Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Saturday, May 21, 2016

Merle Becker, adorned with maile lei, takes hayriders on a tour of Aikane Plantation's coffee and cattle fields yesterday.
Ka`u Coffee Festival Ho`olaule`a continues today until 5:30 p.m., with entertainment, food, farm tours,
and the Ka`u Coffee Experience. See more below. Photo by Jesse Tunison

LANI CRAN PETRIE, of Kapapala Ranch, received a certificate of recognition from Hawai`i County Council this week for her work in the horse and cattle industry.

Lani Cran Petrie, manager of Kapapala Ranch, is seen here
with her late father Gordon Cran. Both are members of
the Paniolo Hall of Fame. Photo by Julia Neal

      The council honored Petrie for being the fifth woman inducted into the Paniolo Hall of Fame, which recognizes yesterday’s and today’s paniolo statewide - Hawai`i's cowboys and cowgirls who have contributed to keeping Hawai`i’s paniolo heritage alive.

      Petrie grew up riding the rugged terrain of the Waianae Mountains and the pasture lowlands, where she gained a wide perspective of raising livestock and ranching. She pursed a career in animal husbandry and graduated in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics.
      The Cran family moved to Pa`auilo in 1975 to establish the S.C. Ranch Partnership, where she spent summers and all school vacations working on the ranch. The Crans moved to Kapapala in 1977.
      In the early 1990s, Petrie organized Hawai`i Cattle Producers Cooperative’s Transportation Division to help ranchers move cattle to West Coast ports. In 1995, she and her husband Bill revitalized the Old Kona Meat Market Co. that supplied the statewide military with beef.

Hawai`i County Council honored
Petrie with a certificate. Photo
from Hawai`i County Council.

      Petrie has managed Kapapala Ranch since 2004 and has served as president of Hawai`i Cattlemen’s Association and Hawai`i Cattle Producers Cooperative.

      “It is with great pride and respect that we acknowledge your accomplishments, dedication and passion for an industry so deeply rooted in our unique and special island culture,” council member Maile David said.

      Petrie thanked the council for honoring her for being a woman in the cattle industry, suggesting that others “make sure you keep a good man around. I’ve tried to do that for 21 years,” she said. She listed ways that ranching benefits Hawai`i Island and the state, including reservoirs that provide early response to fires and water for nene, game birds and mammals.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

YESTERDAY’S KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL events included Coffee & Cattle Day and Stargazing atop Makanau.
      Participants enjoyed a ranch lunch and tours of Aikane Plantation’s coffee and cattle operations. Phil and Merle Becker, descendants of J.C. Searle, the first coffee grower in Ka`u, explained how coffee is integrated into cattle ranching and other agriculture.

Stargazers use laser pointers while exploring Ka`u's dark skies.
Photo by Jesse Tunison

      Stargazers enjoyed a nearly full moon as the sun set, then used laser pointers and a telescope to learn about Ka`u’s clear, dark skies.

      John Cross, of Olson Trust, discussed the land’s history and significance.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH has identified a single imported case of dengue on Hawai`i Island, according to Hawai`i County Civil Defense. Vector control crews have treated the person’s residence and adjacent properties.
      There is no evidence to indicate a local transmission has occurred. There have been no reported dengue cases attributed to local transmission since March.

Riding through pasture was one highlight of Aikane Plantation's
Coffee & Cattle Day. Photo by Jesse Tunison

      As the summer approaches and more travel is anticipated, Civil Defense reminds the public that the most effective method to reduce the spread of dengue or other mosquito borne illnesses is for everyone to avoid and prevent mosquito bites. Fight The Bite by wearing clothing that minimizes exposed skin, using mosquito repellent and avoiding activities in areas of high mosquito concentration during early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest.

      If feeling ill and unsure if you may have dengue, remain indoors to avoid getting bitten and infecting mosquitoes, and contact your health care provider.
      For information on dengue, see health.hawaii.gov or call DOH at 974-6001.
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U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD and more than 120 lawmakers urged House Speaker Paul Ryan to take action to combat the Zika virus by bringing the President’s request for $1.9 billion in emergency funding to the House floor.

