Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013

Clyde Silva, in red, is president of the Ka`u ILWU Pensioners Club which celebrated the holidays Sunday. To his right is his dad, retired sugar worker Albert Silva. His mother, at the head of the table, is Amy Silva. Photo by Julia Neal

MILILANI TRASK, A PROPONENT OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY development on Hawai`i Island, has written a commentary in Civil Beat about a U.S. House of Representatives amendment that she says advances energy independence. “Thanks to Rep. Colleen Hanabusa’s efforts, the House adopted an amendment that paves the way for greater renewable energy development on public lands,” Trask says.

Mililani Trask

      “Through the amendment she introduced, she made sure that the Hawaiian Home lands selected to be used for the development of geothermal, solar, wind, and other renewable sources will be included in the Quadrennial Federal Onshore Energy Production Strategy.
      This policy move and recognition of federal jurisdiction over lands that have largely been forgotten by Congress should propel us forward and enable us to broaden our energy portfolio.
      “We are better situated to replace imported oil with geothermal as our firm power base and make the most of the diverse forms of renewable energy that Hawai`i is blessed with.
      “This is a policy move that is foundational and one we should build on.
      “The Hawai`i homestead community welcomes the freedom this gives them to improve their economic status by developing the assets on their lands. In the long run, it also promises to deliver some relief from the punishingly high (electric) rates that have hindered small businesses and job development.
      “As Paul Richards, president of the Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes Association remarked after learning about this amendment, ‘We should move forward, full steam ahead — literally — to develop geothermal on our lands and become better stewards of our destiny and especially our `aina.’
      “This is a step in the direction of economic sovereignty, and we welcome it,” Trask concludes.
      See civilbeat.com.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sen. Dan Inouye passed away one year ago today. Photo from Office of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

KA`U’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION IS HONORING Sen. Daniel Inouye today on the one-year anniversary of his passing. 

      Sen. Mazie Hirono introduced legislation that would re-designate the Asia-Pacific Center For Security Studies as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in recognition of his instrumental support for the center.
      “As a young man, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye responded to the call of duty and wore the uniform in defense of liberty and freedom,” Hirono said. “He then went on to a lifetime of public service, laying the foundation for a modern Hawai`i…. Sen. Inouye never forgot the people and places in Hawai`i, and today we honor his tireless work on behalf of Hawai`i and the nation.”
      Sen. Brian Schatz said Inouye was a great leader and a true patriot. “His courage, heroism, and humility earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow service members, his constituents, colleagues, and leaders around the world. In this remembrance, we commit ourselves to the standards he set, to his deep compassion for all people, his love for Hawai`i and his belief that together we can shape an ever brighter future for our state and country.” 

      Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “As we take time today to remember our beloved Sen. Daniel Inouye, we must honor his legacy of selfless servant leadership and life-long commitment to working in the aloha spirit. His humility and deep compassion for people in Hawai`i and around the world continues to serve as an inspiration to me and the countless lives he impacted.
      “With his deep understanding and appreciation of the aloha spirit, he showed us each how to lead with our hearts. While we celebrate his life and legacy today, I am truly grateful for Sen. Inouye’s passionate work on behalf of the people of Hawai`i and selfless life of service to us all.”

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Caren Loebel-Fried's art has been selected for a wildlife
education poster.

VOLCANO ARTIST CAREN LOEBEL-FRIED has been selected for the He Hawai`i Au – Ho`ailona Hawaiian monk seal annual wildlife education poster, which will be distributed free to 450 Hawai`i schools. The Conservation Council for Hawai`i selected the art of the award-winning author and artist. Those interested can become a Poster Partner by making a donation of any amount. Contributors’ names will be printed on the poster front. Mail a check or call with credit card information. 

      Deadline to become a Poster Partner is Jan. 1. Suggested donations for individuals is $50-$200; small organizations and businesses, $200-$1,000; medium organizations & businesses, $1,000-$5,000 and large organizations and businesses, $5,000 and up. 

      Send donations to Conservation Council for Hawai`i, PO Box 2923, Honolulu, HI 96802. Call 808-593-0255 to make a credit card donation. Donors can also be anonymous.

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS HAVE FILED A LAWSUIT in federal court to protect sea mammals. Earthjustice filed the suit on behalf of the Conservation Council for Hawai`i, the Animal Welfare Institute, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Ocean Mammal Institute.
      The environmental groups are fighting Navy plans to conduct sonar testing and live-fire training in waters near Hawai`i and California. They are concerned about the impact of sonar testing on monk seals, humpback whales and false killer whales. They claim that, according to the Navy’s own environmental impact studies, up to 2,000 whales and dolphins could be seriously hurt by testing conducted over the next five years.

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Backyard Boys of Ka`u entertained for former sugar workers Sunday. Photo by Julia Neal

CHRISTMAS FOR THE ILWU came early at the party Sunday for former sugar workers at the Ka`u ILWU Penioners Club Party. The group was entertained by the Backyard Boys of Ka`u and enjoyed a lunch at Pahala Community Center. President is Clyde Silva, vice president is Franco Longakit. second VP is August Ballo, secretary is Ernie Peralta, treasurer is Warren Toriano and advisors are Margaret Ann Cabudol, Pauline Enriques and Raymond Kamei. Most members live in Na`alehu and Pahala and worked for Ka`u Sugar before it shut down in 1996.

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Ninety-five-year-old Frank Usman, a retired sugar company
mechanic, celebrates Christmas with the ILWU club,
dancing and singing at Pahala Community Center.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE KOHALA CENTER AND BROWN UNIVERSITY are offering tuition scholarships for three Hawai`i high school students to participate in the Brown Environmental Leadership Lab-Hawai`i to be held March 22–30, 2014 on the Big Island. The deadline to apply is Jan. 10.
      This national leadership program integrates the development of leadership skills with outstanding opportunities for high school students to study the biology, ecology, and cultural traditions of Hawai`I Island.
      Program activities include meeting with cultural practitioners to learn about the culture and history of the island, participating in the restoration of native forests, exploring Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, kayaking, camping near the ocean and learning about coral reef ecology and management.
      In addition to providing incredible adventures and experiences, the program gives students a chance to identify and develop their group-building and leadership skills.
      For more program details, see brown.edu/ce/pre-college/bell/Hawaii.
      Application materials are available to download at kohalacenter.org/bell.htm or by contacting Erica Perez at 887-6411 or eperez@kohalacenter.org.
      Materials to be submitted include BELL Program application form, scholarship application form, teachers recommendation, an official school transcript and a one-page essay describing what the applicant hopes to learn during this course.

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

PROPER PESTICIDE USE AND SAFETY is the topic at a free workshop tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center, with presentations about Federal Worker Protection Standards for ag workers and pesticide handlers, use, application, storage and disposal.
      To register, call 322-4892 or email ginab@hawaii.edu today.

LOCAL SONGWRITERS WHO ATTENDED a three-day Hawaiian music writing workshop with Kenneth Makuakane and Kaliko Beamer-Trapp present their new, original compositions tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PRESENTS a Christmas Concert Saturday at 3 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center featuring Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS a Christmas Concert by Ka`u School Of The Arts Sunday at 3 p.m. Performers include Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL program hosts the Kea`au Cougars tonight. Junior Varsity match starts at 6 p.m., followed by the Varsity match.

KA`U TROJANS BOYS SOCCER played Parker on Thursday, Dec. 12, winning 3-2, with David Pilette scoring three goals. Ka`u boys played Honoka`a on Saturday, Dec. 14 and fell 0-3. Ka`u boys and girls soccer teams host the Waiakea Warriors tomorrow, with matches at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Dec. 16, 2013

Praising the lord through dance, Thy Word Ministries' Dexlyn Navarro is the leader at Christmas in Ka`u. Photo by Julia Neal

FOLLOWING A TIGER SHARK BITING a bodyboarder at Ninole near Punalu`u last week, Hawai`i is closing in on Florida for the most shark attacks per coastline this year. To date, Hawai`i, with 750 miles of coastline, has 14 and Florida, with 1,350 miles of tidal coastline, had 26 as of Dec. 5. Last year, Florida posted 26 attacks and Hawai`i ten, according to sharkattackfile.info.

Studies of tiger shark migration hope to show reasons for increasing attacks.
Photo from wikipedia 

      Studies in Florida and Hawai`i are focusing on migration patterns of sharks and their possible relation to attacks. Florida researchers led by Yannis Papastamatiou, a marine biologist at University of Florida, showed a spike in how many tiger sharks are seen in October, matching “our predicted model that you’re having an influx of big, pregnant females coming from the northwestern Hawaiian Islands,” Papastamatiou said. “There even tends to be a spike in the number of shark bites that occur during that season.” Since 1926, the highest numbers of reported attacks in Hawai`i occurred in October, November and December.
      In Hawai`i, Department of Land & Natural Resources is tracking the movements of several tiger sharks recently fitted with satellite tags near Maui. These tags, attached to the sharks’ dorsal fins, intermittently track their locations as they breach the water’s surface. Information gathered will help determine whether the sharks are more resident (more “site-attached”) and whether they exhibit greater use of inshore habitats than in other locations.
      See more and track sharks at dlnr.hawaii.gov.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Map shows location of proposed sewage treatment and disposal facility in Na`alehu.

