Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, July 7, 2016

Help Hawai`i Wildlife Fund clean up Kamilo Beach Saturday. See more below. Photo from Megan Lamson/HWF

CANDIDATES FOR STATE OFFICES participated in Independence Day parades in Na`alehu and Volcano. Deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 13 primary is a week from today, on Thursday, July 14 at 4:30 p.m. See https://olvr.hawaii.gov., or call 961-8251.

Ka`u's state Sen. Russell Ruderman and family.
Photos by Ron Johnson

      Sen. Russell Ruderman, of Kea`au, who represents Senate District II that includes Volcano, Pahala and Na`alehu, brought his wife and baby along for the walks, joined by many supporters. Opponent Greggor Ilagan, of Kea`au, currently a Hawai`i County Council member, sent contingents of sign-wavers to both parades. Candidate Fred Fogel, of Volcano, rode his motorcycle through Volcano Village.

      State Representative for District III, Richard Onishi, of Hilo, also joined the celebrations, along with opponent Ainoa Naniole, of Hilo. Kealoha Pisciotta, of Hilo, who is also running for the office, walked in Volcano’s parade. In Ka`u, District III includes Volcano, Pahala and Honu`apo. Candidate Gregory Arianoff, of Hilo, did not participate.
      Richard Creagan, of Na`alehu, currently holds the office for state Representative District V, which includes Na`alehu and Ocean View. He and his supporters walked in Na`alehu’s parade. Candidate Michael Last, also of Na`alehu, was not present.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Ka`u's state District III Rep. Richard Onishi

YESTERDAY, THE U.S. SENATE VOTED 65-32 to move forward on bringing a compromise GMO labeling bill to a vote. A final vote on the bill is expected in the coming days.

      “Regardless of your position on GMOs, most of us agree that labeling and disclosing GMOs is important so consumers can make choices about what they eat,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “We need a robust debate on how to accomplish this goal, and today’s procedural vote was about having this debate. I will continue to support a mandatory federal labeling system for GMOs that eliminates the need for a state-by-state patchwork approach.”
      Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard opposes the Senate legislation, saying it would undermine states’ ability to mandate GMO labeling, exempt many common foods from labeling requirements and create unnecessary extra steps for consumers to access basic ingredient information. She said the bill has raised concerns by the FDA, as well as various environmental, food security and consumer interest groups.

Ka`u's state District V Rep. Richard Creagan

      “Nearly 90 percent of Americans support common sense food labeling,” Gabbard said. “Yet the GMO bill voted on by the Senate yesterday is a weak attempt to placate American consumers by creating the illusion of transparency. If this bill was truly intended to expand consumers’ right to know, it would require a clear, easy to read, uniform food labeling standard. Instead, the bill creates a system of electronic codes, symbols and text that are intentionally confusing to consumers. This labeling system requires consumers to jump through hoops for information that should be very basic and straightforward. In addition, it lacks any measures to hold companies accountable if they violate these labeling requirements.

      “More than 30 states across the country, including Hawai`i, have made progress on GMO labeling. Just last week, Vermont became the first state to require GMO labeling. However, if passed, this legislation would pre-empt implementation of Vermont’s law and would prohibit other states from developing their own labeling bills. In addition, this bill narrows the definition of genetic engineering and leaves foods like beef, poultry and eggs without any labeling requirements. This bill is not a good compromise for American consumers and families, and I will do all that I can to defeat it if it comes before the House.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

State Senate candidate Greggor Ilagan's
supporters walking in Volcano's parade.

State Senate candidate Fred Fogel
rode his motorcycle in Volcano.

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES HAS BEGUN selling tickets for new non-stop service between Kona International Airport and Haneda International Airport in Tokyo.