Keiki paniolo practices his horseriding skills during Coffee & Cattle Day.
Photo by Jesse Tunison

      “We write to you today to express our extreme concern over the increasing threat posed by the Zika virus,” the lawmakers’ letter stated. “As you know, there are significant challenges associated with combating Zika, and we must act swiftly to ensure that we have all of the necessary tools at our disposal, including robust funding to support research and response efforts. That is why we support the administration’s full request of $1.9 billion in emergency appropriations to combat this international public health threat. We strongly urge you to bring such legislation to the floor.

      “In recent months, it has become evident that we do not have a comprehensive understanding of the Zika virus – how it works and what its immediate and long-term health implications are. As it continues to spread, it is imperative that we make immediate, sustained investments in research that, hopefully, will yield a Zika vaccine, diagnostic method and guide our continued response strategy. We are encouraged by the research being done across the country, including in many of our districts, but there is still much we do not understand. Until we have these answers, we must prioritize robust funding for Zika research.

Participants watch a nearly full moon above the Ka`u Coast
during yesterday's Ka`u Coffee Festival Stargazing event.
Photo by Jesse Tunison

      “Zika has spread rapidly in other parts of the world, and we are seeing the same pattern here in the U.S. There are at least 503 reported cases of Zika in the U.S. to date and at least 701 reported cases in U.S. territories. Among these, pregnant women account for 113 cases. This number will continue to rise until Congress acts. Given the neonatal neurological implications of this virus, it is unconscionable to further delay action on this very critical issue. 

      “We must not underestimate just how destructive invasive pests and diseases can be. We are gravely concerned about the implications of this virus and, for this reason, research and response efforts have our full and steadfast support. We urge you to give this your full and fast consideration and ask that you bring to the floor legislation to provide $1.9 billion in emergency appropriations for Zika.”
      Gabbard has strongly supported the President’s emergency request to prepare and respond to Zika. Last week, she hosted a telephone town hall with close to 5,000 residents across Hawai`i to discuss the Zika virus, dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Hawai`i expert guests Chief Darryl Oliveira from Hawai`i County Civil Defense and state Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park joined Gabbard on the call to address live questions about mosquito-borne illnesses.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO MET with Judge Merrick Garland, President Obama’s nominee for the Supreme Court. Hirono also called on her Republican colleagues to hold a hearing to consider Garland’s nomination.

Sen. Mazie Hirono with Judge Merrick Garland.
Photo from Sen. Hirono's Office

      “Judge Garland’s character and record of judicial service are impressive, and Americans deserve to hear from him in a public Judiciary Committee hearing,” Hirono said. “In the Senate’s history of holding public confirmation hearings, the majority party has never before denied a Supreme Court nominee a hearing and vote. It’s been more than two months since the President did his job by nominating Judge Garland, and it’s far past time for my Republican colleagues to do their job by holding a hearing and vote on the nomination.”

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A continues at Pahala Community Center today until 5:30 p.m. The event features entertainment, displays, Ka`u Coffee tasting, farm tours, the Ka`u Coffee Experience and food.

Ka`u Coffee College closes the Ka`u Coffee Festival tomorrow.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

KA`U COFFEE COLLEGE PARTICIPANTS learn about integrated pest management, coffee berry borer and coffee quality’s impact on price.

      Andrea Kawabata, assistant extension agent for coffee and orchard crops with the University of Hawai`i CTAHR cooperative extension service, and biologist Arturo Ballar Ortiz PSM, farm development and research director at Greenwell Farms, discuss Six Years of Farming with CBB: Reflecting and Moving Forward.

      Award-winning roast master Mike Perry delves into Coffee Quality’s Relationship to Price Sensitivity.
      Falling Coffee, Falling Profits will be discussed by Robert G. Hollingsworth, research entomologist of Hilo’s USDA-ARS-Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center and a specialist on coffee berry borer.
      Miguel Meza, owner and director of Paradise Coffee Roasters in Hawai`i and Minnesota, teams up with Lee Paterson, owner of Hula Daddy Kona Coffee, to direct a coffee quality workshop.
      The three-hour event begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow at Pahala Community Center.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Friday, May 20, 2016

Hikers explore the Ka`u Mountain Water System as part of the Ka`u Coffee Festival. The annual Ho`laule`a
begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow with Emcee Skylark, live entertainment all day, coffee tastings
and food. See more below. Photo by Jesse Tunison

FORMER HAWAI`I CIVIL DEFENSE Vice Director Ed Teixeira is directing emergency management operations of Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency as interim administrator, effective May 16. His position follows four decades of service at federal and state government levels.

Ed Texeira Photo from LinkedIn

      Teixeira is a combat veteran who served in Vietnam, Korea, Japan and Germany, retiring from the U.S. Army as a colonel after 26 years of service. He began his emergency management career at state Civil Defense in 1996 and was named vice director in 1999. Teixeira retired from state Civil Defense in 2011. Since then, he has worked as an instructor at Chaminade University in Honolulu and as a disaster preparedness and planning consultant.

      “Ed Teixeira has worked for many years to keep the people of Hawai`i Island safe in his role at state Civil Defense. We welcome his expertise and leadership at the helm of Hawai`i County Civil Defense,” said Mayor Billy Kenoi.
      Teixeira was born and raised on O`ahu. He bought a home in Waimea while stationed at Pohakuloa Training Area in 1986. His familial ties to the island are in Honohina, where his mother was raised.
      “I want to thank Mayor Kenoi for his confidence and for giving me the opportunity to serve the good people of Hawai`i County,” Teixeira said. “As a resident of the Big Island, I am proud to be a member of his Civil Defense team. I extend my thanks and congratulations to Chief Darryl Oliveira for his outstanding work in the Civil Defense Agency, an agency with a history of excellence.”
      Previous Hawai`i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira retired at the beginning of May. Oliveira led Hawai`i County Civil Defense since 2013. His tenure included preparation for and response to Tropical Storm Iselle, the recent Puna lava flow and an outbreak of dengue fever.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Miss Ka`u Coffee 2016 Rochelle Koi learned
about Ka`u's agricultural history.
Photo from Rochelle Koi

HIKES EXPLORING THE KA`U MOUNTAIN Water System on Wednesday and Thursday gave Ka`u residents and visitors a glimpse of flume systems of the sugarcane era and how the water is moved and used today. The old flumes carried water down the mountain to float sugar to the mill in Pahala. Today, the water irrigates fields, provides drinking water and could possibly be used for hydroelectric power.

      Rochelle Koi, who was crowned Miss Ka`u Coffee 2016 at the pageant last Saturday, joined one of the hikes. She said it was “a wonderful experience where I was able to learn so much about our agricultural history. I am very glad to have participated.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY scientists discuss their search for the right “keys” to Mauna Loa in the current issue of Volcano Watch.
      In September 2015, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory raised the Volcano Alert Level for Mauna Loa from “normal” to “advisory” because of increased activity beneath the mountain’s summit caldera and upper Southwest Rift Zone, the article states. Importantly, the “advisory” level does not indicate that an eruption is imminent or certain. Rather, it means that one or more monitoring data streams are recording activity significantly above background levels. At the same time that earthquake rates increased, sensitive Global Positioning Satellite instruments and satellite radar systems recorded ground swelling, which indicated that magma was moving into shallow levels beneath the volcano (a process called “inflation”).

A Ka`u Mountain Water System explorer gets up close to cool water
cascading down a flume. Photo by Jesse Tunison

      Since last September’s announcement, and, in fact, since mid-2014, when Mauna Loa activity first began to increase, not only have the rates of earthquake and surface deformation waxed and waned, the locations of earthquakes and inflation have shifted as well. Far fewer earthquakes have been occurring beneath the summit caldera, while rates of earthquakes in the upper SWRZ have increased. Concurrently, inflation beneath the caldera has slowed significantly, but picked up in the upper SWRZ. 

      One of the many valuable lessons that Kilauea and Mauna Loa have taught us is that it’s important to use all our volcano monitoring “keys” – geophysical, geological, and geochemical – to help unlock the subsurface processes that cause changing activity. To continue the analogy, volcanologists have also found that, unfortunately, not all volcanoes are “keyed” alike – indicators of activity on one volcano do not always apply to another one.

