Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013

Kilauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge continues through New Year's Eve. The public can vote for their favorite decorated cottage
at KMC front desk. Park entrance fees apply. Photo by Dave Berry

A NATIVE HAWAIIAN MAKAHIKI SITE between Na`alehu Police Station and Na`alehu town, along Hwy 11, is the subject of discussion regarding its possible preservation. The county considered using the state land and a smaller adjacent private property for the proposed Na`alehu sewage treatment plant until archaeological surveys revealed the existence of the ancient Hawaiian playing field on both properties.

The property that the Weatherfords want to preserve
as part of a makahiki, Hawaiian games complex,
is to the right of Hwy 11, surrounded by state property
outlined in purple. Map from Pacific Legacy

      Most of the makahiki site is state land. The owners of the smaller 13-acre property, James and Elizabeth Weatherford, said they were considering farming and putting up a produce stand on their portion of the site until they learned of its historic significance. They said this morning that they are hoping that it will be acquired by an agency or organization that will steward the property.
      Pacific Legacy, Inc., which conducted the archaeological survey of the surrounding state land, noted that part of the land on old maps was called Kahua-olohu and was described in the famous book of archaeology and history, Native Planters of Old Hawai`i: “The famous bowling field named Kahua-olohu (maika [bowling] stones were called olohu in Ka`u) was just below the present town of Na`alehu. It is a large level area to seaward of the road which must have been cleared and graded. In old Hawaiian times this broad kahua or plaza was used not just for bowling, but for other sports such as boxing, javelin throwing, and hula dancing during the Makahiki festival.”
      Diana Prentiss, of Lotus Properties, who is helping the Weatherfords with the property, said the land has a 1,625-foot-long frontage along Hwy 11 that would provide a natural parking area for those visiting the makahiki site. Those interested in helping with the project can call her at 989-8777.

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD is an original co-sponsor of the Military Retirement Restoration Act, a bill that would repeal planned cuts to military retiree cost-of-living adjustments that were included in the Bipartisan Budget Act last week. The Military Retirement Restoration Act would replace the cuts to military retiree benefits by closing loopholes and preventing companies from avoiding U.S. taxes by abusing overseas tax havens.
      “It is unacceptable to backpedal on the commitment we have made to our men and women in uniform who raise their hand to serve and put their lives on the line for us,” said Gabbard. “While it was far from perfect, the Bipartisan Budget Act was a modest step in the right direction to help us avert preventable government crises; however, we cannot pay for the agreement by short-changing our military retirees.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

REP. TULSI GABBARD, WHOSE ELECTION as the first Hindu in the U.S. Congress made headlines in media in India, has released a statement about the treatment of an Indian diplomat recently arrested on charges of submitting false papers relating to domestic help. 

      “Diplomats play a vital role in our ever-shrinking globalized world,” Gabbard said. “Among America’s partnerships, the importance of our alliance with India cannot be overstated. This is why I was disappointed to hear initial reports about the treatment of Devyani Khobragade, India’s deputy consul general in New York. While we must ensure our laws are being followed by all those who reside in or visit our country, it is also essential that foreign diplomats in the U.S. are treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity, as we expect the same for our own diplomats abroad.
      “Our relationship with India is deeply valued, and the progress we are making on economic, political and security issues is key in Asia and the Pacific region. I urge the State Department to work with its counterparts in India to ensure our relationship remains strong and to ensure our law enforcement agencies put appropriate protocols in place for these situations.”
      Gabbard, who is currently in Hawai`i on a statewide trip, visits Hilo today to meet with leaders of agencies and organizations that promote social justice and reduce recidivism.

HAWAI`I STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM now offers free new services to library patrons to enhance their computer learning experience, use an app to browse the online catalog, download eMagazines and learn how to speak Hawaiian.

      Na`alehu Public Library is one of 37 libraries statewide offering netbook computers for loan for a three-week period free of charge. Each netbook is equipped with mobile Internet services as well as Microsoft Office 2010 programs Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.

Na`alehu Library has netbook computers
for loan to patrons.  

      “We are delighted to offer our HSPLS Mobile program and envision it as an exciting new way to bridge the digital divide in Hawai`i,” state librarian Richard Burns said. “It is a unique opportunity to bring technology to Hawai`i’s people and share our abundant e-resources and free services through our HSPLS website.”
      HSPLS also now offers Zinio for Libraries, the world’s largest newsstand for eMagazines. Patrons have access to more than 120 complete full-color digital magazines easily viewed on most Internet-enabled devices through the HSPLS website.
      “Zinio for Libraries is the perfect way for people who love to read magazines to read on the go,” said Ann Fujioka, HSPLS Technical Services Section manager. “Patrons can choose from a wide variety of the latest magazines including Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, Newsweek, National Geographic and more, with no waiting and no loan period to worry about.”