CONSTRUCTION OF A WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM in Na`alehu is scheduled to begin in 2014. The system would replace large capacity cesspools mauka of Hwy 11. Construction of a sewage collection system from the former C. Brewer portion of town is planned to begin early next year and take a year to complete, while construction of a transmission line and treatment and disposal facility is anticipated to begin later in the year and last 18 months. 

      The proposed treatment and disposal site is on six acres of land makai of Hwy 11 that the state Department of Land & Natural Resources is turning over to the county for the project. According to a project description from the county Department of Environmental Management, the site is not in a residential area and will minimize public exposure.
      The description states that while archaeological sites including petroglyphs, burial sites and the Kahua `Olohu bowling field used for Makahiki festivals have been identified, these sites have been “eliminated from consideration” and will not be used for the project.
      DEM also investigated several other properties as options for the project, but decided not to pursue them because of historical and potential archaeological sites.

Buddhists from Na`alehu Hongwanji are invited to sell sushi during the Christian
Christmas in Ka`u celebration. Photo by Julia Neal

       In a letter on behalf of the Keanu family, of Na`alehu, Keoni Fox, of Kaneohe, expressed concerns about the project to Lance Fukumoto, of consulting and engineering firm Fukunaga & Associates, Inc. “The proposed siting of the wastewater treatment facility in Kaunamano will have a detrimental impact on the community’s dream of preserving the coastline and protecting these lands from development,” Fox wrote.
      “While the proposed location presents a challenge to our preservation efforts, we are also concerned about environmental impacts due to odors and sewage disposal. The winds in Ka`u blow at an east/northeast direction. Therefore the odors from the proposed facility would blow directly toward Na`alehu Town. The facility should be located downwind from the town not upwind. Also, the proposed facility will dispose of treated sewage using a combination of leach fields and injection wells. The Kaunamano properties immediately makai of the proposed facility location are known for complexes of habitation caves and burial caves. Water is known to drip into these caves after traveling from the wet mauka lands above, and in the past, native Hawaiians collected water from these caves. We are concerned about the impact of treated/untreated sewage and odors on the cultural sites which are very close to the proposed facility location. Sewage spills are all too common at Hawai`i treatment plants.

Thy Word Singers inspire the many hundreds of people who attended Christmas
in Ka`u in Na`alehu. Photo by Julia Neal

      “We feel that the disposal of treated sewage in this area and the risk of an untreated sewage spill is a desecration to our ancestors’ burials and the pristine environmental resources of Kaunamano,” Fox wrote.

     To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

CHRISTMAS IN KA`U, hosted by Thy Word Ministries Ka`u at Na`alehu Hongwanji over the weekend, drew nearly a thousand people and fed about 800. Led by Pastor Bob Tominaga, the annual event includes presentations by area churches, including Thy Word Ministries Hilo, Lighthouse Church of Hilo, New Hope of Volcano, Na`alehu Assembly of God and Ocean View Evangelical Church. Daughters of God Halau, Makualani Ho`onui Halau and Hannah’s Hula Halau performed. The event was for everyone. Vendors sold homegrown vegetables, Christmas wreaths and decorations, protea, jewelry and other gift items. Na`alehu Hongwanji sold sushi.

A bounty of locally grown food helped celebrate Christmas in Ka`u
over the weekend. Photo by Julia Neal

NEW RULES SOON GO INTO EFFECT from South Point to Upolu Point in North Kohala, with Gov. Neil Abercrombie signing the West Hawai`i Regional Fishery Management Area Rules. The state Board of Land and Natural Resources approved the rule changes on June 28 after considering more than 1,200 pieces of testimony and 2,300 comments. The rules further implement Act 306, passed by the Hawai`i Legislature in 1998. 

      “I felt it was important to take the time necessary to consider views from the community on both sides of the issue,” Abercrombie said. “An important component of the rules package is the understanding of our responsibility to continuously re-evaluate its impact to ensure that we are achieving desired outcomes. This approach in the West Hawai`i region will allow scientists, managers, those who fish and the community to effectively evaluate the evidence. It will also help the community and the state to test adaptive management strategies for our marine resources through monitoring and enforcement.”
      In addition to making technical changes, the rules prohibit take or possession of nine species of inshore sharks, rays and two invertebrate crown-of-thorns predators; establish a list of 40 fish species permitted for aquarium take with size and bag limits on three of these species (No other fish may be collected for aquarium use); establish a 1,500-foot section of Kaohe Bay (Pebble Beach) in South Kona as a Fish Replenishment Area where aquarium collecting and/or recreational fish feeding is prohibited; and prohibit scuba and/or re-breather spear fishing or possession of such gear with a spear and/or speared aquatic life.
      “The rules will strengthen the current management of the aquarium fishery in West Hawai`i and address community concerns about increasing pressure on our marine resources,” said William J. Aila, Jr., BLNR chairperson.
      The rules are available at state.hi.us/dlnr/dar.

