Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014

Plantation-style and authentic century-old homes near Ka`u High School with sports-fishing boat and American flag on Christmas morning, a dusting of snow above them on Mauna Loa. Photo by Julia Neal

KA`U HOSPITAL AND ITS SISTER medical facilities in Hilo and Kona will go without additional funding, according to the new governor’s proposed 2015 budget. Hawai`i Health Systems Corp., the quasi-state organization that runs the hospitals, asked the Legislature for additional help in order to stave off layoffs and cuts in services. Without funding in the governor’s budget, it will be up to the Legislature to add any extra money for the coming fiscal year.

Poinsettia and Ka`u Coffee on Christmas morning at Jimmy and Lisa Dacalio's
farm on Volcano side of Pahala. Photo by Julia Neal

      West Ka`u Sen. Josh Green and Rep. Richard Creagan are the only two physicians in the Legislature and have promised to focus on helping the HHSC system. Proposals include a partnership with The Queens Medical Center or another locally owned health care delivery group.
      Referring to his proposed state budget, Ige said that funding for HHSC “is clearly less than what they are asking for… . It really is about getting new leadership on board … so fresh eyes will be looking at the challenge of providing quality health care in rural communities.”
     Ka`u Hospital has received funding for numerous upgrades and renovations during the last five years.

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

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO SENT HOLIDAY GREETINGS and an update on her legislative agenda to her Ka`u constituents.

Snow over Norfolks on the slopes of Mauna Loa on Ka`u Christmas morning.
Photo by Julia Neal

      “Central to my concerns over the past few months has been the situation in Puna,” Hirono said. “The people there were first battered by Tropical Storm Iselle and have since been faced with a slow-moving but devastating lava flow. I have visited Puna a number of times since Iselle hit and have worked with our Congressional delegation, state, local and federal agencies to bring federal financial support for small businesses, farms and communities impacted by Iselle. This work is far from over, but we have made progress on opening Chain of Craters Road and other issues. Be assured that the work to support our neighbors in Puna will continue and I will fight as hard as I can to get the federal support necessary for recovery and rebuilding.
      “I have also been focused on hearing from and supporting Hawai`i’s servicemembers and veterans. In August I chaired a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on the state of health care services for Hawai`i's veterans. You can learn more about that hearing here: http://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-hears-from-hawaii-veterans-questions-va-officials-on-health-care-in-hawaii.

      “The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee that I serve on also worked on a major law to reform how health care is provided to veterans. This bipartisan bill, the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act, was signed into law by President Obama on Aug. 7, 2014. The bill includes a number of important provisions for Hawai`i’s veterans that you can learn more about here: http://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-attaches-key-wins-for-hawaii-in-bipartisan-veterans-deal.

Holiday greetings from U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono

      “I was also proud to chair a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Hawai`i that highlighted ways we can reduce domestic violence in Hawai`i through collaboration between the U.S. Departments of Defense and Justice, as well as state and local stakeholders in Hawai`i. You can find more information at http://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/hirono-headlines/senate-judiciary-hearing_accessing-support-how-the-violence-against-women-act-serves-hawaii-military-families-experiencing-domestic-violence.
      “In the closing weeks of the 113th Congress, the Senate approved several important bills including the National Defense Authorization Act, which sets federal defense policy each year. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I worked to include measures important to our national security in the Asia-Pacific region and Hawai`i’s servicemembers. More information is available here: http://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-hirono-secures-key-measures-for-hawaii-in-defense-authorization-.
      “Congress also approved legislation that funds the U.S. government through Sept, 30, 2015. While this bill supports important investments in education, transportation, housing, national defense and other key priorities, negotiators included provisions that make permanent and unnecessary changes to pension, financial reform and campaign finance laws. Congress is responsible for adequately funding the government each year, and the idea that a functional government can be held hostage in exchange for permanent changes that undermine the middle class is unacceptable to me, which is why I voted against the bill. This was a hard decision and a difficult vote, but ultimately I believe it was the right one for Hawai`i’s working families: http://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-hirono-stands-up-for-middle-class-families.
      “Finally, as we enjoy the holidays, please know that I will hit the ground running in January on behalf of Hawai`i’s families and communities. I am excited to begin work on several new committees, including the Senate Energy and Natural Resources, Intelligence and Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committees. These new assignments allow me to better serve Hawai`i. My continued work on the Senate Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees positions Hawai`i to have a strong voice in debates over national security, energy, and economic issues.”