Miss Ka`u Coffee Rochelle Koi greets Ka`u Mountain Water System
explorers. Photo from Rochelle Koi

      Mauna Loa’s renewed activity, especially the recent earthquake and deformation changes, has HVO scientists polishing old keys while developing new ones that were technologically inconceivable prior to the volcano’s most recent eruption in 1984. 

      For example, HVO’s seismic network is considerably expanded (more seismometers with more sensitive sensors) and more robust to survive the harsh Mauna Loa environment, especially at high altitude. Continuously recording GPS instruments and other satellite-based systems produce frequent and widespread measurements of ground surface movement. And, newly installed visible and infrared (thermal) webcams track surface changes around the clock.

      Another key currently under enhancement is gas geochemistry.

      Many kilometers (miles) deep within a volcano, gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and water are trapped in the magma by the intense pressure, which keeps the gases dissolved. Because magma is hotter, and thus more buoyant, than the surrounding rock, it rises towards the surface. As this happens, pressure on the magma decreases because there is less material on top of it. This decrease in pressure, especially at the shallow depths of just a few kilometers (a mile or so) below a volcano’s summit, allows some of the trapped gas to escape. These released gases are hot and buoyant and can reach the ground surface well before their host magma.

      Volcanic gas studies take advantage of pre-eruptive gas release to provide clues about what might be happening at depth. HVO has one gas monitoring station in Mauna Loa’s summit caldera that continuously measures the concentrations of CO2 and SO2, as well as temperature, at the gas vent.

Areas like this on Mauna Loa's Southwest Rift Zone indicate where
gases are escaping from magma. Photo from USGS

      Over the next couple of months, we hope to add another continuous gas monitoring site on Mauna Loa’s SWRZ, not far from where the earthquakes and inflation are currently concentrated. 

      Another exciting volcanic gas geochemistry development involves close cooperation with scientists from NOAA’s Mauna Loa Observatory, located on the volcano’s north flank at an elevation of 3,380 m (11,100 ft).
      Some years back, MLO scientists noted that, in addition to being able to track the steady rise in background atmospheric CO2, they were, under certain wind conditions, able to measure CO2 emissions from the volcano. In the current venture, HVO, Alaska Volcano Observatory, and MLO scientists will be monitoring Mauna Loa’s volcanic CO2 emissions more carefully alongside MLO’s world-class, continuous atmospheric data set.
      As Hawai`i Island’s population grows, more people and infrastructure are potentially in harm’s way now than during past eruptions of Mauna Loa. At the same time, however, volcanologists and public safety officials have learned valuable lessons by studying eruptions around the globe. This increased knowledge, plus advancements in the volcano monitoring keys we use to detect and investigate restlessness, can help communities be safer during future eruptions.
      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Island Princess is the site of a mac nut tree grafting workshop
next month. Photo from Island Princess

UH-CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service, Hawai`i Macadamia Nut Association and Island Princess welcome Ka`u macadamia nut growers to an informational and interactive workshop on macadamia nut grafting presented by IP grafters. The hands-on tree grafting class in Kea`au on Friday, June 17 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. takes place at Island Princess, 17-4147 North (N) Road in Kea`au.

      During the workshop, presenters will teach the basics of grafting macadamia nut trees. They will instruct and guide participants through active grafting of scion to rootstock. HMNA members and UH Extension faculty and staff will assist.
      Although rootstock materials will be limited, presenters encourage active participation in the grafting exercise following instruction by the IP grafters.
      RSVP to Jen at 322-0164 or burtjen@hawaii.edu by Wednesday, June 15. Participants must bring their own grafting knives.
      For more information, contact Alyssa at 808-969-8225 or acho@hawaii.edu.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A is tomorrow. The event features a full day of entertainment, displays, Ka`u Coffee tasting, farm tours, the Ka`u Coffee Experience and food at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, May 19, 2016

Hawane Rios & Band serenaded diners at I Ola na `Aina Momona's Locavore Benefit Dinner. See more below.
Photo by Ron Johnson

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK entrance fees increase on June 1 as part of a three-year incremental plan to meet national standards for parks with similar visitor amenities.

      The 2016 per-vehicle fee will change from $15 to $20, and the pass will remain valid for seven days. The per-person fee for rate bicyclists and pedestrians pay will increase from $8 to $10, and the motorcycle fee will increase from $10 to $15.

Entrance fees are used to maintain park trails and more.
NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

      One significant modification to the new fee structure was based on public input. The annual Tri-Park Pass, considered by many as the kama`aina or residents pass will remain at the current rate of $25 for 2016 and will increase to $30 in 2017. Based on public input, the park proposed a $30 fee for the Tri-Park Pass, instead of the national standard of $50. The annual Tri-Park Pass is available to all visitors and allows unlimited entry for one year to three national parks: Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and Haleakalā National Park.

      New fees of $10 per site per night are also slated for all backcountry and front-country campsites, including Kulanaokuaiki Campground. Backcountry campsites will have a stay limit of three consecutive nights, while the front-country campsites will have a stay limit of seven consecutive nights. Currently, camping is free except at Namakanipaio Campground, which is managed by Hawai`i Volcanoes Lodge Company, LLC. The new camping permit fees are similar to other public camping fees statewide.

      The current National Park Service fee program began in 1997 and allows parks to retain 80 percent of monies collected. Projects funded by entrance fees at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park include ongoing trail maintenance, cabin repairs, hike pamphlets, restrooms, picnic tables and more. The transformation of the 1932 Administration Building (`Ohi`a Wing) into a cultural museum that visitors will soon enjoy is also a fee-funded project. Entrance fees also protect the Hawaiian ecosystem by funding fencing projects that prevent non-native ungulates like pigs and goats from devouring rare native plants.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Diners enjoyed a bounty of local food at Tuesday's Locavore
Benefit Dinner. Photo by Ron Johnson

I OLA NA `AINA MOMONA, led by Malian Lahey, who is raising funds to work toward Ka`u farmer land security, hosted a Locavore Benefit Dinner Tuesday at Pahala Plantation House. The meal included seared ahi and locally grown grass-fed beef and vegetables. Chefs from `Ohelo Café and Café Pesto prepared the feast. Big Island Brewhaus provided award-winning craft beer along with a variety of wine. Singer/songwriter/activist Hawane Rios & Band performed. Rios said she has roots in Ka`u but hadn’t been her since a previous life. Her Poli`ahu i ke Kapu was nominated at the 2012 Big Island Music Awards as best Hawaiian language single.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION on Tuesday approved recommendations to revise its policy on Teacher Performance Evaluation. Joint committee members of the Hawai`i State Teachers Association and Hawai`i State Department of Education presented the recommended changes, which were subsequently recommended by superintendent to BOE.

      BOE members praised the collaborative work of the committee over the past three years. Joint committee members, the superintendent, and the BOE confirmed that the evaluation system should continue to include multiple measures of teacher practice and student learning and growth.
      Significant changes to Teacher Performance Evaluation are removal of student test scores as a required measure of student learning and growth and providing additional flexibility in weighting of components of the evaluation.
      “These changes allow for flexibility and are the result of continuous improvement, analysis and collaboration over years,” ​Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “We will continue to focus on supporting the development of our teachers and advancing student learning.”
      “Discarding standardized testing in teacher evaluations will restore responsibility ​for learning to dedicated teachers and begin to reinstate respect as the core value around which educator assessment rotates,” said HSTA president Corey Rosenlee. “We can now focus on the student-centered purpose of evaluation systems and create pathways for better communicating and implementing that shared goal.”

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Sen. Brian Schatz welcomed the Hokule`a to Washington, DC.
Photo from Office of Sen. Schatz

MEMBERS OF KA`U’S U.S. CONGRESSIONAL delegation welcomed the Hokule`a voyaging canoe to Washington, DC last Sunday.

      The canoe was greeted in the Potomac River by a fireboat from the Alexandria, VA Fire Department. Following the arrival, a Celebration of Friendship with Native Americans from the region and local officials took place at the Waterfront Park. The ceremony included cultural performances by the Native American tribes, DC-area hula halau and students from Kamehameha Schools. Following the Celebration of Friendship, hundreds of people from the community boarded the Hokule`a and met with crew members.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard watches as the Hokule`a arrives
in Washington, DC. Photo from Polynesian
Voyaging Society

      “When the Hokule`a left Hawai`i, I had the special opportunity to bring a lei and see her and her crew off on their incredible voyage,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “I was honored to be there today, again with a maile lei, this time to welcome her to Washington and to recognize the transformational impact this voyage has already had. Through sharing the Hawaiian culture, science and aloha with people of different lifestyles and backgrounds, we are moving people to care for our planet and emphasizing our global responsibility to do our part. This voyage not only highlights these critical issues, it unites us around them. It manifests the underlying values of stewardship in a way that is both Hawaiian and universal. It is unique and extraordinary.”

      “The mission of Hokule`a extends far beyond sharing the aloha spirit and native Hawaiian culture with people around the world,” Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. “The mission of Malama Honua is something that each of us can take and apply in our hearts and our work everyday.”
      The arrival marked the first of many community engagements that the Hokule`a crew is participating in throughout the canoe’s two-week visit to the Washington, DC area.

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Members of the team include Heidi Vital, Rina Joseph, Sepe Levi,
Roselintha Ken, Chayla Ault, Marilou Manatan, Lyric Oliveiros,
Alethea Ramones and Sila Livai. Members not shown include
Cherrisse Althea Calumpit, Amber Sugrue and Melinda Eder.
Photo from Jen Makuakane

KA`U MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS brought home the trophy on Saturday, May 7, when the basketball team defeated Pahoa at their championship game. The match was close, with the score of 14-12. Throughout the season, the girls had multiple games against Kea`au and Pahoa Middle School teams.

      The girls learned many fundamentals and skills from their coach, Bridget Pasion. This is the first time the girls have accomplished such a milestone and the first time that Pasion coached her own team. “The future looks bright for both these basketball players and their coach,” said Director Sandy Tran. “Special thanks to Uplink All-Stars After-School Program, Ka`u Middle School Athletics, Coach Cy Lopez and Coach Jennifer Makuakane for their continued support.”

      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Phil Becker explains coffee processing during Coffee & Cattle Day.
Photo from Ka`u Coffee Festival

TOMORROW IS COFFEE & CATTLE DAY. Beginning at 10 a.m., the Ka`u Coffee Festival event at Aikane Plantation features a ranch lunch and an opportunity to learn about how coffee growing is integrated into cattle ranching and other agriculture.

      Contact Phil and Merle Becker at aikaneplantation@hawaii.rr.com or 808-927-2252.

STARGAZE FROM MAKANAU tomorrow during the ongoing Ka`u Coffee Festival. Guests are welcome to take a moment and enjoy the view before settling into the temporary campsite to watch the sunset and discover the night sky with laser beams and a brief astronomy lesson.
      Participants may catch a glimpse of the bright blue star Vega. According to astronomer Lew Cook, who writes a column for The Ka`u Calendar, “This is the fifth-brightest star in the night sky, slightly outshown by Arcturus, or Hokule`a, as it is known here.”

      Meet at Ka`u Coffee Mill at 5:30 p.m. $35 includes refreshments and shuttle rides to the mountain.
      Email lisa@kaucoffeemill.com, or call 928-0550.

KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL HO`OLAULE`A on Saturday features a full day of entertainment, displays, Ka`u Coffee tasting, farm tours, the Ka`u Coffee Experience and food at Pahala Community Center from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Guam's War in the Pacific National Historical Park.
Photo from Wikipedia

      Win $1,000 in prizes and cash at Buy Local; It Matters. Bring receipts, business cards or product labels from local business participants to the Ho`olaule`a for a chance to win. See kaucoffeefest.com for a list of participants.

LEARN THE SIGNIFICANCE of Guam’s War in the Pacific National Historical Park tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The park was established as a tribute to those who fought and died during the Pacific Theater of World War II.

      Due to the graphic nature of a film to be shown, the program may not be suitable for younger audiences.

      Free; 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/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.