The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Friday, February 22, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, February 22, 2019

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou volunteers finished a carport for the multi-passenger shuttle van of Kaʻū Hospital in Pāhala.

See story below. OKK photo

THE NEED FOR A NEW RUBBISH TRANSFER STATION IN OCEAN VIEW is exemplified by illegal trash dumping. Volunteers, including cavers, are stepping up to clean up trash, including what's found in pukas.
Ocean View residents note that disposal of household refuse in Ocean View has become more difficult since the Waiʻōhinu transfer station was damaged in a storm about a year ago. The main platform was damaged so the three dumpsters of waste collected in Ocean View each Saturday cannot be directly emptied into larger bins for hauling to the County dump. Instead, a mechanical grabber is used to lift garbage piece by piece.

Berson Jitiam, a local resident, enthusiastically supports the team of cavers in

hauling bags of trash and illegally dumped items from the puka in Ocean

View. Hard at work behind him are Tomislav Gracanin, Ric Elhard,

and Steve Lewis. Photo by Annie Bosted

A permanent transfer station was promised to Ocean View in 2007, when the proliferation of "informal dumps" on several lots became an issue. In 2010, the county established a temporary transfer station on a lot in Paradise Circle, which, by deed, can only be used for recreational purposes. This lot bordered an established county park, which angered residents.

The county appropriated $3 million in 2011 for a permanent transfer station in Ocean View. In 2012, the 21-acre lot, located mauka of the highway near Iolani Blvd., was purchased. The lot then became an informal dump littered with furniture, machinery, appliances, tires, and bulky items, some of which have been cleared.

This week, new road signs were posted in Ocean View to notify drivers of planned improvements to the Hawaiʻi Belt Road for the New Ocean View Transfer Station, due to start this month.

On Thursday, local resident Berson Jitiam, and cavers Peter Bosted, Ric Elhard – the owner of Kula Kai Caverns, Ocean View's only show cave – Steve Lewis, and Tomislav Gracanin, hauled up three truckloads of rubbish from a puka in Ocean View. The illegally dumped trash included twenty-five bags of garbage, plus furniture, rugs, old appliances, luggage, tires, a stroller, and an air compressor.

The volunteer clean-up crew poses behind some of the illegally dumped trash they recovered. From left: Peter Bosted,

Steve Lewis, Tomislav Gracanin, Ric Elhard, and Berson Jitiam. A comparable pile was also created

between the two white trucks in the photo. Photo by Annie Bosted

The clean-up was compromised by a steep slope covered with loose rocks. The cavers had to rig two long ropes to safeguard moving about on the loose rocks and help them gain purchase on the slope. Smaller items were collected in trash bags, while larger items had to be individually man-handled out.

The puka is owned by the Cave Conservancy of Hawaiʻi, an organization of lava tube stewards that is dedicated to saving underground features from destruction and desecration. The Conservancy raises funds to purchase properties with cave entrances, largely in the Ocean View area. Keeping this puka clean and ridding it of illegally dumped junk is an unpleasant chore with which the conservancy voluntarily tasks itself.

Tomislav Gracanin hangs onto the black rope with his right

hand while hauling an abandoned suitcase, now full of

garbage, out of the puka. Photo by Annie Bosted

Gracanin, an Ocean View resident and President of CCH, commented, "As a geologist and cave explorer, and like many people, I am really fascinated by lava tubes and flow features, such as pukas. It amazes me that there are still people who would rather toss their garbage into a beautiful natural feature, like this puka, than take it to the temporary transfer station.

"It is true that the long waits at the temporary transfer station in Ocean View are creating incentives to find other dump sites, but I wish the people of Ocean View could realize that Kaʻū is the home of world class lava tube systems and take a pride in the stewardship of these features. We have this tremendous gift, so to deliberately toss trash into a puka is the ultimate insult to the ʻāina and shows a lack of respect for the community and our heritage."

Asked about a solution to the trash in the puka problem, Gracanin said "I'm thankful that the county opened the temporary transfer station to make it easier for the thousands of residents to dispose of their trash each Saturday. Uncollected garbage is disgusting, and having to spend hours picking it up to save a puka should never need to happen."