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

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD ALSO SENT holiday greetings and an invitation on Congress’s opening day. “Wishing you and your `ohana a wonderful holiday and the very best in the New Year!” Gabbard said. “It’s been an honor to serve the people of Hawai`i and our country in Congress, and I look forward to serving you in the new term, which convenes on Jan. 6, 2015.

      “If you happen to be in our nation’s capital, I hope you’ll swing by our new office to share your aloha at an open house reception following the swearing-in ceremony on the House Floor.”

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

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY and the National Park Service at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park announce BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival, Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16, 2015. During the free event, teams of scientists, Hawaiian cultural practitioners, students and the public join forces to discover and inventory as many living plants and creatures as possible in the 333,086-acre national park. Expert-led inventory teams will be dispatched through the park to explore the biodiversity that thrives in recent lava flows and native rainforests from coastline to the summit of Kilauea volcano. Entrance fees are waived both days.
      Themed I ka nana no a `ike (by observing one learns), the park BioBlitz will be part scientific endeavor, part cultural festival and part outdoor classroom. It will provide a unique opportunity to work alongside leading experts to discover, count and document the living creatures in the park; to contribute to the park’s official species list; to explore interconnectedness of plants, animals, the environment, traditional people and our daily lives; and to help protect the biodiversity and rich culture found in the park.

Native `ohelo berries are found in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo from NPS

      The park is expanding its 35th annual Cultural Festival to include biodiversity in 2015. At the festival, visitors of all ages will discover how native Hawaiians, as keen observers, lived closely to the land by embodying I ka nana no a `ike principles that continue today. The festival will offer hands-on science and cultural exhibits, food, art and entertainment plus an opportunity to meet individuals and organizations at the forefront of conservation, science and traditional Hawaiian culture — and learn how to join their efforts.
      “Explorers” of all ages are needed. BioBlitz base camp and the Biodiversity & Cultural Festival will be located at the Kahua Hula overlooking Halema`uma`u Crater near Kilauea Visitors Center. All events are free and open to the public; however, advance online registration is required to secure a spot on a BioBlitz inventory team. The Biodiversity & Cultural Festival does not require advance registration. To learn more about the BioBlitz, see www.nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz or call 800-638-6400 ext. 6186. For more information about the park, see www.nps.gov/havo.

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

A short hike up Pu`u o Lokuana affords a wide view of lower Ka`u.
Photo from NPS

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers free outdoor activities this weekend. During Kahuku: Born from a Hotspot Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., participants learn about the birth of the islands from the Hawaiian hotspot and about past eruptions that impacted Kahuku. Visitors identify various pu`u (hills) and other volcanic features and learn about their formation.
      A moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike to the top of Pu`u o Lokuana takes place Sunday, Dec. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The grassy cinder cone features the formation and various uses of the hill over time and a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u.

A WEEK FROM TODAY, KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park follows up its Christmas Day brunch with a New Year’s Day brunch from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Fee for adults is $16.95; $9.50 for children 6-11 years old. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014

Santa and his reindeer were seen at Kilauea Military Camp. Ka`u residents can vote for their favorite decorated KMC cabin
 for one more week. Photo by Dave Berry

HAWAI`I’S ELECTRIC UTILITIES have achieved a Renewable Portfolio Standard of 17.97 percent, which means Hawai`i has effectively surpassed the 2015 interim goal of using 15 percent of renewable resources to create electricity two years early. Programmatic updates have also increased the prevalence and utilization of renewable energy projects statewide, according the state Energy Office’s 2014 annual report.

Hawai`i's reich natural resources support a diverse renewable energy portfolio.
Graph from Hawai`i Energy Office

