 |
| Ka`u residents, including Rodney Kuahiwinui, help transport a false killer whale from South Point to O`ahu, where scientists determined cause of death. Photo by Ian Chun from DLNR |
SCIENTISTS ARE APPLAUDING efforts of a Ka`u rancher and an education specialist from Department of Land & Natural Resource’s Division of Aquatic Resources for their efforts to transport a 1,300-pound endangered false killer whale from Ka`u to O`ahu. By recovering the whale’s body, researchers are given the opportunity to determine the cause of death, which can help protect the species in the future.
 |
| Hawai`i Pacific University staff performed a necropsy exam on the false killer whale. Photo from NOAA |
In early November, resident Rodney Kuahiwinui sighted a dead whale at South Point and immediately called John Kahiapo, of DAR.
Through text messages that included pictures of the whale, marine mammal experts were able to identify the animal as a highly endangered false killer whale.
Kuahiwinui raises cattle on Hawaiian Home Lands and owns heavy equipment needed to transport the whale. Using an engine hoist, he was able to lift the animal and place it onto his flatbed truck. With his family, he made the four-hour journey to Kona, where the animal was transported by Transair to Honolulu for examination.
Scientists were able to determine that the adult female, first documented in 2004 and re-sighted eight times near O`ahu and Hawai`i Island, died from abnormal blood clot formations in the heart and lungs.
“Without the unwavering efforts of Rodney and John, we would not have been able to find out why this animal died,” said Dr. Kristi West, head of Hawai`i Pacific University’s stranding program. From my perspective, they really are heroes.”
Only three Hawaiian false killer whales have been reported stranded in the past 18 years. “With less than 200 individuals alive today, every piece of information is critical,” West said. “If we want to understand the threats facing these animals, we need the public’s help.”
People are asked to call 1-888-256-9840 or local authorities immediately if they observe a dolphin or whale stranded on the beach or unusually close to shore.
“Today, we are fortunate enough to see whales traveling in the area,” Kuahiwinui said. “We have to do everything we can to help make sure they are still here for future generations.”
For more information on false killer whales in Hawai`i. see http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/Hawaii/falsekillerwhale.htm.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
KUMU HULA KEALA CHING and Na Wai Iwi Ola present hula kahiko tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Ha`amauliola Aiona presents Na Mea Hula starting at 9:30 a.m. on the gallery’s porch.
Call 967-8222 for more information.
KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park presents free programs this weekend.
Participants learn about formation and various uses of Pu`u o Lokuana and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u on a moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Palm Trail Hike on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop trail providing one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.
KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers Mongolian BBQ tomorrow from 5 p.m. 8 p.m. for $.85 per ounce, including protein, veggies, rice and a beverage. Call 967-8356 for more information.
KMC is open to authorized patrons & sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371.
Through text messages that included pictures of the whale, marine mammal experts were able to identify the animal as a highly endangered false killer whale.
Kuahiwinui raises cattle on Hawaiian Home Lands and owns heavy equipment needed to transport the whale. Using an engine hoist, he was able to lift the animal and place it onto his flatbed truck. With his family, he made the four-hour journey to Kona, where the animal was transported by Transair to Honolulu for examination.
Scientists were able to determine that the adult female, first documented in 2004 and re-sighted eight times near O`ahu and Hawai`i Island, died from abnormal blood clot formations in the heart and lungs.
“Without the unwavering efforts of Rodney and John, we would not have been able to find out why this animal died,” said Dr. Kristi West, head of Hawai`i Pacific University’s stranding program. From my perspective, they really are heroes.”
Only three Hawaiian false killer whales have been reported stranded in the past 18 years. “With less than 200 individuals alive today, every piece of information is critical,” West said. “If we want to understand the threats facing these animals, we need the public’s help.”
People are asked to call 1-888-256-9840 or local authorities immediately if they observe a dolphin or whale stranded on the beach or unusually close to shore.
“Today, we are fortunate enough to see whales traveling in the area,” Kuahiwinui said. “We have to do everything we can to help make sure they are still here for future generations.”
For more information on false killer whales in Hawai`i. see http://www.cascadiaresearch.org/Hawaii/falsekillerwhale.htm.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
 |
| Sen. Brian Schatz |
THE FEDERAL BUDGET PASSED THE SENATE TODAY and is headed to President’s desk for his signature. The budget deal is considered a major success in compromise between Republicans and Democrats. It allows U.S. oil to be sold overseas, a Republican initiative, while keeping in place many Democratic programs regarding health, education and environment. It provides $1.14 trillion in new spending in 2016 and $680 billion in tax cuts over the coming decade.
Hawai`i’s senators released statements on their accomplishments. Sen. Brian Schatz pointed to $171 million for Hawai`i highway and transportation alternatives, including funding for highway maintenance and construction of new roads, bike and pedestrian paths. Schatz helped to win $64 million for Native Hawaiian Health Care and Education. He also championed funding for military projects around the state.
“Bringing in federal money for Hawai`i is key, but it’s also critical to work on getting things done on the legislative side,” said a statement from his office. “To do that, Sen. Schatz built bipartisan partnerships with moderate and conservative Republicans in the House and Senate.” He “authored and passed legislation to bolster tsunami warning systems, make our streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, protect the rights of consumers to provide candid online reviews, increase support for addressing climate change, combat illegal fishing, expand the National Sea Grant College program and expand opportunities for Native Hawaiian education and Native language programs.”
