Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, September 22, 2019

Former Miss Kaʻū Coffee Amey Silva and her keiki at the inaugural Fall Family Funday Rodeo. Photo by Julia Neal

THE INAUGURAL FALL FAMILY RODEO on Saturday showed off paniolo skills of keiki and youth. Organized by Tammy Kaʻapana Kaʻū Roping and Riding Association and co-sponsored by Nancy Cabral and Day-Lum Properties, the rodeo at Naalehu Arena saw competitors up to age 17. The youngest, one-year-old Kauwanaokalani Kaluna-Yurong, refused to let go of the tail when pulling off the ribbon in the Goat Undecorating event.

Winners of Barrel Racing, ages 9-13, No Help.
Photo by Julia Neal

    In Dummy Roping, 4 and under, McKenzy DeMattos took first, Kuʻulei Serrao took second, and Kalauʻili Cardoza took third. For ages 5-8, Colt Mandaloniz took first, Kysen Rapoza took third, and Jaycee Amaral took third.

    In Goat Undecorating, 4 and under, Kuʻulei Serrao took first, Janiese Amaral took second, and McKenzy DeMattos took third. For ages 5-8, Hilai Karatti took first, Hilinai Karatti took second, and Jaycee Amaral took third.
          In Barrel Racing, 4 and under, with help, Devyn Akana took first, Marina Sakata took second, and Kalauʻili Cardoza took third. For ages 5-8, with help, Keanna took first, Quentin Lorenzo took second, and Kysen Rapoza took third.

Winners of Goat Undecorating, ages 4 & under. 

Photo by Julia Neal

        In Barrel Racing, for ages 5-8, without help, Hilai Karatti took first, Caya Wong took second.

Winners of Dummy, ages 5-8. Photo by Julia Neal

     For ages 9-13, the first go saw Kryslynn Nabarra at 17.87, Teani Souza at 18.64, and Blayne DeMattos at 20.43. The second go saw Nabarra at 18.41, Moana Mortensen at 19.75, and DeMattos at 20.80. Nabarra took first, with an average time of 18.14. Mortensen took second, with an average time of 20.095. Souza took third, with an average time of 20.225.

    In Barrel Racing, for ages 14-17, McKella Akana was the only competitor.

Winners of Pole Bending, ages 5-8, with Help. 

Photo by Julia Neal

    In Pole Bending, for 4 and under, with help, Kalauʻili Cardoza took first, McKenzy DeMattos took third, and Aurora Serrao took third. For ages 5-8, with help, Keanna Macanas took first, Quentin Lorenzo took second, and Kysen Ropoza took third. For ages 9-13, the first go saw Blayne DeMattos at 31.22, Kryslynn Nabarra at 32.77, and Hayzen at 39.12. The second go saw Nabarra at 29.24, DeMattos at 33.70, and Moana Mortensen at 36.04. Nabarra took first, with an average time of 36.005. DeMattos took second, with an average time of 32.46. Mortensen took third, with an average time of 39.545. For ages 14-17, McKella Akana was the only competitor, with no time recorded.

     In Calf Riding, Hayzeh took first, Chaz took second, and Austin took third.

     In Sheep Riding, Kyson Rapoza took first, Kamakoa took second, and Quentin Lorenzo took third.
     In Calf Riding, Hayzeh took first, Chaz took second, and Austin took third.

A winner of Barrel Racing,
ages 5-8, No Help.
Photo by Julia Neal

     In Sheep Riding, Kyson Rapoza took first, Kamakoa took second, and Quentin Lorenzo took third.

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ar.com.

A SCAM ATTEMPT WARNING comes from the Department of Water Supply, County of Hawaiʻi. The utility wants to remind its customers and the public to be wary of fraudulent telephone calls asking for personal information or visits from people claiming to represent DWS.

     DWS does not ask for Social Security numbers.

Winners of Barrel Racing, ages 4 & under,
with Help. Photo by Julia Neal

     It's acceptable for customers to ask to see an employee's official identification if they are unsure if he or she is from DWS. DWS personnel carry official photo badge identification and drive marked vehicles displaying the DWS name and logo on the doors.
     People who receive suspicious phone calls or visits from someone claiming to represent DWS should not provide any personal information that's requested. Instead, they should call DWS at (808) 961-8060 and the Hawaiʻi Police Department's non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311 to file a report. Also, be aware that some telephone scammers are now disguising their fraudulent attempts by having local or legitimate phone numbers appear on the recipient's Caller ID feature.