      “By deploying clean energy infrastructure and attracting test bed investments and innovation, Hawai`i is creating a clean energy cluster that is becoming a new driver for our economy,” said Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism Director Richard Lim. DBEDT oversees the state Energy Office.
      “As a result of this progress, we are now committed to going beyond the original target of 40 percent renewable energy by 2030 as outlined in the Hawai`i Clean Energy Initiative,” Lim said.
      2014 also marked the launch of the DBEDT-initiated Green Energy Market Securitization program and establishment of the Green Infrastructure Authority pursuant to Act 211. “The creation of innovative programs like this will help raise the capital needed for Hawai`i to pursue its clean energy goals,” Lim said.
      “Through our responses to landmark Public Utilities Commission dockets on distributed generation interconnection and utility planning, DBEDT offered its vision for a new utility business model that supports a network of smart, interconnected grids,” Lim said. This will bring higher rates of renewable energy penetration and potential savings to electric utility customers.
      “Hawai`i’s leadership in late-stage development and deployment of these technological innovations is a key part of our emerging status as one of the world’s top clean energy test beds.
      “It is imperative that Hawai`i remain committed to the energy transformation now underway. Doing so will help bring our energy prices under control, provide greater energy security for Hawai`i, protect our environment and strengthen and diversify our local economy.
      See the report at http://energy.hawaii.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2011/10/ERC2014_12.01.14.pdf.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT “is becoming the ultimate in vertically integrated utilities by owning fuel production, generation, transmission and distribution while minimizing alternatives like rooftop solar and energy efficiency,” according to Henry Curtis, director of Life of the Land, which studies many energy issues and is involved in many dockets considered by the Public Utilities Commission. FPL is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, the company that is buying Hawaiian Electric Light Co. FPL promotes itself on Hawai`i television stations as using solar energy during the day and natural gas at night to make electricity.
       According to Curtis, Bloomberg News reported that “NextEra Energy Inc. won approval from Florida regulators for its utility to skip the middleman and drill for its own natural gas,” and the Miami Herald reported that “Florida Power & Light wants to get into the natural gas fracking business.”
      FPL proposed investing nearly $50 million in a joint venture with Petroquest Energy, Inc. to develop wells in southeastern Oklahoma’s Woodford shale.
      Curtis said Florida’s consumer advocate called the proposal “a speculative investment” and claimed that the risk was too high. Ratepayers would save two cents a month over 50 years “but would be left holding the bag if the investment failed.”
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

A 68-YEAR-OLD KA`U MAN DIED MONDAY in waters off Ka`alu`alu Bay. Perfecto Mercado, of Na`alehu, was found floating in waters approximately 40 to 50 yards off the bay. Bystanders removed him from the water and moved him to South Point Road. Police and Hawai`i Fire Department medics transported the victim to Kaʻu Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:49 p.m.
      An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
      A lifeguard rescue saved a visi†or at Punalu`u yesterday after she drifted far from shore and was unable to swim in. She was taken to Ka`u Hospital and on to Hilo Hospital for an overnight watch and set to be released today.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

HIS ROLE IN STOPPING THE PROPOSED Ka`u spaceport was on Mayor Billy Kenoi’s mind when he testified in opposition to making Keauhou Aquifer System a Ground Water Management Area. When he was a law student, Kenoi drafted the petition to shut down the Ka`u project. He said his first legal effort was “to protect this island. That’s what we do.”
      Kenoi referred to Koloko-Honokohau National Historical Park’s petition to create the management area as “a whiff of paternalism” and interpreted it as the federal government telling the county, “You guys don’t know what you’re doing; we gotta come in, help you guys – you don’t know how.” Concerns expressed by some community members are that a management area would restrict development of approved projects including higher education facilities, recreation areas and housing for Native Hawaiians.

Mayor Billy Kenoi
Photo by Julia Neal

      Concerns voiced by National Park Service are that increased withdrawal of water from the aquifer could negatively effect Kaloko-Honokohau’s ability to manage public trust resources in the park. The petition states that the designation “is necessary to ensure that optimal conditions exist for the fragile ecosystems that support coastal fisheries, traditional and customary subsistence fishing and shoreline gathering, recreational opportunities, and rare native species.”
      Kenoi said all levels of government have the kuleana to malama the island and because the county is protecting the island, a management-area designation is not necessary. He said science, law and proof of violations should be used to make decisions regarding management of the aquifer.
      According to science, Kenoi said, the aquifer is not in trouble based on present use and future projections of use.
      Regarding law, Kenoi said developers beg him to approve projects that would increase water use, but they have to meet strong requirements.
      He said that if violations regarding water management are occurring, he would be the first to make the Department of Water Supply answer such allegations. He called for the concept of strategic allocation to be used regarding water resources.
      Kenoi said this is not a conflict with the national park. “You cannot submit one petition because you can; because you like; just because you feel you know you might have the votes on one commission …, just because you are the federal government. This island no exist in a national park; the national park sits in our community, and we’re all here to work together.”
      NPS suggests that it is necessary to follow the precautionary principle and interprets state law as saying, “pursuant to that principle, when ‘the water resources in an area may be threatened by existing or proposed withdrawals or diversions of water,’ the Commission has a duty to designate a water management area.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U HUNTERS CAN RIDE THEIR SLEIGHS to Pohakuloa Training Area Christmas Day and Friday. Army officials are opening several training areas for bow hunting tomorrow from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Training areas 1-4, 9, 12-16 and the Keamuku Training Area will be open for shotgun hunting of birds only. Use of shotgun slugs is not permitted.
      On Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., the same areas will be open for bow hunting of mammals only. Hunters are allowed one pig, one goat and one sheep per day, in keeping with state bag limits. Shooting sheep with blue collars is not permitted.
      For rules and information about access, see www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/pta/.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S CRATER RIM CAFÉ in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers a Christmas buffet from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Menu items include prime rib au jus, stuffed roast turkey and holiday lamb stew. $26.95 for adults and $13.50 for child 6-11 years old. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.

