 22

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL meets at Punalu‘u Bake Shop Thurs., Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. The council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month - ccco.k12.hi.us.

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

JOIN PARK RANGERS FOR COFFEE TALK, an informal monthly conversation on a variety of topics. This month: Did you know Ka‘ū Forest Reserve is part of the largest and most intact expanse of native forest in the state? Long-time Ka‘ū resident and conservationist John Replogle will talk about its unique ecosystems and species, value as a watershed, impact of Hawaiian culture, and benefit as a public use area. Fri., Feb 23, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free; occurs every last Friday of the month - nps.gov/HAVO.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Fri., Feb. 23, 9 p.m., at Pāhoa Lava Shack; Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

SATURDAY, FEB. 24

SANCTUARY OCEAN HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT, Sat., Feb 24, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; arrive 30 min. prior for orientation. Four locations near/in Ka‘ū: Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, and Ka‘ena Point - hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov for directions; park entrance fees apply. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Pre-registration required: sanctuaryoceancount.org.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat., Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This free, moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING is held Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a free luncheon while learning about what's coming up for the organization, and be involved with the election of new board members. Luncheon is complimentary, registration is required; register and get more info at fhvnp.org/events/annual-membership-meeting-luncheon-2018/.

Count humpbacks this weekend at four locations; see above for details. Photo from sanctuaries.noaa.gov

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $36 per person per class, space is limited - 985-8979 or volcanogardenarts.com.

14TH ANNUAL LOVE THE ARTS fundraiser gala at the Ni‘aulani Campus, Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets, and sponsorship and artist donation forms, online at volcanoartcenter.org, or in person at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Art Center Gallery, and Basically Books in Hilo - $55 per VAC member, $65 for non-members.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

 SUNDAY, FEB. 25

TRAVERSE SCENIC PASTURES ALONG AN ANCIENT CINDER CONE, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer, Sunday, Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Moderately difficult, guided, 2.6-mile hike along the Palm Trail in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Free - nps.gov/HAVO.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

TUESDAY, FEB. 27

HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue., Feb 27, 10 a.m., RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, Tue., Feb 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

TALES OF EARLY RANCHING IN HUMU‘ULA, Tue., Feb 27, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Free, suggested donation of $2; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO.

                                  UPCOMING

SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. For 66 years, its outreach to the Island has provided a safe and educational place for children after school.

     To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Ka‘ū News Briefs Monday, February 19, 2018

"We won the Olympics!!!" tweeted Kripps, right, with teammate Alexander Kopacz,  celebrating their Olympic gold
medal in two-man bobsleigh at PyeongChang Winter Olympics in Korea Monday morning. Photo from Justin Kripps

IT'S AN OLYMPICS GOLD MEDAL FOR KAʻŪ-BORN JUSTIN KRIPPS in two-man bobsleigh. Kripps piloted the Canadian sled with teammate Alexander Kopacz Monday morning. They tied with Germany, and the two teams will share the gold. This is the second gold medal, ever, for Canada in Olympics two-man bobsleigh. Canada tied with Italy in 1998.
     On Sunday, Kripps' team ended the first day of two runs just 0.10 seconds behind Germany. On Monday, the first race put Canada first with four other sleds within 0.13 seconds behind, creating an incredibly tight field. The fourth race saw the Kripps' sled fall behind at the start, then rally back to tie for gold. Canada and Germany each posted a total time of 3:16.86 over the course of the four runs.
     Kripps comes and goes from Kaʻū, visiting family and friends, and enjoys pig hunting.

Justin Kripps right, with his teammate and the Germans, all
sharing the gold medal in two-man bobsleigh Sunday morning.
Photo from Team Canada twitter

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A NEW SPACE PORT PROPOSAL FOR KAʻŪ, THIS ONE IN MINIATURE, may be in the planning, possibly near Pohuʻe Bay, which is famous for its anchialine ponds, a remote sandy beach, and endangered hawksbill turtle nesting sites.
     Scouts for a company in Sunnyvale, California, called SpinLaunch, are looking at Hawaiʻi Island as a possible space port. Unlike big space launch facilities with huge rockets, the SpinLaunch spaceport would use small technology to sling small packages into space. SpinLaunch is searching for about 8 acres with thousands of acres for a buffer around the prospective launch facility. SpinLaunch would send small satellites into space using a launch mechanism only about 20 feet long. The technology would drastically reduce the cost of sending up small packages, like tiny satellites the size of a dog carrier, and supplies for space stations.

     SpinLaunch has approached legislators on Oʻahu to provide incentives for investors through authorizing $25 million in special purpose revenue bonds, to be sold to investors in exchange for tax-exempt interest. Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald writer Tom Callis reported on Sunday that Sen. Glenn Wakai of Oʻahu "visited the company's office in Sunnyvale, Calif., last October and described the launch mechanism under development as a centrifuge. He said he saw a 'very small scale version of it.'" The senator told the Tribune Herald that the SpinLaunch team contends that each launch would be no more noisy than a plane taking off.
     According to the Tribune Herald story, Wakai described the model, saying, "It's like a big water tank with an arm on the end. The arm is like the rocket. It spins up to 5,000 miles per hour and launches out of a chute into space." The newspaper also quoted Waikai as saying the SpinLaunch idea is "very doable." He issued the bill in the senate for the funding.
     Scouts from an unknown company came to Kaʻū during the last six months and looked at the 16,000 acres above Pohuʻe Bay. They have long been for sale, and eyed by Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and conservation organizations. Both the scouts and Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald report that other locations are also being considered.
   
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VACATION HOME OWNERS ARE ON THE OUTLOOK AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE for bills that would restrict them, prevent them from representing themselves when renting their properties, and further tax them, according Rental By Owner Awareness Association.

     Senate Bill 2963, around since 2015, "has mutated into something quite frightening," says a statement from RBOAA. The bill could make both AirBnB and the owner liable for all taxes, so that if AirBnB fails to remit the correct amount, the owner would be "potentially on the hook."
      The bill would require AirBnB to provide details of: how many nights were rented; rates per night; and address, name and phone number of the local contact - and this information could be made available to the counties. The County of Honolulu has asked for this for years to help assure compliance with complex permitting, which requires all operators to provide proof of compliance with all zoning, land use and tax laws.

     The bill also includes an amnesty program for those who have been lax with Transient Accommodations Tax, General Excise Tax, and zoning permits. RBOAA states, "We have been asking for this provision for year, so good to see it is finally on the table."

     Concerning a provision in the bill to require owners to provide proof of compliance with tax and zoning laws, RBOAA has some questions. "How do you prove you are legal in every regard?" asks RBOAA. "The Counties have no system to accommodate this." Failure to comply with any tax or zoning law is considered a Class C Felony (more than one year in prison). The bill provides for seizure of the property and all income earned from operating a vacation rental. Finally, the bill allows counties to phase out all transient accommodation in any zone, for any reason.

     "RBOAA is actively opposing this bill, but we need to warn you that the legislators want this bill to pass, and have cleared away a lot of procedural steps to ensure that it does go through. This bill has already cleared the Senate." It now goes to the House.

     Another bill, SB2641, requires all local contacts to be real estate agents or brokers. RBOAA says, "This is the fight we fought a number of years ago. Frankly, we are surprised that the topic has returned."

     Another bill affecting vacation rentals, SB2922, brought forward by Hawai‘i State Teachers Association, would enact a Constitutional Amendment to require the TAT to be increased, in order to fund education in the State of Hawai‘i. "We saw this one go right to the bitter end last year before ultimately failing, so that the TAT could be increased to pay for the Honolulu rail system," states RBOAA. "It is hard to get a read on the support, or lack thereof, for this bill at the Legislature, but taxing visitors is politically popular in an election year as most of them don't vote."

     A few more bills are being considered. One would change the way properties owned by non-residents are taxed upon sale. RBOAA states, "The original draft displayed a surprising lack of understanding as to how the tax system works and so is currently deep in re-writes. This one may not come back until next year."
     Another bill would clarify that all amounts charged to transient vacation rental guests are subject to TAT. "It seems some hotels are charging a resort fee but not collecting tax on the resort fee," says RBOAA.
     RBOAA closes their statement with: "We will continue to work with the legislators on your behalf and hopefully any legislation which does pass is fair and balanced. We have a pretty strong track record over the past six years."
     For more, contact info@rboaa.org or www.rboaa.org.

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Walk into the past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar 
next month. Photo from National Park Service

A WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR, supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network, will take place three times in March, announces Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar founded the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in 1912.

     The guided walk features actor-director Dick Hershberger, dressed in period costume in an effort to "bring the renowned geologist to life," states the event description.
     "Dr. Jaggar" takes participants on a tour of his tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments. Learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to dedicate his life to the study of Hawaiian volcanoes, and how his work helps save lives today.
     To find out more about this living history program, visit the park website: nps.gov/hav /planyourvisit/walk_into_the_past.htm. To join the walk, meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center on Tuesdays, Mar. 6, 20, and 27, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Each performance lasts about an hour.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

KOHALA CENTER'S RURAL AND COOPERATIVE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES suggests a long list of opportunities:
● Hawai‘i-based food producers can register with the Hawai‘i Agriculture & Food Products Database at hawaiiagrproducts.hawaii.gov, which helps buyers all over the world to find suppliers. Free; read informational flyer or call Anissa Estrella at 973-9595 for assistance.
● Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Producers Cooperative is sourcing breadfruit to supply Hawai‘i Dept. of Education, to serve public schools statewide. Drop off locations are open in Hilo (Sweet Cane Café) and Kona (Honalō Marshaling Yard). Learn more online at eatbreadfruit.com/feed-the-keiki, or contact info@eatbreadfruit.com or 238-8869.