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed new West Hawai`i Regional Fishery Management Area rules
during a mahalo party for Rep. Denny Coffman, standing left of the governor.
Photo from Office of the Governor

WEST KA`U’S REP. DENNY COFFMAN got mahalos from his colleagues Saturday at Kona Airport. Coffman is resigning his seat in the state Legislature and moving to the mainland, where a daughter is fighting cancer. 

         Nancy Cook Lauer, of West Hawai`i Today, reported Gov. Neil Abercrombie comparing his and Coffman’s style, saying that when Abercrombie enters a room, the temperature goes up; “when Denny comes into the room, the temperature goes down, because there’s an adult in the room.”
      Coffman said, “I didn’t know the governor and I were such good friends. If I’d known that, I would have asked for a lot more money for West Hawai`i.”
      “Denny has set the bar high,” said John Buckstead, Democratic Party vice chair for West Hawai`i. The Democratic Party District 5 Council has begun soliciting names to be considered to fill Coffman’s seat.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.

      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

JOHN AND HOPE KEAWE PERFORM tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase. Free; park entrance fees apply. 

NA LEO MANU: HAKU MELE HO`IKE takes place Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park when local island songwriters who attended a three-day Hawaiian music songwriter’s workshop with Kenneth Makuakane and Kaliko Beamer-Trapp present their new, original compositions. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PRESENTS a Christmas Concert Saturday at 3 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center featuring Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

PAHALA PLANTATION HOUSE HOSTS a Christmas Concert by Ka`u School Of The Arts Sunday at 3 p.m. Performers include Ka`u `Ohana Band, Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

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

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013

Santa arrived in a classic car at Ocean View Community Association's Keiki Christmas Party and feast. Photo by Melissa Tveter

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE LATEST draft document for the Ka`u Community Development Plan. Appendix V4C: Local Economic Development Plan Analysis is available to read at area libraries and community centers and online at kaucdp.info. The public can submit testimony using feedback forms found with the reference documents and on the website.

Ka`u CDP shows population distribution in the district.

      “There are many demonstrated ways in which communities like Ka`u can play pro-active roles in their own economic development,” according to the draft document. “In fact, based on the unique nature of Ka`u’s economy … a community-based approach to economic development seems the most appropriate for Ka`u.” Such an approach would feature a regional focus, local initiative and control, incubation of local micro-enterprises and an equitable distribution of benefits.
      The analysis lists 10 categories of strategies for advancing community-based economic development:

• Enhance Regional Identity by preserving and improving the natural, cultural, architectural, artistic, historic, and recreational resources that contribute to the local community character and sense of place; 
• Build Local Industry Clusters to develop competitive advantages of place- and sector-specific businesses that can mutually benefit from coordination, like agriculture, renewable energy, education, health and wellness, heritage arts and entertainment, and tourism; 
• Connect to Anchor Institutions like schools, hospitals and large landowners to leverage their redevelopment, hiring and purchasing power; 
• Advance Innovation by developing products and services unique to the character and needs of the region; 
• Build Entrepreneurial and Business Capacity to innovate and create jobs through incubation, training and other supports; 
• Build Workforce Capacity through local education and workforce development programs (to) help local residents capitalize on opportunities within local clusters; 
• Democratize Ownership of enterprises in local industry clusters with organizational models that reflect local values, strengthen local control and retain local wealth; 
• Diversify Investment and improve access to capital by attracting investment from firms and investors that embrace local values and by creating opportunities for local residents to secure a stake in local businesses; 
• Promote Regional Assets like distinctive features and unique, place-based products in order to build long-term relationships with markets within and outside the region; and 
• Foster Network Leadership that supports community-based economic development initiatives by uniting the community behind its unique identity, connecting local industry clusters, building local collaborative capacity and interfacing with markets and government officials. 

      “To be most effective, each of these should be employed simultaneously and in coordination with one another. In other words, taken as a ‘whole,’ these strategies are ‘greater than the sum of their parts,’” the analysis concludes.