Steve Lewis carries a red garbage can of trash on his back, while Peter Bosted

and Tomislav Gracanin collect illegally dumped garbage lower down

the puka's steep slope. Photo by Annie Bosted

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KAʻŪ HOSPITAL GOT A NEW CARPORT thanks to the efforts of ʻO Kaʻū Kākou volunteers. The carport will shelter the multi-passenger shuttle that takes hospital residents on outings. OKK posted to Facebook the feat, and a photo featuring Wayne Kawachi, "a guy named Jay," Glenn Okumura, Kaʻū Hospital Administrator Merilyn Harris, Walter Wong Yuen, and Mike McDonough.

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GOV. DAVID IGE APPOINTED CO-CHAIR OF U.S. COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS by the White House. A defense-related body consisting of five Democrats and five Republicans, one as co-chair from each party, the Council was created by the National Defense Authorization Act and formally established by President Obama's Executive Order 13528, issued Jan. 11, 2010. It serves as a mechanism for governors and key federal officials to address matters pertaining to the National Guard, homeland defense. and defense support to civil authorities.

Former Governor Neil Abercrombie previously represented Hawaiʻi on the Council.

Said Ige, "Hawaiʻi is home to the United States Indo-Pacific Command and well over three-hundred thousand Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Hawaiʻi National Guardsmen, Army Reservists, and Department of Defense civilian employees.

Gov. David Ige

"As governor of the State of Hawaiʻi, I am uniquely positioned here in the Pacific to partner with the federal administration to identify security challenges and seek solutions across our complex global environment."

The Council consists of 10 governors appointed by the president. The other Democratic members are: Ned Lamont (CT), J. B. Pritzker (IL), Tim Walz (MN), and Steve Bullock (MT). The five Republican members are: Co-chair Asa Hutchinson (AR), Doug Ducey (AZ), Mike Parson (MO), Pete Ricketts (NB), and Mike DeWine (OH).

The Governor is attending this week's National Governors Association's 111th annual Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C., where he will meet with the Council for the first time. Lt. Gov. Josh Green is serving as acting governor.

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NO TSUNAMI THREAT from a 7.5 magnitude earthquake at 12:17 a.m. HST near the Peru-Ecuador border region. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports "based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat because the earthquake is located too deep inside the Earth."

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DISPOSE OF HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE FOR FREE Sunday, March 3 at Pāhoa Recycling and Transfer Station, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. County of Hawaiʻi's Department of Environmental Management holds these regular collection events, at no charge to the public, so households can conveniently dispose of acceptable household hazardous waste in a manner that protects both public health and the environment.

Acceptable household hazardous waste includes automotive fluids, used batteries, fluorescent lights, and pesticides. For a more complete list of acceptable or unacceptable household hazardous waste, visit hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/ household-hazardous-waste. The website includes other useful information on solid waste diversion and recycling.

These events are for household-generated and self-hauled waste only. Business, government agency, non-profit agency, and farm waste not allowed. No electronic waste or tires accepted.

The next collection events happen June 1 in Kona and June 15 in Hilo. Questions? Contact Chris Chin-Chance, Recycling Specialist with the Department of Environmental Management, at 961-8554, or recycle3@hawaiicounty.gov.

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FOCUS SHIFTS FROM SULFUR GAS to another volcanic gas, in this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

Low sulfur emissions mean a new focus on a different volcanic gas

With the end of Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption, the Island of Hawaiʻi was able, at long last, to say goodbye to strong vog—volcanic smog produced by voluminous sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions.

Currently, SO2 emissions on Kīlauea are drastically lower than they have been for decades. However, as mentioned in our November 21, 2018, Volcano Watch article, some SO2 is still present, in addition to rotten egg-scented hydrogen sulfide (H2S).

So, sulfur smells are still sometimes detected around the island, but it's another gas emitted by Kīlauea that has become more important lately—carbon dioxide (CO2).

CO2 is a significant volcanic emission, along with the familiar sulfur gases, water vapor, and trace amounts of other gases, such as hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, and helium. What's important about CO2 specifically is that it can give clues about the depth of magma.

A USGS pilot and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory gas geochemist prepare to conduct a test flight of an unmanned aerial

system on Kīlauea Volcano in November, 2018. The UAS was outfitted with a prototype miniaturized multi-gas

sensor for the detection of volcanic gases emitted by Kīlauea, including

sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. USGS photo/Patricia Nadeau

To explain, we'll use something familiar to everyone: a bottle of soda, which has only one gas, CO2, dissolved in it. This CO2 stays dissolved as long as the bottle is sealed, because the bottle creates enough pressure to keep the CO2 in the liquid. As soon as the bottle is opened, pressure on the liquid decreases and the CO2 creates bubbles that escape to the atmosphere.