Breadfruit is a tropical superfood and a cooperative on this island
is looking for suppliers. Photo from NPR

● East-Hawai‘i Island Grant Resource Training & Policy Forum, presented by The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, in partnership with Sovereign Councils of the Hawaiian Homelands Assembly and Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Saturday, Feb. 24, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, 79 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo. Potential funding opportunities and how to prepare successful grant applications. Free. For more information, contact Cassandra Ohelo at info@hawaiiancouncil.org or 596-8155, or view/download flyer.
● USDA Women in Agriculture Initiative is a resource for women as they continue to rise to leadership roles on and off the farm. Visit newfarmers.usda.gov/women-in-ag to learn more.
● Learn how to use visual indicators to evaluate soil health and management practices. This short video by National Center for Appropriate Technology shows dramatic differences in aggregate stability, which result from different management practices of the exact same soil type.

     For more information about services, upcoming events, microloan programs, and other resources, go to kohalacenter.org/business.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, 
weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.

February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.

TUESDAY, FEB. 20

BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, runs through Fri., Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 BY FEB. 20 FOR A PRESIDENT'S DAY STAR HANGING arts and crafts activity, Wed., Feb. 21, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Free; call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation/.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS from Feb. 20 to 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEET TUES., FEB. 20, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day, Wed., Feb. 21. Both meetings occur in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21

BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, runs through Fri., Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY FULL COUNCIL MEET WED., FEB. 21. Meetings occurs in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

THURSDAY, FEB. 22

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL meets at Punalu‘u Bake Shop Thurs., Feb. 22, from noon to 1 p.m. The council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month - ccco.k12.hi.us.

BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, runs through Fri., Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at PāhalaCommunity Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

JOIN PARK RANGERS FOR COFFEE TALK, an informal conversation on a variety of topics. Fri., Feb 23, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free - nps.gov/HAVO.

LAST DAY OF BASKETBALL CAMP AT KAHUKU PARK IN HOVE, sponsored by Ocean View Baptist Church, open to keiki in grades 1-6, Feb. 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited - register on Ocean View Baptist Facebook page or sign up at the park by calling Teresa Anderson at 929-9113.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Fri., Feb. 23, 9 p.m., at Pāhoa Lava Shack; Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

SATURDAY, FEB. 24

SANCTUARY OCEAN HUMPBACK WHALE COUNT, Sat., Feb 24, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; arrive 30 min. prior for orientation. Four locations near/in Ka‘ū: Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, and Ka‘ena Point - hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov for directions; park entrance fees apply. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Pre-registration required: sanctuaryoceancount.org.

LA‘AU LAPA‘AU, BEGINNER LEVEL CLASS, at Ka‘ū District Gym, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 24. Free; to register or for more details, call 969-9220 and ask for the Traditional Health team - hmono.org to learn more about the organization.

REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, Sat, Feb 24, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING is held Saturday, Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a free luncheon while learning about what's coming up for the organization, and be involved with the election of new board members. Luncheon is complimentary, registration is required; register and get more info at fhvnp.org/events/annual-membership-meeting-luncheon-2018/.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, with Sensei Bill Newton, Volcano Garden Arts, Saturday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $36 per person per class, space is limited - 985-8979 or volcano
gardenarts.com.

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala 
Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

14TH ANNUAL LOVE THE ARTS fundraiser gala at the Ni‘aulani Campus, Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets, and sponsorship and artist donation forms, online at volcanoartcenter.org, or in person at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Art Center Gallery, and Basically Books in Hilo - $55 per VAC member, $65 for non-members.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., luau in Kona at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel courtyard; and Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

SUNDAY, FEB. 25

Join a Sunday hike in Kahuku along Palm Trail. Photo from nps.gov/HAVO

TRAVERSE SCENIC PASTURES ALONG AN ANCIENT CINDER CONE, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer, Sunday, Feb. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Moderately difficult, guided, 2.6-mile hike along the Palm Trail in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Free - nps.gov/HAVO.

BUDDY CAGE CANCER BENEFIT WITH EDGE OF THE WEST, held Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., at Ocean View's The Terraces. Info 917-561-4800, www.edgeofthwest.band.

MONDAY, FEB. 26 

REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY PAPER FLOWER CLASS through Feb. 27, for keiki grades K-8 Wed., Feb. 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Call Nona Makuakane or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102. For more about these and other recreation programs - hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

UPCOMING

SUPPORT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB locations at Pāhala and Ocean View by purchasing tickets and sponsoring persons to attend the annual Youth of the Year celebration, Friday, Mar. 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, in the Moku Ola Ballroom. For 66 years, its outreach to the Island has provided a safe and educational place for children after school.

    To purchase tickets, contact Ka‘ū Boardmember Julia Neal at 928-9811 or mahalo@aloha.net. To purchase an ad in the Gala program, become a Gala sponsor, make a financial donation, or to donate an auction item, contact Gail Hamasu at 961-5536 or gail@bgcbi.org.

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