A PUBLIC MEETING OF AHA MOKU O KEAWE COUNCIL OF KA`U is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center to discuss many important issues, said representative Darlyne Vierra. Items on the agenda include plans for a sewage treatment plant in Na`alehu, with speaker Keoni Fox; a water line planned at Ka`iholena; lo`i, with speaker Paul Makuakane; and possible development at Kawala. President of the Ka`u branch of the statewide councils is Vierra. Vice-president is Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka.
      For more information, contact Vierra at dpvierra@yahoo.com or call 640-8740.

Ed Olson, with Santa at last week's Pahala Christmas Parade,
 opened a new retail store, Big Island Trading Co.this morning in Hilo,
where Ka`u Coffee and mac nuts will be featured. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U-GROWN COFFEE AND MACADAMIA NUTS have a new retail location in Hilo. Big Island Trading Co. opened this morning on Kamehameha Ave. near Ken’s House of Pancakes. The location is a former Volvo dealership with two buildings, one for retail and one that will open as a coffee shop in January with lots of outdoor seating. Owned by a hui led by Ed Olson, the business will feature Ka`u Coffee Mill coffee, Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co., which sources much of its macadamia from Ka`u, and many other local products. The opening today was soft, and the grand opening will be scheduled for late January, said Olson.
      Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Logo produced by Tanya Ibarra and
Local Productions, Inc. 

KA`U’S U.S. REP. Tulsi Gabbard is co-sponsoring legislation designed to stop the overuse of antibiotics on livestock. The Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act aims to preserve the effectiveness of medically important antibiotics, according to a statement from Gabbard. It requires the government to not approve a new animal drug if it reduces the effectiveness of human antibiotics and drugs.

      “I am deeply concerned about the overuse of antibiotics in the livestock industry because it has weakened the effectiveness of drugs important to combat dangerous microorganisms,” Gabbard said. “This is very troubling as the health of all Americans could be compromised should they become ill from bacteria only to discover it is resistant to antibiotics.
      “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ‘voluntary’ plan … to phase out antibiotic use in farm animals falls too short in protecting consumers. The FDA’s ‘voluntary guidance’ does not actually require drug manufactures to do anything, and does not adequately address the public health concern at hand.”
      Gabbard cites an FDA report released in April 2013 that says antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been found in more than 50 percent of turkey, pork chops and ground beef tested. Gabbard says FDA’s voluntary program only addresses some of the problematic uses. For example, it only asks animal pharmaceutical companies not to promote over-the-counter antibiotics and instead move to a system requiring veterinary oversight. “As the livestock industry accounts for about 80 percent of their sales, animal drug manufacturers might be reluctant to reduce its market share,” Gabbard said.
      Constituents can contact Gabbard through her website at gabbard.house.gov.

Keiki received stockings full of gifts and a photo with Santa at Ocean View Community Center. Photo by Melissa Tveter.

KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY sponsored by Ocean View Community Association yesterday was a huge success, according to its organizers, with 188 kids receiving a stocking along with a picture with and gift from Santa. Fun, food, games, raffles, face-painting, decorating Christmas cookies and a chocolate fountain entertained keiki waiting for Santa.

Ocean View Community Association fed 400 with a free Christmas meal.
Photo by Melissa Tveter

      The party started at 11a.m., and Santa arrived in a classic car just before noon. The Ocean View Community Association fed around 400 keiki and adults with a free Christmas meal. Fortune Otter managed the event, with many volunteers and donations from the community.

KA`U STUDENTS OF ALL GRADE LEVELS, parents and guardians are invited to learn about financial aid available for continuing education Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. A light dinner and refreshments begin at 5:30 p.m., and the event ends with a surprise giveaway.
      For more information, call Steve Stephenson at 313-4120.

PROPER PESTICIDE USE AND SAFETY is the topic at a free workshop Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Presenters will talk about Federal Worker Protection Standards for ag workers and pesticide handlers, use, application, storage and disposal.
      To register, call 322-4892 or email ginab@hawaii.edu by Tuesday, Dec. 17.

The public can vote for their favorite holiday decorations at Kilauea Military Camp.
Photo by Dave Berry

AWARD-WINNING SLACK KEY GUITARIST, composer and recording artist John Keawe rings in the holidays with his music Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. His wife Hope provides interpretations of his music with her hula. CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase. Free; park entrance fees apply. 

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S ANNUAL Holiday Challenge is on, with the front row of cottages decorated. The public is welcome to walk along the sidewalk fronting the cottages in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and vote for the best decorations through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Park entrance fees apply.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX.

SEE THE DIRECTORY 2013 from the Ka`u Chamber of Commerce at kauchamber.org.

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