A family of paniolo at the inaugural Fall Family 

Funday 2019 Rodeo. Photo by Julia Neal

     Customers and members of the general public may email any concerns to dws@hawaiidws.org or call (808) 961-8790 for after-hour emergencies.

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LEARN WHY HVO STAFF IS LENDING A HELPING HAND to Alaska colleagues. Read this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:

Winners of Sheep. Photo by Julia Neal

     Volcano observatories across the United States work together to ensure efficient and thorough monitoring of the nation's active volcanoes. This collaboration is particularly evident during a crisis, like the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano.

     In 2018, scientists, field engineers, and administrative professionals from across the USGS Volcano Science Center came to the Island of Hawaiʻi to assist HVO in monitoring Kīlauea's lower East Rift Zone lava flows and summit collapses. Their assistance was critical to maintaining HVO's 24/7 response capability.

One-year-old Kauwanaokalani Kaluna-Yurong, 

nibbling on her participation ribbon for 

Goat Undecorating. Photo by Julia Neal

     Collaboration between volcano observatories also occurs in non-crisis times – for example, helping with regularly scheduled field operations. Some volcano observatories, such as the one in Alaska, must accomplish all field work in the summer because other times of the year can bring harsh weather and dangerous working conditions. Since the summer field season in Alaska is short, it is important to use temporary help from other states.

     The field season for the Alaska Volcano Observatory staff is intense. The sun is almost always up, and the daylight hours are fully used when weather permits. Help from other volcano observatories allows field teams to be rotated every month to avoid burn-out.

Winners of Pole Bending, ages 4 & under, with Help. 

Photo by Julia Neal

     This summer, several HVO staff traveled to Alaska to help build new, and upgrade old, seismic monitoring sites on western Aleutian volcanoes. This is part of a big step that AVO is taking to convert their entire seismic network from an analog to an all-digital network. This is important because digital instruments can detect a wider range of earthquake signals, which, in turn, helps scientists "see" more types of processes happening beneath the ground surface. HVO made the transition to a digital network in 2014‒2017.

Winners of Pole Bending, ages 9-13, No Help. 

Photo by Julia Neal

     Our work began on Adak, an island about 1770 km (1100 mi) southwest from Anchorage, Alaska. The island, home to a military base from 1942 to 1997, is eerily peaceful now that most of the facilities have been abandoned. It was our base of operations – the hub, where more-remote field stations tie into the Alaska volcano monitoring network.

     From Adak, we boarded the research vessel Steadfast, which took us across the Bering Sea anywhere from 35 to 750 km (22 to 466 mi) to different volcanoes. The RV Steadfast was our home away from home, until the boat returned to Adak to rotate in a new field crew, refuel, and restock supplies.

     Once we reached the targeted volcano, the captain dropped anchor in a harbor that would be mostly protected from potentially fierce, incoming Aleutian storms. From there, we flew in the onboard helicopter to go back and forth from the ship to the different field sites.

Winners of Goat Undecorating, ages 5-8. Photo by Julia Neal

     The weather was always a factor in our work. We were shrouded in fog nearly every morning, but we had to be ready to fly to a field site at the drop of a hat. Whenever the helicopter pilot deemed that a safe window of opportunity had arrived, we loaded up and took off.

     Once we landed on the volcano, the real work began. We dug a foundation for the equipment hut and a 2-meter- (about 6-ft-) deep hole, where the seismometer would reside and "listen" for ground motions (earthquakes). Solar panels were mounted on the hut, which housed 15 deep-cycle 12-volt batteries to power the electronics that digitizes signals from the seismometer and sends data back to Adak via radio.

Winners of Dummy, ages 4 & under. Photo by Julia Neal

     Once in a while, when looking up to catch our breath, we would notice the majestic snow-capped peaks surrounding us. But those times were brief. We were in a race against the sun, while battling the ever-changing weather conditions.

     The work was difficult but rewarding. Living in close quarters, continuously strategizing to overcome the elements, and working as a team on a remote volcano, led to a bond with our AVO colleagues that will last beyond the Aleutian field work.

     HVO is always busy with Hawaiian volcanoes but assisting our sister observatories is also part of what we do. No matter where a volcano is located, our mission is always the same – to enhance public safety through information and science.

Winners of Calf Riding. Photo by Julia Neal

    Volcano Activity Updates

     Kῑlauea Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL. Kīlauea deformation and seismicity showed no notable changes over the past week. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are low at the summit and below detection limits at Puʻu ʻŌʻō and the LERZ. The water pond at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continues to slowly expand and deepen.

     At or near the 2018 LERZ eruptive fissures, elevated ground temperatures and minor releases of gas – steam, tiny amounts of hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide – persist. These are typical post-eruption conditions and are expected to be long-term. Hazards remain at the LERZ and summit of Kīlauea. Closures and warnings in these areas should be heeded. The 2018 lava flows are primarily on private property; please be respectful and do not enter or park on private property.
     Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to an eruption is certain.

At the inaugural Fall Family Funday Rodeo, well-known Kaʻū paniolo Lorilee Lorenzo runs after 6 yr old Quentin Lorenzo during Barrel Racing, ages 5-8, with help. Dad Frank Lorenzo Jr. leads. Photo from Lorenzo family

     One earthquake with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaiʻi this past week: a magnitude-2.5 quake 12 km (7 mi) southwest of Leilani Estates at 4 km (2 mi) depth on Sept. 11 at 4:47 p.m.

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

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 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.

2019 Kaʻū High School Fall Athletics Schedule

See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:

Thu., Oct. 3, 7 p.m. Kamehameha hosts Kaʻū

Sat., Oct. 12, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m., Kohala hosts Kaʻū

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals

Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:

Tue., Sept. 24, 6 p.m., Makualani hosts Kaʻū

Fri., Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Wed., Oct. 2, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Fri., Oct. 4, 6 p.m., Parker hosts Kaʻū

Tue., Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Ehunui

Thu., Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Konawaena hosts Kaʻū

Mon., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., BIIF Div II First Round at Keaʻau

Tue., Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m., BIIF Div II Semifinals at Keaʻau

Wed., Oct. 16, 4 p.m., BIIF Div II Finals at Keaʻau
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu

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 monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

TUESDAY, SEPT. 24

H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. Board Mtg., Tuesday, Sept. 24, 10a.m., H.O.V.E. RMC office, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. 929-9910, hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

Operatic Theater with Artist-in-Residence, Alan Olejniczak, Saturday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., KīlaueaVisitor Center Auditorium. Olenjniczak, playwright and librettist, presents excerpts from the first draft of an audio drama about the natural history and future of Hawai‘i Island. Free; park entrance fees apply. 965-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, Sept. 25 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9-11a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and 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

Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10a.m.-2p.m., Kīlauea Iki Overlook, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile (one way) hike. $80/person. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Pū‘ohe Demonstration, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Make a Hawaiian bamboo trumpet. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, SEPT. 26

Ka‘ū Food Basket, Thursday, Sept. 26, 11a.m.-noon, multipurpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala.

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, Sept. 26, 3-4p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues to benefit students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, Sept. 26, 4-6p.m., 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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27

Coffee Talk at Kahuku, Friday, Sept. 27, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Free. nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, SEPT. 28

Fee-Free Day: National Public Lands Day, Saturday, Sept. 28. Park entrance is free. neefusa.org

National Public Lands Day Volunteering, Saturday, Sept. 28, 8:45a.m.-noon, meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. No advance registration required. Volunteers receive pass to return and enjoy park fee-free another day. No entrance fees. nps.gov/havo

Nature & Culture, Saturday, Sept. 28, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate hike, approx. 2 miles. nps.gov/havo

SUNDAY, SEPT. 29

Realms and Divisions, Sunday, Sept. 29, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.

Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21.

     Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org

Tutoring for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.

Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

Girls Exploring Math and Science Registration is open to Kaʻū students The annual event for fifth graders will be held on Dec. 10 at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. The mission of the American Association of University Women is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research.
     "First Come, First Served" registration forms were mailed to all West Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū schools on Sept. 9. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need. Once the 336 available spots are filled, no registrations will be accepted.

     All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawaiʻi School complex and Kaʻū who attend public, private, or home schools are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to volunteer or sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Applications are also available at Kona-hi.aauw.net.

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, September 21, 2019

Pāhala's Alfred Ibarra, at right with his sister Betsy Potter, won the 5K in the 60-69 age group in today's Kaʻū
 Coffee Trail Run, which drew a record breaking 226 runners in three OKK events. At left, a Youth Challenge 
cadet greets a runner. See more below. Photo by Julia Neal 

KTA CEO BARRY TANIGUCHI PASSED AWAY FRIDAY. The leader of the 103-year-old food enterprise was well known for promoting KTA's Mountain Apple brand of locally produced foods, its outreach to schools, its in-store demonstrations, its television cooking shows, and its support of numerous community programs, including funding for Kaʻū schools. KTA is also a regular supporter of The Kaʻū Calendar Newspaper, even though none of KTA's six stores are located in the District of Kaʻū.

Barry Taniguchi. Photo from UH 
Hilo's Chancellor's Blog

     A statement from the family today said its members "would like to share that Barry K. Taniguchi passed away Friday at The Queen's Medical Center on Oʻahu, due to medical complications. The family is extremely grateful to the medical staff at Hilo Medical Center and The Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu for their assistance and compassion in caring for Barry."
     Taniguchi, 72, chaired the board of KTA Super Stores, where he was CEO. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, and children Tracy, Toby, Terri, Amanda, and Ryan, as well as grandchildren.
     The University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo's Chancellor's blog described Taniguchi and KTA on its 100th birthday in 2016. The journey started with Taniguchi's great grandparents, who immigrated from Japan and opened a 500 square foot store in Hilo, delivering food to plantation camps and allowing sugar workers to buy on credit. Barry Taniguchi worked in a KTA from the time he was 12.
     Don Straney wrote that Taniguchi concluded that KTA lasted this many years because of their employees. Straney concluded  that the successs is due to "this feeling of ‘ohana and KTA's dedication to caring for the communities they serve that has made them such a lasting and important business on Hawai‘i Island." The number of its employees is more than 800.
     Straney wrote that KTA is an anchor institution, a foundation for the communities it supports. He wrote that as business anchors, KTA Super Stores "have a stake in the health and well-being of our families and communities, have an economic impact, generate employment, have an identity that makes it improbable they will ever relocate, have highly skilled administrators and staff, and are considered some of the centers of culture." He wrote that KTA is a "key engine of economic growth and revitalization of our communities."
     To inspire healthy eating, KTA is known for its in-store demonstrations and displays, and for partnering with Hawaiʻi Island food Bank, the Kohala Center, Blue Zone Project, state Department of Health, and many others.
     In the 2016 University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo Chancelor's blog, Toby Taniguchi, Chief Operating Officer and President of KTA, gave recognition to the KTA leaders who came before him. "The Japanese call that on giri, the concept of feeling indebted to those who came before you and an obligation to do things in a way that honors them."

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HAWAIʻI IS FIRST IN RACIAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY, according to a recent WalletHub report. WalletHub compared the 50 states across six key categories: socio-economic, cultural, economic, household, religious, and political diversity.
     Hawaiʻi ranks second in Generational Diversity, third in Income Diversity, Worker-Class Diversity, and Household-Size Diversity, and ninth in Linguistic Diversity.

     The Aloha State ranks 14th in Birthplace Diversity, 20th in Industry Diversity, 27th in Educational-Attainment Diversity, and 29th in Occupational Diversity.

     See the full report at wallethub.com/edu/most-least-diverse-states-in-america/38262/.

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.

On OKK's Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run, through the orchards at Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Photo by Julia Neal 

KAʻŪ COFFEE TRAIL RUN broke its participation record today under sunny skies with 226 runners. The 5 K hosted 119, with 54 in the 10K, and 53 in the half marathon.

     The sixth annual race saw participants climbing the slope behind Kaʻū Coffee Mill into the rainforest, runners weaving through orchards of Kaʻū Coffee with their red berries ready for the height of coffee picking season.

     Co-sponsored by Kaʻū Coffee Mill, the Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run raises about a third of the budget for the local community organization ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. Local families set up refreshment booths to raise money to send children to Kamehameha Schools and for a trip to the nation's capitol.

Second and third place winners of the 60-69 age group in the 5K, Dennis 

McClellan and Charles Laird, with Kaʻū Coffee Queen Helena Sesson, 

Princess Liliana Marques, and Miss Flower Kysha Manini Kaʻupu. 

See the 5K winner at top of Kaʻū News Briefs. Photo by Julia Neal

     Racers came to Kaʻū Coffee Mill  from around the state and across the globe as Kaʻū Coffee Mill founder Edmund C. Olson looked on. Youth Challenge program brought 67 cadets to support the event, and 12 participated in the race.

     Miss Kaʻū Coffee Helena Sesson presented the awards, accompanied by Kaʻū Coffee Princess Liliana Marques and Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower Kysha Manini Kaʻūpu.

     Here are the winners:

     The overall winner of the men's Half Marathon was Zachary Songa, at 1:28:51.8, in the 30-39 age group. Overall winner of the men's 10K was Jeffrey Iverslie, at 51:37.0, in the 50-59 age group. Overall winner of the men's 5K was Jared Barrett, at 21:59.3, in the 19 & under age group.

     Overall winner of the women's Half Marathon was Amy Young, at 1:48:03.7, in the 30-39 age group. Overall winner of the women's 10K was Lucile Redon, at 58:03.6, in the 20-29 age group. Overall winner of the women's 5K was Megan Denny, at 21:01.3, in the 40-49 age group.

Amy Young, the first place women's Half Marathon winner. 

Photo by Julia Neal

     See more in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.

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A PROPOSED SPACEPORT ON THE ISLAND, this one in the Hilo-Panaʻewa area, received opposition from Uʻilani Naipo during the Office of Hawaiian Affairs meeting in Pāhala, Wednesday, Sept. 18. She said a major concern is proximity to the charter school Nawahi o Kalaniʻopuʻu, and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Hale ʻŌlelo.

     She described the technology for space launches, as preliminary, in development, and contended that launches would be subject to a higher likelihood of failure, "endangering our youth" at nearby facilities. Naipo said that earlier reports that Alaska Aerospace Corp., the company orchestrating construction of the spaceport, is in partnership with University of Hawaiʻi, are not the case.

     Ka Lae, South Point, has also been a site of numerous spaceport proposals. A proposal for a Spinlaunch site makai of Ocean View drew opposition in the community last year. The founders found a different location, outside of Hawaiʻi.

Youth Challenge sent 67 cadets to OKK's Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run. A dozen competed, the other volunteers 

assisted OKK at each mile marker and with other duties. Photo by Julia Neal

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CONTINUE HONEYBEE DATA COLLECTION, urges Sen. Mazie Hirono and 22 of her colleagues. In a letter to Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, the democrats expressed concerns over the Department's National Agricultural Statistics Service's decision to reduce or even suspend the collection of honeybee data across the nation.

     The Senators also requested information on the amount that Congress provided NASS to collect information for the Cost of Pollination Survey and the Honey survey in fiscal year 2019, how much was left over when the decision was made to suspend or scale back these surveys, how much money was saved in doing so, and where those funds are.

Bee keepers in Kaʻū can benefit from USDA reports.
Photo from artemissmiles.com

     The Senators wrote, "In July, NASS announced that it would suspend the collection of quarterly data for the annual Honey Bee Colonies report. The Honey Bee Colonies report, first published in 2016, is the only national survey tracking honeybee loss that is overseen by the federal government. It not only provides key data to beekeepers, the honey industry, and farmers whose crops rely on honeybees for pollination, but also helps to guide honeybee management decisions and identifies colony health stressors. USDA's recent announcement that it would resume the Colony Loss Survey, following a one-quarter suspension, to inform the Honey Bee Colonies report is welcome news. However, USDA's prior actions to suspend or scale back the collection of additional honeybee data remains a concern."

     The Senators' efforts are supported by national groups such as the American Honey Producers Association and the American Beekeeping Federation. Local support includes Big Island Bees, an apiary on Hawaiʻi Island that Senator Hirono visited last month, to learn more about the importance of honeybee production in Hawaiʻi.

     Said Garnett Puett, Big Island Bees co-owner and beekeeper, "Data collection has saved our operation. Without an understanding of the issues we face, we would be left out in the dark on how to best keep our bees alive. Information provided in USDA reports and surveys allows researchers to develop methods that allow us to maintain healthy colonies. The more data we have, the better our ability to protect honeybees here in the U.S. and across the globe."

Honey bees love their combs. Bee keeping in Kaʻū, and Hawaiʻi at large,
depends on USDA reports. Photo from artemissmiles.com

     Eric Silva, Federal Policy Counsel, American Honey Producers Association, said "The NASS reports on colony numbers, honey production, and pollination contracts are foundational data reports upon which the industry, academia, and government agencies base decisions. Without these reports, we can only regress in our understanding of what is happening to the health and vitality of America's honey bees and America's beekeeping operations. As an industry, we need more not less data if we hope to arrive at better solutions for ensuring that honey bees stay alive and thrive, to produce high quality honey and pollinate $20 billion in specialty crops annually."

     Tim May, President of the American Beekeeping Federation and commercial beekeeper, said, "The American Beekeeping Federation is in full support of USDA's decision to resume the NASS on the health of managed honey bees. Honey bees are so important to our country's agriculture and with their continued declining health it is imperative that the USDA continue to monitor colony health regularly it is critical to the future of U.S. agriculture production."

     The full text of the letter to Secretary Perdue is available here.

At South Point Road, Hwy 11 motorists saw signs for change today.
Photo by Melissa Wheeler

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GLOBAL CLIMATE STRIKE WEEK was visible in Kaʻū today, with members of Kaʻū Voices waving signs at South Point Road and Highway 11 to encourage people to take action to stem the rising oceans, temperatures, greenhouse gases, and climate disasters.

     Kaʻū Voices' organizer Melissa Wheeler said Kaʻū Voices urges everyone to "be a part of the solution, not the problem, and be aware!"

     Kaʻū Voices encourages people to attend other Climate Strike events, through Friday, Sept. 27, at Maunakea Access Road every day, and in Hilo, to wave signs at the downtown post office on Friday, Sept. 27.

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PICNIC IN THE PARK at Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will be held tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features taiko drumming and other live, musical entertainment from noon to 3 p.m. Food and shave ice will be available for purchase. Information booths will be set up. ʻOhana Day Hike & Craft Activity for attendees 18 and under runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon; registration required, leileni_rodrigues@nps.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.

2019 Kaʻū High School Fall Athletics Schedule

See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:

Thu., Oct. 3, 7 p.m. Kamehameha hosts Kaʻū

Sat., Oct. 12, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m., Kohala hosts Kaʻū

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals

Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:

Tue., Sept. 24, 6 p.m., Makualani hosts Kaʻū

Fri., Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Wed., Oct. 2, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Fri., Oct. 4, 6 p.m., Parker hosts Kaʻū

Tue., Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Ehunui

Thu., Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Konawaena hosts Kaʻū

Mon., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., BIIF Div II First Round at Keaʻau

Tue., Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m., BIIF Div II Semifinals at Keaʻau

Wed., Oct. 16, 4 p.m., BIIF Div II Finals at Keaʻau
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu

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 monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ka‘ū Community Coastal Cleanup and Debris Survey, Saturday, Sept. 22. Free; donations appreciated. Limited space available; B.Y.O.-4WD okay. R.S.V.P. required, kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. 769-7629, wildhawaii.org

Palm Trail, Sunday, Sept. 22, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day, Sunday, Sept. 22, noon-3p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Live music, family-friendly activities, hikes and more. Free. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, SEPT. 24

H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. Board Mtg., Tuesday, Sept. 24, 10a.m., H.O.V.E. RMC office, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. 929-9910, hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

Operatic Theater with Artist-in-Residence, Alan Olejniczak, Saturday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., KīlaueaVisitor Center Auditorium. Olenjniczak, playwright and librettist, presents excerpts from the first draft of an audio drama about the natural history and future of Hawai‘i Island. Free; park entrance fees apply. 965-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, Sept. 25 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9-11a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and 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

Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10a.m.-2p.m., Kīlauea Iki Overlook, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile (one way) hike. $80/person. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Pū‘ohe Demonstration, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Make a Hawaiian bamboo trumpet. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, SEPT. 26

Ka‘ū Food Basket, Thursday, Sept. 26, 11a.m.-noon, multipurpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala.

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, Sept. 26, 3-4p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues to benefit students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, Sept. 26, 4-6p.m., 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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27

Coffee Talk at Kahuku, Friday, Sept. 27, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Free. nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, SEPT. 28

Fee-Free Day: National Public Lands Day, Saturday, Sept. 28. Park entrance is free. neefusa.org

National Public Lands Day Volunteering, Saturday, Sept. 28, 8:45a.m.-noon, meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. No advance registration required. Volunteers receive pass to return and enjoy park fee-free another day. No entrance fees. nps.gov/havo

Nature & Culture, Saturday, Sept. 28, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate hike, approx. 2 miles. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.

Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21.

     Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org

Tutoring for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.

Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

Girls Exploring Math and Science Registration is open to Kaʻū students The annual event for fifth graders will be held on Dec. 10 at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. The mission of the American Association of University Women is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research.
     "First Come, First Served" registration forms were mailed to all West Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū schools on Sept. 9. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need. Once the 336 available spots are filled, no registrations will be accepted.

     All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawaiʻi School complex and Kaʻū who attend public, private, or home schools are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to volunteer or sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Applications are also available at Kona-hi.aauw.net.

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.