Unlike soda, magma has many different gases dissolved in it, and they don't all behave the same way. With soda, one pressure decrease is enough to release all the gas from it, but with magma, different degrees of pressure decrease result in the release different gases.

Since pressure on magma is created by the weight of the earth above it, the deeper magma is, the higher the pressure it feels. As magma rises to shallower depths, it feels lesser amounts of pressure and different gases are able to escape along the way.

When magma is shallow or actually reaches the surface, the pressure on it is quite low, so SO2 can easily escape, leading to the vog that impacted island residents for so long. But when magma is deeper, as is the case now, there is enough pressure to keep the SO2 dissolved.

However, CO2 is less soluble than SO2 in magma and can escape even when magma is deep and the pressure is high. This is why, even with no lava erupting at the surface, Kīlauea is currently producing significant amounts of CO2. It's important to note that these amounts are very small compared to anthropogenic, or human-caused, CO2 emissions. It's this CO2, in conjunction with the small amounts of sulfur gases still being emitted, that can provide clues to how deep Kīlauea's magma is.

Because CO2 can escape even when magma is deep but SO2 mostly stays dissolved until the magma is shallow, deeper magma produces a high ratio of CO2 to SO2. Geochemists typically use this CO2/SO2 ratio as an indication of magma depth.

Deep magma may begin with a high CO2/SO2 ratio, but that ratio will drop as magma moves to shallower depths and more SO2 begins to escape. Therefore, if we can measure Kīlauea's CO2/SO2 ratio over time, any changes in it could tell us whether magma is once again rising through the system.

Sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide gases themselves are not visible, but

dramatic plumes are sometimes visible at Kīlauea Volcano's summit and

Pu‘u ‘Ō‘ō. These plumes are a result of atmospheric conditions rather than

increased volcanic activity, and frequently occur when warm volcanic gases

condense as they are released into cooler air temperatures of

early mornings or evenings. USGS photo

The catch is that we must be able to measure the CO2/SO2 ratio. However, accurately measuring the CO2/SO2 ratio in volcanic gas is tricky because of the large and variable amount of CO2 that already exists in the atmosphere. At Kīlauea, the situation is further complicated by collapse events that rearranged the summit caldera and damaged roads and other means of access to degassing areas.

As this new phase of inactivity at Kīlauea continues, gas geochemistry scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will explore new avenues for measuring the helpful CO2/SO2 ratio, including the installation of multi-gas sensors at Kīlauea's summit and the use of gas sensors mounted on unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Our goal in collecting such gas data is to document changes that could eventually indicate an increased likelihood of renewed activity at Kīlauea.

Volcano Activity Updates

Kīlauea is not erupting. Rates of seismicity, deformation, and gas release have not changed significantly over the past week. Deformation signals are consistent with refilling of Kīlauea Volcano's deep East Rift Zone (ERZ). Sulfur dioxide emission rates in the lower ERZ have been below detection limits since early September 2018. Sulfur dioxide emissions at Kīlauea's summit and middle ERZ remain low, with rates steady over the past several weeks.

Three earthquakes with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaiʻi during the past week: a magnitude-1.6 quake 4 km (2 mi) southwest of Volcano at 3:02 a.m. HST on Feb. 17; a magnitude-3.0 quake 10 km (6 mi) south of Kapaʻau at 12 km (7 mi) depth on Feb. 17 at 12:04 a.m. HST; and a magnitude-3.3 quake 13 km (8 mi) east of Honokaʻa at 6 km (4 mi) depth on Feb.13 at 4:42 p.m. HST.

The USGS Volcano Alert level for Mauna Loa remains at NORMAL.

Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Call 808-967-8862 for weekly Kīlauea updates. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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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 Winter Sports Schedule

Boys Basketball:

Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA

Kaʻū Trojans Spring Sports Schedule

Baseball:

Tue., Feb. 26, 3p.m., @Honokaʻa

Thu., Feb. 28, 3p.m., @HPA

Mon., March 4, 3p.m., host Konawaena

Wed., March 6, 3p.m., @Kamehameha

Sat., March 9, 1p.m., host Kohala

Softball:

Wed., Feb. 27, @Honokaʻa

Tue., March 5, host Konawaena

Thu., March 7, @Kamehameha

Sat., March 9, 11 a.m., host Kohala

Mon., March 11, host Kemehameha

Wed., March 13, 5:30 p.m., host Pāhoa

Boys Volleyball:

Wed., Feb. 27, 6 p.m., @Konawaena

Fri., March 1, 6 p.m., host Pāhoa

Fri., March 8, 6 p.m., @Kealakehe

Tue., March 12, 6 p.m., @Makualani, Varsity

Fri., March 15, 6 p.m., host Waiakea

Track:

Sat., March 2, 9 a.m., @HPA

Sat., March 9, 2 p.m., @Keaʻau

NEW and UPCOMING

FREE VISION SCREENING FOR ALL AGES, Monday, March 4, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, and Tuesday, March 5, 9-11a.m., Pāhala Community Center. All ages receive screening for near and far vision. Keiki are screened for color deficiencies, adults for eye diseases. Keiki receive free sunglasses, adults free reading glasses. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me and Project Vision Hawaiʻi, projectvisionhawaii.org, 808-282-2265.

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.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Count Humpback Whales - Sanctuary Ocean Count, Sat., Feb. 23, 8-noon, Ka‘ū locations: Kaʻena Point in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, and Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document whale surface behavior during survey, providing valuable data to NOAA. Register at oceancount.org. Registration closes one week prior to event. Last 2019 count is on March 30.

Jazz in the Forest: A Tribute to Miles Davis happens Saturday, Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m. Jazz in the Forest returns in 2019 at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village, featuring Jean Pierre Thoma and the Jazztones performing Miles Davis compositions spanning 50 years of his original and groundbreaking creative directions.

Tickets are $25, $20 for VAC members. Beer, wine, and pupus will be available for purchase. Tickets are available for sale at volcanoartcenter.org, at VAC's Administration Office in Volcano Village, and at VAC Gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tue., Feb. 26, 10am, HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Feb. 26, 11:30-1pm, last Tuesday monthly, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

Talk Story about Proposed Nāʻālehu Wastewater Treatment Plant Tuesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Community Center, 75-5635 Mamalahoa Hwy. Nāʻālehu residents are invited to hear progress and changes that have been made to the project, and an outline the next steps of the environmental review process, and to share thoughts and ideas. RSVP to Brena Cabacungan Senelly at eplan1@aol.com, Mary Fujio at 808-961-8030, or Iris Cober at 808-442-3300.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Feb. 27, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Last Wednesday monthly. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Arts & Crafts Activity: Valentine's Day Card, Wed., Feb. 27, 2:45-3:30pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 Feb. 19-25. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Arts & Crafts Activity: Group Art Project, Wed., Feb. 27, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 Feb. 19-26. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Craft Class, Thu., Feb. 28, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Feb. 28, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. 4th Thursday monthly. Provides local forum for community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Feb. 28, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

ONGOING

Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant will accept applicants through Feb. 28. The pageant will be held again at the Ka‘ū District Gym on Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m. Miss Kaʻū Coffee and her court will represent the Kaʻū Coffee industry throughout the year at events in the community and beyond, her appearances sponsored by the Edmund C. Olson Trust, II. Pageant Director is Trinidad Marques. Scholarship Committee Directors are Julia Neal and Gloria Camba.

The community can support the pageant through purchasing tickets, volunteering, and providing scholarships.
Girls three to 24 years of age are encouraged to enter the pageant. Talents often include hula and singing. Competitive categories include Talent, Gown, Photogenic, Career-Interview, Characters Outfit, and Swimsuit for Miss Kaʻū Coffee. Pageant hopefuls contend for titles of Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee, Miss Kaʻū Peaberry, and Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower.
Email tmarques@yahoo.com.

Volunteer on Midway Atoll for Six Months. The volunteer will serve as a communication assistant out on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, on or about March 12 through August. Applications are due by Feb. 28. Potential to be extended to a full year. Get more info and instructions on how to apply.

Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 16, 9-2 pm, just above the Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu. Bazaar vendor spaces, located on the church lawn, are $10 for a 10' X 10' space. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tent, table and chairs, and if power is needed, generator. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods or plate lunches. Submit vendor application with $10 fee by Sunday, March 10. Call Debbie at 928-8039 for application. Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and roast chicken with gravy bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts. Walter or Debbie, 928-8039.

