The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Wednesday, December 05, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, December 5, 2018

The eruption at Mauna Ulu Crater, along Chain of Craters Road, stopped for three months and resumed its
activities, HVO warns, while announcing today as the "official" end to this years Fissure 8 eruption,
which went quiet in early September. Photo by Ed Shinoki/NPS

TODAY IS THE OFFICIAL END TO THIS YEAR'S KĪLAUEA ERUPTION. Dec. 5 marks three months without eruptive activity. Dec. 4 marked three months since the last lava came to the surface from Fissure Eight in lower Puna, where much of the damage was done. The eruption wiped out some 750 houses, beach parks, surf spots, a Charter School, farms, marine preserves, and native forest. It covered highways and roads and geothermal wells. It sent lava past Pohoʻiki harbor, cutting off its entrance and leaving a black sand beach and thermal ponds.
Many people were left without homes. People with vacation rentals along the coast lost income. Many people lost employment and income at inns, vacation rentals, restaurants, and stores within and near Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park where facilities in the park surrounding its most popular destination, Kīlauea Crater, shut down for months.
The flower and papaya industries were hit hard. Dayday Hopkins and her husband, Dr. Peter Hopkins, known to many for their work with Kaʻū Coffee farmers and overall economic development for the county, lost their commercial koi ponds, covered by lava.

Mauna Ulu fountained to heights of 1,770 feet. Toward the end
of its eruption, which lasted for years, Mauna Ulu went quiet for three
months, then resumed its activities. USGS photo

While the eruption is officially over, the U.S.G.S. Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory staff noted in its Tuesday update that there is history of an eruption resuming after the appearance of ending. This occurred during the 1969-1974 eruption of Mauna Ulu, famous for its lava fountaining 1,770 feet high. Located along Chain of Craters Road, in the East Rift Zone, Mauna Ula stopped for three months, then resumed activity.
HVO wrote a cautionary note about the apparent end to the recent eruption: "Although this phase of Kīlauea's activity has now reached this three-month threshold, it is important to note that it is still an active volcano that could erupt in the near future and associated hazards have not changed. Magma is being supplied to Kīlauea and geophysical datasets continue to show evidence for movement of material through the magma system, including the refilling of the ERZ."

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SUGGESTIONS FOR PRESERVATION OF PROPERTIES are being accepted by County of Hawai‘i Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. PONC is seeking suggestions from the public regarding lands that should be preserved because of cultural or historic significance.
Properties might qualify for preservation because they offer opportunities for education, public access to beaches or mountains, and outdoor recreation. Such nominations for preservation could be beaches, coastal areas, forests, places of natural beauty, or involve the protection of natural resources, like lands and watersheds for general benefits to the public. Suggestion forms are due by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2019.

PONC is asking the public for suggestions of specials properties to preserve. In addition to thousands of acres of Kāwā and Kahuku coastal lands and Kahua Olohu in Nāʻālehu, PONC funding is going toward the purchase of 2,013 acres on
the Kaʻū Coast, including the ancient Hawaiian fishing village site of Waikapuna.
Photo by Andrew Hara from state Legacy Lands Conservation Program

To obtain a form to suggest properties, click on PONC 2019 Suggestion Form-Fillable, or mail your request for a form at County Property Management Division, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101, Hilo, HI 96720.
Past open space purchases on Hawaiʻi Island total 4,450.8655 acres. Approved and nearing finalization of purchase in Kaʻū are 2,013 acres, comprised of the ahupuaʻa of Kahilipali Iki and Kahilipali Nui, including the historic fishing village of Waikapuna. It is owned by Kaʻū Mahi, LLC. Other Kaʻū properties already preserved through PONC are Kahua Olohu in Nā‘ālehu, and Kahuku Coastal and Kāwā oceanfront parcels.

Properties acquired elsewhere on the island are: Waipi‘o Lookout in Hāmākua; Hale O Kaili, Hāwī Banyan Trees, Kaiholena, Pa‘o‘o properties in North Kohala; Kīpapa Park, ‘O‘oma, White Sands Mauka, in North Kona; Poho‘iki Bay in Puna.