      “I congratulate Hawaiian Airlines on their new route from Kona to Tokyo’s Haneda airport,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “This new service is not just great news for Hawaiian, it’s excellent news for our visitor industry and for Hawai`i Island’s local economy. There are still five additional routes up for competition, and I plan to continue strongly advocating for Hawaiian Airlines in their effort to obtain these routes and expand Hawai`i’s reach around the world.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

State Rep. candidate Ainoa Naniole

State Rep. candidate Kealoha Pisciotta

 GOV. DAVID IGE SIGNED A BILL into law that broadens the offense of first-degree murder. Previously, the offense had been narrowly defined and limited to rare cases in which there are multiple victims, the victim is killed by a hired killer or the victim was under the specific protection of the courts or law enforcement system.

Surrounded by victim's family members, Gov. Ige signed Joel's Law.
Photo from Gov. Ige's Office

      With Ige’s signature, first-degree murder now includes circumstances in which the defendant intentionally or knowingly causes the death of a person by restraining and using that person as a shield, holding that person hostage or for ransom or reward.

      “This was one of the most moving bill signings that we’ve had this year,” Ige said. “HB 1726 is called Joel’s Law, in honor of Joel Botelho, who was shot and killed outside his parents’ home in 2011. Mahalo to Nonohe Botelho and Rep. John Mizuno, along with key lawmakers and supporters of Joel’s Law who worked incredibly hard on this bill.”
      Ige also signed two other bills into law yesterday.
      HB 2169 Act 212 clarifies supervision requirements for licensure of clinical social workers. This includes allowing the option to fulfill all or part of the face-to-face requirements through videoconference service.
      SB 2811 allows parental rights to be terminated if the court determines, by clear and convincing evidence, that the child was conceived as a result of sexual assault.

Randy Lee teaches lei making tomorrow.
Photo from VAC

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RANDY LEE TEACHES LEI MAKING tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

      The master lei maker uses a variety of natural materials to fashion lei from the freshest fern, leaves and flowers that he personally gathers from the rain forests of Pana`ewa. Participants enjoy the skill and stories that this well-respected practitioner has to offer.
      Aloha Friday cultural demonstrations are held each week. These free cultural events are supported in part by a grant from Hawai`i County’s Department of Research and Development and the Hawai`i Tourism Authority.

      Park entrance fees apply.

Mary Kawena Pukui

THE LEGACY OF MARY KAWENA PUKUI, of Her Beloved Ka`u is the topic tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Pukui’s grandson La`akea Suganuma, president of Mary Kawena Pukui Cultural Preservation Society, presents the free program along with Pukui’s great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

      Sponsored by Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai`i, Inc., along with Debbie & Kawehi Ryder.
      Refreshments will be served.
      Call 649-9334 for more information.

KDEN’S SUMMER PRODUCTION, The Music Man, opens tomorrow. Performances take place at Kilauea Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through July 24.
      Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors, $10 for children 10 and under.
      Park entrance fees may apply.
      Call 982-7344, or email kden73@aol.com.

Help clean Kamilo Beach tomorrow.
Photo by Megan Lamson/HWF

HELP HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND staff and volunteers clean up the Ka`u Coast Saturday. Participants meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool to Kamilo.

      Register at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

MONGOLIAN BBQ IS AVAILABLE Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park $.85 per ounce includes rice and beverage.

      KMC also invites theater-goes to enjoy a casual dinner before KDEN’s Friday and Saturday evening productions of The Music Man through July 23.

      KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park, led by Ab Valencia, explore Pu`u Huluhulu Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free for Friends members; non-members can join in order to attend.
      Registration is required at admin@fhvnp.org or 985-7373.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July_2016.pdf.

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

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Viewers watch lava from a safe distance at the end of Chain of Craters Road in Hawai`i Volcanoes
National Park. See more below. Photo by NPS Volunteer Eric Fandrick

CANDIDATES FOR COUNTY and states offices were out in force at Fourth of July parades in Na`alehu and Volcano during the holiday weekend, drumming up support in advance of the Aug. 13 primary election.

Pete Hoffmann

Paul Bryant

      Mayoral candidates walking the routes included Paul Bryant, of Papa`aloa; Pete Hoffmann, of Waikoloa; Harry Kim, of Hilo; Walter Lau, of Kailua-Kona; Helen Olena Luta, of Kealakekua, and Shannon McCandless, of Kamuela. The hopeful candidates want to take over for Mayor Billy Kenoi, who has reached his term limit.

      Hawai`i County Prosecutor Mitch Roth, of Hilo, and opponent Michael Kagami, of Kea`au, each had large contingents of supporters walking the routes.

      Ka`u's Hawai`i County Council District VI member Maile David, of Captain Cook, greeted constituents as she rode in the back of a truck. She and opponent Raina Whiting, of Ocean View, participated in both parades.

      See state office candidates in tomorrow's Ka`u Calendar News Briefs.

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

Harry Kim

Walter Lau

FUNDING FOR A MINI-BUS for Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council programs in Ka`u received community support yesterday at a meeting in Na`alehu.

      The organization is a private nonprofit whose mission for several decades has been to prevent, alleviate and eliminate poverty on the island of Hawai`i. HCEOC is applying to the federal Department of Agriculture's Rural Development agency for the funding.

      The proposal says the bus will be used “to provide essential transportation services to the underserved residents of the Ka`u District in the County of Hawai`i. This mini-bus would have a capacity for 12 passengers plus two passengers in wheelchairs plus the driver, a total of 15 people. If possible, this mini-bus would be configured at the higher safety standard of a school bus.

Helen Luta

Shannon McCandless
supporter

     “HCEOC’s Transportation Services will provide door-to-door service within a flexible route and flexible schedule that strives to accommodate the needs of the low-income clients of the Ka`u District. Service will usually be offered Monday thru Friday, 5 a.m. to 6 pm; adjusted for passenger convenience and scheduling necessities. Instead of clients needing to go to a designated bus stop at certain times, clients can be picked up and returned at their residence at requested times; subject to road conditions and scheduling needs. The service would be free to the clients. Wheelchair-bound passengers would be accommodated. Door-to-door convenience would also be provided at the destinations, such as at doctor’s offices, hospitals, government offices, financial institutions, senior centers, shops, funerals, and other locations.”

      Those wanting to provide funding or letters of support for the mini-bus can contact Ken Okimoto, of HCEOC, at 961-2681 ext. 207.

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

CONSERVATION COUNCIL OF HAWAI`I is urging concerned citizens to watch over the state Board of Land and Natural Resources’ revocable permit program in the wake of the passing of House Bill 2501, which allows Alexander & Baldwin to keep water permits, despite a court decision to return water formerly used for now-fallow sugar lands to the streams from which water was diverted.

      The bill involved Ka`u ranchers, since they are also on revocable state permits for water and feared that their permits could be revoked.

Michael Kagami's contingent in Na`alehu's Fourth of July parade.
Parade Photos by Ron Johnson

      An information briefing before the state Legislature is scheduled for Wednesday, July 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the state Capitol. Its purpose is to get an update on the Report and Recommendations of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Revocable Permits Task Force.

      “It’s important for legislators and the public to learn more about the changes being implemented to improve the DLNR's revocable permit program,” said Sen. Mike Gabbard, chair of the Water, Land, and Agriculture Committee. “The use of public land should be handled in a fair and transparent way.”

      In February, media outlets shined a light on the fact that the DLNR’s revocable permit program was fraught with inconsistencies and lacked clear, logical protocols and criteria.
      In response, DLNR convened a Task Force to improve its revocable permit. On May 27, the Task Force issued its report and recommendations, which were unanimously approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources on June 24. The Task Force report, their recommendations, and DLNR’s plans for implementation will be addressed at this briefing.

Hawai`i County Prosecutor Mitch Roth's contingent in Volcano
included a flag-carrying puppy.

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

HAWAI`I NATIONAL PARK RANGERS urge park visitors to view latest flows from safe distances.
      The newest lava from Kilauea volcano is drawing visitors to the park, as flows from Pu`u `O`o vent in the remote east rift zone stream down Pulama Pali, spread onto the coastal lava plain and slowly advance towards the Pacific Ocean.
      Although portions of the flows are within the park, the closest viewing is from the Hawai`i County’s Kalapana Lava Viewing Area off Hwy 130, near the eastern border of Hawai`i Volcanoes. The viewing area is open daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Hot lava spreads out on the coastal plain after
falling down the steep pali in background.
Image from USGS/HVO

      From the park side, the easiest vantage point to view the flows, dubbed “61G” by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, is at the end of Chain of Craters Road, past Holei Sea Arch, where pavement ends and the gravel emergency access road begins. The park is open 24 hours a day.

      Park rangers do not encourage visitors to hike out to the lava flows from either side, but to instead view them from a safe distance. From the park side, hikers can expect a grueling 10-mile roundtrip hike over very uneven and sharp lava rock terrain riddled with earth cracks. There is no trail, and it’s easy to get lost after dark.
      “There’s definitely been an increase in injuries since the 61G lava activity amplified,” said Chief Ranger John Broward. “We responded to calls about turned ankles, lacerations, dehydration and disoriented visitors in the coastal lava plains all weekend. It’s exceedingly important to plan ahead, have proper footwear and bring plenty of water, or better yet, enjoy the show from the end of the road on either side.”

Hawai`i County Council District VI member Maile David
greets parade-goers in Na`alehu.

      Volcanic gas is another hazard, particularly to people with heart or respiratory problems, and infants, young children and pregnant women. If air irritates, smells bad or makes breathing difficult, Broward said visitors should leave the area.

      Although hikers are walking along the gravel road constructed as an emergency access route to access the flows, park management does not encourage its use.

      This morning, HVO reported that lava was just over one mile from reaching the ocean.
      For hiking tips, see https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/upload/Hiking-Tips.pdf. For the latest eruption updates, see http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/activity/kilaueastatus.php. Monitor air quality at
http://www.hawaiiso2network.com/.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Hawai`i County Council District VI candidate Raina Whiting
waives to the crowd in Volcano.

KA`U’S U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD is calling for Bangladesh to do more to protect its religious minorities, following terrorist attacks there.

      “On Friday, more than 20 people were held hostage and brutally murdered in Dhaka,” Gabbard said. “On that same day, a Hindu priest was hacked to death at his temple in Jhenaidah, a district in the southwest of Bangladesh. ISIS has taken responsibility for both attacks.

      “Such horrific violence in Bangladesh is unfortunately not isolated. Since 2013, more than 40 atheist writers, publishers, members of religious minorities, social activists and foreign aid workers in Bangladesh have been murdered. It’s absolutely essential that we defeat these terrorists. We also must stand up and fight for the right of others to freely express their views.

      “I’ve introduced House Resolution 396 calling on the Government of Bangladesh to protect the rights of all of its religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus, atheists and others. They have a responsibility to uphold the principles of its secular constitution – including freedom of religion and freedom of expression – and take action to defeat these terrorists.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

USA BOYS VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS completed in Dallas today. Southside team, made up of Ka`u and other Hawai`i Island members, made it to the quarter-finals, where they lost to Maryland’s MEVBC team in two close sets, 25-23 and 25-19. 

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

THE MUSIC MAN OPENS FRIDAY. Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network presents Meredith Willson’s musical to celebrate its 14th birthday.               Performances take place at Kilauea Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on Friday and Saturday, July 8/9, 15/16 and 22/23 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sun, July 10, 17 and 24 at 2:30 p.m.
      Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors, $10 for children 10 and under.

      Park entrance fees may apply.
      Call 982-7344, or email kden73@aol.com.

HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND HOLDS a Ka`u Coast Cleanup this Saturday, July 9. Staff and volunteers meet at 7:45 a.m. at Wai`ohinu Park to carpool to Kamilo. Register at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

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

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_July_2016.pdf.

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

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Hawai`i County Band, which regularly participates in Na`alehu and Volcano Independence Day parades, would
have a more permanent status if a charter amendment passes. See more below. Photos by Ron Johnson

ED OLSON IS LOOKING for a chief operating officer, reported Janis L. Magin, Managing Editor of Pacific Business News. The 85-year-old owner of Ka`u Coffee Mill, nearly 10,000 acres on Hawai`i Island, the Wainaku Center in Hilo and much more told Magin that he is looking for someone to work alongside him “and be able to just take over when I’m gone. I’d like it to happen during this current year if possible.”

Ed Olson at the 2012 blessing of his Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

      Olson told Magin, “I’d love to find a duplicate of myself. I’m really looking for a fellow with another 15 years in him to take over this operation and run it. Just take over, and let me to stay out of the office. I’ll work with him for a year and just forget the office, so to speak.”

      According to PBN, Olson’s plans call for his agricultural businesses to be sold after his death. He told Magin that he hopes new owners will continue to operate them through long-term leases with his trust, which would be renamed the Olson Family Foundation.

      See bizjournals.com/pacific.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

VOLCANO VILLAGE CELEBRATED the Fourth of July yesterday with a parade down Old Volcano Road to Cooper Center on Wright Road. Floats, convertibles, contingents of animal lovers with dogs, politicians, community groups and emergency vehicles braved overcast skies with periods of light, misty rain.

Miss Ka`u Coffee 2016 Rochelle Koi rode in Fourth of July parades
in Volcano yesterday and Na`alehu Saturday.

      At Cooper Center, revelers enjoyed craft and bake sales, entertainment, a silent auction and food, food, food. After a short period of rain, the sun came out to dry the dampness.

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

PROVIDING THE HAWAI`I COUNTY BAND a more permanent status could become a Charter Amendment on the Nov. 8 ballot. The public can weigh in on the proposal at this Thursday’s County Council meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. in Hilo with interactive access from the old Na`alehu courtroom.
      The marching band is a regular at annual Independence Day parades in Na`alehu, held this July 2, and in Volcano, held July 4.

An umbrella protected Miss Ka`u Coffee 2016
princesses from Volcano's light rain.

      Although the charter currently exempts band members from civil service laws and pay classifications, the county hasn’t followed those practices for 10 years, Nancy Cook Lauer reported in West Hawai`i Today.

      Hawai`i County Band provides music for special community functions and concerts for public enjoyment throughout East and West Hawai`i. It also performs during monthly concerts at Mo`oheau Park in Hilo and Hale Halawai in Kona.
      Committee meetings originally scheduled for tomorrow take place following the County Council meeting. Public Works and Parks & Recreation Committee meets at 10:30 a.m.; Finance, 10:45 a.m.; and Planning, 11:15 a.m.

      Agendas for and live-streaming of all meetings is available at hawaiicounty.gov.
      See westhawaiitoday.com.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

GOV. DAVID IGE TODAY HOLDS bill signing ceremonies for several laws passed by Hawai`i State Legislature.

Miss Ka`u Peaberry 2016
Chazlynn Pua-Queja
in Volcano parade

      HB 1902 creates the offense of sex trafficking where a person advances prostitution by the use of force, threat, fraud or intimidation or where a minor is prostituted. It classifies sex trafficking as a violent crime and a class A felony.

Junior Miss Ka`u Coffee 2016
Karlee Fukunaga-Camba

      HB 1907 requires all law enforcement agencies and departments charged with maintenance, storage and preservation of sexual assault evidence collection kits to conduct an inventory of all stored kits and report to the Attorney General, who is then required to report to the Legislature.
      HB 1897 ensures that all insurers in the state provide insurance coverage for sexually transmitted disease screenings, including HIV and AIDS.
      SB 2319 requires health insurers in the state, including health benefits plans under the Hawai`i Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund and Medicaid managed care programs, to cover reimbursement for contraceptive supplies intended to last for up to a 12-month period for insured.
      SB 2317 requires and appropriates funds for the Department of Health to conduct child death reviews, implement a program to perform maternal death reviews and submit annual reports to the Legislature.
      HB 2772 adopts the preliminary recommendation of the affirmative consent task force, including requiring the University of Hawai`i to train employees and students on sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking policies.

Science Camps of America participants staying in Pahala
walked in Volcano's Fourth of July parade.

      HB 2489 appropriates funds for a veterans’ services counselor IV position within the office of Veterans’ Services to address problems and needs of all veterans, with a primary focus on female veterans.

      HB 1041 establishes a statewide Game Management Advisory Commission to serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Land and Natural Resources for policies and criteria regarding public hunting.
      SB 2904 authorizes the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish and operate aquatic mitigation banks to restore, create, enhance or preserve aquatic habitats or resources as compensatory mitigation.

Hare Krisha followers pull and push their wagon along
Volcano's parade route.

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BLAS IS THE FIRST major hurricane of the Eastern Pacific season. Blas is a category-three hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Additional strengthening is possible tonight.

      The National Hurricane Center reported that Blas is moving toward the west near 16 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue through tonight. A turn toward the west-northwest with some decrease in forward speed is expected tomorrow.

      Blas should remain in a light wind shear environment over warm water for the next 12-24 hours or so, allowing some additional strengthening during this time. While the shear is expected to be light to moderate during the forecast period, the cyclone should move over decreasing sea surface temperatures after 24 hours, which would cause a steady weakening.
      The Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu will take over reporting on the storm when it crosses longitude 140 west, which is forecast to occur Sunday afternoon or evening.

Kameron Moses sets the volleyball.
Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

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SOUTHSIDE BOYS VOLLEYBALL team celebrated Fourth of July by winning all three of their matches yesterday. The team is participating in the USA Volleyball’s 2016 Boys Junior National Championships in Dallas, Texas. The tournament runs through tomorrow.

      Southside first went up against Southport, of Kenosha, Wisconsin and won in two sets, 25-14 and 25-22. Their next opponent was Maryland’s MVP, which the boys again beat in straight sets, 25-17 and 25-15. AZ Fear tried to instill fear in Southside when the team from Phoenix, Arizona won the second set, but Southside came back in the third set, 25-20, 22-25 and 15-6.

      Today, the team again battled three opponents. Southside had a rematch with Puerto Rico’s Ponce Pumas and won 25-19 and 25-20. Vaqueros, also of Puerto Rico, rode away with a victory in a close match, 28-26 and 27-25. Southside bounced back and hit the Cinci Attack, of Ohio, with scores of 25-21 and 25-19.

The Southside team completes play in Dallas tomorrow.
Photo by Katherine Okamura

      Local team members are Addie and Avery Enriques, of Punalu`u; Kameron Moses, of Pahala, and Nai`a Makuakane, of Na`alehu, all students at Kamehameha in Kea`au, where Guy Enriques coaches them.

      Assistant coaches at the championships are L. Kainoa Downing and Samuel Thomas.
      Southside Boys advance to the gold division quarter-finals as number four seed and play MEVBC, of Maine, tomorrow at 9 a.m. Semi-finals are at 11 a.m., and the championship match begins at 2:30 p.m.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

New picnic tables brighten up Punalu`u Black Sand Beach.
Photo by Katherine Okamura

FOURTH OF JULY VISITORS to Punalu`u were able to enjoy their holiday picnics at new tables. `O Ka`u Kakou donated the tables at one of Ka`u's most popular destinations. Tony Domondon constructed them for the community service organization.

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

KAPILI MANU AND HAKU HULU are topics tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park Ranger Noah Gomes teaches about the historic art of catching beautiful and unique birds for featherwork. Participants create small pieces of featherwork for themselves.
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

THE POWER OF SOUL comes to Ka`u Libraries tomorrow. Pam Uyeunten explains how and why the soul can heal and shares practices and techniques at 11 a.m. at Pahala Library and 2 p.m. at Na`alehu Library.

      Call 928-2015 or 939-2442 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/KauCalendar_July_2016.pdf.

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