Applications for a Job to Help Kids with Healthy Eating and Living in Kaʻū are open through March 15. The position, through FoodCorps, is a full-time 11.5-month commitment from August 1, 2019 through July 15, 2020, at Pāhala Elementary School.
In exchange for service, members receive: $22,000 living stipend paid bi-weekly over the 11.5-month term; $6,095 AmeriCorps Segal education award upon successful completion of service; Student loan deferral or forbearance, if eligible; partial childcare reimbursement, if eligible; Health insurance; Ongoing training; mentorship; and professional development.

Apply at foodcorps.org/apply. See the service member position description for more details. Visit foodcorps.org, Facebook page, or contact seri.niimi-burch@foodcorps.org for more information.

Niuhi-Shark Fine Art Exhibit is open daily through March 24 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to hear different perspectives on the life of Kamehameha the Great and experience a visual experience of important events in Kamehameha's life from the perspective of two styles of art. The exhibit and supporting events promise paint, prose, protocol, and conversations providing cultural, historical, and educational experiences, with original paintings by Carl F. K. Pao, paired with selections from the book Kamehameha–The Rise of a King by David Kāwika Eyre, with illustrations by Brook Parker. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.

Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona.

Three $2000 scholarships will go to female college-bound Kaʻū High School and West Hawaiʻi high school students. Application packets were sent to high school counselors and are available on the AAUW Kona website at kona-hi.aauw.net. Criteria for choosing recipients are: academic achievement; community involvement; activities and experience; and financial need. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1.

Two $1,000 scholarships will go to any female high school graduate or women returning to school from home or workplace who are attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus, 73-4225 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Kona. Application packets are available on the AAUW Kona website at kona-hi.aauw.net and must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10.

AAUW promotes equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.

Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications are open through April 15. BFI is a free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture," says the release from Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. A quote from a former student says, "In our time together, we became more than just farmers and friends – we became a family. NFU's Beginning Farmer Institute is a truly valuable experience that you will not forget."

Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths to serve the public at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See KauCoffeeFestival.com.

Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. Campaign and other political displays are not invited. Fifty percent discounts are provided to bona fide non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Each vendor is responsible for a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each, to be displayed at each booth.

Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208, Pāhala, HI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona. Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance, before taxes; a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefit, if eligible; and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
Application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, February 21, 2019

The fire today was fatal and destroyed the home of a man on oxygen in Ocean View.
Photo by Annie Bosted

A FIRE IN UPPER OCEAN VIEW killed a man and destroyed a home today. The exact cause of the fire on Kailua Blvd., near Orchid Parkway, is under investigation and may be related to a fireplace and an oxygen tank. The victim's name is being withheld until relatives are notified.

William "Bill" Bergin, Battalion Chief for West Hawai’i Fire Department, told The Kaʻū Calendar the fire was discovered by a friend who regularly checked in on the resident, who lived alone. The friend phoned early in the morning to make sure he was well. The man replied that he was OK and about to cook breakfast. By the time the friend reached the house, it was burning.

Bergin said the resident was believed to be using medical oxygen, which could have contributed to the fire as the gas is highly combustible. The resident's home also had a fireplace, which may have increased fire danger.

A long line of emergency vehicles were parked along Kailua Blvd. between Orchid and Paradise.

Some came from towns such as Pāhala and Discovery Harbor. Photo by Annie Bosted

Summoned to the scene were at least three fire engines, some fire trucks, and an ambulance. At least one engine came from Pāhala, and one fire truck was from the Discovery Harbor Volunteer Fire Service. Ocean View volunteer fire and ambulance services joined in the effort.

Bergin said the fire was challenging in that the home was off the road, which limited access for the larger fire engines, as they could not get up the driveway to reach the house, and necessitated extended hoses. The fire was also very smoky and there was no available source of water, so the trucks had to shuttle water to the scene.

The trees that were growing around the house also proved to be problematic when a few of the larger ‘ōhiʻa trees caught fire, according to Bergin. However, a light rain helped prevent spread of the fire.

Fire trucks ferried water to the scene. Photo by Annie Bosted

By 4:30 p.m. the fire was 95 percent out.

At 7 p.m., Bergin reported that investigators were still on the scene, and a small portion of the fire was left smoldering, as they did not want to disturb evidence.

Bergin confirmed that the Red Cross had been summoned to the scene, saying that it was "standard practice," but the service was not needed as the single occupant had perished.

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.

A MAP OF LAVA FLOW THICKNESS from the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption was released Feb. 19 by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory. USGS HVO says this is a preliminary map and thicknesses "are subject to change. A final map will be released when all remote sensing data have been collected and processed."

Lava erupted from 24 fissures in the Leilani Estates area in lower Puna last year. The resulting flows, especially from fussure 8, buried an area of about 35.5 square kilometers – 13.7 sq miles – and added about 875 acres of new land to the island.

The greatest thickness on land, at fissure 22, is approximately 55 meters – 180 feet – and the greatest thickness in the lava delta of new land, where lava entered the ocean, is approximately 280 m – 919 ft. These values could change when data are finalized.

The new map is a work in progress; black areas depict data still being collected and/or processed. The previous map, showing a thermal view of the fissure system and lava flows, was published August 15, 2018.

Data depicted on this preliminary map of Kīlauea lower East Rift Zone lava flow thicknesses, released Feb. 19,
are subject to change. A final map will be released when all remote sensing data have been
collected and processed. USGS map

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A BILL ON DISTRIBUTION OF TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAXES unanimously passed the state House Committee on Finance yesterday, Feb. 20. Co-sponsors include Rep. Richard Onishi, who represents east Kaʻū, and Rep. Richard Creagan, who represents west Kaʻū. The measure goes to Senate committees for review.

House Bill 419 would make counties eligible to use TAT funds to enforce transient accommodations laws. However, "no funds shall be released to a county until it has satisfactorily complied with specified conditions," which include counties developing the ability to give report on transient accommodation use to the state. The bill would allow "an allocation" from TAT revenues."
Three other bills regarding transient accommodations are waiting for hearings in the House and Senate: SB460, cosponsored by east Kaʻū Sen. Ruassell Ruderman, "Requires the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority to develop a list of unit addresses, including housing units and rental units marketed to the visitor industry for occupancy, and to post the list on its website." Senate Bill 480, submitted by Ruderman, along with companion bill HB642, would allow Hawaiʻi county "agricultural tourism activities including short-term vacation rentals."

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A CLASS ON GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING 101 is offered by Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center Wednesday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to noon. Co-sponsored by Hawaiʻi PTAC, Government Contracting 101 will be taught by John Greene. He will teach basics of contracting with the federal and state governments, in order for local businesses to "gain an edge," says a statement on the program. Registration for the free class begins at 9:45 a.m. at Hale Iako, Suite 119 at Natural Energy Lab of HI (OTEC), next to Kona International Airport, 73-970 Makako Bay Dr. From Kaiminani take a right onto Makako Bay Dr. and follow the road past the beach all the way to the end, Hale Iako is on the right. For more, call 808-333-5000, or register online.

Help get rid of invasive plants, like morning glory,
at Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu. NPS photo

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HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture, After Dark in the Park talks, and stewardship programs during March 2019. Visitors are encouraged to check the Park's online calendar of events, and look for program flyers posted after 9:30 a.m. on the bulletin board at Kīlauea Visitor Center.

Park programs are free, but entrance fees apply. Some programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

Join other volunteers in stewarding the summit
in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. NPS photo

Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu: Help remove troublesome plants at Kīpukapuaulu, home to diverse native forest and understory plants. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that can be permanently stained from morning glory sap. Be prepared for cool and wet, or hot and sunny, weather. New volunteer? Contact Marilyn Nicholson for more info: nickem@hawaii.rr.com. Meet at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11 in the Park, every Thursday at 9:30 a.m., March 7, 14, 21, and 28.
Stewardship at the Summit: Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Visit the Park website for additional planning details. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in March at 8:45 a.m. on Friday 22 or 29, or Saturday 2, 9, and 16.

Learn what motivated Dr. Jaggar to study volcanoes
during a free walking tour theatrical experience. NPS photo

A Walk into the Past with Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar: Walk back to 1912, and meet the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea Volcano. Dressed in period costume, Ka‘ū actor-director Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Dr. Jaggar will lead 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. Program includes climbing stairs and entering a confined space. Supported by the Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network (KDEN). Space is limited; pick up a free ticket at the Kīlauea Visitor Center's front desk the day of the program. Each performance is about an hour on Tuesdays: March 5, 12, 19, and 26, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.

Explore Kahuku with a guide on Sundays in March.
NPS photo

Explore Kahuku: Join rangers on Sundays in March, or take a self-guided tour any day, for a two-hour guided trek at 9:30 a.m. (The trail will vary depending on visitor interest). Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Kahuku is located in Ka‘ū, and is about a 50-minute drive south of the park’s main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection and a snack are recommended for all hikes. The Kahuku Unit is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free.

Pahu Manamana o ‘Umi - Ancestral Brilliance, After Dark in the Park: Join Pualani Kanahele of the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation as she leads a virtual visit to Pahu Manamana o ‘Umi, a stellar instrument positioned 7,752 feet up on the southwest slope of Mauna Loa, and protected within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The ancient structure is a remarkable example of the brilliance of Hawaiian archaeo-astronomy, and how the ancestors made sense of these archaic instruments to align themselves with the moving planets, the rising and setting of stars and even the making of islands. Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium on Tuesday, March 12, 7 p.m.

Take a virtual visit to an ancient Hawaiian stellar instrument, at Pahu Manamana o ‘Umi -
Ancestral Brilliance, After Dark in the Park. NPS photo

Lomilomi Demonstration, ‘Ike Hana No‘eau - Experience the Skillful Work: Join Michelle Wall-O’Connor as she demonstrates the spiritual components of lomilomi, a style of massage that incorporates the Hawaiian concept of aloha to promote personal harmony. Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Join Michelle Wall-O’Connor for a Lomilomi
demonstration at ‘Ike Hana No‘eau - Experience
the Skillful Work. NPS photo

Exploring the Unknown Depths, After Dark in the Park: Have you ever wondered what lives 2,000 meters below the ocean surface? Justin Umholtz, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation education associate for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, shares his experiences aboard the Exploration Vessel Nautilus, mapping and diving unexplored seamounts via a remotely operated underwater vehicle, or ROV. Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium on Tuesday, March 26, 7 p.m.

‘Ohe Kāpala Workshop, ‘Ike Hana No‘eau - Experience the Skillful Work: Learn to create beautiful designs from traditional patterns using ‘ohe kāpala, bamboo stamps. Originally used to decorate clothing with symbolic meaning, ‘ohe kāpala designs are now used to tell stories on a variety of modern materials. Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai on Wednesday, March 27, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Learn from Justin Umholtz about his experience on the
Exploration Vessel Nautilus, at Exploring the Unknown
Depths, After Dark in the Park. NPS photo

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BEWARE OF SWEEPSTAKES SCAM, says the office of Mayor Harry Kim. The Mayor wants to alert the public to "a scam involving solicitations of money to win a bogus sweepstakes, with the scammers purporting to be County officials or having the endorsement of the County.

"The County of Hawai‘i does not solicit money, and the public should beware of scammers posing as County officials offering sweepstakes winnings. If you receive a sweepstakes solicitation letter or telephone call purporting to be from the Mayor's Office or another County Department, please disregard the solicitation and notify the Hawai‘i Police Department immediately."

Learn to create designs with bamboo stamps at
‘Ohe Kāpala Workshop, ‘Ike Hana No‘eau -
Experience the Skillful Work. NPS photo

To report suspected scams, call the Hawai’i Police Department's non-emergency number at 935-3311.

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DEADLINE FOR KAHA KIʻI CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION, sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, is tomorrow, Feb. 22, by 6 p.m. Open to all high school students in Hawaiʻi's 2nd Congressional District, the winning artwork is displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, along with winning artwork from all participating districts around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on the Congressional Art Competition page. Second-place artwork is displayed for one year in Gabbard's Washington DC office, third-place in her Hawaiʻi District Office. Art will be exhibited Monday, April 22 through Saturday, May 11 at Hawaiʻi State Capitol. The Awards Ceremony will be held Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Details about submissions at gabbard.house.gov/serving-you/student-resources/art-competition. Contact Anya at Anya.Anthony@mail.house.gov or call (808) 541-1986 with questions. See also: A Guide to Copyright and Plagiarism; 2019 Rules for Students and Teachers; 2019 Student Release Form – must be completed/signed and submitted with entry; 2019 Art Competition Submission Form.

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KEIKI JINGLE BUMS Song and Play Group for babies and toddlers happens Fridays, 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS SOFTBALL kicked off the Spring season yesterday with a win in the first game. Trojans hosted Pāhoa. The game was called in the sixth inning. Kaʻū won with 14, Pāhoa 4. Winning Pitcher was CeAndrea Kamei-Silva. The team is coached by Donovan Emmsley.

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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 Winter Sports Schedule

Boys Basketball:

Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA

NEW and UPCOMING

FIT & FIRM CO-ED MEDIUM INTENSITY STRENGTH EXERCISE CLASSES for those 30 and over with PK Mercado happen Fridays in March, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., no late entry. Strength, balance, core, and agility exercise conditioning classes, low to medium exercise intensity, including but not limited to squats, planks, shoulder presses, and lunges. Geared towards full body functional fitness to compliment one's active lifestyle. Most fitness equipment provided. Bring exercise ball, exercise mat, water, towel, and wear comfortable fitness clothing. No slippers or crocks, shoes or bare feet only.

Payment of $45 for all five classes required at first class session, check or exact cash. Make checks out to Soul Fitness Hawaii, LLC. No make-ups for missed classes, no roll overs, no prorating, no drop-ins; payment holds a spot for March only. To continue taking ongoing classes, confirm spot with instructor. All classes are booked and scheduled in advanced. Spots limited to 15 people.

Before signing up, or for those with prior medical concerns or attending physical therapy – all P.T. must be completed before taking this class – call instructor to learn if this is the appropriate fitness level. Call instructor directly to register: 315-9130, soulfitnesshawaiipksm.com, Instagram @ pk.soares_fitness, Facebook @ PK Mercado

SENIOR STRONG CHAIR EXERCISE CLASSES with PK Mercado in Volcano start the first Friday in March, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Class equipment provided. Bring water and a towel, and wear fitness wear and shoes – no Crocks, slippers, or sandals. Those that walk with a walker or cane should bring them.

For those under a doctor's care, call instructor to learn if this is the appropriate fitness level. Call instructor directly to register: 315-9130, soulfitnesshawaiipksm.com, Instagram @ pk.soares_fitness, Facebook @ PK Mercado

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Honuʻea: The Endangered Hawksbill Turtle of Hawaiʻi Island will be presented by Lauren Kurpita, director of Hawaiʻi Island Hawksbill Recovery Project. This year's first Coffee Talk at Kahuku happens Friday, Feb. 22, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kahuku Unit's Visitor Center. She will talk about the difference between hawksbill and green sea turtle species, threats hawksbills encounter, and conservation efforts.

Get to know the Park and neighbors at monthly Coffee Talk events, an informal conversation on a variety of topics. Kaʻū coffee, tea, and pastries are available for purchase. Entrance south of 70.5 mile marker on mauka side of Hwy 11.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Feb. 27, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Last Wednesday monthly. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Arts & Crafts Activity: Valentine's Day Card, Wed., Feb. 27, 2:45-3:30pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 Feb. 19-25. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Arts & Crafts Activity: Group Art Project, Wed., Feb. 27, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 Feb. 19-26. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Craft Class, Thu., Feb. 28, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Feb. 28, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. 4th Thursday monthly. Provides local forum for community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

ONGOING
Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant will accept applicants through Feb. 28. The pageant will be held again at the Ka‘ū District Gym on Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m. Miss Kaʻū Coffee and her court will represent the Kaʻū Coffee industry throughout the year at events in the community and beyond, her appearances sponsored by the Edmund C. Olson Trust, II. Pageant Director is Trinidad Marques. Scholarship Committee Directors are Julia Neal and Gloria Camba.

Nāʻālehu Celebrates Craft Month with open crafting for all ages, while supplies last. Crafting starts off at 3 p.m. each Thursday in February. Free. Contact Sara Kamibayashi at (808) 939-2442 for more.

Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 16, 9-2 pm, just above the Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu. Bazaar vendor spaces, located on the church lawn, are $10 for a 10' X 10' space. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tent, table and chairs, and if power is needed, generator. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods or plate lunches. Submit vendor application with $10 fee by Sunday, March 10. Call Debbie at 928-8039 for application. Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and roast chicken with gravy bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts. Walter or Debbie, 928-8039.

In exchange for service, members receive: $22,000 living stipend paid bi-weekly over the 11.5-month term; $6,095 AmeriCorps Segal education award upon successful completion of service; Student loan deferral or forbearance, if eligible; partial childcare reimbursement, if eligible; Health insurance; Ongoing training; mentorship; and professional development.

Apply at foodcorps.org/apply. See the service member position description for more details. Visit foodcorps.org, Facebook page, or contact seri.niimi-burch@foodcorps.org for more information.

Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona.

Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications are open through April 15. BFI is a free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture," says the release from Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. A quote from a former student says, "In our time together, we became more than just farmers and friends – we became a family. NFU's Beginning Farmer Institute is a truly valuable experience that you will not forget."

Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208, Pāhala, HI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

About The Kaʻū Calendar

Friday, February 22, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, February 22, 2019

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, February 21, 2019