The PONC funds are derived from 2% of Hawai‘i County's annual real property tax revenues.

Kaʻū's representative on the PONC commission
to preserve special lands, which is taking
suggestions through Feb. 28.

Commissioners are selected for each County Council District to study and make recommendations for lands to be preserved. District 6, which covers South Kona from Captain Cook, all of Kaʻū, through Volcano into Puna, is represented by Fredrick 'Rick' Warshauer, who serves through the year 2021.

Warshauer grew up on three islands, and has lived mostly on the Big Island. He obtained his Masters in Zoology from the University of Hawai‘i and presently is a retired field biologist specializing in native plants and vegetation. He said he loves the islands and has an intimate knowledge of the islands natural resources.

Warshauer also worked for the county as a coastal zone planner for six years. According to the PONC website, it was "back when much of the zoning and land use changes were happening that redirected the island's future irrevocably. Witnessing the changes to the land and resources of his youth, it motivates him to spend time and effort where his skills and experiences can be applied to preserve the resources and sense of place that he treasures."

The Commission meets every other month at the Hilo County Building or the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, and public testimony is welcome. For information on the property selection process, go to Process for Property Acquisition with Funds from the PONC Fund.
For further information, contact Maxine Cutler, Property Management Division, at 961-8069 or County of Hawaiʻi, PONC Public Website.

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ISLANDWIDE AERIAL LINE INSPECTIONS by helicopter will be conducted by Hawai‘i Electric Light from Tuesday, Dec. 18, to Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exact times and routes will depend on weather conditions. Inspections will be conducted in a Manuiwa Airways helicopter and require the aircraft to fly low and slow which may cause some noise disturbances.

Hawai‘i Electric Light "apologizes for any disruption this may cause and sincerely thanks the community for their cooperation and understanding." If there are any questions or concerns, call 969-6666.

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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events.

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes

throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball:
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA

Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. hosts Annual Membership Meeting
Dec. 8. Image from hoveroad.com

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE CORPORATION'S ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING takes place Saturday, Dec. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, visit hoveroad.com, call 929-9910 or email gm@hoveroad.com.
The organizations next Board of Directors meeting takes place at the HOVE Road Maintenance Corporation Office at 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View, on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT HOSTS THEIR ANNUAL DINNER on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

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Women's Support Group, Thu., Dec. 6 and 20, 3-4:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 1st and 3rd Thu. of every month thereafter. Women welcome to drop in anytime. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Dec. 6, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Middle School Theater Night, Thu., Dec. 6, 6pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade each perform a one-act play: The Invisible Man by Tim Kelly, Last Stop Till Christmas by Pat Cook, and The Quest: A Fairy Take with Attitude by Eddie McPherson. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Park entrance fees apply.

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Thu., Dec. 6, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

Hula Voices w/Kumu Hula Micah Kamohoali‘i, Thu., Dec. 6, 7-9pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. Final program for 2018. 967-7565

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7
PATCH Class #425, More Than Counting: Math in Preschool, Fri., Dec. 7, 8-11am, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Teaching strategies that support the development of mathematical concepts in preschool-age children. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

PATCH Class #309, Together in Care, Fri., Dec. 7, noon-3pm, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Creating close caregiver/child relationships within a group. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Stewardship at the Summit, Fri., Dec. 7, Sat., Dec. 15 and 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 7 & 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Sat., Dec. 8, meet 9:30am, Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP with w/James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Updates and notifications on upcoming ʻOhana Workdays, see nmok.org or facebook.com/namamoo.kawa.