      Patrons need to create two accounts, a library Zinio account to view HSPLS’ collection and a free Zinio.com account to read magazines online or via the Zinio Reader app on a mobile device. 

      HSPLS offers patrons the opportunity to learn the Hawaiian language anytime, anywhere, free via Mango Languages and the HSPLS website.

      “The Mango Languages system offers a unique learning environment that allows patrons to take lessons at your own pace, reviewing and perfecting skills as you advance through new lessons,” said Lynne Kobayashi, HSPLS Language, Literature & History Section head.

Patrons can learn to speak Hawaiian at librarieshawaii.org.

      Memory building exercises are embedded into each unit to ensure that patrons retain what they learn. To ensure correct pronunciation, Mango offers an opportunity to record speech and compare it directly to audio from a native speaker. Intuitive pop-ups also help with pronunciation. Mango focuses on quickly getting to a point where users feel comfortable with a new language.
      For more information, select the E-Learning @ Your Library button on the HSPLS website.
      Patrons can easily access HSPLS on the go through a new mobile app called Hawai`i Mobile. In partnership with HSPLS, Chilifresh has created a free mobile app for both iOS and Android devices that tie into the library system’s catalog.
      To install HSPLS’ mobile app, scan the QR codes for iOS or Android devices, or search chilifresh hawaii in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store on your mobile device.
      In the near future, HSPLS will post library events and programs as well as library locations and hours through this new app.
      For more information, see librarieshawaii.org.

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 Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana, David Matson and Ben Houghton. Call 854-1540.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION FOR KEIKI takes place Sunday at the Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Activities include a forest music walk with Dina Kageler and friends from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.; kanikapila `ukulele group from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., marshmallow roast with Fireman Mike; games with Julie and ornament decoration with Lanaya. Call 967-8222 for more information.

KA`U HOSPITAL URGES RESIDENTS to complete its Community Health Needs Assessment at surveymonkey.com/s/93HQ5MX. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 31.

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 Dec. 18, 2013

Mrs. Claus comes to Island Market in Na`alehu every year and gives out free Christmas goodies recipes and samples. Photo from Island Market

KA`U LANDOWNER ED OLSON is a major investor in the Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, partnering with Waikiki hotel and Aloha Tower developer Ed Bushor and artist Wyland. The hotel, on Banyan Drive, is owned by the state, and the partnership won the bidding war for the property. The deal closed yesterday.
            Olson owns 8,000 acres in Ka`u and is the major owner in Ka`u Coffee Mill and Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co. Over the weekend, he opened Big Island Trading Co. in Hilo to sell Hawai`i Island-made products.

Ed Olson says his partnership in Naniloa Hotel in Hilo will help Ka`u by providing a good
hotel for people who will travel to Volcano and the south end of the island.
Photo from Olson Trust

      Olson said this morning that “the Naniloa is terribly rundown and a disgrace to Hilo, but it’s got good bones.” He said he looks forward to restoration of the hotel. He assessed the structure as basically sound and noted that it has numerous meeting rooms and venues to help make it a world-class destination on Hilo Bay. He pointed to a separate, South Pacific-style building used for Polynesian shows on the property that is “classic and in pretty good shape.” 

      Olson said that “the time is right for Hilo to have a good hotel, particularly with the ever-increasing interest in tourism to Volcano and with the growing market for ecotourism.” He said his investment in the hotel will also help Ka`u, as it will bring more visitors to Hilo and out to Volcano and down to the southern end of the island. He said the hotel will send people to Ka`u Coffee Mill and other Ka`u destinations.
      Olson said that the Olson Trust archives will be able to provide historic maps, documents and photos to help bring a sense of Hawai`i’s history to the hotel.
      The influence of Wyland, the artist famous for painting whales on buildings and owning galleries of art with sea life, is expected to result in a three-story-tall whale statue in the entrance and water features on the property.
      The hotel has 383 rooms and was formerly operated by Ken Fujiyama of Hawai`i Outdoor Tours, who also ran Volcano House. The new operator is expected to be Aqua Resorts, which also runs Volcano House.
      To comment on or “like” this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Sources for geothermal energy production may be available in areas beyond those
outlined in red on this map, even on other islands.

SOURCES OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY may be available under Hawai`i’s dormant and extinct volcanoes, according to Donald Thomas, director of the University of Hawai`i at Hilo’s Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes. Thomas told Tom Callis, of Hawai`i Tribune Herald, that a potential source is along rift zones where magma may still be hot enough to create geothermal energy. Thomas is conducting research using low-frequency radio waves to detect magma that scientists think may stay hot for at least 500,000 years after being disconnected from its source. 