“Bringing in federal money for Hawai`i is key, but it’s also critical to work on getting things done on the legislative side,” said a statement from his office. “To do that, Sen. Schatz built bipartisan partnerships with moderate and conservative Republicans in the House and Senate.” He “authored and passed legislation to bolster tsunami warning systems, make our streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, protect the rights of consumers to provide candid online reviews, increase support for addressing climate change, combat illegal fishing, expand the National Sea Grant College program and expand opportunities for Native Hawaiian education and Native language programs.”
 |
| Sen. Mazie Hirono with Native Hawaiian Education Council representatives. Photo from Office of Sen. Hirono |
Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “The appropriations and tax package approved by Congress is very much a hard-fought, bipartisan compromise. I have deep concerns about ending the ban on U.S. oil exports. However, Republicans also unsuccessfully sought a host of other policy changes that were even worse for our environment, our economy and our nation. The final agreement invests in Hawai`i’s future and will help families and small businesses succeed by making some key tax credits permanent, fully funding programs that create educational opportunity and improve our communities and making critical investments in national security and our veterans. Taken together, the benefits of this bill for Hawai`i outweigh the costs, and I concluded it was an agreement that I could support.”
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
APPLICATION FOR GRANT-IN-AID funds must be completed and submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2016.
The GIA application and instructions have been posted on the state Legislature’s website at capitol.hawaii.gov in the Recent Updates box that appears center-screen. They are also available by clicking on the 2016 Grant-in-Aid link on the Legislative Information bar on the right.
Grants may be appropriated to nonprofit and other organizations for various public purposes that are recognized as priorities and are seen as complimentary to state government functions. If they are available, they will be under consideration during the 2016 Regular Session.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
APPLICATION FOR GRANT-IN-AID funds must be completed and submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2016.
The GIA application and instructions have been posted on the state Legislature’s website at capitol.hawaii.gov in the Recent Updates box that appears center-screen. They are also available by clicking on the 2016 Grant-in-Aid link on the Legislative Information bar on the right.
Grants may be appropriated to nonprofit and other organizations for various public purposes that are recognized as priorities and are seen as complimentary to state government functions. If they are available, they will be under consideration during the 2016 Regular Session.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
CHEVRON HAWAI`I’S FUEL YOUR SCHOOL program recently provided thousands of dollars to Ka`u schools. Volcano School of Arts & Science received $1,454 for math and science supplies for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders in the class of David Wells, and $936 for math and science supplies for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in the class of Laura Warner. Ka`u High School will receive $268 for health and sports supplies for ninth through 12th grades, the proposal coming from teacher Dave Berry.
See www.fuelyourschool.com for more. Teachers can post projects year round via DonorsChoose.org, as anyone (companies, organizations and individuals ) can support a program.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
TUTU & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL offers tips to combat holiday stress in its Tutu Times newsletter.
“The busy holiday season can bring families lots of additional stress!” the newsletter states. “These simple strategies can keep you celebrating instead of burning out!
“Use humor to lighten stressful situations. Find a bit of humor in the most chaotic settings and laugh about it! If you laugh, keiki will often laugh too!
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
TUTU & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL offers tips to combat holiday stress in its Tutu Times newsletter.
“The busy holiday season can bring families lots of additional stress!” the newsletter states. “These simple strategies can keep you celebrating instead of burning out!
“Use humor to lighten stressful situations. Find a bit of humor in the most chaotic settings and laugh about it! If you laugh, keiki will often laugh too!
“Make time for nature. Reward yourself and keiki with fresh air at the beach or a run around the park.
“Put on happy music! Music soothes the soul! Play music in the car that you and keiki can sing along to or dance to at home.
“Look to the heart of the situation. Take a moment to love, cuddle and appreciate the good in your `ohana. Let them know you care!
“Spend a little less. Find creative ways to help everyone’s budget. Have a family picnic instead of an expensive dinner. Make a holiday craft or cook a family recipe together with your keiki versus buying them a treat.
“Ask for help. It’s okay to reach out for advice, a kind word or listening ear.
“Nap when possible!”
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
 |
| Santa is at center stage during a previous OVCC Keiki Christmas Party. Photo by Melissa Tveter |
SANTA ARRIVES TOMORROW AFTERNOON at Ocean View Community Center. The annual Keiki Christmas Party includes face painting, tattoos, stockings, ornaments, food, stickers, games and music from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
KUMU HULA KEALA CHING and Na Wai Iwi Ola present hula kahiko tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Ha`amauliola Aiona presents Na Mea Hula starting at 9:30 a.m. on the gallery’s porch.
Call 967-8222 for more information.
KAHUKU UNIT of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park presents free programs this weekend.
Participants learn about formation and various uses of Pu`u o Lokuana and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u on a moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Palm Trail Hike on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop trail providing one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.
KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP’S Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers Mongolian BBQ tomorrow from 5 p.m. 8 p.m. for $.85 per ounce, including protein, veggies, rice and a beverage. Call 967-8356 for more information.
KMC is open to authorized patrons & sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
 |
| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf. |
 |
| See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_December2015.pdf. |