Paths and Trails, Sat., Dec. 8, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

Zentangle: Pen in Henna, Sat., Dec. 8, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Art work guided by designs from Mehndi Henna style. Student kits provided. Open to all levels. Students invited to bring snacks to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee/person. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

HOVE Road Maintenance Annual Meeting, Sat., Dec. 8, 11:30-12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Volunteer Fire Department Annual Dinner, Sat., Dec. 8, 3-8pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

Jazz in the Forest Christmas Special, Sat., Dec. 8, 5:30pm – doors open 5pm – Volcano Art Center Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Jean Pierre Thoma & The Jazztones with Jeannine Guillory, featuring Christmas favorites and original compositions. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

A Gift of Love, Volcano Festival Chorus Annual Christmas Concert, Sat., Dec. 8, 7:30pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 25 member chorus under direction of Roch Jones, accompaniment by Laura Kahale, with Cheryl Shine on flute. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Park entrance fees apply.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
Pāhala Christmas Parade, Sun., Dec. 9, 1pm, Pāhala Armory at Pakalana St. to Holy Rosary Church, Pikake St. Parade ends with food and entertainment. Parade participants line up at 11. Andrade, 928-0808

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Dec. 9, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10
Free STD Testing, Mon., Dec. 10, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 2nd Monday, monthly. Call for individual appointment for different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
AdvoCATS, Tue., Dec. 11, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org

The Fascination Method w/Anthony Chrisco, Tue., Dec. 11, 2-4pm, Volcano Art Center. Brief instruction of the method and tool Chrisco developed to bring more healthy awareness to bodies. See full list of ailments The Fascination Method can help alleviate at volcanoartcenter.org. $25/person. thefascianator.com. 967-8222

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Dec. 11, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios/ Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

After Dark in the Park, He Inoa No Hi‘iakaikapoliopele, Tue., Dec. 11, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12

Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visits: Dental, Wed., Dec. 12, 8-5pm; Medical, Thu., Dec. 27, 1-5pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appointment. thecoopercenter.org

Huewai Demonstration - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Dec. 12, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Dec. 12 and 26, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wed. of every month thereafter. Free; registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Santa's Workshop, Wed., Dec. 12, 5:30-7:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register keiki of all ages Dec. 3-12. 928-3102

ONGOING

Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Christmas in the Country runs through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing through Monday, Dec. 31. The event features a row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with various characters and Christmas decor - with Kīlauea Military Camp employees responsible and competing for a popularity vote. The public is invited to admire the decorations and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Basic Stretch and Strengthening Exercise Class, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nū ʻŌiwi, happens Wednesdays at Nāʻālehu Community Center and Thursdays at Pāhala Senior Center; no classes between Dec. 14 and Jan. 8. The free classes – donations accepted – run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The class offers "basic stretches and muscular endurance exercises that will help improve your flexibility and strength. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch." Learn more at hmono.org, facebook.com/HMONO.org/, @hui_malama_ on Instagram, or call 808-969-9220.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Tuesday, December 04, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Mayor Harry Kim thanked the County Council during inauguration ceremonies yesterday. Photo by Nicole Nash

COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER MAILE DAVID took the oath of office on Monday for the third time to represent District Six, to serve Kaʻū, South Kona, Volcano, and parts of Puna. Witnessed by a large and enthusiastic crowd, the nine member Hawaiʻi County Council was sworn into office during an inauguration ceremony held at the Hilo Civic Auditorium.
The cavernous Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium was warm with flowers and greenery, while the Council members wore long leis draped over their formal black attire. The Waiakea High School band dignified the ceremony with resounding music for the processional and the anthems.
Judge Greg Nakamura administered the oaths and presented council members with their certificates.