      After collecting data on Kilauea Volcano, Thomas plans to compare it with data on Hualalai, Mauna Kea and other islands.
      See hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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

THE ABERCROMBIE ADMINISTRATION HAS SUBMITTED its Executive Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Biennium 2013-2015 and updated Program and Financial Plan for 2013-2019 to the state Legislature.
      “The supplemental budget and plan continue responsible management of state fiscal affairs in order to build upon the $1.1 billion turnaround our state has achieved,” Abercrombie said. “At the same time, we recognize that Hawai`i’s improved fiscal position allows us to better address important issues such as early learning and development, support for our seniors, environmental protection, and homelessness. The supplemental budget provides an opportunity to navigate our economic environment for the maximum benefit of the people of Hawai`i.”
      The administration further committed to building the financial strength of the state by outlining in the plan a strategy to recapitalize state reserves to higher than pre-recession levels.

      “We have set a targeted objective to build state reserves to 10 percent of general fund revenues,” said Kalbert Young, state finance director. “These reserves will allow the state to weather future economic downturns and mitigate against cyclical public service cutbacks.”

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and state finance director Kalbert Young.
Photo from Office of the Governor

      According to a statement from the administration, the supplemental budget continues to provide stimulus to the economy while still adhering to the optimized debt profile that has been achieved through proper management of the state’s long-term debt.
      The budget includes support for a variety of initiatives:

• early learning and development initiatives 
• prekindergarten classes, 
• Family-Child Interaction Learning (FCIL)
• Preschool Open Doors 
• Kupuna Care
• Adult Disability Resource Centers 
• environmental preservation 
• Housing First 
• ten positions to expand Healthcare Transformation initiatives 
• restoration of eight positions in Hawai`i Department of Agriculture’s pesticides program 
• R.E.A.C.H. Initiative for middle and intermediate afterschool programs 
• University of Hawai`i repair and maintenance projects. 

      “Although there are many priority needs that must be addressed, fiscal sustainability is essential,” Young added. “This plan will allow the state to address its priority needs while positioning itself to best handle uncertainties, such as economic slowdowns or the recent federal government shutdown, by building up our reserves and exercising continued fiscal prudence.”
      Sen. David Ige, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, who is challenging Abercrombie in next year’s election, said, “Our first priority is to maintain the state’s fiscal health and budget reserves. We understand that the governor’s proposed budget substantially increases general fund appropriations; moving forward we must be cognizant of and monitor general fund tax collections.”

      The budget is available at budget.hawaii.gov/budget.

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

This manele in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is a
nationally crowned champion. Photo from DLNR

THE PROPOSED SEWAGE treatment and disposal facility in Na`alehu is receiving calls for relocation from some members of the community. Plans call for the facility to be built makai of Hwy 11 on six acres of land that the state Department of Land & Natural Resources is turning over to the county for the project.
      “Ka`u is known for the wind; we call Hilo wind, said lifetime resident Darlyne Vierra. “We don’t need that bad smell coming direct to Na`alehu town.” She compared the project to other similar ones. In Keaukaha, she said a facility was moved “after so many, many years the people had complained.” At Kealakekua McDonald’s and Malama Market in Ocean View, “Tell us what you smell, is this clean air?” Vierra asked. She urged officials to seek input from the local community: “We want a voice on issues concerning Ka`u,” she said. She also wants them to consider “our historical sites, mauka-makai, ahupua`a system. What is up mauka does effect makai. Where does all that wastewater flow? Underground, and it will and can reach the ocean. Our food from the shoreline, fresh water, our historical caves, lava tubes, burials can and will be contaminated.”
      Elizabeth Kuluwaimaka brought up disruption of the view. “Who would want to look at a wastewater collection system? It will be an eyesore,” she said. “Why even have it close to the highway? Tourists go through the town daily. Is this the kind of scenery to share?
      “Come on Ka`u, you fought for no prison, no spaceport, now fight” to relocate the wastewater collection system, Kuluwaimaka said.

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

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN NOMINATE SPECIMENS for Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Big Tree Competition through Dec. 31 for the 2014 National Register of Big Trees.

      This year, six new champions in Hawai`i joined more than 40 new champions that were crowned across 50 states and the District of Columbia.
      A manele (soapberry wingleaf) in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is one of the ten nationally crowned champions from Hawai`i.
      To learn more about Hawai`i’s Big Tree Competition or how to nominate a potential champion tree, contact Nicholas Joly at 808-586-0915 with tree’s height, circumference and crown spread measurements.

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

HA`AO SPRINGS & MOUNTAIN HOUSE Water Co-op meets tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Wai`ohinu Park. Agenda items include the business plan and election of board members. Email katywhite@hawaiiantel.net. 

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 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.