AMAHL & THE NIGHT VISITORS PREMIERS Friday at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. KDEN presents the production through Sunday, Jan. 4. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.

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. 23, 2014

Kilauea Military Camp's Christmas tree brightens the darkness in front of decorated cabins that spectators can vote for through New Year's Eve. Photo by Dave Berry

EIGHTY-TWO THAI FARM WORKERS found to have been exploited on Ka`u and other farms in Hawai`i have been awarded $150,000 each by U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi.

Anna Park, trial lawyer for U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission

      The awards follow a federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed in 2011against Global Horizons and six Hawai`i farms, including MacFarms of Hawai`i, which draws a majority of its local workers from Ka`u to its macadamia orchards just north of the Ka`u and South Kona district borders. The lawsuit focused on working and living conditions, including the accusation that 20 MacFarms workers hired by Global Horizons were crowded into a house in Na`alehu that was ill-equipped for even five persons. According to allegations, the accommodations “lacked a fully functioning toilet, toilet paper and hot water and had a buckling kitchen floor.” Five farms settled for a total of $3.6 million.
      According to a story by Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in West Hawai`i Today, Mordechai Orian, former president of Global Horizons, continued to deny the workers were mistreated. “We paid those guys to the last penny they worked for,” he said. “We tried to keep legal farming in the United States alive, and this is the thanks we get.”
      Orian said the company is no longer in business and cannot pay the awards. “We will fight this ridiculous decision,” he said, and called the awards “insane.”
      Anna Park, EEOC trial attorney in Los Angeles, said the agency is pleased, but the next challenge will be getting money from Global Horizons, she said.
      Awards come from $3.6 million in settlements and $8.7 million Global Horizons is liable for.
      “The million dollar question is whether they’ll ever see any of it,” said Clare Hanusz, an attorney who represents several of the workers with immigration issues. “I’d be surprised if there really was no money, though. I think it’s very carefully hidden.”
      According to the story, Global Horizons plans to appeal.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.

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

Wes Machida is Gov. David Ige's Director of Budget
and Finance.

GOV. DAVID IGE AND WES MACHIDA, Director of Budget and Finance designee, yesterday outlined the proposed biennium budget for the upcoming fiscal years 2016 and 2017. The budget was developed primarily by the outgoing Abercrombie administration to ensure continuation of state services at current levels and to provide the Ige administration with flexibility to make budget adjustments that are in line with its policy and budget priorities.

      The budget anticipates four percent increases in spending during each of the next two fiscal years. Revenues are projected to grow by 5.5 percent each year.
      “One of the most important responsibilities that I have, as governor of the state of Hawai`i, is to deliver a balanced budget to the Legislature and to the people of our state,” Ige said. “To that, I am fully committed.
      “We will not propose new programs when we cannot afford to pay for them – we will live within our means, just like Hawai`i’s families. We will spend public funds wisely to avoid raising taxes.
      “State government should be run like a business, striving to increase efficiency and reduce waste and costs. Accountability and transparency will be the core principles upon which we provide services to our customers, the people of Hawai`i.
      “As government, we must focus our energies to nurture a sustainable economy – a healthy economy to support Hawai`i’s families and allow them to thrive. There is hard work to be done, but we expect no less of ourselves than the public expects of us.
      Highlights of the budget and copies of documents that have been submitted to the Legislature are available online at http://budget.hawaii.gov/budget/executive-biennium-budget.

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

Lopaka Ryder Photo from youtube

KUMU HULA DEBBIE RYDER, of Pahala, yesterday asked the murderer of her son to turn to God during his sentencing in a Kona courtroom to life imprisonment. Martin Frank Booth pled guilty to the killing, in late 2013, of the popular musician Lopaka Ryder, of Kona, whose body was found in a lava field on the Kohala Coast after he had been missing for months.