Maile David crushed in maile lei and flowers after swearing in
for a third term. Photo by Nicole Nash

Chairman of the County Council, Aaron Chung, left council members giggling nervously and the audience laughing with glee when he announced that he planned a departure from the standard speech.
"I want to share some of my thoughts on the individuals who were just inaugurated and who will be guiding the County of Hawaiʻi over the next two years."
Starting with the freshmen, Chung directed each of the council members to stand while he talked about them. When it was David's turn to stand, she waved at the crowd. They applauded.
Chung introduced her again, saying "Maile joined the council at same time as me and I respect her as a council member and as a person.
"Maile shares many of the same beliefs as her fellow Kona colleagues, Karen and Rebecca, particularly as they relate to the protection of our environment and shoreline and Hawaiian customs. I have an easy time relating to her because she's a local girl through and through."
"I don't know how many of you in the audience remember when Konawaena had a different school schedule from other public schools on the island," Chung told the audience.
"That odd schedule was designed to accommodate the coffee-picking season, and as one might infer, the children were in the fields picking coffee, Maile being one of them. Now, I've never picked coffee in my life, but I can only imagine that it's hard work and that's the kind of background that Maile comes from.
"I like Maile because she has common sense, is easy to talk to, and is reliable. I also have to say that although she has a genuinely calm and pleasant demeanor, she has demonstrated a certain toughness that I admire. To a certain extent I see that in most members of this group. After all, in this line of business, you need to able to make tough decisions," added Chung.
The Kīlauea eruption was the main concern of Chung's address: "The Kīlauea eruption and Hurricane Lane caused heartbreak for many families. The after effects are still being felt by many. And let's not forget that we have yet to fully assess the impacts of those disasters on our own county budget.

Kaʻū's representative on the County Council with state Board of Agriculture
member and Kaʻū rancher Michelle Galimba. Photo by Annie Bosted

"Recovery for Puna needs to be our top priority," emphasized Chung. "Whether it means taking a secondary or a primary role to that of the administration, we must do whatever is legally permissible in order to help.
"Other matters which we need to pay attention to will be the looming effects of global warming by educating ourselves on and taking necessary steps toward addressing matters relating to coastal planning, emergency preparedness, and the development of disaster mitigation measures.
"Finally, diversifying our one-dimensional revenue stream is a must in order for us to be able to provide the level of service our citizens deserve. Former Mayor Stephen Yamashiro was fond of saying that 'Government cannot be all things to all people.' That wisdom holds true to this very day. We cannot allow ourselves to be distracted from our primary goals.

Aaron Chung, Chairman
of the County Council

"I've been a council member for many years, some might say too many. During those years, I've had the good fortune of working with some truly talented and committed individuals. But I will say, that in my humble opinion, this group, with is personality makeup, youth to experience ratio, and individual skill-sets, has the potential to be the best I've worked with as a unit. It of course remains to be seen whether these special talents can meld together and bring tangible and positive results to our island. I think it will. But only time will tell," concluded Chung.

Mayor Harry Kim thanked the Council for all they do.

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STATE HOUSE REPS SERVING VOLCANO AND KAʻŪ TO MILOLIʻI will serve on committees, with six of the seven appointed to chairmanships. With Hawaiʻi's 30th Legislature beginning in January, Speaker Scott Saiki announced assignments today for the House of Representatives.

Rep. Richard Creagan

Rep. Richard Creagan, who serves West Kaʻū into Kona, will once again chair the House Committee on Agriculture. He will also serve on the Judiciary Committee and Tourism & International Affairs Committee.

Rep. Richard Onishi, who serves East Kaʻū into Hilo, will once again chair the Tourism & International Affairs Committee. He will also serve on the Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee and the Agriculture Committee.

Other Hawaiʻi Island Representatives received the following assignments:

Mark Nakashima will be Vice Speaker.

Chris Todd will be Vice Chair for Water, Land, and Hawaiian Affairs. He will also serve on the Finance Committee and the Energy & Environmental Protection Committee.

Joy San Buenaventura will be Majority Whip. She will Chair the Human Services & Homelessness Committee, be Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee, and serve on the Health Committee.

Nicole Lowen will chair the Energy & Environmental Protection Committee, and serve on the Judiciary Committee and Water, Land, and Hawaiian Affairs Committee

Rep. Richard Onishi

David Tarnas will serve on the Lower & Higher Education Committee, Energy & Environmental Protection Committee, and Water, Land, and Hawaiian Affairs Committee.
Some committees are changed. Education and Higher Education Committees are consolidated into the Lower & Higher Education Committee.

Ocean, Marine Resources Committee, and Hawaiian Affairs Committee are consolidated into the Water, Land, and Hawaiian Affairs Committee.
Veterans, Military, & International Affairs, & Culture and the Arts Committee is divided into the Public Safety, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee and the Tourism & International Affairs Committee.
Health & Human Services is two committees: Health Committee and Human Services & Homelessness Committee.

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A PĀHALA SEWAGE PROJECT MEETING open to the public will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Kaʻū District Gym multipurpose room on Wednesday, Dec. 5. Members of the public have been meeting to go over proposed plans to replace the old gang cesspools in the town with a new sewage treatment plant at the corner of Hwy 11 and Maile Street, behind the Norfolk Pines, Hilo side.

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Hū Honua Bioenergy. Photo from Big Island Video News

HŪ HONUA, WHICH PLANS TO BURN EUCALYPTUS FROM KAʻŪ TO MAKE ELECTRICITY AT A POWER PLANT on the coast north of Hilo, responded to state Department of Health accusations about a discharge into the ocean. Last Friday, Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson referred to an unauthorized discharge of industrial wastewater on Nov. 9 from the facility in Pepeʻekeo as "a blatant disrespect of the environmental laws that govern this highly regulated industry."

Former Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co. President and former county Public Works chief Warren Lee is the new President of Hū Honua. On Friday, he told Pacific Business News, "I take exception to some of the statements attributed to Dr. Anderson, based on what was reported and not having seen the report he is referring to, or the preliminary findings at least. How does he come to these conclusions? It's just disturbing."

Lee said the spill was an accident. "It wasn't willful. There was an inadvertent discharge, a discharge of boiler water that was in the treatment process. It wasn't ready to be disposed of, and we would have disposed of it through other means." The power plant staff self-reported the incident to DOH officials the same day, Lee told PBN. "I'm just astounded and amazed by the comments made by Dr. Anderson."

The DOH statement said investigation of the power plant will continue. A report with recommendations for enforcement requirement and penalties will be issued.

The 30-megawatt facility in Pepeʻekeo, where logs from eucalyptus farms above Pāhala would be transported and burned, is expected to be completed and operational by early 2019, Lee told PBN. If the facility is not operational by Dec. 31, reports PNB, Hū Honua would lose up to $100 million in tax credits.

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Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is considering running for the Presidency in 2020.
Photo from Tulsi Gabbard's Facebook

REP. TULSI GABBARD "DITCHED THE BEACHES OF HAWAIʻI FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE over the weekend, as she considers whether to jump into what is expected to be a crowded race for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020," reported Roll Call on Monday. Roll Call reported Gabbard traveling with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, for whom she campaigned in 2016. On Saturday, she met with a group of progressive activists in Concord before meeting with the New Hampshire Young Democrats on Sunday morning in Manchester.
Headed into her fourth term in the Hawaiʻi state House of Representatives in January, Gabbard and about six other House members who may consider running for President "will face unique historical challenges including fundraising hurdles, time constraints due to their House obligation, and less name recognition," than some other higher profile contenders, states the Roll Call article by Griffin Connolley.

A Civil Beat article by Nick Grube reported Gabbard saying she has no timeline for any official candidacy announcement. Grube asked about her time spent away from Hawaiʻi to put out "presidential feelers." Gabbard responded, "As I have throughout my life in making the different decisions that I've made, I am thinking about how I can best be of service to the people of this country."
The Roll Call story pointed out that Gabbard practices Hinduism and that she "lamented that some leaders want to divide the nation and stressed that politics should stem from 'love.'" Gabbard said, "Inspired by this love… we can truly have that strength and that power to be able to take on the tough challenges that are before us. This is how we come together as people and draw from love that strength and that courage and that fearlessness that we need to take on those forces and those obstacles that seem insurmountable, that can seem too great to overcome."
She would be the first Hindu in the Oval Office, Roll Call noted.

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HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will be open tomorrow, but not charge fees, to honor the passing of Pres. George H.W. Bush in a national day of mourning. Kahuku Unit will be closed.

A release from the Park says, "December 5 has been designated a National Day of Mourning by Executive Order. Most federal offices are closed, including the post office in the park. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's main unit will be open to visitors, but the park will not collect fees. The Kahuku Unit will be closed. Flags will be flown at half-staff until December 30."

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Kaʻū High December Sports Schedule

Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Zentangle: Pen in Henna with Lydia
Meneses is offered Dec. 8 in Volcano.
Image from volcanoartcenter.org

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING

ZENTANGLE: PEN IN HENNA WITH LYDIA MENESES is hosted Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

"During this class our art work will be guided by the graceful designs from the ancient art of Henna. Zentangle tangles/patterns will incorporate some of the beautiful flowing lines and designs taken from the tradition Mehndi henna style. We will also look at the various Mehndi symbols and the meaning behind them," states the event description at volcanoartcenter.org.
The practice of Henna is a form of temporary tattoo. The rich earthy brown tone used for the tattoos is the inspiration for this class and the use of Sakura brown pen. The practice of Henna, an ornate art form, has been trace back to Cleopatra.
Student kit provided include: Sakura 01 brown pen, three tiles and gold gelly pen, and general chalk pastel pencil.
The class is guided with Zentangle's traditional ceremony and method: gratitude; appreciation; relaxation; mindfulness; and awareness. It is open to all levels; no Zentangle or art experience necessary. An overview of the Zentangle art method will be introduce to those new Zentangle art.
Students are invited to bring snacks to share. Class fees are $30 per Volcano Art Center member, or $35 per non-member, plus a $10 supply fee per person. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org to register or for more details.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Wed., Dec. 5 and 12, 9:30-10:30am, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign-up. Free; donations accepted.

Arts & Craft Activity: Paper Tree Table Top, Wed., Dec. 5, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 5; open to keiki Grades K-8. 928-3102

Open Mic Night, Wed., Dec. 5, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6
Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Thu., Dec. 6 and 13, 9:30-10:30am, Pāhala Senior Center. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign-up. Free; donations accepted.

Women's Support Group, Thu., Dec. 6 and 20, 3-4:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 1st and 3rd Thu. of every month thereafter. Women welcome to drop in anytime. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Dec. 6, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Middle School Theater Night, Thu., Dec. 6, 6pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade each perform a one-act play: The Invisible Man by Tim Kelly, Last Stop Till Christmas by Pat Cook, and The Quest: A Fairy Take with Attitude by Eddie McPherson. Free; donations gratefully accepted. Park entrance fees apply.

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Thu., Dec. 6, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

Hula Voices w/Kumu Hula Micah Kamohoali‘i, Thu., Dec. 6, 7-9pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. Final program for 2018. 967-7565

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7
PATCH Class #425, More Than Counting: Math in Preschool, Fri., Dec. 7, 8-11am, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Teaching strategies that support the development of mathematical concepts in preschool-age children. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

PATCH Class #309, Together in Care, Fri., Dec. 7, noon-3pm, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Creating close caregiver/child relationships within a group. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

Stewardship at the Summit, Fri., Dec. 7, Sat., Dec. 15 and 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo

Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 7 & 21, 6:30-8:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church.

Paths and Trails, Sat., Dec. 8, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

HOVE Road Maintenance Annual Meeting, Sat., Dec. 8, 11:30-12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Volunteer Fire Department Annual Dinner, Sat., Dec. 8, 3-8pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. discoveryharbour.net, 929-9576

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Dec. 9, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. Free. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
AdvoCATS, Tue., Dec. 11, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org

ONGOING

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.

About The Kaʻū Calendar

Wednesday, December 05, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Tuesday, December 04, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, December 4, 2018