      According to the story by Chelsea Jensen, of West Hawai`i Today, Debbie Ryder stood in the court and stated: “You are inhumane to take someone’s life like you did my son. He was a kind and loving person. He was God’s child; Lopaka believed in Him, and he tried his best throughout his 37 years to apply what the Lord guided him to do,” she said.
      “You will have nightmares, and you will have flashbacks for murdering my son. You need to put God in your heart so he can help you live the rest of your life behind bars, and my family and I will make sure of that. And, in the end, only God will judge you according to your actions and the way you choose to live your life.”

The snow-white summit of Mauna Loa as seen from Mauna Kea.
Photo from NOAA

     Booth apologized to the family. “Lopaka was a very talented and loving person. He was a friend of mine. I’m sorry,” he said. “There’s nothing I can do to change that and what I’ve done, and for that I am sorry, and there is no excuse.”
      See more at westhawaiitoday.com.

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

IT COULD BE A WHITE CHRISTMAS on the slopes of Mauna Loa, with the National Weather Service issuing a blizzard watch for Big Island summits in effect this morning through tomorrow afternoon. Snowfall could exceed six inches. Even if the heavy snow does not materialize, very strong winds are expected, according to NWS.
      A blizzard watch means there is a potential for falling and/or blowing and drifting snow with strong winds and extremely poor visibilities. This can lead to whiteout conditions and make travel very dangerous.

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

Chad Keone Farias Photo from Hawai`i DOE

CAREER EDUCATOR CHAD KEONE FARIAS will take the helm of complex area superintendent for the Ka`u-Keaau-Pahoa complex, succeeding Mary Correa, who mentored him for the position and will be retiring on Dec. 31.

      Farias, 43, has spent his entire career on Hawai`i Island, most recently as Kea`au Elementary principal since 2008. Under his leadership, Kea`au Elementary was one of the pioneers in digital learning among its staff and students, boosting student achievement and lowering chronic absenteeism. Farias previously served as vice principal at Keonepoko Elementary and his alma mater, Hilo High, where he held his first teaching job.

      Hawai`i State Board of Education appointed Farias to the Complex Area post on Sept. 16 to be effective on Jan. 1.

      Correa retires with more than 40 years in the state Department of Education, the last decade as the KKP complex area superintendent. She also served as an administrator at Ho`okena Elementary, Hilo Community School for Adults, Pahoa High and Intermediate and Hilo Intermediate schools. Early in her career, Correa taught at Waiakeawaena Elementary, Laupahoehoe Elementary, Waimea Elementary and Intermediate and Saint Joseph Elementary and Intermediate.

      Correa is known for her phrase, “If can, can; if no can, how can,” which challenged educators to overcome severe socioeconomic barriers and raise student achievement among what had been historically known as Hawai`i’s lowest performing schools. The KKP complex schools have since emerged as a successful improvement model for the state after receiving targeted supports as “Zones of School Innovation” in the DOE’s Race to the Top federal grant. The KKP complex has close to 5,500 students in nine schools spread across the largest geographic region of any complex area in the state.

      Correa’s leadership has been vital in the last four months in weathering two hurricane threats that closed schools, and the Puna lava flow, which forced closure of Keonepoko Elementary indefinitely. She led her KKP team in ensuring a seamless education transition for 1,700 students and 300 staff to relocate to other schools within the complex.

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

Santa took center stage at Ocean View
Community Center Saturday.

SANTA MADE IT TO OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER Saturday for the community association’s annual keiki Christmas party. Gift, food and other goodies made for a festive event.

KA`U GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM STARTED the season off strong last night. It was the first season game for the girls varsity team against Pahoa and successfully showcased Ka`u’s strength as a team. Holding the lead for most of the game, Trojans took the win with a score of Ka`u 59 and Pahoa 42.

      With a majority of experienced seniors on the roster, the Trojans’ season looks promising. Seniors include Kerrilynn Domondon, Denisha Navrro, Shyann Flores-Carvalho, Kehaulani Ke, Sky Kanakaole-Esperon, Jennifer Tabios, and Bridget Pasion.
      Pasion was high scorer with 15 points, and 
Domondon contributed 12
 points.
      The Ka`u Calendar’s journalism intern Kaweni Ibarra wrote the majority of this story.

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

NA`ALEHU UNITED METHODIST CHURCH offers Christmas Eve Candlelight Service tomorrow at 7 p.m. with carols, biblical Christmas story and specialty music featuring choir, Aloha Handbells, spiritual dance, trumpets, flutes, `ukulele and more.

CHRISTMAS BUFFET IS AN OPTION for holiday meals Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park features prime rib au jus, stuffed roast turkey and holiday lamb stew. $26.95 for adults and $13.50 for child 6-11 years old. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8356 for more information.

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

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf.